starter set

[simon1966]

The Z is what I use and I have no complaints. I like it very much and would not hesitate to recommend it.   It is run in my household with 2 Duplex radio throttles, a PC interface for Decoder Pro with other throttles on that, plus a tethered throttle and a couple of basic DC pack throttles.   The Z on its own is not a move-able throttle as I am sure you are aware, so you would need to add a radio panel (UR91 or the newer UR92) and a matching radio throttle.  (DT402R or UT4R with the UR91 or the DT402D or UT4D with the UR92)

[dale8chevyss]

Thanks for the replies.

 

I should have mentioned that it's for a home use, myself only.  (perhaps one or two other person.) I'd like to have a radio throttle, for maneuverability.  I've seen the Digitraxx Zephyr, what do you think about that one?  I'll go do some research on it so you don't have to answer the questions for me.

 

Thanks

[tstage]

Of the two most popular DCC systems mentioned by Rich, each offers what would be deemed a "starter" system.  Digitrax has the Zephyr (now called the Zephyr Xtra) and NCE has the Power Cab.  And set up is as simple as attaching two wires to the back of the Loconet (Digitrax) or UTP (NCE) panel and attaching the other end to your track.

Each system is very good and each has it's pluses and minuses.  (Mostly pluses, I might add.)  You can't go wrong with either one, IMO.

Tom

[richhotrain]

dale8chevyss

I'm looking to purchase a DCC for my 10X8 layout and I'm wondering what would be the best in terms of startablility as well as being economical.  What do you recommend?

 

Asking the question is a lot easier than giving the answer.

This is an oft asked question on this forum, and there are plenty of different answers.

NCE and Digitrax are probably the most popular two DCC systems.  Both manufacturers offer starter sets and more advanced sets.  

Setting up a DCC system is pretty easy and fairly basic.

As you have already been advised, going with a starter set at the outset may be intially inexpensive, but in the long run, it may be more economical to purchase a more advanced set at the outset.

If you do decide to initially go with a starter set, NCE makes a Power Cab which can later be upgraded to a Power House Pro system. 

Personally, I have an NCE Power House Pro 5 amp system.  The system came with one throttle, the Pro Cab.  I later added a second throttle.  Still later, I converted both throttles to wireless and added a wireless base station and antenna.

Rich

[simon1966]

"Startability"?  Ease of initial setup and/or ease of use?

Setup is not much more than connecting a pair of terminals to your power bus, plugging in the power    supply and getting going.  A self contained console system like the Zephyr (digitrax) is probably simpler to install in the first instance as there are fewer bits to deal with, but we are talking miniscule differences here.

All the systems have simple "getting started" guides in their manuals.  There is not much to choose between them on the  basics.

[fwright]

I'm big on taking a good stab at what you want the end state to look like in a few years.  Then choose the components necessary to start, but that will also be part of the final package.  Of the 5 major DCC system makers (Lenz, CVP, MRC, Digitraxx, NCE), some are going to be eliminated by features wanted in the end state.

In other words:

• How many throttles do you ultimately envision using?
• Walk-around or fixed?  Or a combination?
• Radio or tethered for walk-around?
• Current capacity needed is going to be determined by the number of engines actually in use simultaneously.
• Is this strictly for home, or will you use one of your throttles at a club or modular setup?
• Will you want to use Decoder Pro to program decoders?
• Will signaling, automation, or other reasons for train detection be a part of your future?
• Is one particular make of throttle more appealing than the others?

Once you answer the questions, research the various systems and the answer(s) will be pretty obvious.  The questions should reflect your preferences.  As a result, my recommendations based on my preferences may very well steer you in the wrong direction.

my thoughts, your choices

Fred W

[dale8chevyss]

I'm looking to purchase a DCC for my 10X8 layout and I'm wondering what would be the best in terms of startablility as well as being economical.  What do you recommend?