What DCC controller should I get

[TexasSP]

 Based on quality and customer service I would pick either digitrax or NCE.  I use digitrax myself but have nothing against NCE, in fact I think it's a great system too.  The main reason I went with digitrax originally is that that is what the LHS that offered the best service at the time carried.  If I had to do it over again I don't know which I would pick but know I would be happy with either one.

 The major question I would ask you is how big of a layout you will want to have and your budget as those two answers will be most critical in deciding which system would work for you.  In part of this you need to consider how many engines you want to run at a time, will you run other parts of the layout off of track power besides just the engines (such as turnouts, signals, etc.), do you want to ever automate your layout, and do you want full wireless control?

Originally my budget was 2k on the initial end for my 300 sqft HO layout, but I was going for all the bells and whistles.  I have more into it than that now due to what all I operate with the DCC system.

[steamnut]

My two cents - first of all, you'll probably be satisfied at the end of the day with either Digitrax or NCE; the differences between them are not large, both are good companies with good customer service. While the best way to choose would be to use them and make a direct comparison, you probably won't be able to do so. Certainly in my case (I bought my first DCC system a year ago) I wasn't able to even SEE either one prior to making my decision.

As others have pointed out, there is a long thread in the archives here that has probably more than you ever wanted to know, but is worth reading.

Although its true, as others say, that what is best for me might not be best for you, I think I was in a similar situation and I ended up going with NCE. My reasons were that based on all my research it appeared to have a shorter learning curve and just seemed a bit better thought out. These things change over time; it appears to me that Digitrax was better than NCE a few years ago, and they may well flip-flop again in the future (I've noticed, in fact, that many early converts to command control have gone through more than one system over the years). I would say that the biggest reason for going with Digitrax is if you envision wanting to take your own throttle to a club or another layout. Fom what I've seen nearly all clubs have chosen Digitrax, and in terms of individual layouts Digitrax appears to me to have a significantly larger user base than NCE.

A number of Digitrax users will probably voice their disagreement, which is fine - just remember that I'm not criticizing either Digitrax or their own choice. 

[Silver Pilot]

MObilmann is right about one thing - Asking such a wide open ended question such as "what DCC system should I get" is like someone asking "I need a new car, what car should I buy?"  NOt enough information is provided to offer any kind of informed response.  Any response that suggests a system shows the naivete of the responder.

[mobilman44]

Hi!

Welcome to the Forum.  If you are really into model railroading, this is the site for you.  The folks here have a wealth of knowledge - and no one's ever shy about sharing.

In response to your question.......  well, the previous posters offered some great advice.  I went to DCC a year ago, and have an 11x15 HO layout with lots of locos.  I decided on Digitrax, but could have gone with NCE as well.  The thing is, your needs (and wants) are unique, and you really need to quantify what you will be running, the size of the layout, your pocketbook, etc., before an educated decision can be made. 

Asking about which DCC system is best is like asking which car one prefers.  The good news is, most of what's out there is suitable, but some offerings are more for you than others.

Good Luck,

Mobilman44

[Silver Pilot]

theminer30

I'm new to modeling and I'm going to use "N" just wondering what DCC would be best for me.

 No DCC would be best for you. Until you have decided on several variables regarding your layout size, opreating scheme and other preferences, no system is what is best for you.  Until you've read some background material on DCC and understand it better  you don't have the knowledge to choose a system or comprehend the suggestions that will be given.  Any suggestion about a system to choose based on a one sentence question is irresponsibly given.

Also, search this forum for this subject.  It is asked at least once a week!

[tstage]

theminer30

I'm new to modeling and I'm going to use "N" just wondering what DCC would be best for me.

Miner,

The words underscored above are the key to your dilemma.  What may be best for me may not be best for you or anyone else.  You need to answer some basic question to come to that determination:

• How big is your layout or how big will it be?
• What scale will you be modeling? (You've already answered that: N)
  
• How many locomotives will you be running at any given time?
• Will you primarily be operating your layout solo, or will others run locomotives on it, too?
• Do/will you want to add additional throttles to your DCC system at some point? (This goes along with the question above.)
  
• Are you interested in adding signaling or block detection?
• Are you interested in adding wireless or radio to your DCC system? (vs. a tethered system)
  

The reason for asking the above questions, Miner, is that every DCC system has it's pluses and minuses and some do specific tasks better or easier than others.  By answering these questions, you'll be able to better narrow down your choices.

And sound is another issue that's important to some modelers.  However, sound is only now beginning to become available in N-scale.  Unfortunately, sound does NOT shrink down very well.  So, bigger is always better when it comes to speaker size.  Anyhow, those of some things to contemplate.

Miner, I have to agree with Will.  If you can find a local MRR club or a hobby shop where you can actually get some hands-on experience trying out a DCC system, this will go a long way in helping you determine which system will best meet your needs, as well as your current and future goals.

Hope that helps...

Tom

[wholeman]

You should do some research.  Go to a local club and hobby shop and see what is offered.  I have an NCE PowerCab and enjoy using it.  It is simple to use and fits my hand quite well.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

 I prefer Digitrax, but I'm biased. I own a Digitrax Zephyr and enjoy using it.

[theminer30]

I'm new to modeling and I'm going to use "N" just wondering what DCC would be best for me.