Hello all. Im finally ready to take the dive into DCC and being on a shoe-string budget I need something decent for a low price. Im leaning toward the Dynamis, I've seen it on Model Train Stuff 119.99. Can someone please let me know if its worth it. Thank you!
-Kade
If you are getting it from MB Klein's or somewhere else at a bargain price, say $115 or so, yes, it is a good bargain and should run several trains nicely. Once you get above about $125, you are getting into the basic NCE and Digitrax territory. From there, do power comparisons, ease of handling, the way the throttle works, whether it has a programming track output for that purpose, and so on.
Certainly it is better than its predecessor, the EZ-Command IMO.
Crandell
Thanks Crandell! I've actually had the E-Z Command, got it with the train set. Wont make that mistake again. -Kade
The only problem with the Dynamis is it's a dead-end system. There's not a lot you can add to it, and even that is ridiculously expensive. It's a stripped down version of the ESU Navigator, but the Navigator is expandable to a full-blown ECoS system, and the Dynamic is not. It also has just one wireless mode - IR - which is line of sight so unless you can locate the base where you can always point the controller at it, it won't work too well.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
I don't recommend the Dynamis to anybody. You may be able to find the base system for a relatively low price, but once you have that you're looking at serious limitations for future expansion, and a very expensive upgrade path to get there. Once you try to unload it, you'll likely have a harder time trying to do so since it's not in demand like the major systems, and if you want friends involved (with extra throttles and such to spread cost around) it will probably be tougher to convince them to invest in Dynamis. If you need help troubleshooting, the local and on-line user base is also going to be smaller.
To avoid future buyer's remorse, I'd suggest NCE or Digitrax, or maybe Easy DCC.
Rob Spangler
Kade,
While I'm a bigger fan of the E-Z Command than either you or my friend, Crandell, I would NOT waste my money on the Dynamis for the reasons already given. If money is tight, take the time to save the extra $$$ and purchase the NCE Power Cab or the Zephyr Xtra. Both systems are far more expandable-friendly and cheaper to do so.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
The infra red can be an issue. Some have experienced issues because some fluorescent lights confuse the system. Do a Google search for, fluorescent lights Dynamis. You will see some discussions about this issue.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
I am told by several members of the local model railroad club that they have had problems with their DCC system components and have sent back the malfunctioning units to the manufacturer and in most cases have hade the unit repaired or replaced at a reasonable cost..
They all use various systems and the manufactures involved were NCE, Digitrax and MRC.
One member had a problem with a Dynamis and found out there was only a 30 day warrantee, when he found out he was not covered and the unit could not be repaired he switched to the MRC system.
I would shop around and get anything other than a Dynamis unit, short warrantee, and it is indeed a dead end system.
I own a Dynamis that I purchased for a door N scale layout. I also have a small HO layout that I operate with a MRC Prodigy.
The Dynamis for $120 is worth the money in my opinion after using it for about a year. It is very easy to programme and operate. Yes the IR is line of sight but it is still a wireless system.
The other systems mentioned, I'm sure are all good but they do cost more. At Kleins the NCE is $200, the Zephyr is $170. A Prodigy Express is $140 at Trainworld.
You should ask yourself how important it isto you to be able to add on. For me , it isn't as I would just buy a larger system if I ever had the space to build a larger layout which is very doubtful. After all it is only $120 which in the scheme of things, isn't a large sum. Besides, I don't have any other operators except myself so I have absolutely no need for additional throttles.
For me a walk around throttle is an absolute must so the Zephyr wasn't in the running even when I bought my Prodigy.
As you can see choice does depend on your objectives and needs and of course funds available.
Warranty is one year at least according to the card that came in the box with mine.
CN Charlie
CNCharlieAt Kleins the NCE is $200
At Klein's (modeltrainstuff.com), $200 is the list price for the NCE PowerCab. Once you add it to your shopping cart, it's $149.99 street price.
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
CNCharlie I own a Dynamis that I purchased for a door N scale layout. I also have a small HO layout that I operate with a MRC Prodigy. The Dynamis for $120 is worth the money in my opinion after using it for about a year. It is very easy to programme and operate. Yes the IR is line of sight but it is still a wireless system. The other systems mentioned, I'm sure are all good but they do cost more. At Kleins the NCE is $200, the Zephyr is $170. A Prodigy Express is $140 at Trainworld. You should ask yourself how important it isto you to be able to add on. For me , it isn't as I would just buy a larger system if I ever had the space to build a larger layout which is very doubtful. After all it is only $120 which in the scheme of things, isn't a large sum. Besides, I don't have any other operators except myself so I have absolutely no need for additional throttles. For me a walk around throttle is an absolute must so the Zephyr wasn't in the running even when I bought my Prodigy. As you can see choice does depend on your objectives and needs and of course funds available. Warranty is one year at least according to the card that came in the box with mine. CN Charlie
Bachmann's web site currently shows electrical, speed controllers, etc at 90 days. Locomotives at 1 year.
I have recently made the switch to DCC, when I did there was a nice write-up (I think in the pages of MR) that gave the complete run down of the features of almost all available systems in a side by side view. This led me to choose the Digitrax Zephyr Extra. For me it was between that or the NCE system, both are expandable, seem to have the most complete available features and most clubs will use one or the other which means you may also have a throttle to use if you join a club. I suggest you just think of where you plan to go with the hobby and try to get a system that can stay with you, it will save some headache down the road.
Modelling HO Scale with a focus on the West and Midwest USA
Be always mindful of the phrase: "Penny wise and pound foolish".
It is a giant mistake to assume that your current needs and wants will never change. As you live with your model railroad you will desire to grow. Can your chosen system grow with you, or will you need to throw it away and start over?
My personal preference is Digitrax. I have the Super Chief. There are several good quality expandable brands. Bachmann is not one of them.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow