I use DC with Aristo Train Engineer throttles and have no plans to change.
I have used most of the various DCC system on the market at the layouts of my friends. I did not the ergonomics of most of them.
When I did consider DCC, I was strongly leaning toward Easy DCC.
Sheldon
How come ESU Cab Control is seldom thrown into the mix ? I have the ESU EcoS system along with three of the Android based large throttle knob throttles .... I love 'em !
Mark.
¡ uʍop ǝpısdn sı ǝɹnʇɐuƃıs ʎɯ 'dlǝɥ
I use EasyDCC wireless and have never regretted it.
Disclaimer: This post may contain humor, sarcasm, and/or flatulence.
Michael Mornard
Bringing the North Woods to South Dakota!
Great comments, thanks!
I really like the looks and functionality of the universal UWT-100 by TCS and the UWT-50 looks like an excellent throttle for a road crew.
I also like the Digikeijs DR5000 with it's versatility in formats and support of loconet and xpressnet. It has a built-in router and 3 amp power supply (plenty for my needs). Much to look forward to and evaluate in the next year.
Wifi operation is the way to go, IMO!
When I was preparing to buy a DCC system, the dealer told me to get the one that people in my area had. First, it meant you could ask questions to people close enough to show you. Second, if you wanted to go to another layout, you can take your throttle along and join in or they can come to your layout and join in, without anyone having to pruchase extra throttles.
Locally NCE was the one to go with. If other layouts in your area have other brands, consider them. They all seem to be good and most folks seem to like what they have.
Good luck,
Richard
Hello All,
If I had to do it over again I would have gone with the NCE system.
Purely for the ergonomics of the throttle wheel in the upper center of the cab.
I went with the Bachmann Dynamis system. I am a "Lone Wolf" modeler so I have no need for compatibility with a club or other pikes. Also, my pike is only 4'x8'.
The cabs are InfraRed or "line of sight". Considering the size of my pike I am never out of range- -unless I need to answer the phone in the other room.
This is considered a "dead-end" system. Once you have all the proverbial "bells and whistles", other than adding cabs- -as Porky Pig said, "That's all folks!"
I added the 5A power booster along with the Pro Box option. This allows me to add up to 3 additional cabs. I really only need one.
Even with the Pro Box I had to Franken-cable an output for a programming track.
Not satisfied with that I added an NCE Auto SW Programming Track Auto Switch. This unit is wired inline from the booster to the bus. A separate set of leads is connected to the programming track.
When a programming command is sent this unit automatically switches off the commands to the main bus and only directs these commands to the isolated programming track. There is no "programming on the main" function with this unit.
When non-programming commands are sent this unit allows those commands to pass through to the main bus and the isolated programming track simultaneously.
Yes, this programming track function is standard with many DCC systems but is not fully reliable with the Bachmann system, even with the "add on's".
Overall I am satisfied with the DCC system I have but if I had it to do over again...
Hope this helps.
Post Script: I do use Decoder Pro; AKA: JMRI, through a Digitrax PR3 from my Mac connected to a portable, separate, programming track. This allows me to create a roster of locomotives and read the available CVs of the various decoders I use: Bachmann, Digitrax and TCS. H.T.H.- -JJDI
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
Tophias Digitrax and NCE can operate their throttles with no switch for direction. Center the knob is stop, turn one way, speed increases going forward, turn the other way, speed increases in reverse. Randy, I wasn't aware of this feature with Digitrax. Is this available with a DT402D?
Digitrax and NCE can operate their throttles with no switch for direction. Center the knob is stop, turn one way, speed increases going forward, turn the other way, speed increases in reverse.
Randy, I wasn't aware of this feature with Digitrax. Is this available with a DT402D?
Oops, yeah, they don;t have that, I was wrong on that. I thought at one time one of the throttle did that, but no. With decoders in switcher or shunt mode which cuts speed and momentum in half, plus the ability to just click the knob to change direction, it's almost not needed.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Interesting, thanks for the informative comments! I was not aware of some of the alternatives. Fun to check them out! Spent some time watching videos on a few different throttles and systems. I'm not in a big rush to buy something. I will focus on systems that are self-contained and pretty much PNP rather than an add-on to existing systems. I don't presently have a DCC system so I can select the best bang for the buck system (IMO) and same for throttles.
IDRick, get yourself a 5 amp NCE PH-Pro wireless and you will never look back.
I have had mine for 16 years now, and I simply love it.
Rich
Alton Junction
Digitrax has the option of radio throttles or WiFi throttles without using a computer/JMRI. Contrary to what you might find on the internet, their radio system works fine. A plug in dongle provides wifi for phones or the new TCS throttle.
There are self-contained ready to plug in and turn on implementations of JMRI on a Raspbery Pi to do the wifi for various systems like NCE and Digitrax. A small unit, much smaller than a standard computer.
Any of the systems or methods of connecting via wifi will also support things like the new TCS throttles which are real knob throttles, not touch screen phones. Frankly, touch screens are HORRIBLE train controls.
Both Digitrax and NCE can operate their throttles with no switch for direction. Center the knob is stop, turn one way, speed increases going forward, turn the other way, speed increases in reverse. This is not something new that only Roco has.
NCE There was a recent episode of Modelers Life with Hank Strang ( I don't have a link as to which one) where NCE folks said new products were coming. No real hint as to what they meant.
I suffer from Zombie fingers and my cell phone generally ignores my finger much of the time.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
I have enjoyed using my Aristo Craft train engineer for walk-around control of a single train on a DC layout. I will be retiring in a year and moving to a new home that has a nice 24 ft by 12 ft room set aside for a future layout. Based on experience with the AC train engineer, I will have wireless control to follow trains around the future layout and no peninsulas blocking the view or prevent me from following trains. DCC would be a great addition but which system?
NCE with radio has been a long time favorite from reading about DCC systems but I have not operated trains on NCE. They have a proven radio system and a nice pro throttle. Expansion only through proprietory throttles (JMRI discussed later). Strong tech support is available from the company and in user groups.
Railpro has appealed to me for several reasons including price, radio control, operational characteristics, and portability to DCC layouts using a Railpro controller. There is a user group that has a low volume of monthly posts but excellent support from frequent posters. Expansion only through the purchase of proprietory throttles.
MRC has the option of radio throttles or wifi throttles using cell phones or tablets. I like the option of using cell phones for throttles versus having to buy proprietory throttles for guests. Smartphones are very common which allows guests to use without much effort and does not require a computer or logging on my network. MRC is very cost-competitive but support from the company may be less than desirable based on internet comments.
Roco z21 received very good reviews in recent MR articles. They have two systems, the z21 (entry) and Z21 (advanced). The z21 will meet my future needs (running only trains, no DCC accessories) and would be the least expensive system. Plus they've come out with a new LAN throttle that has a knob with center off so no switch to change directions. It is a full-featured throttle and looks to be about the right size for my average hands. Red flag though being a European system with limited adoption in the US and support is not easy to find.
JMRI through conventional DCC is frequently mentioned as a counterpoint to those considering Wifi control of trains. With NCE, I would need to run a cable to my computer and use my home network which will not be convenient in my new home.
At this time, I am leaning toward the z21 based on cost, guests can join in with their cell phones, and the new throttles with knobs for speed/direction control are a real plus. Thoughts?