Following on from the Subject: DCC Starter System I'm looking for recommendation as to what DCC system I should purchase.
I've heard all wonderful things about the NCE Power Cab and the Digitrax Zephyr. Then to throw a spanner in the works, I see an enticing advertisement on the back of the current MR magazine, the MRC Prodigy Express!
I dont know which one to choose!
Im in the process of stock piling all my tracks and are yet to lay a track together.
I'm not going to run 60 locomotives (joke) - probably looking at 2, maximum 4. I'm going to restrict myself to about 6 turnouts (Peco brand). Don't discount this increasing to 10-12!
I was told the Power Cab and the Lenz LS150 to control the Peco PL-11 point motor.
I haven't bought the loco yet.
Any help on which DCC unit and how is the best way to control the turnouts also?
Stets
If you're that far away from having any track laid and an operational layout, don't start looking for a DCC system now. By the time you get something running, there will be better systems on the market and they may cost less. DCC systems are becoming something like computers -- no matter what you buy, a better one will be available tomorrow.
Fair call!
But I'm probably a month away from setting up - what's your opinion on a brand?
I don't particularly consider myself as a DCC expert, but based on the systems I have used or still use over the years, there are three "beginner" systems that I would consider:
1. NCE Power Cab or, better yet, a 5 Amp Pro Cab.
2. Digitrax Zephyr.
3. MRC Prodigy Advanced 2. I would not get the Prodigy Express because it can't be added to or expanded later. It's practically a dead-end system that requires total replacement if you want to move up to something better as your layout and/or locomotive fleet expands.
The EasyDCC System from CVP Products of Richardson, Texas, is a good system but is not particularly for beginners. The base unit can run two trains simultaneously, and it can be expanded to radio control, but it costs more than the others mentioned above.
The Digitrax and NCE systems are your best bets for future expandability. They have a much greater range of options, should you decide to expand further.
-Fritz Milhaupt, Publications Editor, Pere Marquette Historical Society, Inc.http://www.pmhistsoc.org
cacole 1. NCE Power Cab or, better yet, a 5 Amp Pro Cab. 2. Digitrax Zephyr. 3. MRC Prodigy Advanced 2. I would not get the Prodigy Express because it can't be added to or expanded later. It's practically a dead-end system that requires total replacement if you want to move up to something better as your layout and/or locomotive fleet expands.
1. The Zephyr should be at the top of the list. It has more amps and can control more locos out of the box, and is much more expandable than the Power Cab. Anything (and I mean anything) ever designed for LocoNet will plug right in and be usable with your Zephyr. That's a lot of expansion ability!
2. NCE Power Cab, maybe. The OP asked about starter sets, and the Pro Cab doesn't really fall into that category. But nobody else makes even a decent "starter set"
3. MRC? Fugettaboutit! Even the PA2 is extremely limited in it's ability to be expanded, and you'll pay dearly for even that limited amount. Not to mention that it's a "closed" system (no JMRI, etc). Those ads? Lots of marketing hype.
4. Use Digitrax DS64's along with that Zephyr for the points.
HTH, Steve
Stets,
The Power Cab or Zephyr would both be fine choices for you. I personally like and prefer the Power Cab and it's throttle interface because it's more intuitive to use - for me. Others, like Steve above, like the Zephyr - and for some good reasons.
If you have a chance to handle or try either or both units, Stets, that's really your best scenario. Find out which one is the easiest for you to interact with, as well as which one fits into your scheme as far as how you will use it - both now and in the future.
Tom
P.S. Stets, if you click on the link to my web site below, go to the Reviews page, then click on the NCE Power Cab review. It was originally posted here on the forum and had more pictures included but it's no longer accessible through the forum archive. There's also reviews on the NCE CAB-04p throttle and Smart Booster at the link below, as well.
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Steve,
Thanks for that mate!
Do you know up to how many point motors/turnouts the DS64 can take?
Tom,
This information is GOLD (fantastic in Australian!)
There is a price difference of about US15 between the Zephyr and the NCE Power Cab - for that difference, what would you select?
I like the idea with the NCE Pwr Cab that you can have the controller moved away as opposed to the Zephyr's fixed position. Other than that, feature wise, Im not sure which way to go.
StetsSteve, Thanks for that mate! Do you know up to how many point motors/turnouts the DS64 can take?
The DS64 has four individually-addressed outputs. If you're using solenoid-type turnout motors, one turnout per output. If you're using slow-motion turnout motors, you can piggyback two on a single output, eg, a double-crossover using Tortoises or similar would only require a single output.
Steve
Steve:
Not true. With solenoid type motors you can put two turnouts on one output and throw them at one time. It uses capacitive discharge to throw solenoid motors. I have 7 DS-64s. I am particularly fond of the ability of EACH DS-64 to operate 8 cascadeable routes.
