Which systems are the easiest to operate when starting out??
Maybe more important that pure ease of use is ease of use together with full features and expandability. My preference is the NCE PowerCap. For about $150 bucks you get everything you need to run a modest sized layout with a few locomotives. If your layout grows or you add more locos, especially with sound, then you can add boosters or upgrade to a PowerPro system. Also important is what system do your model railroad friends use. They can be your teachers/support group if you use the same system.
I'm sure others will have other suggestions. Good luck!
The easiest to use system is the one you start with and get to know. Simple as that. I've had Digitrax since 1996. It seems second nature to me but others say the system is too hard. I pick up an NCE or MRC throttle and have trouble. I can get it as soon as I remember that it isn't my Digitrax throttle but it still isn't 2nd nature like the system I know.
What really seems to be hard is the learning curve required to make a system do more then just run a train. Every system will run a train with only a couple of key presses. Every system does not have the capability to grow as your needs or desires change. Stick with NCE, Digitrax, Zimo to get the best return for your investment.
Martin Myers
Having been into DCC for well over 10 years now and experience with most of the biggest makers the biggest question is not which is easiest but which is the best fit for your situation. The number one thing is the way the most common interface fits your hand and after a short time can you operate it without having to divert your full attention to it instead of the trains. That interface would be the throttle. I would suggest before investing in a system that you try as many as you can. Go to a DCC dealer, club shows that have modular groups, local clubs and any open houses and see, feel, and touch/operate the throttles. NCE, Digitrax, Lenz, MRC, Loksound, Easy DCC and Zimo.
My home layout uses an NCE Power Cab. My club uses Lenz and I love the feel of my Lenz LH90 throttle. If I could ever use my Lenz throttle on my home layout I would. My next investment will be a Lenz command station/booster. Then my Power Cab will be only used for programming and testing at the work bench. My friends Digitrax powered layout has a throttle that is hard for me to locate buttons and I find the knob small and hard to turn sometimes. But that is because of experience and no fault of the system. Repetition makes anything easier.
Think of your DCC system as an investment. Take the time to study the manuals for each and try as many as you can. If you ask for opinions you will get many different answers. What is right for you only you would be able to tell.
Pete
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
All of them?
Really. The basic operations of selecting a loco and moving it, and changing direction, are effectively EXACTLY the same on ALL brands of DCC.
More importantly is to look at features and growth potential. Can what you buy today to run your early layout still be usable tomorrow when you buld that 'dream' layout? Can you upgrade to wireless when you get tired of cords all over the palce? Do you have plans to add block detection and signalling in the futer?
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Roy-el Which systems are the easiest to operate when starting out??
Simple answer, the most basic ones. There are train set level DCC systems like the Bachmann Ez Command and the new Walthers/Digitrax offering that are very simple, because they are so basic. Is ease of use your only selection criteria?
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
I have a MRC Wireless which for me is great , when I get a new engine i put it on the program track and minute later its ready to roll. I have a very straight forward layout , 2 controllers and only one sound engine , the rest are all quite ,so this system works good and is ez for me to use. Its not by any means the most safisticated system but for me , its ez to use and straight forward.
I vote for the NCE Power Cab. Easy to use, expandable, reprogramming is easy.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
I intend no offence, but if you can't learn, and learn to like, any DCC system currently offered the hobbyist that will do all that the decoders, whose full potential you purchase and hope to exploit, can do for their owner, you probably should stay in DC.
More simply, anyone able to post on an internet forum should be able to master any DCC system in a couple of hours, and like it when he/she is done.
And, in case it matters, I have only ever used Digitrax, their Super Empire Builder with an added second DT400 throttle.
Crandell
hon30critter I vote for the NCE Power Cab. Easy to use, expandable, reprogramming is easy. Dave
I agree with hon30critter completely. I don't have experience with other systems but I know that with the Power Cab I have got exactly what I needed.
Guy
Modeling CNR in the 50's
selector I intend no offence, but if you can't learn, and learn to like, any DCC system currently offered the hobbyist that will do all that the decoders, whose full potential you purchase and hope to exploit, can do for their owner, you probably should stay in DC. More simply, anyone able to post on an internet forum should be able to master any DCC system in a couple of hours, and like it when he/she is done. And, in case it matters, I have only ever used Digitrax, their Super Empire Builder with an added second DT400 throttle. Crandell
Well said, and again, no offence intended. When i made the transition a few years ago, I bought a couple of basic books on DCC and, based on that information, I had to decide how it was going to be used both now and in the future. Granted, many of the 'higher end' systems do virtually all the same things so I was looking for something that would be easy for ME to operate. I settled on the Digitrax Super Empire Builder and was willing to lay out a little more money for what I wanted.
