Hmmm, don't know what happened to this post from a couple days ago so I'll retype.
After the above message I wrote Lenz a note asking where the units were manufactured. The reply was "Germany".
cacoleLenz used to be made in Germany. Where it comes from today is unknown.
http://www.lenzusa.com/
Lenz was my first "serious" DCC system. It has performed above expections for almost 15 years. The downfall of the Lenz system are it's wireless throttles. It uses a wireless telephone set. I solve the problem by getting CVPs wireless throttles. Still the best in my opinion.
I now also own an NCE and Digitrax system, but still consider the Lenz to be primary.
Were I starting from ground zero I would seriously be considering the CVP EasyDCC. I love the two built in throttles on the control unit.
Then I didn't see anyone mention the Zimo. I have not seen one, but I hear they are great. They have been getting good reviews too.
I know you said wireless was desireable but not required. That is one option I encourage everyone to get right up front. It costs less that way, and I can tell you it is always annoying to be reaching for something and find yourself constrained by being teathered to the layout. Also two operators always seem to be tripping over one another's cords.
As you can see it is going to come down to what you want / like and the desired price point. Many will recommend going to a hobby store that has each of the units on demo and just feeling how the various throttles feel in ones hand. If there is a preference for push buttons or knobs, etc.
Hi. As others suggested, the forum search tool will take you to many interesting related threads. I'd also suggest some literature before deciding...I like the MR "DCC Guide; How to Select and Use Your Command Control System". There are also some good websites, many referenced in some of the older threads.
In my case for my new 5' x 10' HO layout, I narrowed it (for me) to Digitrax vs NCE.
You will also want to figure out whether your layout would require or benefit from items such as subdistricts (additional circuit breakers off a main district's power) or reversers needed for reversing loops, wyes or turntables. These items do not have to be from the main system's manufacturer. One reason I liked Digitrax was it has a wide range of such accessories such as these, though in the end I opted for an NCE system and added another vendor's subdistrict breakers and reversers.
Paul
Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent
This topic comes up a lot, and I don't see much need to recommend a specific system based on one's own preferences. There are three major systems in the North American market which represent good choices - NCE, Digitrax, and maybe Easy DCC. All three are solid, upgradeable and have widespread user acceptance. Other systems tend to have relatively smaller user bases, expensive or limited upgrade paths, and/or other potential consumer pitfalls. Even at that, they still do work for certain users. Be careful choosing based on initial price, as you could end up with a system that will be difficult or costly to expand, negating any up-front benefit. It may also be tough to re-sell once you realize it doesn't fit your needs.
I'd suggest seeing which of the "big three" is readily available in your area or has an established user base. Test it/them out in person if possible to see if the user interface and manuals are to your liking and go from there.
Rob Spangler
Harry k Birks
One nice thing about the Digitrax Zypher is the expandability of it.If you want to go wireless after a while, buy a UT4r or UT4D throttle and required UR91x. Also, the Zypher can use jump throttles. Google Zypher jump throttle and down load the manual for the Zypher for more info on jump throttles. If interested in Digitrax, check out the Digitrax Yahoo group. I have a Digitraz Super Empire Builder with 1 tethered throttle and 2 UT4R wire less. Joe.
If you are a lone operator and have a small layout and maybe run a single loco at a time, the Digitrax Zephyr extra is for you. It is cheap, ($169.00 - Model Train Stuff), and will serve anyone's initial needs and yet is still inexpensively expandable via "loco net" to another cab.
DCC is great and is just fine running one loco at a time. So many seem to believe DCC has value only for multiple locos/operators. Yes, it is for that too, but with the modern turn to DCC and DCC RTR motive power and especially sound, you will be way out in front going DCC right out of the chute.
Richard
If I can't fix it, I can fix it so it can't be fixed
I have the Digitrax Super Chief and love it. That said, only YOU know which system is best for you. I suggest you do what I did. I went to the various manufacturers' websites and downloaded the manuals. After reading all the manuals I made my choice.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
Something else to consider is after-market service and support. Digitrax, NCE, and CVP EasyDCC are made in the USA and are serviced in the USA. All three brands also have an upgrade path.
MRC is made in China. Their DCC systems themselves are not bad, but service may be a problem. .Upgrade is, in some cases, impossible.
Lenz used to be made in Germany. Where it comes from today is unknown.
Consider what system is used by those at your local hobby shop/club so you can get some help every now and then. I prefer Digitrax due to it's loconet, expandability and wide use and good support.
Also, having lots of functions on the cab helps as well as radio control so you can easily walk around.
Be sure and add up the amps for the locos and lighted cars you'll operate to determine size. It's not the physical size of the layout.
Also consider tying in your computer so you can use decoder pro.
I don't plan on having many operators, just myself and my sister and possibly my brother. I'm interested in wireless but I don't have to have it. I won't be running more than six or seven locos at any given time.
This topic comes up very often. You can do a search here to get some info. If you are new you may not know the names of they systems out there, I know I did not when I started. The two big ones are Digitrax, which I use, which as a good starter system or NCE. http://www.ncedcc.com/ and http://www.digitrax.com/products/command-stations-boosters/ There are few out there but I suspect these two brands make up the majority. Somethings to consider- is it just you or more operators, how many locos are you going to be running at one time, do you want wireless or not.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my MRC Prodigy Advance (not squared) system for several years. Although their decoders have earned a poor reputation, their DCC systems appear to be every bit as robust as their DC power packs. At the time I purchased the system, I was able to purchase the complete starter system (including a power supply) plus an second handheld for about the same price as the Digitrax Super Empire Builder system. I like the intuitiveness of the system design as I rarely need to look at any instructions to figure out how to program CV's or create consists. My layout is about 10' by 19' and double decked and this system handles it all just fine. My locos use MRC, Digitrax and Lenz decoders and all communicate with the MRC system without problems. Heck, even the three MRC steam sound decoders I have had installed in three MDC 2-6-2 loco kits for several years run flawlessly too! I cannot compare the system to anything but the old Atlas Commander (Lenz) system as I have no hands-on experience with any other systems. I would purchase this system again.
Hornblower
Hi everyone, I am wondering what dcc system to use on my layout that I'm planning. It's ho scale and small to medium sized. So if you have any suggestions I'd appreciate it.