What system would you guys reccomend, Digitraxx or NCE, because as I read these forum it seems like MRC is not very popular!
Modeling the Bellefonte Central Railroad
Fan of the PRR
Garden Railway Enthusiast
Check out my Youtube Channel:
http://www.youtube.com/user/PennsyModeler
This is a popular and recurring question, PJM20, that's been addressed (but never answered!) many times. We all have our favorites. I'd suggest you do a search--you'll be overwhelmed with info.
One thread I'd recommend is the one Joe Fugate (search for jfugate) started a while ago on picking the best DCC system. As I recall, it runs at least 30 pages. Some of the earlier posts have become outdated with advances in technology, but in combination with other material it'll give you all the info you need.
Short form--there's no best system; just the one that's best for you.
Rick Krall
Hi!
Goodness, this recurring debate reminds me of the "ford vs. chevy" arguements of my youth.
In late 2008, I decided to make the jump to DCC. This was a MAJOR adjustment for this 65 yo set in his ways old guy! I did a ton of research, including this and other DCC specific forums, mags, books, LHS, etc., etc.
My conclusion was that Digitrax & NCE were the leaders - or most popular - in the field, and I narrowed my choice down to them. It was not an easy thing to decide, but I ended up with a Digitrax system and NCE mobile decoders. I could easily have done the opposite.
You will surely get lots of advice on your question, but I suggest you can't go wrong with either one.
Mobilman44
ENJOY !
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
I use NCE.......the most user friendly system there is and the best support too.
Digitrax has a bad habit of putting out bad product in which they expect you to send back to them for items that do work.
Dennis Blank Jr.
CEO,COO,CFO,CMO,Bossman,Slavedriver,Engineer,Trackforeman,Grunt. Birdsboro & Reading Railroad
I have yet to get a bad anything from Digitrax. If you intend to do signalling and detection, go with Digitrax, the Loconet can do it all. I know of at least one large club that went with NCE and now is installing a Digitrax Loconet to run their detection and signalling - none of the others has a control bus with the capabilities of Loconet, not NCE, not Lenz, not CVP. And there are dozens of third party vendors making Loconet compatible devices so you don't even need to buy anything from Digitrax besides the command station and throttles (and there are even thrid party throttles). Digitrax lists and links to them right on their own web site. How many companies do you know that will gladly mention and link to direct competitors?
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
What do you want to do with the system?
Number of operators, number of locos running simultaneously, signalling, PC interface?
There are a host of options and features out there. Some things one system does better, other things another system does better. What works best for me, may not work for you?
Both manufacturers make a range of systems, perhaps a basic starter set is all you need, perhaps not?
Simply asking which is the best will get you a series of answers that won't lead you to the best solution for you.
Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum
rdgk1se3019 I use NCE.......the most user friendly system there is and the best support too. Digitrax has a bad habit of putting out bad product in which they expect you to send back to them for items that do work
Digitrax has a bad habit of putting out bad product in which they expect you to send back to them for items that do work
Just asking which is the best gets you pointless answers like this, simply designed to provoke a response from folks that use Digitrax.
I have never fully understood why some NCE users are so threatened by Digitrax? (A thinly veiled tongue in cheek attempt at provoke NCE fans! )
I happen to love my Digitrax system, but have used NCE several times and see many very nice things about it. I agree it is moderately easier to use in the first instance, but I find that an equivalent spec NCE system simply can not do what my Digitrax system can do. However, if you don't want to run like I do, the Digitrax features I like may well be totally irrelevant to you.
rdgk1se3019Digitrax has a bad habit of putting out bad product in which they expect you to send back to them for items that do work.
Right, like the self-destructing SB3's that you can send back with what is it, $50, to get an SB3a with a software bug?
Dennis, you're a hoot!
I started DCC about one year ago. There is so much information available it is hard to decide which one to go with. I agree with some of the other replies that for signaling, Digitrax seems to have it together. However, they have a bad rep for producing unreliable products. In addition, the user manual is written by engineers for engineers. It is very complicated. After a demonstration of basic DCC at a train show, I was convinced that NCE was what I wanted. I use all NCE decoders as well. They are very easy to install and I have not had one problem yet.
Please let us know what you decided on. I like my NCE system and think I made a good choice.
The question of what system is right for me is my personal choice. The question should be what system is right for you. This question can not be answered by me or anyone else on this or any other forum. We as DCC users can advise you on things each system can and can not do but the ultimate choice is yours. I own an NCE system but I also run layouts with Lenz and Digitraxx systems.
