I want to buy a DCC system for my 16x12 layout, and I want to know which one of the seemingly gazillions of DCC systems would be the best for a first timer.
Heres a little info: plan to run 4-10 locomotives max, 150 feet total track, my dad thinks operating signals and crossing gates would be cool, and I want something that won't complety break the bank (under $250).
Thanks
Hey, thanks. I just looked at the cost, and they are bit pricey. But I'd pay just about anything for something i can realy on.
So again, thanks.
analog kidplan to run 4-10 locomotives max operating signals something that won't complety break the bank (under $250).
plan to run 4-10 locomotives max
operating signals
something that won't complety break the bank (under $250).
Based on those three criteria, I'd say the Digitrax Zephyr would be your best bet. Or if "breaking the bank" is maybe a little less of an issue, the Digitrax Super Empire Builder that David also suggested.
Steve
My recommendation is for the Digitrax Zephyr. You can always upgrade it later if need be as all Digitrax components will work together with no modifications needed.
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam
If the OP runs up to 10 engines at a time, and also wants signals and crossing guard warnings, etc, is he likely to need something else to power the signals, or could he run all of it, 10 engines and more, with the one power supply?
-Crandell
selectorIf the OP runs up to 10 engines at a time, and also wants signals and crossing guard warnings, etc, is he likely to need something else to power the signals, or could he run all of it, 10 engines and more, with the one power supply? -Crandell
If you try to power everything from the Zephyr's track outputs, and run ten locos all the time, then yes, it wouldn't surprise me if you ran into problems. But doing it that way wouldn't be following recommended practice.
Ten locos times .25 amp each equals the Zephyr's 2.5 amps so that should be okay. Especially since the OP said 4 to 10 locos max (emphasis mine), he will likely be under the full 2.5 amps most of the time anyway. But if he's at or close to ten locos all the time, he may be better off with the 5-amp SEB as was previously mentioned in this thread.
But either way (Zephyr or SEB), SE8c's for signals use a separate power suppy and get their commands via LocoNet, and DS64's for turnouts and crossing guard warnings should be powered the same way. That way they don't draw track power, it keeps electrical noise out of them, and it allows you to correctly set a turnout that your loco just ran and shorted out the track bus. That's just good practice whether you're near the booster's limit or not.
NCE Powerpro 5. My opinion and no you won't change it. I like the menu driven throttles.
We all here can talk all day about the better system but the only way to make an informed decision is to try the sytem first. Find a club or someone who has one of the sytems and try it out first. Keep asking questions here and on any other forum you choose and there are no stupid questions.
John
Analog,
If you do get a DCC system...does that mean you'll have to change your user name?
I agree with John above. Be sure to try out any perspective DCC system before you buy it to see if it will meet your needs.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
I agree with several here, get out and try the systems if you can. Another option that hasn't been mentioned is the Easy DCC by CVP. Their Basic Starter system, at $279, has 2 throttles and has 7 amps to start you with and is like all others, expandable.
Good Luck and have fun,
For up 4 locomotives at once on the layout, under $ 150.- you can get the NCE PowerCab: has 29 functions (the Zephyr has just 9....)
Harley-DavidsonFor up 4 locomotives at once on the layout, under $ 150.- you can get the NCE PowerCab: has 29 functions (the Zephyr has just 9....)
While it's true that the keypad design on the Zephyr limits the functions you can control to nine, there is no such limitation on the Zephyr itself, and there never has been.
With a computer throttle such as JMRI, the Zephyr has always been able to control the "upper functions". And the addition of any of the DT402-series of throttles lets you control all 29.
Not to mention that for many folks (such as myself) it's a non-issue anyway, since all the bells and whistles (pun intended) you really need on a regular basis are already on, or can be mapped to, the lower functions. Press F17 to hear the conductor break wind. Ya, right...
StevertNot to mention that for many folks (such as myself) it's a non-issue anyway, since all the bells and whistles (pun intended) you really need on a regular basis are already on, or can be mapped to, the lower functions. Press F17 to hear the conductor break wind. Ya, right...
You mean like this? Phhhhhhhhfffffftttt. aaaaaahhhhhhh.
Using the parameters you laiddown in the original post there are two systems that wuld meet them.
Digitrax Zephyr and MRC Prodigy Advance2
Both have the current output to handle the number of locos within the budget range you mentioned. If a second operator will be running a second throttle would be needed.
PA2 would break the bank if a second throttle is needed.
Zephyr can have a UT4 throttle added and stay within your budget. UT4 would also give you acces to F12now and F28 by the end of the year when the new updated versioncomes out. (Old versions will be upgradable). An old DC power pack can be used as a "Jump Throttle" which adds no extra cost. Allof the above would allow up to 4 operators.
Unfortunately, the NCE Powercab just doesn't have the power to run up to ten locos. An SB3 could be added and keep the sytem within your budget. If a second throttle was needed, the budget would be blown. Still not by a whole lot but the SB3 becomes a paper weight if you ever decide to upgrade to a Powerpro system.
A far as signalling, many sytems exist that can signal a layout. This can also be done one component at a time in a build your own fashion. Digitrax has a signal system that can be integrated into their loconet. That's not a requirement to signal a model railroad but desired by some. At any rate, signalling is complicated and not cheap. Look into signalling as a second acquisition.
Martin Myers
I was in the same boat as you about 4 years ago. I new I wanted DCC but had no idea about which one to buy. I ended up buying a Digitrax Super Empire Builder. The deciding factor for me was that the Digitrax DT400 had two throttle controls nobs on it so you can control two trains at once without having to toggle back and forth between them. It makes running two trains at a time really easy.
Totally happy with Digitrax. I now have a second booster, 3 up5's and an extra throttle.