Looking to buy a new Dcc system. Been looking at nce. What would you buy?
If I did it all over again I'd still buy my Digitrax.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Been using the NCE Power Cab for nearly 12 years now and have been very happy with it. I've also used Digitrax but still prefer NCE for intuitiveness. Either company would be a good choice and both have their pluses.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Hi John:
My personal preference is NCE. I have used both Digitrax and NCE and I find The NCE system to be far more intuitive to use.
Some Digitrax throttles have screens that are hard to read. NCE is easy to read.
Digitrax has a whole bunch of buttons that look exactly the same. NCE has differentiated the more commonly used buttons.
Programming with NCE is a breeze. The system tells you exactly what you are doing. I haven't attempted to program with a Digitrax system.
An added advantage is that the NCE system will program any and all decoders. Digitrax requires a booster to program some decoders.
Digitrax does have the Loconet system that provides feedback from various sources. Some people who are using systems other than Digitrax will use the Loconet system to control certain functions on their layouts.
I have heard of many clubs that have switched from Digitrax to NCE and have been happy with the move. I have never heard of a club that has switched from NCE to Digitrax.
Bottom line is that both systems work pretty well. The smart thing to do would be to find somewhere where you can operate both systems. Maybe your local hobby store or club. You will figure out pretty quickly which one you prefer.
Somebody mentioned MRC. MRC offers a workable but limited system. The biggest limitation has to do with programming restrictions. If you really want to get 'in' to DCC stick with NCE or Digitrax.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
hon30critterAn added advantage is that the NCE system will program any and all decoders. Digitrax requires a booster to program some decoders.
The new DCS240 has fixed this issue.
rrinkerIf I did it all over again I'd still buy my Digitrax.
Me too.
I have the right to remain silent. By posting here I have given up that right and accept that anything I say can and will be used as evidence to critique me.
A lot of people post here over the past 12-14 years saying Digitrax confuses them. They hate it, don't like the manual, and don't like the throttles. They quite rightly moved on and became happier. That's what a reasonably well-motivated person should do, and not just with train throttles.
I didn't know any better. My local hobby shop only offered the EZ-Command from Bachmann, but he would order Digitrax components if I wanted what he used himself. So, long story short, and with some perseverance and several reads of the manual, I find myself loving my very reliable and capable Digitrax Super Empire Builder. I purchased a second DT400 throttle which allows four trains to run at the same time with two operators (two encoder knobs per throttle, so each one can run two trains simultaneously). I haven't met a decoder that my DB150 can't programme or reset if I need to do that. Probably the Tsunami variants have been the most problematic, but I eventually get them converted to playing happily with my DB150.
I would urge you to get to know well, and to enjoy, whichever system meets your power and control needs. If you were to pick Tom's NCE, you'd be off to the races and fully contented, maybe after some fiddling and learning. Same for MRC...pick the right fit for your operating requirements, play with it for a few hours to get familiar with it, and then enjoy what it allows you to do. Digitrax has been no different for me, and I'm the furthest thing from a techie/geek/electronics guru/engineer/programmer that you could find. The people who brought us the Loconet can't have gotten much wrong IMO.
As to throttles, its like a tv remote, at first a new one is confusing, but after using it for a while you get used to it.
JohnWPowell Looking to buy a new Dcc system. Been looking at nce. What would you buy?
I don't use DCC, but having used a number of systems, I would choose this if I ever wanted DCC:
http://www.cvpusa.com/easydcc_system.php
Sheldon
I have MRC and really, really like it. Easy to use.
I have the wireless NCE PH-Pro system and like it very much. Maybe because I'm used to it now the other systems look confusing but I must say I have never tried them.
Here is a system comparison https://tonystrains.com/comparison-dcc-systems/
The best advice so far in this thread is "Try them yourself".
Gary
NCE PowerCab may not need a program track booster (Neither does the Digitrax Zephyr), byt the PowerPro does, just like the same vintage Digitrax systems. The DB150 has never needed a booster, but it also doesn't read back. "Need" is also not really the right word, it all depends on what decoders you are using. I've actually never had to use the extra power "blast" mode available on my Zephyr which uses higher power like adding a program track booster for anything, but I only have one QSI decoder, and only ever had one Tsunami, since traded away. I've absolutely never had an issue with plain motor decoders from NCE or TCS, and neither should ANY DCC system.
I've been watching since around 2011 and consistently find that Digitrax and NCE are the top two preferred, with others also worth considering (no complaints) but chosen by fewer.
Decide what amperage you might need initially, and later, and ensure you understand the expansion differences (how done, additional cost) for your choices.
I narrowed it down to Digitrax or NCE initially because of the extent these tended to be preferred as the top brands. I wanted 5A capability from the outset, so I did not need to consider expansion details. I liked the fact that Digitrax had lots of supplemental (to the main command station & throttle) components, such as downstream reversers, but discovered that was not a deal breaker as compatibility standards allow choices of different brand supplemental components. So I chose the NCE 5A PowerPro mainly because I like the throttle (I didn't like the style of the Digitrax buttons).