There's never time to do it right, but always time to do it over.....
A few thoughts form someone who has used a number of different DCC systems, but does not own DCC for my own layout. I have considered DCC several times and decided it did not meet my needs.
If was going to buy a DCC system it would be Easy DCC from CVP.
NCE would be my second choice.
Digitrax would be my NEVER choice with their current throttle designs - the ergonomics of their user interface are very poor at best.
Basically they are all similar, but the small buttons and hard to read display of the Digitrax throttle are a non starter for me.
Sheldon
ATLANTIC CENTRALA few thoughts form someone who has used a number of different DCC systems, but does not own DCC for my own layout. If was going to buy a DCC system it would be Easy DCC from CVP. NCE would be my second choice. Digitrax would be my NEVER choice with their current throttle designs - the ergonomics of their user interface are very poor at best.
I do own almost all of the systems.I might recommend the Digitrax Zephyr for small systems that did not plan on becoming large systems.
Were I buying a new system today this would be my preference.
#1 CVP#2 NCE#3 Lenz#4 Digitrax Zephyr for small layouts#5 All other Digitrax
I do not have Dynamis or Prodigy in the list because I am unfamiliar with their wireless solutions. I understand Dynamis uses infrared..?? I am guessing Zimo would not be at the bottom of the list but that is one I have never even played with.
It's interesting to see Lenz put ahead of Digitrax when ease of use is considered. I've read ht emanuals - wow, going through allt hose menus just to consist a loco, or to access programming. Just give me a button for direct access to the functions, thanks.
None of the others can even dream of hosting a signal system without running another 'signal' bus around the layout. Loconet can do that.
CVP and NCE require you to set cab addresses on each new cab you plug in. Digitrax, just plug them in and they work. When you mix in radio, then you have some addresses that can be used and others that you have to avoid, for no real rhyme or reason, you just have to know this, or look it up in the manual. That's 'easier'?
Digitrax was one fo the first, of not the first, to have their most basic system fully upgradable to the top of the line without throwing out anything before it, or leaving surplus unusable parts. MRC took many revisions before they finally got this, and NCE avoided it when they finally went for a starter set in the Powercab.
The UT4 throttles have a big knob, and a toggle switch for direction. It doesn;t get any easier. Someone just 'running trains' does not need a DT402 throttle. The UT4 is every bit as simplistic as anyone else's basic cab.
No one's going to change anyone's mind, I'm sure. But it will ALWAYS be easier for me to have a button for everything rather than having to ***-alt-this all over the place to access things. Who can remember all those combos, let along easily activate them on a small handheld device.
For more advanced programming of decoders, even the best menus pale compared to JMRI, which works with everything mentioned except MRC and Dynamis.
The UT4 still suffers from "small finger syndrome", with those hard to grasp wheels for the address, and then there is the plugging in to assign an address.........
But agreed, it is the most user friendly throttle from Digitrax and my prefered choice on a Digitrax powered layout.
To the OP, you might have well asked "What is better Coke or Pepsi?".
You can put me in Randy's camp, running Digitrax Zephyr Xtra with UT4 for guest operators. I also can set a train running (or two or three on the main) and use the UT4 to switch the yard. Looking to upgrade to JMRI as I now have a surplus laptop for the basement.
I upgraded from DC to Digitrax with no problems or any steep learning curve. Had one issue with Tsunami but that was found to be a defect.
I prefer Coke. Err, NCE. specifically, I like the NCE Power Cab entry level system. I want to run multiple trains and I don't want a stationary controller. I have a small layout and not too many trains. I operate alone most of the time, and do not belong to a club. Setting up and tearing down consists while running is important. These are important to me; they may not be important to you.
I think JMRI compatibility is extremely important. JMRI makes programming decoders using your computer easier, and allows you to store and duplicate decoder settings across multiple locomotives. It also allows use of ipad/ipod/iphone or android tablets/phones for wireless throttles. JMRI compatibility rules out MRC systems; they won't publish their computer interface protocol so you have to purchase and use their less-capable software. JMRI is free, and supports NCE, Digtrax and others.
Affordable expandability from entry level systems to full-blown top-of-the-line systems, while protecting the initial investment is a big plus. Digtrax and NCE both score very well here.
The stationary control/throttle rules out a Digitax Zephyr for me. If I add the cost of a full-featured throttle to the Zephyr, I might as well go with one of their high-end systems that comes with one, and hide the "box" underneath/behind the layout somewhere. But that's not at a starter system cost either.
If I was interested in transponding (giving a computer the ability to know which train was where on the layout), that would steer me towards Digitrax. But I'm not.
Digtrax allows you to control a DC locomotive using address 0. If you're careful. And if you don't want/have automated reverse loops. And if you don't park it on a powered track for any extended time.
