ratdog,
You need to divulge more information before we can give you informative answers:
Generally speaking, I would go for the Zephyr Xtra or the NCE Power Cab over the Prodigy Express because the upgrade paths are much better.
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 don't know how old 'OLD' is, I am 68, but if you can't set the clock on a VCR, I think you should go with the NCE system. It is much more intuitive to use and has larger buttons. I'm not saying that Digitrax is a bad system. The two best are Digitrax and NCE.
Also, with the NCE starter set you get a walk-around type throttle. With the Digitrax Zepher starter set, you get a stationary control unit similar to a power pack.
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.
DCC is part of the NMRA standards, at least for the basics. So, all decoders are required to work with all DCC systems. The NMRA standard controls the "track side" of the interface.
It does not, however, specify the "control side" of the interface. So, that's where nothing plays together. Most important, you can't use a Digitrax throttle, for example, with an NCE system, or pretty much any other throttle with any system but its own.
Therefore, an important consideration should be the throttle, and how much you like it. I chose a Lenz system because I really like the big buttons on the throttle rather than the small cell-phone like buttons on some others. (I'm 65 and I have "man-sized" hands and fingers.) If you can, visit a shop or a train show and look at as many throttles as you can.
The good news is that all of these products are very good, quality-wise.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
The NCE will definitely handle QSI and Soundtraxx, The NCE will also handle another throttle should you choose to add one. It is a very intuitive system and I am very pleased with mine. Not bad mouthing Digigtrax as I don't know anything about it. Just liked the hand held controller with the NCE better. I have no plans or need for upgrading any farther than the Powercab. With the addition of a USB interface you can enter the world of JMRI which makes programming a pleasure.
ratdogsooquestion: being a novice at this, does the NCE Cab operate QSI and Tsunami sound, or do i need different decoders? thank you for all pertinent info. michael- the DCC Dummy.
Yes, the Power Cab will handle it just fine, Michael. I've had no problems programming or operating any sound decoders with my Power Cab and I've had it 6+ years now. The Zephyr Xtra is a very good system, too, and it has it's pluses. Either system would handle what you currently want to do.
FWIW, Michael, I've written an initial review (w/ pictures) of the Power Cab on my web site. If you click on the link at the bottom of this post, there is a Review page with reviews of the Power Cab, CAB-04p throttle, and SB3 & SB3a Smart Boosters.
Hope that's a help...
You are basically asking which brand of car should I buy. Everyone will suggest the one THEY own. After all, that is why they chose it. In my case that would be Digitrax. However the fact that I like Digitrax best does not mean YOU will like Digitrax best.
All of the manufacturers have their manual downloadable in PDF format free from their website. What I did was read all those manuals. I not only learned a lot about each system, but I also learned a lot about DCC in general. I chose the Digitrax Super Chief so I have the walk around throttle. On the Zephyr it would have been an extra cost add on. I like having a button available for each function and the small size doesn't bother me. Others have a simpler face with the large buttons that many people prefer. I like having two control knobs. Some throttles don't have any knobs, but use push buttons for speed control. Digitrax can do either.
Your choice should be made with your preferences. I agree with those who advise you to find a club, a shop, or a show where you can hold one in your hand and operate a train.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
Phoebe Vet You are basically asking which brand of car should I buy. Everyone will suggest the one THEY own. After all, that is why they chose it. In my case that would be Digitrax. However the fact that I like Digitrax best does not mean YOU will like Digitrax best. All of the manufacturers have their manual downloadable in PDF format free from their website. What I did was read all those manuals. I not only learned a lot about each system, but I also learned a lot about DCC in general. I chose the Digitrax Super Chief so I have the walk around throttle. On the Zephyr it would have been an extra cost add on. I like having a button available for each function and the small size doesn't bother me. Others have a simpler face with the large buttons that many people prefer. I like having two control knobs. Some throttles don't have any knobs, but use push buttons for speed control. Digitrax can do either. Your choice should be made with your preferences. I agree with those who advise you to find a club, a shop, or a show where you can hold one in your hand and operate a train.
Very well explained! I've also made it as I decided to climb to DCC. Except that I have read all the same manuals. I only read the manuals that were on my short list and I've compared the consenting individual data. I can also show me the different DCC systems in business. On shows or in stores, I then tried the DCC systems in my shortlist 1:1 (1 to 1) and getest. This not only 5 minutes long. But min 15 to 30 in length. So far it was. What has brought me a lot and helped. Also seems important to me. That the respective DCC system Expandable / Scalable and is compatible with other systems (Lokonet, JIMRI, various decoders, etc.).
Sehr gut erklärt!So habe ich es auch gemacht als ich mich entschlossen habe auf DCC um zusteigen. Ausser das ich gleich alle Handbücher gelesen habe. Habe nur die Handbücher gelesen die in meiner engeren Auswahl waren und von dennen ich die jeweiligen Daten verglichen habe. Habe mir auch die verschiedenen DCC Systeme im Geschäft zeigen lassen. Auf Ausstellungen oder in Geschäften habe ich dann die DCC Systeme in meiner engeren Auswahl 1:1 (1 zu 1) ausprobiert und getest. Dies nicht bloss 5 minuten lang. Sondern zwischen 15 und 30 min. lang. So fern man es konnte.Was mir sehr viel gebracht und geholfen hat.Wichtig scheint mir auch. Das das jeweilige DCC System Ausbaubar/Erweiterbar und kompatiebel ist mit anderen Systemen (Lokonet, JIMRI, diversen Decodern, etc.).
____________________with regards, Roman. http://bnsf-modellbahn.ch/
Headquarters of...BNSF RAILWAY ...im ModellbauBNSF RAILWAY ...in the model construction Web: http://bnsf-modellbahn.ch/
Member of... American Railroadfans of Switzerland
As mentioned, this is pretty much about Chevy or Ford.
If you can see all of your layout from a central point, a walk around throttle is of little value and is always cord limited anyway. A two engine run, sole operator, setup like you envision could use either the NCE or Zephyr system. I personally opt'd for the Zephyr DS51 solely due to its readout which is a bright green, large LED display. As an electronics engineer, I do not like, nor will I ever like LCD displays. They are kludgy,easily damaged, dark and often block pixelized even when backlighted. My old eyes need the active bright display. For this reason, I also do not like the Digitrax full featured hand held controller as well, (it is also LCD).
The zephyr DS51 will handle the entire 70 foot system's 2 engine runs without blocks divisions or boosters. I will have 1 single AR-1 autoreverser on a wye or loop.
My layout will also be a sole operator setup. As it is an approx 70 foot long shelf system, 7 feet off the ground, I will operate it mostly from the main town area where I can view the entire system easily. I plan on placing "loknet" plugs at key points and plugging in the cheapo Digitrax UT4 hand controller that I recently bought for $45.00, (used). As I move around along the layout, I can jack in as needed.
Richard
If I can't fix it, I can fix it so it can't be fixed
narrow gauge nuclear As mentioned, this is pretty much about Chevy or Ford. If you can see all of your layout from a central point, a walk around throttle is of little value and is always cord limited anyway. Richard
If you can see all of your layout from a central point, a walk around throttle is of little value and is always cord limited anyway.
Both systems have radio throttles available. They are not cord limited. You can reach any point on the layout with the throttle still in hand. While the OP may not desire one, I take issue with your claim that walk around throttles are of little value.
ratdogsoohi group, this old guy decided to make the jump into the modern world and go to a DCC starter system. i need opinions on the best unit to purchase. MRC Prodigy Express, Digitrax Zephyr or NCE Power Cab. all can be had on Ebay for a fair price. thank you for any advice or opinions.