Building my first layout. What would be a good dcc control system for beginners? I want to be able to run at least four engines.
The NCE PowerCab is a good starter system, and is expandable. I would also consider a MRC Prodigy, but they are not as expandable as other systems. A more advanced system would be the Digitrax Zephyr.
I have an MRC wireless , my 1st DCC system I really like the wireless , you do not have to worry about other folks and tripping over cables. I know lots of people will say there are limitaions with the MRC due to computer interfaces , but I have never needed this stuff , I can set everything I need to set on the set up track. I have 2 cabs and 9 locomotives. There will a few more opinions about what to get , all of them good. I have a n scale DC layout along with the DCC ho layout and I have to say the DCC is awesome
Richard,
Do you want to run 4 trains at once, or just have 4 trains on the track? Most DCC systems will allow you to control at least 6 trains at once. Some systems allow a single throttle to control several trains. When looking for a good starter system that has expansion built-in, here are some good options:
Digitrax Zephyr Xtra - 2.5 amps, control of up to 20 trains, and has lots of expansion options. Street Price cost is about $175.
NCE PowerCab - 1.7 amps, control of 6 trains(that may have changed), and lots of expansion. Street Price cost is about $140.
MRC Prodigy Express - 1.6 amps, similar expansion, but the expansion can be expensive compared to the above two. Street Price cost is about $150.
NCE & MRC systems include a hand-held throttle. The Digitrax system has a built-in throttle, but allows add-on hand-held throttles. Computer interface to JMRI is currently supported on the first two, and show be available this summer on the MRC system. Wireless can be added to all 3 systems.
Another consideration is what are other folks in your area using? Our club and most of the local folks have Digitrax systems. Some areas have large NCE user groups. The 'throttles' are not interchangeable between the various systems.
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
I'm an older guy with good-sized hands. I found the "feel" of the throttle in my hand to be an important factor in my decision to go with a Lenz system. If you can, visit shows, clubs or shops where you can actually hold the throttle, or at least look at it up close. The throttle will be your interface to the system, so be sure you're happy with it.
The NMRA has defined standards for DCC systems, which make them all play well together on the track. All DCC locomotives work with all DCC systems. I call that track side. At the opposite end, there's the control side of the systems, including base stations and throttles, and the wiring and plugs/jacks that connect them. These are generally not interchangeable between manufacturers. You can't put a Lenz throttle on to a Digitrax system, or an MRC throttle on to an NCE system. The wiring and protocols are completely different, so it's not just a matter of making an adapter. They simply don't play together.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
My only suggestion is to get a system that has enough functions that it will allow you to operate sound decoders. An entry level system (low amps and low amount of functions) will very quickly become inadequte once you get bitten by the sound bug. Sound locos are becoming more affordable.
I know budget is always a factor but if possible look at a system with an eye towards the future.
I chose the NCE PowerCab system over the Digitrax basically because of the way the throttle is laid out. I'm all thumbs. The NCE system simply looked easier for me to deal with. It is also easily expandable, and I have never had any trouble programming CVs.
Having said that, I also know that I will likely have to buy the NCE 5 amp booster because I want to run an A-B-B-A consist of F7s all with power and sound. The NCE PowerCab will handle that but it will be close to its maximum, so if I want to have a second consist circling the double track dogbone I would run out of power.
To answer your question directly. the NCE PowerCab is a good place to start, not that the others are bad by any means.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
You cant go wrong with NCE
easy to learn and as mentioned before easy to expand if your needs change.
NCE ALL THE WAY!!!!!!
I'll put in a vote for the CVP "Easy DCC" Command Station. Having two throttles in one unit is nice, plus it's set up for accessing functions and accessory decoders as built.
http://www.cvpusa.com/easydcc_command_station.php
The Digitrax Zephyr Extra is a 3 amp system, not 2.5 amps. Also, it can run a DC loco (one at a time).
Dante
When I switched from DC to DCC about two years ago, I went to NCE PowerCab. I am very happy with the choice I made. Simple to use and enough powerful for up to six locos running at the same time. I a happy modeler.
Guy
Modeling CNR in the 50's
Greetings,
I went with an NCE Power Cab when I returned to the hobby two years ago after an absence that pre-dated most DCC systems. I haven't regretted the choice. I've added a few panels and one walkaround throttle for my room-sized layout and everything has worked fine, with a learning curve that wasn't too steep.
I took a good long look at Digitrax. But the PowerCab manual ( I read both online manuals before buying) just seemed more straightforward than the Zephyr. Also, I liked that the PCab gave me some walk around ability right out of the box. To me the Zephyr seemed more like the DC power packs of old (though adding a walkaround throttle to the Zephyr is a very simple matter). Also the PowerCab came out quite a bit cheaper, which was also a factor.
I'm certainly not anti-Digitrax. I'm not as familiar with their system but people who have it seem to be happy with it. And I may one day regret going NCE because I'm getting interested in joining a modular group that's Digitrax. If that's the case ,I figure I'll just sell off my NCE stuff, take a bit of a loss, and buy a Zephyr. I'm kind of interested in picking up a used Zephyr if a cheap one comes my way just to play around with it and learn the difference between the two systems.
