I am confused and would like some information please. Do not know if this is the right forum or not. I an looking at going to DCC and do not know what would/is the better system to invest in. My layout is 8 metres X 8 metres and 1.2 Metres wide, top level is 600 MM wide. Have talked to many and do not know. Have been building for 12 months and it is time to expand. I am in AUSTRALIA.
Well, it's an investment in money and time, so you should think about the pros and cons. Definitely try to use a system before buying.
1. I use and like Digitrax for lots of reasons, including flexibility, expandability, ease of use and having the two knobs to control two seperate loco addresses on one device. Mine is bidirectional wireless so very easy to operate.
2. Some like NCE and I've heard some good things about that system.
I would say given your location that service, support and knowledge of the vendor would be very helpful. Lots can be said, so I'll leave that to some other guys--lol
Richard
I have an NCE, but it is really a personal preference thing as with so many things in the hobby. The one thing I would recommend is a wireless throttle. With a layout the size you have it saves a lot of plugging and unplugging as you move around the room. The only downside is sometimes I put it down to do something and have to look where I left it.
Wait for a sale as sometimes they throw in puppies.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
It doesn't matter what size your layout is or how you are going to operate it, DCC is the way to go if you can afford the system you want. I prefer Digitrax and have installed several systems for my club, Friends and myself. I think the Zephyr is a good beginners system for a newbe (to DCC). It can be expanded easily to hand held (tethered or wireless) throttles. And Digitrax will allow you to run a non decoder loco (DC) on DCC with careful attention. NCE is another leading system and you will be happy with either one you choose.
Except for very low-end systems, they are all good.
Definitely try out the throttles. They are your interface to the system, and if you don't like the throttle, you won't be happy with the system. DCC systems all meet the same standards on the track, but they are generally not inter-operable on the control side. So, if you have a Digitrax system, you can't use an NCE throttle.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Most of the clubs in this area use Digitrax, and so do I. I have a Digitrax Super Chief and am completely satisfied with it.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
Below is one fellow's experiences and he lives in Oz.
http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/nswmn/index.htm
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
Although a bit more expensive I highly recommend you stick with one of the higher end systems: Digitrax, NCE, Lenz, Easy DCC. There may be others but you won't go wrong with any of these.
How you like the look and feel of the throttle has been mentioned and I want to emphathize that. It will be in your hand almost constantly so you want it to feel comfortable for you. And it really helps if, with some experience, you can execute the more common commands without having to look at it--changing speed and direction in particular.
But most importantly what systems do your modeling friends and local clubs use. Those folks can be your mentors and support group as you are learning or experiencing difficulties.
Good luck!
I agree with most of the folks above, get a good, expandable system. If my conversions are somewhat near correct, you have a fairly large layout, so the suggestions leaning you toward a radio controlled system will also get my vote. With that in mind, the basic NCE Power Cab I have is expandable, but to go radio controlled, I believe you should start with at least the next step up. Double check, as I have not explored radio control that much.
Roger's suggestion to see what others in your area have is very valid. Though I am primarily a lone wolf, there is a large layout near me that has an NCE system and the owner invites a group of folks in to operate. That was part of the reason I went NCE, I can take my throttle and go there to operate. As said above, components from one system do not work with components of another.
The availability for service is also a valid consideration. With modern shipping methods, I guess it could always be returned, but I'm sure shipping costs would not be cheap. Is there a good dealer having parts and service in your part of Australia? That could also be a factor.
Study, ask, look, try out if possible, then make your decision.
Have fun,
Definately get your hands on the throttles of the systems you are considering. I looked at NCE and Digitrax and almost immediately chose the NCE Powercab because of the throttle layout. The Digitrax throttles have too many similar buttons for me. I look at all those identical buttons and my eyes glaze over. That is me, and I readily admit to being all thumbs. Your mileage may differ.
NCE is expandable. If you start with the Powercab you can expand it to use wireless throttles, but you should do the math on pricing. You might be further ahead to start with a wireless system given the size of your layout.
I know that Digitrax has some features which NCE does not but I am not familiar with them so I will leave that to others to discuss.
Bottom line is that they are both good systems.
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
FRANK MILES SRI have tlaked to retailers and they appear to waht to give me the sales pitch and this looses me. I am and want the techs and know hows to understand. I got the same response from retailers when I wanted to go complete Solar Power and found someone who took the time to speak to me. Thank for your info it was great.
The change to DCC can be intimidating. The sales people and even other users will wow you with descriptions of what their system CAN do. That does not mean you MUST do. Most systems quickly and easily get you up and running trains. That is probably all you need right now. The reason you should consider a sophisticated, expandable, system is that as you gain experience you will eventually want more capability. If you bought a bottom of the line simple system you will have to throw it away and start over. If you bought an expandable system, you can just add to it as you grow.
Hi Frank,
I bought the NCE PowerCab for my first try at DCC because I knew that Tony Koester used it. I also know that when I need wireless, NCE will upgrade my PowerCab throttle to a wireless throttle for $80. I like the fit and feel, easy to understand instructions, and the responsiveness. I do operate on a couple of Digitrax layouts; I much prefer the NCE product.
Have fun!
Dan