I know! Please don't flame me, I know this has been asked a million different ways and is mostly a matter of opinion. I'll certainly read as many other threads in this forum as I can to see what others have asked and said in the past, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask with my needs in mind. So:
What DCC system would you recommend for my layout?
I am getting ready to build a smaller shelf layout (it will be sharing my home office, and will be about 30 linear feet long, since there will be two decks). I'll want two walkaround throttles (wireless isn't necessary) that will only be controlling locomotives. Maybe I'll have some block detectors so I can drive some automatic ABS signals, but that's all.
However, some day (lets say in about a decade) I'd like to build a larger layout (about the size of a two or three car garage) and for that one I will want wireless (though I can't see needing more than eight throttles), an interface with my computer for dispatching and CTC including remote-controlled switches, etc. So I want a system I can expand later on without having to buy all new stuff (and that implies that in addition to expandability, I'd like to be resonably sure the company will be around then as well).
At this point, my criteria doesn't seem to eliminate any of the leading manufacturers (CVP, Digitrax, NCE, and others like Lenz and MRC) and I haven't heard of any significant compatibility issues with any of these companies, so it's feeling like I can pretty safely pick a system based on which throttles I like the best (CVP, by the way), ease-of-use when it comes to programming and interfacing, and maybe what other people near me use (since if I have a problem, they might be able to help). Based on all that, I'm leaning towards CVP's Easy DCC, although I'm not committed (nor willing to defend to the death) that choice yet.
What do you all think?
Thanks in advance!Peter
Peter A. Kazmir - Leander, TexasMopac isn't just a freeway in Austin!
The NCE Pro Cab is now called the Power Pro. Their beginners system is the Power Cab. Out of the two, the Power Pro would be the one to get. I am an NCE user.
But - If you are going to set up blocks and signals, the Digitrax system has this part hands down over all the rest. But to me, the down side of Digitrax is it is a little harder to understand than the other systems and the controllers have small buttons. But you can get around these as others have.
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.
I won't tell you which I think you should buy but I will point you to the threads I think you should check out before making your final decision.
Joe Fugate's DCC University
12 Years Using DCC
Picking The Best DCC System
I've been very happy with my CVP Easy DCC system. It is my first and only DCC system, it has functioned rock solid, and I've already "expanded" it by adding a tethered throttle.
I would recommend it strongly.
I'm trying to model 1956, not live in it.
gandydancer19 I am an NCE user. But - If you are going to set up blocks and signals, the Digitrax system has this part hands down over all the rest. But to me, the down side of Digitrax is it is a little harder to understand than the other systems and the controllers have small buttons. But you can get around these as others have.
I am an NCE user.
Coming from an NCE user, that's quite an endorsement!
But I have to agree. No other DCC manufacturer comes close to Digitrax's LocoNet for expandability and flexibility. For example, NCE's Power Pro serial interface (on the command station) doesn't echo any of the throttle commands. And if you use their USB interface, it takes a cab address, and I'm not sure it echos the command station (ie, non-throttle bus) traffic. Having access to all the DCC traffic from one input just makes more sense.
As for "harder to understand' and "small buttons", well, it's like anything else in that it's simply a matter of what you're used to. I cut my DCC teeth on a club's Wangrow system, and I still operate on a NCE layout once in a while. But when it was time to buy my own I went with Digitrax because I felt it had the most potential, and personally, I didn't find it any harder to understand. In fact, it may be easier because you don't have to worry about duplicate cab addresses or any such trivia. And although I'm a large person with reasonably big hands, I actually find the Digitrax DT400's easier to use than those huge Wangrow/NCE hammerheads. Bigger, "better" display on those hammerheads? Sorry, I'm watching the trains, not the throttle!
Steve
Plus the DT400 lets you have active control over two trains at the same time. Not flipping back and forth with a recall stack, LIVE control over two at a time.
I played with the ProCab handheld - and yead, as wierd as it seems, the DT400 just fits my hand better, and I get easy one-handed operation rolling the knob with my thumb while holding the controller down at my side. And just clicking the knob to switch directions is a nice feature too.
The "this one is easier to use' argument has gotten WAY out of control. For basic operation ALL DCC systems work pretty much the same. Want to select a loco? There's a Loco or Select button you press, then key in the number and press Enter or OK or something. Wow, real tough. You turn the knob one way to go faster, and the other to go slower. There's usually a button labeled 'Direction' that changes the way it moves. As for programming - that's what JMRI is for. So you never have to know that CV 89 in a brand X decoder makes the loco hop skip and jump when you press F5.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
pkazmiran interface with my computer
it's feeling like I can pretty safely pick a system based on which throttles I like the best (CVP, by the way)
Texas Zepher pkazmiran interface with my computerAh, What sort of interface do you want?Reading the current information on a web sites, all of the systems have RS232 interfaces, but only Lenz has a USB. Digitrax has a USB to the sound programmer but apparently not to the system itself.
Actually, the Digitrax "sound programmer" (it's called the PR3) not only loads sounds on Digitrax decoders, it can also program the CV's on any brand of programmer and it can connect to the LocoNet, all via USB.
Plus, here's where Digitrax's decision to open the LocoNet to other vendors has paid off - If you don't want to use Digitrax's own PR3, you can also buy a LocoBuffer USB: http://www.rr-cirkits.com/locobuffer-usb/LB-usb-flyer.pdf
You can also use a USB to serial adapter with many/most serial DCC interfaces. Here's some info on the subject from the JMRI folks: http://jmri.sourceforge.net/help/en/html/hardware/USBtoSerial.shtml
In other words, the supposed lack of an RS232 interface isn't an obstacle for a USB-only user.
And if you happen to like electronics, you don't have to buy anything - or just a bare circuit board, and build your own Loconet to USB interface - Hans DeLoof has updated his version of the Locobuffer to have a USB option as well.
Texas Zepher Digitrax has a USB to the sound programmer but apparently not to the system itself.
Digitrax has a USB to the sound programmer but apparently not to the system itself.
A third Party company, RR-Cirkits, has created the LocoBuffer USB, which connects the command station to the computer. It is Opto-isolated, so there is no problem of shorting out the computer thru the interface. IT is quite a good product. I have had mine for two years now and it makes not only running trains easy but programming is a lot easier too when combined with PowerPax signal booster and JMRI.
Colorado Front Range Railroad: http://www.coloradofrontrangerr.com/