dsabourne I found this page on Tony's Train Exchange which is a very useful comparsion. http://www.tonystrains.com/productcompare/dcccomparison.htm Don't forget to also read Tony's Off the Cuff DCC Comparison. David
I found this page on Tony's Train Exchange which is a very useful comparsion.
http://www.tonystrains.com/productcompare/dcccomparison.htm
Don't forget to also read Tony's Off the Cuff DCC Comparison.
David
Note the date on both the comparison and the off the cuff comments, these are almost 5 years old now and there have been some changes in the products offered by most of the manufacturers.
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
Pretty sure he meant DecoderPro - however you CAN import track layouts from XtrkCad to use as the basis for control panels built with the PanelPro part of the JMRI software.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Selector - Did you mean XTrkCad or DecoderPro, etc. for computer programing of decoders?
I would echo the remarks about the SEB. I have one, love it, and it is a powerful and reliable beast. But.....I'm a lone operator....what am I doing with 5 amps? That's enough to power 12 sound-equipped locomotives.towing a lot of cars.
But...on the other hand, it would be nice to have that to call on in years ahead as one's needs grow...if that is at all likely.
So, to me the issue is if something more modest, but with one or two other key capabilities would be a better match for the foreseeable future. In that respect, a system offering 2-3 amps is probably going to be very good. If it allows expandability, that is perfect. If it has interchangeable components for an upgraded system, or one with more capacity, that is also very good. The ability to 'look into' a decoder and find the current CV values is often handy, I'm sure, but I can't say because the SEB doesn't offer that function to me. So, I do without. I don't know to miss it.
One other attractive nice to have, some would say essential, is the ability to link to a computer and programme and inventory all settings for each engine in a handy page file. This capacity only comes with certain systems, and not currently with the SEB as it comes to you. The programme that people tout widely is available as freeware. It is called [edit -] Decoder Pro from JMRI (thanks for pointing out my error, fellas).
About DCC engines with sound. I would agree with Atlas, although I have two exquisite Athearn Genesis SD75M that run very well. There are some issues with Genesis trucks on their diesels being twisted, and several manufacturers have some cracked drive gear issues. They all fix their products under warranty. Kato makes excellent diesels. Broadway Limited makes good products, although my knowledge and experience with BLI is strictly in steam.
Walthers Proto 2000 diesels are excellent. Rapido trains will market a fine F diesel in time, maybe by Christmas. This is purely a guess because they are meticulous about their research and product development.
Good luck.
-Crandell
If you are only going to run 2-3 locos, a Zepher or Powercab will give you all you need.A larger set may be what you end up with but is more than you need.
Bob, Atlas Gold locomotives are IMO some of the very best but they tend to be in very limit supply. I have also had good experience with Broadway Limited and the Proto 2000 with sound.
The Super Empire Builder is a decent system, but it does have a shortcoming that you may find to be an issue, specifically it does not have an independent program track (You can create one per Digitrax instructions http://tsd.digitrax.com/index.php?a=1442 ) and also the system can not read back CV values from decoders. To be frank, this is not an issue to everyone, but I for one value the ability to interrogate a decoder and see how it is currently set up. Again this is not insurmountable, as you can create an independent programing environment with a PR3, a cast off computer, and the free Decoder Pro software.
There are many, including me in the past, that say that the SEB should be removed from the Digitrax product line due to the lack of CV read. But as a result of another forum member Cudaken getting one, I have begun to appreciate that it is actually a great value system with a lot of capability and one that is easy to overcome the CV shortcoming.
Thanks guys'I called my local hobby house.He carries the Digitrax dcc.He says he has had great support from Digitrax and would let me try it.He said bite the bullet and get the empire system.It comes with the walk around and has 5 amps.More than I would ever need he says.Now one more question.Who makes the bestHO Dcc Engine tha has all the sounds and such.I have to get at least one to try out.Thanks Bob
The title of this thread says it all. If you go with Bachmann's EZ Command. it will be your first DCC system. Go with one of the other systems, (NCE, Digitrax, CVP, etc.) it will be the only system you will ever need. This is because they all start out as full featured starter systems. Their manufacturers have designed them to be upgraded or integrated into their other equipment. Heck, they even tell you how to use some of it with other manufacturer's stuff.
Martin Myers
Bob, there are many archived, and recent, threads where people have asked your main question about starting in DCC. Just to the right, in the right sidebar, you'll see "Search Community" in a black banner. Below that, type "Which DCC system is best" and click on 'search'. You'll get enough reading in examples of posts and threads showing to take you to Sunday night.
One bit of advice. Figure out why you are interested in DCC at all. What is it you think would be a welcome change from your experience in DC? Go to tonystrainexchange.com and read his DCC primer. Get a good handle on the capabilities that draw you like a fly to honey. Then read the threads you find in "Search Community" and get a good feel for the systems being touted by those who are championing them as you read all the hundreds of claims and experiences.
The fact is, all of the starter sets are good ones. They are all reliable. But they are different in some not so small ways once you get a good handle on what you really need or want out of your early DCC experience. Forget the claims about system A being better than system B, especially from individuals who may not have had a good introduction to the one they say they dislike. For that matter, there are a few who have tried DCC and actually reverted back to DC...they found nothing compelling, or they just couldn't adapt for some reason. So, it takes all kinds in this hobby, and that's what you'll find in discussions about DCC. Bone up, read up on what each system does, and then make up your own mind. You'll find that you can run and enjoy any of them.
...except I don't recommend the EZ-Comnmand. It doesn't allow you to programme decoders fully. It just can't...was never designed to do that. So, it is a DCC system that doesn't come with all the capabilities that every other system you can name does.
Good hunting. Read all the comments with a jaundiced eye.
Hi!
Like a previous poster wrote, there are usually 2 or 3 similar questions like yours posted every week. I asked one like it about 14 months ago.
Most folks - NOT all of course - will indicate Digitrax or NCE as the way to go. Bachmann & MRC just don't have the following - from what I gather - for those that are looking to expand, etc. Lenz is another quality manufacturer, but - from what I gather - is typically used in Canada, Europe, and not so much in the US.
In short, you can't go wrong with Digitrax or NCE. Which one to pick, well that's like asking which is better - Ford or Chevy.
Mobilman44
ENJOY !
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
Look at all maufacturers offerings. They all offer entry level sets. Im not sure about Bachmanns system, MRC, Digitrax and NCE offer systems that are expandable as your layout grows and you get more comfortable with dcc. I started with the Digitrax Zepher and Im very happy with it. If its possible, find another modeler in your area using the system you are considering. Try to get invited over to see and possibly use the system.
There are numerous threads on this, usually a couple a week. You can run a search for DCC and you'll find them. You 'll get similar here but the 2 most suggested are the NCE Power Cab , and the Digitraxx Zephyr Both are great starters. Can you guess which one I started with?
Edit: Actually there is another post going on right now discussing starter sets.
Springfield PA
I am in the process of starting a new rail road.I have all the stuff from other layout I have buildt'all dual cab.Even have the panels allready wired that can be use again.My layout will be a point tp point with one main and many spurs.It will be U shape against the walls of a garage 12by20.I am going to use my original switch board for the main switches.But really thinking abouy going DCC.I will never run over 2 trains at a time.Would like to have sound but nothing else now.None of my older engines are DCC.But would like to buy a few new ones.What system would be good to start with.I see Bauchman has a EZ command system that looks good for newvies in DCC.Are should I just go dual cab so I can run my older trains.Thanks BOB