Hello--
What brand(s) of DCC system do people recommend?
I'm new to DCC so "easy" would be a factor. My layout design will probably never have more than 4 locomotives running at once and my turnouts are manual, so near as I can figure from what I've seen online, almost any system will handle the load I expect to put on it. Putting these two thoughts together, a low-end system would do.
On the other hand, I'm keen to have a walkaround throttle, preferably RF rather than infrared (so I don't have to worry about line-of-sight to a receiver), which seems to be a feature of high-end systems.
I rate high reliability more important than low price. That might also point to a high-end system, but that isn't always the way it works out. What do people who've used DCC find to be the best?
Each dcc system has it's own pros and cons. I prefer Digitrax and have the super empire builder on my home layout. I have also installed an empire builder and a supercheif on my clubs HO and N scale layouts. Once you get a system it may take some time to learn to use it. But i'm sure you will enjoy what ever you purchase.
No more than 4 locos is easily within the realm of the Digitrax Zephyr, and you can add the radio receiver and throttle to it - you do not have to first upgrade to the higher end system just to get the radio. The Digitrax philosophy is that the system grows with you, so you don't have to buy a bigger system to start out just because you MIGHT need it in the future. Usually there isn't a price penalty, such as with the throttles - you cna buy a plug in one now and upgrade it to radio, they charge you exactly the difference between the price of a wired throttle and a radio throttle to do the upgrade.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
One of these days, I'm going to save this response in a text file on my computer so I can just cut and paste it...
Reliability is seldom a problem with any DCC system, either high-end or low-end.
The throttle is your interface to the system. Everything else is in the background. So, you should make an effort to try out the throttles before you settle on a system. If you find the throttle you're most comfortable with, you will be happiest with that system. For example, I'm in high-tech myself, and I've been programming computers professionally for over 40 years. So, why did I buy a Lenz? Because I like the great big buttons on the throttle. Sure, the technology and features I wanted are all there, but the same can be said of Digitrax or NCE. But, the Digitrax throttles have tiny cell-phone buttons. That lets them put way more buttons on a single hand-held, but I'd be fat-fingering them all the time. So, I chose the throttle I could read with my glasses off, and I've been a happy engineer ever since.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Keith,
You're going to get a plethora of answers from folks because what is best for ME may not necessarily be best for YOU.
With that said, for portability and intuitiveness, I personally recommend the NCE Power Cab. If you want wireless, NCE makes a wireless in their PH Pro system. However, Digitrax, Lenz, MRC, and CVP all make a very fine system so you can't go wrong with any of them.
Try as many as you can firsthand to narrow down your choices and preferences.
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Over recent years, I have been using various DCC systems and found them all to be working and reliable. So, I will not give a recommendation , other than this one:
Go to your local LHS, let the guys show you the diffrenet systems you are interested in. Take the throttle in your hand and if you like the feel and the way the controls are placed - buy it!
I think you can forget going to a hobby shop to get the feel of a dcc system. Find the closest clubs in your area from mrr's club directory and pay them a visit on an operating night and if they are decent guys they will be able to help you and give you some tips for getting the system that will do the job for you. We do this at my club many times and even get new members this way. Most of the LHS in my area have nothing in stock to get touchy/feely with and know little about any of the systems available.
Thanks all for the responses on something I'm sure is a boring-old-repeated question around here by now.
It sounds like I can safely choose a system whose design I like without worrying that I'm buying That-Lemon-Brand-That-Everyone-Knows-To-Avoid (TM).
That's always the most desirable finding in research like this!
Sir Madog Go to your local LHS, let the guys show you the diffrenet systems you are interested in. Take the throttle in your hand and if you like the feel and the way the controls are placed - buy it!
It does kind of boil down to this. Throttle comfort and ease of use are huge factors in a system choice. Oh, there are other things that can be important and could come into play but if you like the throttle you can probably go with any system and be happy.
For example, my throttle allows the most comfort for my arthritic fingers. There are other systems that are really very good but not as comfortable for me to operate. So make sure the one you choose works well for you, and has other system features that fit your style and needs.
Jerry
Rio Grande vs. Santa Fe.....the battle is over but the glory remains!
davidmbedard In your situation, I would recommend........wait for it everyone and bookmark this response.......... The MRC Prodigy 2 Wireless system. (now I feel dirty.....eeewwwwww) For what you are looking for, it will serve you very well. David B
In your situation, I would recommend........wait for it everyone and bookmark this response..........
The MRC Prodigy 2 Wireless system. (now I feel dirty.....eeewwwwww)
For what you are looking for, it will serve you very well.
David B
I laughed.
Mine
It's a Digitrax Super Chief 5amp.
Dave
'there's something happening here, what it is ain't exactly clear' Modeling the Hard Knox Valley Railroad in HO scale http://photos.hardknoxvalley.com/