I've decided to go DCC...But which DCC?

[Anonymous]

So people, after reading vast quantities of articles, web postings and assorted books on the subject, it seems to me as a Newbie to MRR, that DCC is the way to go.

I've built nothing at this point, so I'm a blank canvase awating the paint. I have bought my first train which is the Bachmann Spectrum 4-6-2 K4 PRR Keystone in HO scale (is that a good starter?). The loco is DCC ready so I will need to visit my local hobby shop again to buy a decoder/DCC system. Ultimately my layout will be a 5' x 9' with room to expand to an "L" shaped layout which would add an additional 4' x 4'. I would assume I will be running 2 or three trains (once you're hooked you always want more...right?)

My question to you all, in this highly informational and educated forum is...

Given the size of my layout, with a moderate budget, and room for a little growth (especially in numbers of trains/accessories)...Which DCC system would you recommend? (is that to broad a question?)

Thank-you all for indulging a newbies questions,
Trevor

[RMax1]

I bought the Bachmann DCC just to get a taste. So far so good. I figure that later if I like what's going on I will move to a larger system. The system with a loco was under $100 and so far works as advertised. You might try it just to get your feet wet and at least in the game. I'm getting ready to spend the money on decoders for my fleet of E's and F's and that will be a good chunk of change. I have found a few good resources of information on these forums.

RMax

[Anonymous]

You will recieve many replies each one preaching the attributes of there peticular system,there are a few very good systems NCE,Digitraxx,Cvp ,and Lentz.I use Lentz and like it very well.You should take all the info you can get and try to figure out what is best for your situation,like do you eventually want to go wireless,cost of each unit to go wireless.Lentz uses a cordless phone and adapter cheap solution I like the system but don't like using cordless phone for throttle.Try to plan ahead just like planning your track work so your layout doesn't outsize the system you buy, or cost more than you want to spend to upgrade to a perticular feature that you really want.Good luck

[Anonymous]

Just like RailguyHO said, I will praise the Digitrax. As he stated, those are all good systems, and whichever one you have is the one you'll praise. I am running a Digitrax Super Empire Builder system, and it handles my layout nicely, I only run 3 or 4 trains at a time (when they're all running right), but it can handle over 20 at once. It also will run turnouts and building lights, or about anything electrical. Try your LHS or Digitrax's website (www.digitrax.com) to find out more about what they offer. Try the other's websites too though, because they will also have something nearly equal.

[Anonymous]

Trevor,
There is an old saying, buy the cheapest of the best rather than the best of the cheapest. With that in mind, you'll be well served to stick to the "major" systems in use and go with their entry level systems that allow to you to expand.

I use the Digitrax Chief but the entry level that I most familiar with is the Zephyr (by Digitrax) which will allow you to move up latter if the modelling bug really bites you hard and your layout grows.

The issues you want to concern yourself with are the following:
1) Can you go wireless if you want? (you may not want to now but surprise yourself latter down the track so to speak).
2) Will your system handle all the functions of the decoder including all the sound decoders out there?
3) If you decide to answer the siren call of computer running or signalling, will your system allow you to expand into it?

In other words, the top systems with good entry level units will allow you do this, even though the basic unit will not do any of these functions at the time of purchase - but these units possess "stretch" - the ability to grow with you.

[jfugate]

That's like saying:

"I just decided to buy a car ... which car should I buy?"

You know how many answers you would get. Same here.

The best thing you can do, in my opinion, is to find out what other modelers in your area are using and get that. Then you will have a lot of local support if you need help.

As for myself, I have owned Lenz and EasyDCC. I currently use EasyDCC because I love their wireless throttles and in-the-command-station consisting features.

