Can anybody give me some advice as to which DCC system is best? I am modeling HO modern era diesel and have been out of the hobby for sometime. I am in need of some guidance concerning which DCC systems is best not only as a starter but for long term operations. I want to not only run locomotives but switches and accessories off the DCC controller. With so many different types on the market it can be very confusing. I have looked at different systems but this only serves to add to the confusion.Please any help in this area would be very greatfully accepted.
Thanks.
Just a suggestion, Perth. You might want to try using the Search our Community search engine for this particular forum and type in the phrase "DCC systems". (The search engine is located on the right side of the page above Shortcuts.)
This topic usually comes up at least once or twice a week here. You'll end up getting pretty much the same answers as those who will respond to this thread.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
There is currently a long discussion ongoing concerning Digitrax verses NCE you might be interested in following.
Capt. Brigg FranklinUSCG Licensed Marine OfficerCertified crazy train chaserCEO: Pacific Cascade Railway
Thanks for the information guys will have a look at what you have suggested.
Hi!
As indicated, this question has been asked a lot. I myself asked a similar one about 2 1/2 years ago. What you will find is that there are a handful of options, with Digitrax and NCE being the most popular. DCC sytems and installations can be relatively simple or quite complicated. Everyone's "needs" are different, and your goal should be to find out what is best for you.
So if you can outline what you wish to do now and in the future, it will help lead to "the best way to go".
Good luck!
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
For the most part they all do about the same thing, the question is how much do you want to spend, how much power will you need down the road, and what kind of "bells and whistles" do you want. If you are running a couple trains on a small layout, you can go with a basic system from NCE or Digtrax, if you are going to expand, maybe look at the middle of the road system they offer and if you are going to have monster size layout with a lot of trains and people using it, then look at their top end models. I use a Digitrax Super Empire Builder, the middle of the road from Digitrax and have been very happy with it.
Thanks mobilman44 and Eric97123 your comments along with the earlier post have helped out quite a bit. At this stage after the comments I have recieved and what I have read I think I may be heading to toward the Digitrax system as it seems to be more of what I am after, easy to start with, easy to expand as needed and not to expensive.
Thanks Again guys everybody has really helped me out here.
I'll throw my two cents worth in the pot. I use NCE ant home and Digitrax at the club. I strongly favor NCE for ease of use and a more comfortable (to me) controller in my hand. That said, however, if you are in a club, either formal or just group of guys, you would probably be best advised to go with what they use.
Since you are starting to explore DCC, I would suggest one of the DCC books by Kalmbach. Mike Polsgrove's DCC Projects and Applications vol 1 and 2 are both very good.Lionel Strang wrote a book on DCC, but it may be out of print. These will help familiarize you with the concept. As far as systems, the debate goes on. Both NCE and Digitrax make great affordable starter systems, for less than $200 I would stay away from Bachmanns offerings, and MRC has as many detractors as booster.
It really comes down to 2 things...which throttle layout do you like best and what system do your friends and or club use.
trainman6446 It really comes down to 2 things...which throttle layout do you like best and what system do your friends and or club use.
and of course what you want to afford.
Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum
I also belong to a club that uses Digitrax. However, there are quite a few of the members who purchased an NCE system for their home use and to program locomotives with, saying the NCE is easier to use.
To me, that speaks volumes.
Elmer.
The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.
(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.