And check the Digitrax web site. The manuals they have there might be newer than the one that came in your box.
Have fun, and remember that no matter what you do in the future, if your layout grows by ten times, you will never have to get rid of theat Zephyr. It works just fine as a booster in a larger system, and even the throttle part is still usable.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Just an update, but I've decided to join the ranks of DCC, and use Digitrax willst I'm at it. After some looking around I've chosen on the Digitrax Zephyr starter set, with an additional UT4 throttle. I basically decided it would be best to make my layout around the walls, a little over 9 1/2 feet on one leg and 11 1/2 feet on the other. This would call for the use of two throttle points. I was pretty sold on the Zephyr but wasn't sure because of the need for a second throttle position, but it turns out I can do that with the Zephyr. Thought I'd let everyone know.
Special thanks to rrinker and davidmbedard, there advice and suggestions was the most helpful, although I will say all did help. As for the Ford/Chevy, well the only Ford was ever good for was recycling them into tin cans, and as we all know most cans now-a-days are of aluminum. I wouldn't even use a Ford product as a 2 ton paperweight to hold down the forms as I sign the lease of a new foreign car, but that's a whole 'nother story for a whole 'nother forum.
As per the suggestions giving, some are easy some are hard. The model RR scene around here could be called the "Undergound Rail Road". Heck, the train shop I go to is one of the more popular ones and is just down the road from me. Took me over two years to find that one out, and I actually found out about it by looking at the back of the MR issues I was buying and saw the listing (this was before I subscribed). There was one person I met, but he seemed a little goofy, and more so he ran a mix match of equipment he would buy off of e-bay. Now I did look into it at the train shop and got a wealth of info. A majority or modelers in the area running DCC have gone with Digitrax. In fact the train shop used to even have an NCE dealer sticker on the door. As far as I could tell all they carried was Digitrax, but they can either order other systems or have them stored in the back. The man, now I wish I caugh this name, didn't say that NCE was crap, and in fact admitted that it wasn't too bad of a system, although he did have a story of two customers buying NCE and later on coming back and buying Digitrax to replace the other system. The main deal with me is cost. The less costly the items are, the less time it will take to save up the money and the sooner I can get it. The somewhat larger price tag of the Digitrax Super Cheif, around $350 I do believe, would take me a while to get.
But I've run into a snaffoo. The shop supports Digitrax, so now thats an option. As mentioned about, there's certain features of the Super Cheif I like over the Zephyr, but the train shop employee also said he could get me a deal on the NCE since they aren't as popular around here and therefore don't sell as much. There was also some schpleel about how they can get more profit from selling me the NCE than they would if they sold me the Digitrax, but when he said that it sort of proved to me that they were in it for the customer not the money. May just be why there still in business with this economy. And yet another reason why I want my layout done ASAP. That way, if the heavens open, the dead rise, Lucifur comes to Earth, and Hell freezes over the economoy does take a total dump and only the big box store names stay alive, I won't have to worry as I will have my layout complete, and I won't have a large open area say where my engine facility should be.
I have had experience with both systems. I first purchased my MRC Prodigy Advance2 system because I remember the good ol days when MRC was the throttle to have. After using the system for awhile I began to experience total shutdowns for no apparent reason. I began to research other systems much in the same way you are now and found the most recommended one was NCE by 2 of 3 LHS stores close to me, one of which is Litchfield Station. I purchased the Pro Cab system and have not regrettted it at all.The shutdown issue is a thing of the past and now I can also hook up my computer to the serial port and use decoder pro to do my programming, something that was not possible with MRC. The MRC system sits in the box as a backup but probably will find it's way to E-bay.
Joe
And don't just be fooled by a low introductory price. Unless you have absolutely no intentions of ever goign further and buildign a bigger layout. For example, while the MRC might be cheaper up front for the basic system, their plug in panels for additional cabs around the layout cost twice as much as the ones for Digitrax and NCE. Look at the availability of additional accessories - more cabs, adding boosters for more power to run more trains, accessory decoders to operate your switch motors, etc.
While I can say that I've never met a DCC system that I didn't like, I can also say that there is most likely one particular system that will absolutely be best for ones specific situation. For that reason I think that the advice given by David B. is excellent for anyone looking for a system.
As for the original poster, it would seem that the Power Cab would be the best choice between the two mentioned but further study, per David's thoughts, might help solidify the decision.
Jerry
Rio Grande vs. Santa Fe.....the battle is over but the glory remains!
mreagantResult is that the response to a posters 'which system?' query is either an endorsement of the system they use or a shot at the one they have taken a pledge to bash at every opportunity. Neither much help at all.
