NCE throttle question

[SWA737]

 If money is not an issue with throttle purchases, which one do most guys prefer?  The larger full throttle or the smaller throttle with the NCE.  Getting ready to purchase a system and would need about six throttles.   Thanks, Rob 

[jalajoie]

If you need 6 throttles, you want a NCE Power House Pro. This system comes with a full feature Power Pro throttle. Later you can purchase 5 utility throttles.

[peahrens]

I have the 5A Powerhouse Pro system with the large throttle.  It's what I usually grab as I can do whatever I will want to do...program on the main or program track, etc.  Plus it has a "recall" button that lets me switch between two locos or consists in action.  ANd it has three methods of speed control; i.e., dial, single speed step and 10-step buttons.  I have a smaller utility throttle which controls just one loco and has just one dial speed control.  It's great for grandkids as it's simple and there are less "wrong" buttons to push at a given time.

I'd say just buy a couple of types, then add what you prefer once you have some experience with them.

[mlehman]

I have a 5 amp Power Pro. The hammerhead is a necessity for settingup locos and cosnsists so you can access all the programming features. Beyond that, I have a couple of 04r and a 06r. I prefer the 04 to the 06.

That said, consider what JMRI can do for you. If you have more than a few locos, it can store and program the CV settings in each. Best of all, in cinnection with your home wifi system, it can turn any smart phone into a throttle. I use the Apple app, WiThrottle, but there's an Android app (EngineDriver?) for those. Needless to say, an already paid for phone is way cheaper than a NCE wireless throttle, free if you get them as handmedowns (or cheap from ebay or used phone resellers). You do not need cell service on the phone, only wifi. You will need a serial adapter to connect to the PowerPro, plus an old computer to run JMRI on.

[delray1967]

If money isn't an issue, go with the bigger throttles, they allow the most to be done with the dcc system. I have the Powerhouse 5A system (not the PowerPro) and also run on a club layout that uses Digitrax...I bought the bigger digitrax throttle too, it allows me to do more and I found with the smaller throttles, the speed control knobs can be moved too easily and cause runaways or unexpected stops.

If you will have inexperienced operators, give them the simpler throttles...with the full featured throttles, they can inadvertently change layout settings if they like to press buttons without knowing what they are doing. That being said, I'd say get at least 2 big throttles and then get as many utility throttles as you find necessary; if you're the only one with a big throttle, you might get too busy throwing turnouts or doing other 'administrator' stuff for other people. Keep one big throttle plugged into the command station for public use and use the other for yourself. If any of your guests has their own NCE throttle, ask them to bring it so you have backups (in case one gets dropped, something gets spilled on it or a dog uses one as a chew toy...etc lol).

[JimL]

mlehman

..... Beyond that, I have a couple of 04r and a 06r. I prefer the 04 to the 06...

Why do you prefer the 04 to the 06?

Thanks. Jim

[gregc]

a club member said he found out that people who were offered systems for free (to promote them) often chose NCE.

[jrbernier]

Gregc,

Who was offering 'free' DCC systems? I know Digitrax offered clubs a 'one time' purchase of gear at dealer 'cost'. Our club did that over 10 years ago.
I suspect NCE has had a similar program. A 'free' DCC system program sounds like a good way to go out of business...

Jim