Hi,
I'm looking into DCC. A few systems have caught my eye and wanted to get some input from the forum. I'm hoping to get something that is easy to use, compatible with all decoders (I don't have any decoders yet), is expandable for a growing layout, and has wireless capability. I really gravitate toward the handheld systems like the NCE Powercab. Anyway, being a frugal consumer, I'm looking for something decent, but not crazy expensive. I don't have access to a decent LHS and I haven't found any local clubs in my area (Pullman, WA) so I really don't have any options for "trying before buying" other than YouTube demos. Systems that I have read a little about...
EasyDCC
NCE Powercab
Bachman E-Z DCC (seems too "toy-like")
WiThrottle (needs a 3rd party amplifier/system to utilize?)
The entry level NCE Powercab looks pretty sweet, but I would like some opinions and other suggestions if you have them.
My preference is Digitrax due to the LAN. You can wirelessly tie in as well as get a USB/LAN interface so that your computer can tie in. That gets you a lot of capability from programming with decoder pro to having several throttles for "free". Digitrax can be a very flexible pick and choose system or you can buy the sets. For example the Zephyr comes with a power supply and you you can make it wireless by getting either a ur91 or ur92.
Richard
Will,
I owned and used the Bachmann E-Z Command for a year. It's a decent DCC system but it is limited:
Will, if you can live with those limitations then the E-Z Command will serve you well. However, I would NOT pay full price for one. I bought my E-Z Command for nearly 50% off MSRP ($53). I also bought it knowing its limitations; soley to see if I wanted to persue DCC or not.
After the E-Z Command, I purchased an NCE Power Cab when it first came out ('06) and have been very happy with it. I now operate my Power Cab with the new 5A NCE Smart Booster (SB3a).
Will, if you'd like to read an initial review of the Power Cab, click on my web site link below and go to my Review page. There's a review of the Power Cab, CAB-04p throttle, and old and new Smart Boosters.
As far as other DCC systems, EasyDCC and Digitrax make very good ones. The Zephyr (or new Zephyr Xtra) may work out very well for you, too. Neither is quite as portable as the Power Cab though.
Hope that's a help...
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
I would suggest that you only consider either the NCE Power Cab or the Digitrax Xtra. You just can't go wrong with either of these two leading, American made products.
It will probably boil down to which system's hand-held throttle best suits you. With the Xtra you have to add the hand-held throttle, as the Zephyr is a non-movable unit and is opertated from a fixed location. This means more initial cost for the Zephyr system but if you don't need the mobility right away you could grow into. Keep in mind that the Power Cab only gives you about 7' of mobility unless you upgrade with additional products.
A lot depends on how you will run your railroad. For example I only run solo so I need a full-featured hand-held throttle that does everything. For me, the ultimate, ideal system turned out to be the Zephyr plus a duplex radio throttle (DT402D/UR92).
The DT402D works so much better for me than the NCE Power Cab throttle. But that's just me and there are many who are totally sold on the Power Cab and really love it. Both are great companies with excellent customer service, so as I said, you can't go wrong with either.
I can't stand the thought of running anything but a wireless throttle, and if you can afford it, it would be nice to start out that way from the beginning.
Jerry
Rio Grande vs. Santa Fe.....the battle is over but the glory remains!
I run 2 ovals with 2 engines
I have the NCE and really like it --don't know what other features I would need that it doesn't have
51% share holder in the ME&O ( Wife owns the other 49% )
ME&O
will c Systems that I have read a little about... EasyDCCNCE Powercab
EasyDCCNCE Powercab
I've never heard of the WiThrottle.
WiThrottle is an app for iPhone, iPod Touches, iPads, and Android phones that lets you use your phone as a throttle, via JMRI and an appropriate computer interface. It's not a DCC system. So, any DCC system with a suported computer interface (sorry, MRC) will work with it - if you already have a computer anyway, and already have one of the supported devices, then you basically are getting a very cheap wireless throttle. It works very nicely, the touch screen controls are not the least bit clunky.
--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 scale is this DCC for?
AC power or DC power, small or large scale?
Makes a difference in what can be used. Previous responses look like HO type power for DC applications.
Of those you listed,
NCE Powercab without a doubt.
It will offer you the most flexibility. And it will give you a better route to expansion. However all of these are less than ideal in that aspect.
Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions
Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!
piercedan What scale is this DCC for? AC power or DC power, small or large scale? Makes a difference in what can be used. Previous responses look like HO type power for DC applications.
DCC is for any scale. I've seen it used on G->Z. But different scales require different equipment based on which scale you use.
It's output is square wave AC. (As opposed to sinusoidal AC output typical with O scale) It goes from cab->command station->power booster->track->decoder->train motor/outputs.
http://www.nmra.org/standards/DCC/
Texas Zepher also mentions two very good systems, Lenz and EasyDCC. The problem is, in the U.S. we have five very good systems to choose from. This is great but for those like you who don't have access to a good LHS, and nowhere to do a hands-on tryout, you must rely on your own research and comments from other users in a forum like this.
Many users grow to adapt and love the system they initially chose. I was fortunate to be able to try out all five of these systems. And, I have to tell you that I would be hard pressed to say anything bad about any of them. As one grows in the hobby, layout gets bigger, maybe you add more operators, start getting interested in specific aspects of operation and electronic possibilities, etc., you start to realize that maybe one of these systems really does suit you best.
So, just do your reseach the best you can, read manuals, try to visualize what your future needs might be, and then make your choice. Whatever that might be you're going to love it. And if future needs point you in a different direction you can always sell your system and go for something else.
P.S. Don't lock in too hard on personal opinions of people like me. We all have our prejudices that may not affect you at all. For example, my "tunnel vission" about wanting a wireless throttle that does everything. This, and other people's personal prejudices, may not be important to you at all. So just use your best judgement and then choose. You won't regret it because this DCC stuff is just too much fun!
Gentlemen,
I appreciate you taking the time to provide your experiences and opinions regarding these systems. I think I've decided to go with the NCE PowerCab over the Digitrax Zephyr. The EasyDCC system is a little too high of an initial cost for me as with the Lenz systems. I like the handheld operation that the PowerCab provides out of the box while the Zephyr appears to have a few more features (higher amperage, etc.) I also like the display on the PowerCab more than the Zephyr. I'm building an 8' by 30" shelf switching layout so a 7' tether isn't a limitation. All switches will be manually thrown with Caboose Industries' levers for the time being and I don't have lighting plans right now.
Thanks again. I'll be back soon regarding wiring do's and don'ts for my layout and decoders for my old locos.
Will
The powercab won't let you down and is a great starter system. Good Luck with it.
One of these days I'll have to dig mine out and sell it. Havne't used it in several months after Selling my PhPro and picking up a Digitrax empire builder xtra.
Springfield PA