I don't believe that I saw that much of this in this particular thread. In the original post it appears that the poster was looking for an opinion of the MRC versus the NCE, although that was not exactly stated. It's pretty hard to have an opinion without making some statement as to why you have that opinion. I guess that qualifies as an endorsement.
So if we throw out the posts, or parts thereof, that don't address the question, it seems to me that the majority of those responding had a similar opinion as to which of the two systems they would prefer.
Having asked some version of this question in the recent past, and then reading virtually every subsequent post on the subject, two things are clear and certain:
1. There are posters here who have a big thorn in their jeans at the point where they meet the saddle about certain systems/manufactureres; and
2. As is true with almost everything we own, no one wants to admit they made a bad decision and bought the wrong system.
Result is that the response to a posters 'which system?' query is either an endorsement of the system they use or a shot at the one they have taken a pledge to bash at every opportunity. Neither much help at all.
My suggestion, bold though it may be, is go with your gut, buy SOMETHING, and see what happens. The absolute worst is that you'll hate it and will have to dump it at some loss. At least you'll get a personal yardstick to go forward with. No one elses experience will ever be a whole lot of help, and others biases may well direct you away from the one thay is ultimately best for you.
Certainly, my 2 cents only. Hey! I'm still trying get the guts to make the same decision you are, but I do have the benefit of almost 10 years with a very, old-outdated DCC system. It has helped me figure out where to go next, if not which system gets me there.
Mike
Okay, I found what I was remembering:
The NCE USB Adapter doesn't support all of the current JMRI features and functions. Some of the restrictions are based on the type of system the USB Adapter is connected to. The USB can't get information from AIUs, so they can't be used to get feedback from the layout. The turnout feedback mode MONITORING isn't available when using a USB, and the Clock functions found in tools are also not available. The USB when connected to a Power Pro system doesn't support any type of loco programming, and when connected to a SB3 only operation mode (no program track) is available for loco programming. Most functions and features that are not supported by the NCE USB are disabled or grayed out in the JMRI program.
The USB Adapter when connected to a Power Cab or SB3 can only address accessories (turnouts) between 1 and 250. There isn't a limitation when connected to a Power Pro.
This is from the JMRI site: http://jmri.sourceforge.net/help/en/html/hardware/nce/NCE.shtml
Not sure what these mean to Power Cab users. I suppose with Power Pro it would be best to use the serial connection built into the command station.
NNeil When I first bought the PE I thought that I wouldn't be interested in a computer interface so it wasn't an issue but as I became more familiar with DDC I realized that I do want it and in the near future I plan to buy a Pro-Cab and sell off my PE. Neil.
When I first bought the PE I thought that I wouldn't be interested in a computer interface so it wasn't an issue but as I became more familiar with DDC I realized that I do want it and in the near future I plan to buy a Pro-Cab and sell off my PE.
Neil.
This brings up a question that I have had. I've heard that there are some limitations as to JMRI features when using the the NCE USB interface with both the Power Cab and the Power Pro. Is this true and if so what are the limitations?
I've had the Prodigy Express for a couple of years and I've never had any problems with it. Having had absolutely no previous experience with DCC I found it simple to use and I was runing trains within minutes of hooking it up.
I wouldn't even consider changing systems if it wasn't for one thing. MRC doesn't currently have a computer interface. Apparently they have one in the works but they don't seem to be moving very quickly on it and when it does come out it sounds like it's going to cost as much as my DCC system cost and, it won't even be able to run decoder pro.
BSBrassHat...The Powercab unit has to stay plugged in as a master controller in it's stock form, but up to 3 more cabs can be added that are "plug around." If you add a smart booster later on, it will add 3 more amps and make your powercab plug around as well...
A sa new DCC user I concur with the experienced posters. The PowerCab is easy to set up, easy to learn, and easy and fun to use. I am supremely satisfied with the choice.
Boill
David and all,
That is why they make Fords and Chevys.
Sheldon
I'm trying to figure out how bashing Digitrax will help decide whether to purchase an MRC or NCE system?
I vote for the Powercab but I'm a 100% Digitrax user.
Martin Myers
It is too bad that we have these differences in opinion which don't do anything to help the OP to settle the matter. I guess the central message is that he should seek people who use as many different systems as he can in his area and ask for 20 minutes of their time.
I use the DT400 quite comfortably and reliably, but I do admit to having to find sports watches over the past few years that I can read without my glasses when I am out on a run. That means BIGGER numbers, and often a somewhat larger screen. Sheldon says that is what he finds more useful, and I can understand his opinion in that respect.