I did not do the adviseable hands on test as I recall. Perhaps find a shop that can demo both. Select and run a loco, change its address, ask how to change the volume CV and/o create a consist to give you a feel.
I found discussing with someone (in my case Tonys trains) who sells several systems helpful with my final decision, as well as choosing the supplemental components you may want to install.
Paul
Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent
Another way to look at it, what are you going to 'control'?
Locomotives, switches, lighting on the layout or even sensors that feed back where locomotives are on the layout?
The decoders for locomotives are getting smaller and able to fit in older and newer 'DCC ready' locomotives.
Like computers some decoders have a 'mother board' and builtin 'keep alive' or 'no stall' capacitors as well as SOUND!
I am new at this and went with NCE. I have punished my NCE decoders with rookie mistakes. The decoders still work fine.
I talked to an guy who has been model railroading for ever and he was very convincing that digitrak was the way to go.
He likes the customer service and has helped a couple clubs go digitrak.
If you are new to DCC see if you can find someone that already is fluent in DCC. It takes alot of the frustration and mistakes out of the process.
Thomas
I was a club member for a year that had a NCE system. Pretty intuitive. But the throttle seemed top heavy in my hand; felt like a cast iron skille to me. But that's me. My home layout utilizes a Digitrax Super Chief. To me, after a few hours of using and familiarizing myself with the Digitrax I found it very easy to use and negotiate. I much prefer the Digitrax thottle hands down (no pun)
gdelmoro I have the wireless NCE PH-Pro system and like it very much. Maybe because I'm used to it now the other systems look confusing but I must say I have never tried them. Here is a system comparison https://tonystrains.com/comparison-dcc-systems/ The best advice so far in this thread is "Try them yourself".
Wow, you mean Tony's (who at one time apparently had a manufacturing/marketing agreement with NCE) is still pushing that outdated old chart!!??
The one that talks about the DT100, which was discontinued in 2000, but doesn't bother to even mention the DT402 (now also retired) or the DT500?
And that's missing the DCS240 comand station and the DCS210-based Evolution starter sets and the DB210/DB220 line of boosters?
And the WiFi throttle ability (without JMRI) that the LNWI provides?
Sorry, but IMHO that "comparison" is either absurdly out of date or intentionally misleading.
You mean maybe the Lenz representatives? Or maybe at different times they've been both. Anyway, even ignoring the outdated part of that chart, there are errors for more than just the Digitrax items. Also items with no context - like the Recall Stack. Not all DCC systems work the same way - there IS a selectable recall stack with Digitrax however it does not have the same meaning as the recall stack in NCE.
I use the Lenz DCC system. I tried it, I liked it and I stuck by it.
It seems that the main reason people choose NCE over Digitrax is all in the throttles, even to the extent of passing on the loconet functionality. Is there a reason Digitrax (or a third party) does not offer a better designed throttle? From what I read they would win the DCC wars if only that.
With a career of working on user interfaces, a couple of weeks with Digitrax had me going back to DC. It's that bad.
The guys from the NC Sippin and Switchin group suggested I try NCE. I did and there's no going back.
See if you can find some locals to let you try the different systems. I know a lot of people that are happy with Digitrax, but it's not for me.
Don
I used to sell DCC systems so have tried most of them. My choices for my own layout came down to NCE and Digitrax. I bought NCE because it was "cheaper". However, I am not too mobile so use an office chair or a wheelchair to get around even my small railroad. This was a problem with the NCE controller as I had this long lead dangling everywhere and getting caught up.
When Digitrax announced their Evolution system, I bought one and have been very happy ever since. I find the wireless handheld very good to use.I love the fact that I can control two locos easily. My main like, however is being able to change quickly to "switching" mode and change any one of my 17 switches just by keying in the number and selecting c or t (not 0 and 1). If I want to use a loco function, a couple of taps and I am back in loco mode. Much easier than the NCE setUP for controlling accessories.
Long Haired DavidA.K.A. David Penningtonmain man on the Sunset and North Eastern R.R.http://www.gmrblog.co.ukfrom the UK
There are other options, like smrtphone-based throttles using WiThorttle for iOS and Engine Driver for Android. These can work with any system via JMRI, Digitrax has a direct wifi interface unit that can plug in.
I still have an idea to make a Bluetooth add on that you can clip to your phoone to give a real knob for these applications. The touch screen is fine for activating functions, but the throttle needs a knob of some sorts. It shouldn't be too technically dificult to make such a thing, and if it's BT then it's universally compatible with pretty much any smartphone.
rrinker You mean maybe the Lenz representatives? Or maybe at different times they've been both. <snip> --Randy
You mean maybe the Lenz representatives? Or maybe at different times they've been both.
<snip>
I was actually thinking of the rebadged NCE decoders they sold a few years back.
It completely slipped my mind that after Debbie Ames retired Tony's is now the Lenz agency here in the US.
restorator It seems that the main reason people choose NCE over Digitrax is all in the throttles, even to the extent of passing on the loconet functionality. Is there a reason Digitrax (or a third party) does not offer a better designed throttle? From what I read they would win the DCC wars if only that.
