Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Interchangability between systems

1204 views
4 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    December 2005
  • From: MP 175.1 CN Neenah Sub
  • 4,917 posts
Interchangability between systems
Posted by CNW 6000 on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 8:31 AM
My train club where I operate uses a Digitrax System (throttles, LocoNet, boosters, etc).  Can I use NCE, MRC, or other plug in controllers with this system? 

Dan

  • Member since
    May 2002
  • From: Massachusetts
  • 2,899 posts
Posted by Paul3 on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 9:26 AM

In short, no.

The only throttle that works on another system is made by CVP.  All others are limited to their "home" system.  So if you want to run on a Digitrax layout, you must buy a Digitrax throttle.  This is the way the NMRA set the standards (to be compatible at the track, and not the throttle), and it's been this way pretty much from Day 1 of DCC (DCC was invented by Bernard Lenz 20 years ago).

Paul A. Cutler III
************
Weather Or No Go New Haven
************

  • Member since
    June 2005
  • From: Phoenixville, PA
  • 3,495 posts
Posted by nbrodar on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 10:43 AM

The CVP radio throttles only work with Lenz or Atlas systems.

Nick 

Take a Ride on the Reading with the: Reading Company Technical & Historical Society http://www.readingrailroad.org/

  • Member since
    December 2005
  • From: MP 175.1 CN Neenah Sub
  • 4,917 posts
Posted by CNW 6000 on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 11:42 AM
Thanks for the info.  I was wondering b/c a friend was offering a good price on a NCE Handheld.  Glad I didn't get it now!

Dan

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • 3,312 posts
Posted by locoi1sa on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 5:58 PM

  CVP also makes wireless throttles for NCE, System one, Lenz, and Atlas. Just because your club has one system doesnt mean you cant have a diferent system at home. My club uses Lenz and I have NCE at home and also run op sesions on a digitrax system. I have a CVP throttle off Ebay for when the club is running the modules. It was a lot cheaper than a Lenz throttle. IMHO the NCE is easier to use than the other systems.

   Just my My 2 cents [2c]

        Pete
 

 I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!

 I started with nothing and still have most of it left!

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!