The encoder knobs work very well for me, now nearly four years into their use, but I was quite adept and used to them within a week or so. The button size could very well be an issue for a man with large or aged hands...not two ways about it...but I don't happen to have an issue with them.
The upshot is, it is incumbent upon each potential user to determine for himself what is likely to be a good, sound, choice. Part of that process could include discussions of this nature, but the bulk of what is discussed in the way of opinion that is not objective fact is of lesser value.
My
-Crandell
What I don't like about DT400's:
Buttons too small, icons too hard to read, and are not a langauge I speak
Display too small and goofy computer like icons as well
Endless wheel type throttle knob is miserable
4-5 button sequence for turnout operation
Reversing function on throttle knob seems to only work half the time
UT4R's are OK, but many guys have their turnouts on decoders requiring bigger throttle.
DT400's aren't hard to use either - every function except powering the layout on and off has it's own button. No wierd shift key combinations. A dedicated button for everything. People just look and see dozens of buttons and ASSUME complicated. When you don;t have to hit combinations of keys to do something, that's by far easier than trying to remember that it's shift-alt-F2 to blink the ditch lights.
The older DT100 and DT300, with only 8 or so buttons but THREE functions per button - now that's complex. Less is NOT always better!
I want to add my two cents. I have NCE Powercab and I love it. I bought it after running local layouts with easy DCC, Digitrax, MRC and NCE. The NCE is hands down the easiest to operate and program. The Powercab unit has to stay plugged in as a master controller in it's stock form, but up to 3 more cabs can be added that are "plug around." If you add a smart booster later on, it will add 3 more amps and make your powercab plug around as well. My layout is 54 feet by 30 feet, I run up to four double engined trains at once.HO atlas and proto and athearn engines
I have to agree with the others, I don't have DCC on my layout, but if I was going use DCC, based on my research, I would use NCE or Easy DCC. Both have much more user friendly handheld units than the others. I use Digitrax on a number of friends layouts and I dislike the throttles very much, hard to use in my opinion.
Go with the NCE. Very user friendly for programming locos.
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 would concur with the other posters, I have the ProCab (twice the price), but operation and programming are essentially the same and I love the thumb wheel too, which makes for easy one-handed operation. The only drawback of the PowerCab, (I think this is true for the Prodigy as well), is that it can't be unplugged while in operation as all trains will stop. There is a device from NCE that can be added later (as funds allow) to get around this limitation and it will add other capabillities too. In the meantime, if the supplied cord isn't long enough for you, NCE has longer standard lengths and custom lengths available. The guys at NCE are very friendly and always willing to help in any way they can, keep their number and email handy.
As far as the buss goes, run it the lenth of the "U" and conect the PowerCab in the middle.
Jay
C-415 Build: https://imageshack.com/a/tShC/1
Other builds: https://imageshack.com/my/albums
davidmbedard Go with the Power Cab, not the MRC. The Power Cab will allow you to expand at a later date. The MRC is more limiting. David B
Go with the Power Cab, not the MRC. The Power Cab will allow you to expand at a later date. The MRC is more limiting.
David B
i have my eye on the MRC Prodigy Express and the NCE Pro-Cab. both are around $190, right at the edge of my budget. i'm not sure which one too get. i hear both are good, but i also hear the MRC is slightly better and also has come more recommended to me then the NCE. but i like how the NCE controller has the little mouse wheel for throttle control (i think it makes the controller look cooler). some info that may help any suggestions, the local train shop carries both, i don't plan on having more than 6 locos, the layout will be a 8 x 9 ft U with some long straights but not enough track space to run more than 2 or 3 locos at the same time, i would like to run steam and diesel (mostly diesel) and plan on having sound, possible have traffic lights since my yard will be more or less centrally located so i can run locos either clockwise or counter clockwise around the loop. turnouts i needn't worry about, the layout will be N scale and only a foot deep, 2 foot deep at the ends where the big loop is so i will be using manual turnouts, and i also plan on manually deconnecting cars, sorry i can't think of the term right now. again thanks for any help/suggestions ahead of time.
ooh crap forgot one thing. like i mentioned it is U-shaped, so i will only need one control bus?? centrally located for the controllers to plug in, and i don't plan on using more than 2 controllers simultaniously. i won't have a need for wireless controllers either, so having that feature is not a concern. i live in an apartment with a smaller room that's only 9 x 11.5 feet and i also have to share some of the space with my wifes things although i know once i get everything going that room will end up turning into more or less just mine. now hopefully she won't realize once i get the trains going i'll always be in there