[BRAKIE]

I use Digi Traxx on my HO industrial switching layout..DCC is like choosing a car..Find the system that fits your needs.[:D]

[Anonymous]

personally i would not suggest buying the bachman system. Sure its cheap and it comes with an engine but its what i like to call BCC or Bachman Command Control. The other systems such as Digitrax and NCE operate much differently. I would go with the Digitrax Zephyr. Its compatible with all Digitrax merchandice so you can go wireless or whatever you want. And if you want to upgrade to say... the Chief, you can convert your old zephyr into a booster instead of just getting rid of it. [2c]

[Anonymous]

For you're limited needs, I'd say get the Atlas System. for what you need, the Zephler is overkill. besides, as one person put it "buy the cheapest of the best" and the Atlas system is that, since it is made by Lenz and is fully compatable with Lenz products, it allows you to pre-plan for future upgrading to a better system if you so desire down the road.

[rrinker]

I just gotta say HUH to that last one. Both the Digitrax Zephyr and the Atlas are basic starter systems that you can expand as your layout grows. How is the Zephyr 'overkill'? A Digitrax Super Chieft, now THAT would be overkill for his needs.

--Randy

[RMax1]

This is what makes DCC=E=MC2. The first thing is that it can be confusing. You can read and read and go huh? All the different systems and feature plus the decoders and what they go in and how many functions and on and on. Second peoples opinions. One person says this and that. Someone said the Bachmann is BCC or Bachmann CC. I watched it run a BLI E7 with sound, a steam engine with sound and one of their GP-40's everything worked and ran good. Function buttons worked the functions and selection buttons ran the loco's. As a starter to figure out what I'm doing it will work. I plan to upgrade and give it to my nephew in the near future if I like DCC. The thing here is buy one . Jump in and find out because if you read and talk to people it will only make you crazy. I bought the least expensive to try out. Now I''m trying to find out which decoders go in what and dealing with the semi clueless. Why should I buy this decoder over that one and will it fit in this and do I have to modify or replace that only on the third week of an odd numbered month.

Bottom line here is Just do it try not to hurt yourself too bad in the process.

RMax

[stanames]

Trevor

As all the posts here and elsewhere have indicated there is a lot of options and that in itself is a very good thing. Select the system you are most comfortable with that has the features you desire.

From reading your post you appear to just be getting started with your first train.

The most important thing at the present is for you to enjoy model railroading.

I might suggest since you are just getting started that the Bachmann system may be something to look at. While it is a basic system it will control up to 10 locomotives and 9 function. It also fully conforms to the NMRA standards.

You can get the system for under $70 and that allows you use your dollars to expand on your layout.

As you expand you may find that you want a lot more. DCC is like any type of electronics and by then there may be many options not available today to look at.

Whatever system you choose, I am sure your will greatly enjoy the ease of operation that DCC affords you.

Stan Ames

[jdolan]

I am thinking on DCC too, but since my layout can handle 4 engines at the most and there is no chance of expanding until at least 2009 when my youngest will be out of the house. I think I will go with MRC Prodigy Advance, because it has all I need.

[Anonymous]

jdolan,
When my son and I got our system, we had a 2 by 8 N scale layout that could handle about three engines (usually with small layouts its the number of operators - space - that is more limiting). For a couple of years we had only two throttles to run our two engines, we never ran a third one.

Now, many years latter, I am finishing off a "larger" N scale layout in a 9 by 13 foot room, double decked with lots of staging. Maximum number of operators will be four, but with double consists, up to 8 engines running. Signalling - could very well be. Computer running of engines in and out of staging, could be. Wireless radio running, I'll be adding that in January.


My point? Well, I bought the Digitrax Chief for the funny little N scale layout. When I buy the latest 400 throttle that will be radio controlled for the Chief, I will instantly have the Super Chief unit. Was it a waste of money that I bought the Chief for my 2 by 8 N scale layout over six years ago - you figure it out?

Will it be a waste of money if you buy a good unit that has a lot of stretch in it that will go beyound 2009? You figure it out.

[Anonymous]

I meant to add but didn't, some of our advise from long time forumers, particularly those of us who have been active in DCC forums might seem wishy washy when it comes to advise about entry level systems, is for a reason. We've seem many "religious" (our system is best) wars. Many of us realize that there are many good DCC systems and that in reality if you stay with the "main" stream "full service" systems, you'll be well served. So I will tell you this and let these two statistics tell you something:

The two largest in North America are:
1) Digitrax (the largest in North America)
2) Lenz (the Largest outside of North America, second largest in North America)

Both are excellent.