The problem is that everyone has their own idea of the "ideal" throttle.
Personally, I think the "hammerhead" style is way too big for what it does. Even though I have somewhat large hands, I prefer the smaller Digitrax DTxxx throttles. Other folks have other preferences.
I replaced a Digitrax system ( Chief?? ) with an NCE system. I wish I had heard of RailPro. You can find a lot of information on the RailPro Forum.
All new engines now get RailPro. RailPro works fine with my NCE system.
Stevert restorator It seems that the main reason people choose NCE over Digitrax is all in the throttles, even to the extent of passing on the loconet functionality. Is there a reason Digitrax (or a third party) does not offer a better designed throttle? From what I read they would win the DCC wars if only that. The problem is that everyone has their own idea of the "ideal" throttle. Personally, I think the "hammerhead" style is way too big for what it does. Even though I have somewhat large hands, I prefer the smaller Digitrax DTxxx throttles. Other folks have other preferences.
The Digitrax throttle:
Too many buttons, too close together, too small........my fat fingers and old eyes can't zero in on them....
Encoder wheel knobs, display too small to read without my glasses, uses funny little pictures that make no sense......
And best of all, no on/off switch?????????? Every other electrical gagget on the planet has an on/off switch.......
But what do I know, my trains still run on DC despite my extensive experiance with DCC......
And remember, if I did choose DCC, it would not be Digitrax or NCE......I would pick EasyDCC from CVP
I was at a train show yesterday and for the first time ever I saw someone running a train with their cell phone, and then I noticed a couple more. I bought an NCE wireless many moons ago and have loved it. The design of the controller has me controlling most things without having to be constantly looking at it, much like learning to play a musical instrument when all of a sudden you are not looking at your fingers anymore.
I got a lot of opinions when looking for my first DCC system. I have two techies in the family, one of which designed and built the first nationwide cell network in the country. They looked at the systems and had some comments, most of which went straight over my head. In the end, I made a choice. Both had pro's and con's and if you pinned me down I would say it was the controller that made me decide.
I figured by the time I really got educated on the ins and outs of DCC, it would be time for an upgrade anyway.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
StevertThe problem is that everyone has their own idea of the "ideal" throttle.
I agree.
I am really looking forward to getting my hands on one of these:
http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/25866
I had started a thread some time ago — with the Microsoft Train Simulator "Rail ~ Driver" console in mind — asking for input on throttle (control stand) ideas.
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/744/p/254524/2846858.aspx
I really didn't choose a DCC system— it chose me. A friend was leaving the hobby and had a Digitrax Super Chief that he was parting with at a very reasonable cost.
At the time I only had a Broadway Limited GG1 and NYC Hudson but they were some of the very first dual DC / DCC sound locomotives available.
I agree that there are some things that should be upgraded on some of the Digitrax throttles. They use an "off-the-shelf" housing and the LCD display is definitely in need of an upgrade.
Still, as previously mentioned, I'm used to it and I'm very comfortable with it.
When I have visitors or if I'm running several trains I'll use one of the Android Kindle tablets I have with Engine Driver loaded on it.
This allows me to instantly call up any locomotive from my JMRI roster and control everything with a finger tip or the stylus thingy.
All the active addresses are right on the screen and just a tap away. The functions are spelled out too, so I don't have to remember the function assignments, either.
Still, I'm pretty impressed with the architecture of the Digitrax Loconet. I recently upgraded the firmware on throttles and other devices and it was as simple as a few quick downloads and plugging the Loconet cable into the USB port through the PR3.
There's times when I simply want to switch a few cars or "hostle" a few locomotives around so I'll grab one of the simple UT throttles sometimes not even bothering with the battery.
I charge and swap the 9V batteries so often that it becomes a quick, reflexive exercise that takes all of about ten seconds... never needed an on-off switch so far.
Good Luck to all...
Regards, Ed
ATLANTIC CENTRAL Stevert restorator It seems that the main reason people choose NCE over Digitrax is all in the throttles, even to the extent of passing on the loconet functionality. Is there a reason Digitrax (or a third party) does not offer a better designed throttle? From what I read they would win the DCC wars if only that. The problem is that everyone has their own idea of the "ideal" throttle. Personally, I think the "hammerhead" style is way too big for what it does. Even though I have somewhat large hands, I prefer the smaller Digitrax DTxxx throttles. Other folks have other preferences. The Digitrax throttle: Too many buttons <snip> Sheldon
Too many buttons
I have to laugh every time I hear that complaint about Digitrax throttles vs. NCE or whoever.
Have you ever actually counted the number of buttons/knobs on a ProCab vs. a DTxxx?
The DTxxx (which, BTW, will control two locos or consists simultaneously. Not by going back and forth through the recall stack, but simultaneously) actually has one LESS button/knob than the ProCab.
Not a big difference, to be sure, but enough to blow that "Too many buttons" argument out of the water.