NCE vs Digitrax for n scale

[BARRY LAWRENCE]

Hi Darren Downunder, I live in SA, and we faced a similar problem at our club. If you like, we can get in touch, and discuss the issues.

Goolwa1854

[Darren Downunder]

Hi Randy,

Thanks for taking the time to respond to my question.  At the stage I'm at I relish any information from experienced modellers.  I am happy that I can stay with NCE if I wish.  Obviously I need to make some basic operational decisions in terms of numbers of throttles, likely numbers of locos operating at any time, will the turnouts be running on track power, etc.  It's all ahead of me.

Thanks for your valuable advice.

Darren

[Darren Downunder]

John,

Thanks heaps for taking the time to reply.  This information is fantastic in putting the options forward so that I can make an informed decision.  Interesting?  DCC just for running trains.  These are all valid and will work, so thanks again for the input.

Darren

[Darren Downunder]

Hi Paul,

I really do appreciate your taking the time to reply.  This information for me at this stage is important.  It sounds to me like I can stay with NCE for n scale, though I have to make some decisions about operations etc, and definitely stay with NCE to not affect compatibility issues.

Cheers, Darren

[peahrens]

York1

I use NCE only for running trains. I don't use track power for any turnouts, lights, etc. They are on a separate power system.

Same for me.  I would rather throw DPDTs on a panel for turnouts than multiple button clicks on the throttle.

Photo A #844 & #4014 (2) by Paul Ahrens, on Flickr

 

 

[rrinker]

One's as good as the other, really. If you like what you have, stick with it, there's no real benefit in changing. Both are fully upgradable, so the absic system which is fine for that small tabletop layout can and will serve should you be fortunate enough to be able to build an airplane hanger size layout down the road.

 Digitrax does have some better options for adding signals, and their system bus is more capable of supporting that kind of traffic. However, there are many examples out there of layouts that have combined the systems to get the best of both worlds, using the NCE to run trains and installing Digitrax components for signals and detection. Should that be of interest to you.  

                                            --Randy

 

[York1]

Darren Downunder

I am currently at the benchwork stage and the layout is going to be 15 X 17 feet, with staging yard, turntable, and three mainlines.  I intend to have tortoise switch motors.

I also have N Scale and I am completely happy with NCE.  I only run five locomotives, at the most, at any one time.

I use NCE only for running trains.  I don't use track power for any turnouts, lights, etc. They are on a separate power system.

I was advised when I started my layout to use DCC only for running the trains, and I'm glad I took the advice.  It's complicated enough to run trains, let alone try to run the turnouts, etc., on the same controller.  (That's for me.  If you can do it and don't mind, more power (!) to you.)

[peahrens]

It would help to know how many locos at once you envision (re: amps requirements) and also your plan for throttles (how many, corded, IR, radio, etc.).  

I'm not well versed but do know that the PowerCab is expandable so one issue is whether to simply expand by adding NCE "system" components such as throttles and (if needed) booster.  See the Tony's Trains explanation on their PowerCab page as a start.  I would recommend talking with the right person there on how you would expand your PowerCab base system vs. starting over with a more powerful DigiTrax option (if you decided DigiTrax perferences warranted the switch).  

https://tonystrains.com/product/nce-5240025-power-cab-dcc-starter-system

Recognize that beyond the PowerCab + booster (if needed) and throttles, you do not need to stick with that brand components with other components such as district circuit breakers and auto reverser components.  For instance, I consulted with someone at Tony's when purchasing my 5A NCE system and decided I could use the inexpensive OG-CB and OG-ARs for (sub)district sections. (EDIT: The OG's are not for the PowerCab, probably because they are non-adjustable at 4A and the PowerCab would trip first, not desireable with multiple districts, where you want the local circuit breaker to trip first.  So the expert advice can be quite important.)

I really do suggest that, besides self-study and what folks offer here, to discuss with Tony's or a similar spot.  I found that help quite useful. 

One detail to understand is how you plan for a programming track, on layout or otherwise.  Note that sometimes a programming track booster can be needed, depending on the system (like my 5A PowerPro) and decoders involved.  And the wiring for any switchable program track within the layout should be conservatively designed to prevent booster Ops output from getting back the system program output if a moving loco bridges the Ops & program track, connecting same.  But the approach to that can vary, depending on how the particular system works when programming; e.g., I believe the PowerCab works differently from my 5A PowerPro in that regard.  A whole separate subject, but moot for you if your program track is completely separate.

[Darren Downunder]

Hi all,

I confess to being somewhat of a beginner to all things electronic, so I would like some guidance in the way of powering and running a DCC layout.  I am currently at the benchwork stage and the layout is going to be 15 X 17 feet, with staging yard, turntable, and three mainlines.  I intend to have tortoise switch motors.  my question is, given I have an NCE power cab starter set, can I continue to provide the power through NCE components, command stations, boosters etc, or should I consider moving to Digitrax?  What are the benefits and pitfalls of either system?

I would appreciate any advice or comment here.

Thanks,

Darren