My personal preference is Digitrax.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
Several years ago when I returned to the hobby it was recommended to me by a true expert to purchase the DCC system first. That way, as you start to lay track you start to wire the system. It mush easier to find shorts or other problem as you go than after all the track has been laid. Thats the way I did it and myh wireing was troble free by the time the last spike was driven.
StetsThere is a price difference of about US15 between the Zephyr and the NCE Power Cab - for that difference, what would you select?
Like I said, either one is going to be a fine choice. It really is going to come down to how you are going to use your DCC system. Both systems have there pluses and minuses.
I've never used my Power Cab to operate turnouts but both should be able to do that. If you think or know you'll want to run a DC locomotive on your layout on occasion, the Zephyr is the clear choice because NCE chose not to make that an option with either their Power Cab or PH Pro systems.
Another thing that Digitrax really excels in is it's upgrade path. Nothing is ever lost if your layout expands or needs upgrading. You can choose to use the Zephyr as a 2.5A booster in a power district if you upgrade to their Super Empire Builder system.
On the other hand, the Power Cab can be used as an additional ProCab throttle with NCE's PH Pro system by just plugging it into the command station or a UTP panel. It's also nice to have the option of using the Power Cab at either your bench or the layout. However, since the Power Cab is the command station, booster, and throttle rolled up into one, if you disconnect the Power Cab from the layout, your layout will shut down. (Not a issue for me but it is for a few people.) So, although the upgrade path for the NCE Power Cab is still good, it's not as good as Digitrax.
I like the idea with the NCE Pwr Cab that you can have the controller moved away as opposed to the Zephyr's fixed position. Other than that, feature wise, Im not sure which way to go. Stets
If portability is what you are desiring, Stets, the 7' cord that comes with the Power Cab is a nice feature. However, you can accomplish the same thing by adding an extra throttle to the Zephyr.
The big plus - for me - with the Power Cab is it's interface. I find it very intuitive to use - especially when it comes to programming because of the promps. I have used and operated with a couple of Digitrax throttles - i.e. the DT400 and the not-yet-released DT402 duplex. They work well once I figure out the sequence of buttons to push. My preference, however, is still the Power Cab for ease of use.
The one thing I don't like about the Power Cab is it's limited recall stack. Although I can operate more than two locomotives with the Power Cab, I can only toggle between two locomotive addresses at a given time. If I need to call up another locomotive address, I have to enter the address into the Power Cab. Whatever address was last displayed is replaced with the one that you just entered.
Phoebe VetSteve: Not true. With solenoid type motors you can put two turnouts on one output and throw them at one time. It uses capacitive discharge to throw solenoid motors. I have 7 DS-64s.
Not true. With solenoid type motors you can put two turnouts on one output and throw them at one time. It uses capacitive discharge to throw solenoid motors. I have 7 DS-64s.
I wasn't aware you could do that with a DS64. I always thought the current requirements were too high for the built-in CD capacity. Learn something new every day!
Phoebe Vet I am particularly fond of the ability of EACH DS-64 to operate 8 cascadeable routes.
I am particularly fond of the ability of EACH DS-64 to operate 8 cascadeable routes.
Yup, pretty useful stuff. I wonder how many times, when someone calculates "cost per turnout", they don't include the value of that route capability?
Phoebe Vet My personal preference is Digitrax.
Same here. It's simply a much more capable and flexible system.
tstageThe one thing I don't like about the Power Cab is it's limited recall stack. Although I can operate more than two locomotives with the Power Cab, I can only toggle between two locomotive addresses at a given time. If I need to call up another locomotive address, I have to enter the address into the Power Cab. Whatever address was last displayed is replaced with the one that you just entered.Tom
Are you sure about that ? With the Pro Cab there can be six locos entered into the stack. The default setting is for only two, but it can be reprogrammed to hold six. I've never used a Power Cab, so maybe that's one of the things that was downgraded to make it a cheaper system.
I had an MRC Prodigy Express DCC system and had a lot of problemss with it,and had problems getting it repaired , so to say MRC service isn't the best.
I purchased an NCE Pro Cab 5 amp system and really like it!The Pro Cab NCE is more money than the Power Cab, but in my opinion , a good investment, and I feel that NCE systems are much more user friendly than Digitrax, although Digitrax is a very good system.
TheK4Kid
Don't overlook Lenz! Also, for just starting out, you can't beat Bachmann EZ Command. Find out what you like/dislike and then sell it to someone else.
Chuck,
I'm absolutely positive on that one. While the ProCab can toggle between 6 locomotive addresses, the Power Cab can only toggle between two. The one thing I'm not certain about is whether that changes if the Power Cab is used as a ProCab throttle with the PH Pro. My guess is that it will still be only 2.
I use the Pro Cab and it is true, it can be programmed to hold six Loco's. I did that to mine but sometimes I like having a limited amount because that may be all that is running at the time. It makes scrolling through faster and less likely to dial up the wrong Loco. Don't ask how I know this...
Joe