[Anonymous]

i dont know that you can have a DCC system that is "overkill". that just means your layout isnt big enough[:P]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rsn48



The two largest in North America are:
1) Digitrax (the largest in North America)
2) Lenz (the Largest outside of North America, second largest in North America)

Actually that's wrong Rick,

Digitrax and NCE are the two biggest in North america, Lenz is the biggest in europe.

[Anonymous]

I'm with RMax1! The people contributing here, should not make recommendations as to which unit to go with. I am a believer, that in life, nobody should ever make specific recommendations on anything. We all have such diverese ideas, opinions, abilities and personalities that no matter what, your bias will show through! The true experts in this field will disagree on which unit is best! So where does that put you?

In the end, you will make a decision based on what ever criteria you feel important to you. I say go for it!

[bcammack]

I think that a lot of people miss the point of the Bachmann EZ-Command DCC system. The "street price" on this system is less than $70, which isn't terribly much more than a good MRC power pack.

The target, I'm certain, is the person who might like "a little more" than a just a power pack. This system provides the key functions of a DCC system in a package that isn't difficult to learn or use at a very affordable price.

This makes for a "high-value" product at the current price-point. This means that it should have excellent resale value as a percentage of it's purchase price. Think about it--if it suits your needs, you need spend no more money. If you need a little more after using it for a while, there are some add-ons coming for the piece. If it really whets your appetite for a full-featured system, you can probably resell it to someone else for $40 or $50 and recover most of your purchase price.

I'll certainly be considering it when I decide it's time to go DCC on my little 2'x4' N scale layout. My principle desire is to allow a road switcher to sit idling on the interchange track while my industrial switcher works the yard, and vice-versa, without resorting to complex wiring and cab control..

[nfmisso]

Trevor;

I have a Digitrax Radio Chief.

For your needs at this time, I would suggest the Bachmann system, which is made by Lenz, the inventor of DCC. Lenz also makes the Atlas system. The Bachmann system is expandable, several accessories have been announced. The price is very good. Most important, it is not a huge investment.

[Bikerdad]

QUOTE: Originally posted by deschane

I'm with RMax1! The people contributing here, should not make recommendations as to which unit to go with. I am a believer, that in life, nobody should ever make specific recommendations on anything. We all have such diverese ideas, opinions, abilities and personalities that no matter what, your bias will show through! The true experts in this field will disagree on which unit is best! So where does that put you?

In the end, you will make a decision based on what ever criteria you feel important to you. I say go for it!

I take it you apply your "true belief" to what your doctor recommends, right? [xx(]

[Anonymous]

i think people should make recomendations. Personally many times somebody has suggested something to me that turned out to be a great idea that i never would have thought of on my own. Of course you should make your own choices, but IMHO its best to get several points of view on a given subject matter before making up your mind

for what its worth
-Joe

[Anonymous]

Hi all

Trevor, you already got a wealth of info on this, but I didn't come across the cheapest option: direct drive. That is an old x86 PC, a booster, some appropiate software and away you go! There are several programs, and a good source for info is the British MERG website: http://www.merg.org.uk/index2.htm with their DIY DCC system. Direct link: http://www.merg.org.uk/links.htm#DCC%20(NON-COMMERCIAL)

I can imagine you don't want all the fuss of a homebrew DCC project. In that case you're decision has to be based on what throttle you like the most. Because it's that throttle you use on a practicly daily basis! Try them (or at least as many as you can) on a friend's layout, perhaps on a show. Use it for a longer period of time, several hours if possible. Only then are you able to tell wether or not that particular throttle suits your needs and is still comfortable in your hands.

Regards, Vincent Wesstein
the Netherlands

PS: I have nothing to do with moderating on this forum, so please don't let my nick-name fool you [;)] I'm afraid I can't change it into something more appropiate without the help of the real moderators here [V]

[Robert Langford]

Reading this column, I see some mention of the Bachmann system selling for $70.00. Where car it be bought for this price?
BOB