Occupancy detection, signaling, and turnout control are easily doable with NCE or Digtrax (I don't know about the other brands). Digitrax Loconet is a really nice subsystem for this, but it can also be setup alongside NCE and other systems, without having to use Digitrax throttles (which I personally dislike).
Any system is easy to use, once you know how to use it. Some are harder to learn to use than others. Find local clubs and hobby shops where you can try both Digitrax and NCE starter systems (with both full-featured and smaller "operator" throttles).
Find out how easy it is to switch between two or more trains running at different speeds/directions, without stopping the one you just left. How easy it is to access special functions (lights, sounds)? How easy is it to change momentum settings? How easy is it to setup and tear down locomotive consists? How easy is it to stop everything quickly (hopefully without shutting down the system)? These are just a few of the things that may be important to you.
If you also want to join a club, what do they use? Would any of your equipment be usable with theirs (throttles, etc.)? How easy is it to put your throttle on their system (and back on your system)?
That way you find out what is best for you, not for us.
Andy
Andy:
I like Coke too!
Seriously, you made some very good points. I'm not into JMRI, at least yet anyhow, but so far I haven't seen the need. The Power Cab has allowed me to reprogram decoders just fine. As for signals, I plan on keeping their operation as simple as possible. They will mainly be used to indicate turnout position.
I have said this before - Digitrax controllers are not ergonomically convenient, at least for me. I have 10 thumbs, and none of them oppose each other! I want to watch my trains, not stare blankly at a bunch of identical buttons trying to figure out which one to push.
I hope nobody takes this as a criticism of Digitrax per say. They obviously make good stuff. Its just not for me.
Anyone else reach the conclusion that the original post was a troll post just thrown out there to get bunch of folks wasting their time in a Ford v GM food fight?
I think that's a fair assessment, Simon. Seems there's been a few of those recently.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Sorry for Simon and Tom but I disagree. As a newbie to DCC I learned a lot reading this kind of post. In fact, I decided on the NCE Power Cab as my first system reading opinions on it and other options, not reading advertisings or magazines articles that will try to stay neutral.
As long as MRR Forum will be useful for newbies and experts, it will stay popular.
Guy,
I believe you missed the somewhat tongue in cheek point of Simon's post. It wasn't about whether threads like this are useful to newbies (or non-newbies - for that matter); it was about the poster and his real reason for posting the thread in the first place.
Here are a few reasons why Simon might have come to his conclusion:
Granted, this may not be the case this time around, Guy. However, I've seen one or two other threads recently started by first-timers that seemed to have the same affect. (Case in point: this thread started on Jan 5th)
If you know the makeup of certain forum members and which topics generally push which members buttons, it's not too difficult to light the proverbial "bag on the front porch" on fire then watch - with amusement - the outcome of the prank from the safety of the nearby bushes. As an ex-mod around here, I've seen it done.
Tom nailed it! I am not opposed to a good conversation about comparing DCC systems, it just seems suspicious to me that the OP throws out one comment guaranteed to rev up the NCE V Digitrax debate and then vanishes.
Methinks 'twas Roy AL.
You mean..."he who can not be reasoned with"?
Y'all may very well be right. But I would not conclude that the OP has vanished just yet. It's only been two days...
Given the civility of the responses so far, there's not much of a fire to watch either. Let's keep it that way. We can disagree without being disrespectful.
Lots of newbies and returning modelers are interested in topics like this, and the search feature is not always easy or useful. So having a periodic subject like this is not all that bad.
Discussions like this, even when filled with personal preferences, are still very helpful. They often provide insights into how other people use these complex systems that may not be obvious, and may provide new ideas for other users, not just the OP.
simon1966 Tom nailed it! I am not opposed to a good conversation about comparing DCC systems, it just seems suspicious to me that the OP throws out one comment guaranteed to rev up the NCE V Digitrax debate and then vanishes.
Not everybody who reads or posts on forums has time to sit around and monitor them all the time. Some of us actually have lives that don't involve computer screens and/or smart phones.
You will notice i seldom post during weekdays during the workday.
Two days is not long at all for some poeple.
Tom,
It seems I still have a lot to learn from this forum. Thank you for pointing this one to me.
No problem, Guy. Just lessons learned along the way. Hopefully the OP will dial back in with some additional input.
I made this decision a while ago too. I ended up going with Nce because of the way the cab felt and because of the simplicity. I looked at digitrax and decided it was to confusing with some throttles that had hexidecimal and others with decimal. Another key point was how fast the customer service was. Nce was quick next weekday sort of thing and all ways giving me the info I needed. Digitrax took a couple of week days and still gave me enough info. As well I got a pretty good deal on my power cab.