Preferred DCC system

[bn7026]

I bought NCE 6 years ago and I'm yet to see another system that i'd have instead of it.

Tim

[CBQ_Guy]

Other -- NCE

[tschwarz]

I looked at many different DCC systems when I was switching systems. I originally had RailCommand from CVP and decided I wanted a DCC system and not just one manufacturers. I look at all of the options and decided to again go with an CVP product. I didn't like some of the wireless options (personal preference here) such as the XPA Wireless Phone adapter, it didn't make me feel like I was running a train. I decided to stick with CVP because of their outstanding technical support.

Just my 2 cents!

[dave9999]

I voted for Digitrax because...well, because that is what I use. I wouldn't say it is better than other
similar systems. I did try the original Prodigy system...didn't care for it, but for some, it probably
suits their needs. I like to "fiddle" around with the programing, so the Prodigy system wasnt for me. Dave

[tebee]

I went Lenz because I like the XPA wireless phone adaptors

Just shows - each one to his own

[Anonymous]

I voted MRC because I like it and because its easy to use.

[conford]

Easy DCC by CVP. I'm a former Railcommand user, and I find the documentation, easy setup and good service to be the major benefits.

A survey like this would be more valid if the two other major manufacturers were included: Lenz and NCE. CVP's Easy DCC is also a choice that many folks are happy with.

When condisering a DCC system, one good way to find out more is to try out various systems and see what the owner has to say about them.

Regards
Peter
conford

[johncolley]

For my home use I am running Prodigy Advance from MRC. It is great and reasonably priced. It does 95% of the stuff the big boys have at around $210. Most bang for the buck if you are starting out in DCC. For the Free-mo modules I may have to add wiring for NCE or Digitrax.

[grayfox1119]

Personal Preference based upon hobbyist comments, Price (what I can afford), Quality, Customer support after the sale, are probably the key elements of your decision. If you can go to a MRR club in your area, or a LHS and actually try out the various DCC systems, would be the best aid in your selection.

[Anonymous]

I use Lenz set 100 I like it and will probably allways be a Lenz customer.I did not care much for their xpa phone adapter for wireless control so I went with cvp and theirs. CVP is allso A very good dcc system on its own. It really matters not what you buy as was said before local support can make all the difference ,try to see what if any clubs in your area are running try to get a little hands on if possible from other modelers in your area.I thing I have found no matter how good the system is if you don't like the throttle you won't use it..As was my case with digtrax I didn't like the two knob throttle so away it went. As with allmost everything in this hobby your personel preference will determine the best system for you. Good luck once you go dcc you won't regret it no matter how many trains you plan on running. Terry

[AntonioFP45]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Jennifer RR

The nice thing about many DCC systems is the ability to connect stuff from different manufacturers and it all works just fine. The BEAUTY of Open Source standards......a philosophy that works for DCC standards for our trains, and for Linux operating system for our computers

Cheers, Jennifer

Jennifer, you really have a cool, realistic way of viewing things. Your post is a breath of fresh air.

MTH repesentatives need to read your posts! Mr. Wolf, are you reading this??????

[Anonymous]

Forther thoughts....It does not matter a hoot what I or others have chosen to decide which system you should choose. One VERY BIG factor in choosing a system will be to buy a system that other people in your area are familiar with. Every system has its own unique quirks. Having friends and a hobby shop service center that are already experienced with specific solutions to common situations is a big plus, as help is a good thing to get when something goes wrong.
Cheers
Jennifer

[Anonymous]

I choose Lenz Set 100, but wil be adding NCE wireless throttle when we get more track up and need easier walk around . Nice thing about the Lenz is that I CAN use the NCE wireless setup with it. I like both systems as a whole, and might have gone all NCE just as easily. The nice thing about many DCC systems is the ability to connect stuff from different manufacturers and it all works just fine. The BEAUTY of Open Source standards......a philosophy that works for DCC standards for our trains, and for Linux operating system for our computers
Cheers, Jennifer

[Anonymous]

I recently purchased the MRC Prodigy Advance for my entry into DCC. It offered the features I was looking for at a fair price. It has a handheld throttle, four digit addressing, control of up to 25 engines per throttle, expansion capability for additional throttles, 14-28/128 speed steps, programming on the main or the program track, etc. It also included everything I needed for DCC (except the decoders), even the power supply that many other systems do not include. It also has the ability to utilize up to twenty functions, even though the current standard is only twelve. All this was less than $200 when purchased from a mail order company.

There are some drawbacks to this system, however. The included power supply is only rated at 2.5 amps. There is no wireless option for the throttles (at least at this time). The system does not have the ability to link to a P.C. For an upgrade to this product, it has to be sent back to MRC for a firmware upgrade.

For my money, the list of included features out weighed the drawbacks much more than any other system I was considering. As an entry level system, it seems that the Prodigy Advance offered the most features that I wanted for the lowest price. If I were looking for something more along the upper end, I would have probably selected Digitrax, NCE or Lenz, as all of these manufacturers offer excellent products from what I have seen.

