I am looking at these two system and am not sure witch would be the best to start with for a modular layout setup. i will run between 2 and 5 locos at once.
Easy DCC by CVP Products is a console with two control knobs. They have a wireless throttle add-on, but their radio throttles have no recall stack so each throttle can operate only one train at a time. The basic console can control more than two trains simultaneously, but switching from one to the other is a rather convoluted procedure.
NCE PowerHouse Pro with ProCabR (Radio) throttles have a 6 locomotive recall stack, so one radio throttle can theoretically control up to 6 trains at the same time. The basic PowerHouse system has no control knobs, so add-on throttles are required. They also have tethered throttles, but I have none of them and don't know if they also have a recall stack..
I have both systems and prefer the NCE, not because I run multiple trains at once but I think it is easier to use.
You probably already know that you can download the manuals for both systems from their respective web sites.
Both systems are very reliable, are made in the U.S.A., and their customer service is very good.
cacole I have both systems and prefer the NCE, not because I run multiple trains at once but I think it is easier to use.
I've used both as well, and find NCE's interface to be easier.
Rob Spangler
Thank you for all the details on both systems. I just started this hobby and was looking at these systems. i would also like to know which system is the fastest to setup and would be good on a modular layout.
Chris C ....i would also like to know which system is the fastest to setup and would be good on a modular layout.
....i would also like to know which system is the fastest to setup and would be good on a modular layout.
I'm not sure what you mean by modular layout or setup. The "modular" setups and layouts I work with are Free-mo and Free-mo HOn3. Wiring and control specs are part of the modular interface to allow modules built by many individuals to be combined in a single layout or setup. The Free-mo standard effectively mandates Digitrax. The Free-mo HOn3 wiring standard was developed to allow any of the more common DCC systems, but in practice we always use NCE.
I'm not familiar with the NMRA modular standards, but I'm sure they have similar mandates so that modules built by different builders will play nice together. And the S&SS modular standards can use either Digitrax or NCE (or both on isolated tracks).
If your modules will never be put together with anybody else's, then you can use whatever you like. If you use true modular construction (sections do not have to be put together in a particular order) you will want to define the interface for the module ends before building. It makes wiring and track design and construction much easier if the desired end result is known ahead of time.
On the other hand, if you mean sectional construction (sections are always put together in the same relationship), then you can define the interface between sections on the fly. Interfaces between sections in sectional construction don't have to be the same.
my thoughts, your choices
Fred W
It will never be plugged into any ones layout. Thank you for the explanation. As for the sectional construction this is more what i am talking about.
I too have both systems (EasyDCC and NCE) and can recommend both.
I don't know that either is "easier" to install. Hook the power to the system, hook the system to the track, connect the throttle(s) and go. I would guess either can be hooked up in less than 30 minutes.
I like the CVP panel with the two throttles on it. I love the new CVP wireless system. Unfortunately I only have the older system, but like it just as well. I even use CVP wireless for my Lenz system.
I don't like the NCE hammer-head throttles they remind me of the old "brick" cell phones. They are big and heavy. However they do make smaller utility throttles 04R and 06R. I use my 06 more than any other.
Of course I am also a big fan of having one throttle per train. I find this controlling multiple trains with a single throttle and sorting through "stacks" of address to be entirely too video gamish for my taste.
The only thing I can say is to read the manuals (available on-line) and determine which you would find easiest to install and use. Find a real system in a hobby store or somewhere else that you can touch and use yourself. Get the feel of it. Make your decision.