For me, the main thing I wanted in a DCC system was ease of use and expandability and both entry level Digitrax and NCE system leaves little wasted if you need to expand. Maybe leave the choice down to what your friends/local club uses. The best way might be to give eash system a test drive at a hobby shop/friends layout if possible. That might clarify your decision. YouTube videos might also give you a sense of which one would work best for you. I've course I'm leaving out Lens and EasyDCC because I know nothing about them.
Someone once stated on the many NCE vs. Digitrax discussions that the debate is often similar to the one that photographers wage when it comes to Nikkon vs. Cannon. Both companies make excellent products so it comes down to personal preferance. I don't think you'll regret going with either one.
Good luck with your decision.
CPfan
You could just keep your NCE unit and just purchase a Digitrax UT4/R/D basic throttle which would then allow you to run on the Digitrax Modules!
No hit on selling the system!
I run Digitrax on my home layout as does most of the local Layouts
BUT!
I also own a NCE Hammerhead Radio Throttle - which I use when OPERATING! on those layouts that use that type of DCC!
It eliminates the need of those Owners to supply everyone with a Throttle and if I DROP the Throttle
I AM the ONE WHO takes the HIT - NOT the Layout Owner!
BOB H - Clarion, PA
CPfanAnd I may one day regret going NCE because I'm getting interested in joining a modular group that's Digitrax. If that's the case ,I figure I'll just sell off my NCE stuff, take a bit of a loss, and buy a Zephyr.
You don't have to get rid of your NCE system just to join a club, just buy a Digitrax throttle to use at the club, that's what I did. I still prefer my NCE over the Digitrax throttle layouts.
Jay
C-415 Build: https://imageshack.com/a/tShC/1
Other builds: https://imageshack.com/my/albums
Jack W.
I'll add to the NCE groundswell. I have a PowerCab and I love it.
For me the computer interface is important. As DCC decoders become more capable, programming them becomes vastly more complex. There are apparently people who can configure an up-to-date sound decoder without JMRI's DecoderPro3, but I'm not one of them.
I belong to two clubs, one NCE and one Digitrax and I've used both styles of throttles on both systems. I prefer NCE.
Bruce Petrarca ("Mr. DCC") did an excellent comparison of basic operations using Digitrax and NCE.
I wish I had joined this site read this post earlier.
Very new to N scale model railroad (2 months now) and have purchased just under 5k in a small layouts worth of stuff...approx 9ftx4ft with an additional 4x3ft L shape. I'm up to 5 diesels and 1 Steam and what has to be at least 150+ feet of track. The thing that peaked my interest is the DCC system technology.
Well unfortunately not knowing enough I purchased an MRC 1422 explorer with a handheld 1415 advanced. I've been having lots of trouble (F keys don't work and or stick engines on out of control throttle-few nasty wrecks) continuosly lose programming and found out it may would be the lack of power in the explorer....but I can't to save my life get MRC to respond (phone calls and e-mails) so after reading this post I think I am going to give the NCE a try.
I'd like to thank everyone for their posts and plan to seek help here more often.
Wish I could help but being such a noob I don't dare.
PS Glad I bailed on MRC after only a couple hundred wasted dollars seeing these system prices.
I'm looking for support on how to unsubscribe to the forum site and or update my log in details.
thank you
cacoleI would also consider a MRC Prodigy, but they are not as expandable as other systems.
I have heard this claim over and over but I don't know where this perception comes from. I use the earlier MRC Prodigy Advance (pre-squared) system and since the original purchase of the starter system (Command Station/Booster, included power supply and one tethered throttle) plus a second tethered throttle, I have added a wireless conversion set-up (receiver and wireless throttle) plus a second wireless throttle as well as a second booster unit. With the exception of the older (pre-wireless option) Command Station requiring a firmware update to communicate with the much newer wireless throttles, everything has been plug and play. I have yet to "retire" a single MRC Prodigy component. I am planning on adding two more wireless throttles for operating sessions. I haven't purchased a computer interface as I don't find the need for one yet, but they are available. I suspect the MRC Prodigy systems are every bit as expandable as other systems.
Hornblower
hornblowerornblower wrote the following post 3 hours ago: cacole I would also consider a MRC Prodigy, but they are not as expandable as other systems. I have heard this claim over and over but I don't know where this perception comes from.
You do know that you are responding to a post just over two years old? Possibly MRC has made some changes in that period of time.
Hey NewarkN!
Welcome to the forums!!
You will be happy with your NCE system. I have an NCE PowerCab and I love it.
The PowerCab is a starter system and it will allow you to run three or four locomotives at once. It runs around $200.00 or less.
However, before you spend your money, you should be aware that the NCE PH-Pro 5 amp system is available at pretty good prices right now:
http://www.trainworld.com/manufacturers/nce/PH-PRO-Power-Pro-5Amp-Starter-Set-5240001/
The regular price is $600.00.
Down the road you can upgrade the PowerCab, but it will ultimately cost you more to do that than if you buy the more powerful PH-Pro today.