My advise to you is to get a hold of an NCE throttle and a Digitraxx throttle and see if you like the feel and how the buttons and knobs feel to you. Since the throttles will be the most part of the system you will see and touch.
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!
When I looked on both systems websites to look for information, Digitraxx was far better at putting up information than NCE, but I'm still not sure. Do these systems work well together?
Probably had more info posted because they had to put up info to fix problems and/or make sense of the hieroglyphics in their manuals. Why not stoke the fire created some more
Springfield PA
Forgot to add, I haven't seen my NCE manual in a long time. Dog could have ate it and I wouldn't know. Easy enough to figure out without the manual. (more fuel added for fun)
I've read both manuals. The first bunch of pages are darn near identical - telling you to hook a wire from this terminal to the track, plug in the throttle to this plug, and press these buttons and your train should move. ABout as simple as simple gets. And CVP is always touted as the easiest thing ever - their manual has a few pages of information before it gets to the "quick start" section that guides you through the initial setup that appears as the first pages of the Digitrax and NCE manuals.
Basic operation is almost exactly the same. Press Loco (or Select), key in the decoder address, hit Enter. Turn the knob (or roll the wheel). I can;t see where one's easier than the other. Programming is't really much different either. Key in or dial up the CV number, then key in or dial up a value. If you want to program without knowing what CV number does what (just check off boxes for what you want to happen), you need something like free JMRI with either system.
Don;t forget with NCE you have to assign unique cab ID's to each throttle you conenct - with Digitrax there's no such silliness, just plug in. And some specific IDs have 'issues' which is why there are notices on the NCE website saying not to use certain cab IDs with certain products.
Parts from one system like throttles and command stations will only work on like systems. An NCE throttle will not work on a digitrax and other makers system. Locomotive and most accessories decoders will work on any DCC system. About the only thing that will work on any system would be the Power supply. Beside that each system has unique components such as throttle buss panels,throttles, boosters and command stations that will only work with the same make components.
The guys stoking the fires will only add to your confusion. Each system has its good and bad points. Most of the upper end systems being either Lenz, Digitrax, or NCE will serve most modelers very well. The user interface is the throttle. That should be the determining factor on form and function to your hand is the important thing to consider. Hold each one and see if you can control a locomotive without having to constantly look and search for the proper buttons. After a few minutes it should feel like and extension of your hand. Do the button layout feel comfortable or do you need two hands to handle the buttons? I am a user of all three systems. To me the Lenz LH100 and the NCE power pro throttles have come easy for me to use. The Digitrax throttle with the knob I still have to look at for function buttons. That is because of infrequent use. If I used it more than 3 times in the last six months it would be easier with more experience.
Keep out of the flames and stay cool.
simon1966 rdgk1se3019 I use NCE.......the most user friendly system there is and the best support too. Digitrax has a bad habit of putting out bad product in which they expect you to send back to them for items that do work Just asking which is the best gets you pointless answers like this, simply designed to provoke a response from folks that use Digitrax. I have never fully understood why some NCE users are so threatened by Digitrax? (A thinly veiled tongue in cheek attempt at provoke NCE fans! ) I happen to love my Digitrax system, but have used NCE several times and see many very nice things about it. I agree it is moderately easier to use in the first instance, but I find that an equivalent spec NCE system simply can not do what my Digitrax system can do. However, if you don't want to run like I do, the Digitrax features I like may well be totally irrelevant to you.
Nice. I happen to be using NCE, have since 2000, have never used any other system since then. I like it, it does everything I want on a layout with three decks 29' by 33 '. If there are any other advantages to Digitrax, they are useless to me, I have what I need with NCE.
Bob
To our asker, I am locking this thread because it is beginning to look like so many 'great taste/less filling' threads that pop up regularly and whose only merit lies in the entertainment they offer those wise enough to stay on the sidelines. It really is too bad that so many balanced and objective posts are the targets of those whose choices are threatened by them. Simon's, Mobilman's, and Randy's for example, attempt to impart facts and balance, while a few others simply show a more puerile and self-serving approach. As someone said, "Nice."
Please use the 'Search Community' function in the right column. Use a syntax such as you would for google, and you are sure to find many threads to help you to sort it out for yourself. I am pretty sure you would be happy, and still using in several years, whatever you elect to purchase. They are all good systems, providing you know enough up front what you need them to do for you. Learning that is a personal responsibility.
-Crandell
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