I've come upon the adds for CVP DCC stuff and looked into it and really fell for the EasyDcc BSS starter set. Anyone else use this? What are your experiences?
I will be running N scale, two trains simultaniously at most, possibly sound (just bell, horn, and prime mover sounds). If I do get CVP I will be substituting the ZoneMaster-single for a ZoneMaster-dual, or possibly even scratching all that and just geting a ZoneShare. 4 zones might be a little much for my layout, but it would greatly help if something were to go wrong in the hidden staging (two seperate main lines, one with 2 or 3 extra stage tracks).
I've been using an EasyDCC system for 10 years or so and have had no problems with it. There have been several upgrades to the firmware but I haven't purchased any of them because the system does what I need from it -- running our HO scale modular layout during open houses and programming decoders.
I have used EasyDCC many times to program decoders that other systems had problems with, and it has never failed.
I also use their AirWire900 wireless DCC system for my G-scale back yard trains and it has also been flawless.
I've owned it for five years, operated with it at other railroads for nine years. Always rock solid reliable. Many of my freinds use it and we all are pretty happy with the system. It is very spartan, but works well and lives up to its "easy" name (before Bachmann borrowed the EZ title) in terms of being user freindly.
Guy
see stuff at: the Willoughby Line Site
Good to hear, good to hear.
trainnut1250 It is very spartan, but works well
It is very spartan, but works well
Um, does this mean it will win battle after battle after battle in one of the biggest wars of civilized history with only 300 soldiers? Or is it because it "wears" a virtual uniform that, well doesn't leave much to the imagination. From what I read it has just as many features as the Digitrax Super Empire, if not a few more. I'm still a tad weary about having the throttles mounted in one stationary spot, but I think I can deal. I love the semi-industrial look of CPV's fascia throttle. From the flat-black textured metal fascia surface, to the brushed metal knob centers. I think it will be my DCC of choice. Along with the ZoneMaster-Dual booster substitution. I will probably have to get the Zoneshare with 4 zone's because I plan to have a double deck shelf layout with under/shelf staging underneath the lower deck. That will be a yard big enough to hold all cars, plus room to expand my freight car roster, plus some loops to turn around the twin main lines. I will have almost an entire layout underneath my layout
We had a thread about EasyDCC a while back. http://cs.trains.com/trccs/forums/p/126886/1430192.aspx#1430192
You need at least one Zonemaster booster. The Zoneshares are circuit breakers, not boosters. One of the good things about the Zonemaster/Share is they can tell the difference between a dead short, and the current inrush from a charging sound decoder.
I love my system.
Nick
Take a Ride on the Reading with the: Reading Company Technical & Historical Society http://www.readingrailroad.org/
MILW-RODR Good to hear, good to hear. trainnut1250 It is very spartan, but works well Um, does this mean it will win battle after battle after battle in one of the biggest wars of civilized history with only 300 soldiers? Or is it because it "wears" a virtual uniform that, well doesn't leave much to the imagination.
Um, does this mean it will win battle after battle after battle in one of the biggest wars of civilized history with only 300 soldiers? Or is it because it "wears" a virtual uniform that, well doesn't leave much to the imagination.
Yes to both...
Spartan -:"strict or simple and with no luxuries":
CVP's wireless throttle (1300 series) has a few (I mean few) buttons and a knob..Compared to most other throttles, it is very simple (you might say....uh .. Spartan). As for features, there are other systems with more bells and whistles (being able to program on the main from the wireless throttle, being able to support Loconet signaling/transponding, having a built in fast clock, being able to acess 28 functions ) None of these matter to me and I prefer to KISS.
My focus is on operations and where it counts, CVP has all the things that I want. Until recently, CVP was arguably the most reliable wireless system out there (Look out for flames). This was the main reason I purchased it in '04. They are still rock solid, but the competition has improved...I always suggest that users try out the system before purchase if possible, as every system has things that are quirky.. I used CVP products for several years before I purchased a system.
As for a layout underneath the layout, I can relate, as The Willoughby Line (My railroad) has over 300' of hidden track (no we're not proud of this fact, it just turned out that way). Check out the railimages link below my sig...
For more info on CVP you might check out the CVP Easy DCC yahoo group. One other suggestion might be to find some CVP users in your area. It is always helpful to call someone local with a question. CVP product supprt is very good. They fixed a throttle free of charge even after I told them that my neighbor's grandkid accidentally broke it.
Try the wireless system with the T9000e throttle / lcd screen, it is the most comfortable throttle I've used, by far .I'm happy with Mine. Good luck with You're choice. R