[grayfox1119]

How could you not list NCE? I had to choose "other". NCE is one of the top DCC systems!! Tsk, tsk.

[Anonymous]

when I get into DCC (eventually) I will probably be using the Bachmann EZ Command by Lenz because of it's price and simplicity of use.

[Anonymous]

I use the Lenz system.

[Pruitt]

QUOTE: Originally posted by clinchvalley

Fastest way to start a flame war is to ask which DCC system do you like.

Yeah!

But anyone who doesn't think NCE is the best one deserves to be flamed!!!!

(just kidding)

I use NCE. I like the easy to read display on the Procab throttle.

[AntonioFP45]

Don,

Impressive! When you finish it, please consider sharing the "how you did it" with us as many DCC beginners (me included) would benefit from learning about DCC's many different applications.

Thanks!

[trainboyH16-44]

Digitrax. It is easy to use basically, and it has higher functions and 4 digit adresses.
Matthew

[DigitalGriffin]

I did some research and digitrax seems to be the most popular system. I think it offers a few more "perks" and is easier for some to use.

However after some careful research I found Lenz OEM'ed to other manufactures including Atlas and Bachmann. Several other manufacturers also make compatible Cabs and extension sets.

They are also the only one approved by NRMA for DCC across the board. And I think the XpressNet command protocol for computer control is the easiest to understand so far. This is vitally important for me as I am writing my own control code to use with a wireless gamepad for throttle/turnout control.

~Don


~D

[Anonymous]

NCE all the way!!!!!

[AntonioFP45]

QUOTE: Originally posted by clinchvalley

You've got to be kidding. Fastest way to start a flame war is to ask which DCC system do you like.

Hey ClinchValley,

Not necessarily! We all know how to conduct ourselves and respect each other's opinions.

After reading about various systems and seeing a few in action, I've decided to go with the Digitrax Zephyr. A close friend of mine owns one . [8D]

And like most of DCC, it's not "PROPRIETARY". One can install Lenz, NCE, or TCS decoders in their locomotives. I like the "Dither" feature offered by TCS as well as the "no questions asked" warranty on their decoders. What more can you ask for?

As a guy that's an electronic "Klutz", I've found my friend's Zephyr system very user friendly and easy to operate, and having just read up on the new UT-4, I'll be able to operate the F8 and up functions on locomotives equipped with Soundtraxx decoders.

I'm very much looking forward to it! [:D][;)]

[PwdOpd]

I have CVP's Rail Command. Personal preference. Works great. Paul

[jslean]

NCE should have been listed separately. Most of my friends use it.

John Slean

[BentnoseWillie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by liquidcrossIs 4 digits really necessary? I'd only be running two, maybe three trains at the absolute maximum.

It's not neccessary, but nice to have. With 4-digit addressing you can match the address directly to the locomotive number, making it a snap to know what address any given engine has. With the 2-digit addressing of my Atlas system, I use the last 2 digits of the locomotive number. Since I don't have many engines, this works fine, but with a larger roster you might hit problems figuring out what to do with engines 2410 and 2610, for example. That isn't a problem for me, since I paint and decal all my locomotives anyway. I just make sure not to duplicate. [:)]

I'd say that 4-digit addressing is the least of the reasons to buy a more advanced system, though it is a valid one. When and if I upgrade from Atlas to Lenz, I'd do it for increased power output, easier access to advanced programming (including PC based programming), and additional function controls, more than to get 4-digit addressing. That said, It'll be a nice inclusion.

[liquidcross]

QUOTE: Originally posted by wrxlep

I just purchased the atlas system duo pack for $110 shipped. For the money, It seems like it will be good enough for me. My layout is rather small (11X4) so I wont be running more than two or three trains at a time. Also, as stated earlier, Lenz accessories are available for this system if you want to upgrade. Atlas seems to be on the ball, as they are coming out with new features to add on to the system. I guess I will see how well it works in about a week or so!

Dave

That was you?! I was watching the same eBay auction. I didn't have any plans to buy it, though...I'm saving it in my watched items to see if the seller ever offers them again. ;)

11x4's monstrous compared to the layout I'll be building...

[Anonymous]

I just purchased the atlas system duo pack for $110 shipped. For the money, It seems like it will be good enough for me. My layout is rather small (11X4) so I wont be running more than two or three trains at a time. Also, as stated earlier, Lenz accessories are available for this system if you want to upgrade. Atlas seems to be on the ball, as they are coming out with new features to add on to the system. I guess I will see how well it works in about a week or so!

Dave

[liquidcross]

QUOTE: Originally posted by CNWfan5525

if you want to use 4 digits DO NOT use MRC or atlas. i have digitrax but i like it becuase that is what my club uses and i find it is very easy

Is 4 digits really necessary? I'd only be running two, maybe three trains at the absolute maximum.