What DCC System is the BEST?

[Anonymous]

I am thinking about purchasing MRC prodogy and would like to hear what others people think is the BEST DCC system for HO Trains?

Thanks,
Greg

Please email me at [e-mail] and let me know your opinions, because I plan to buy on this week. THANKS.

[dknelson]

I have not used them all by any means, but I operate regularly (twice a month) on a very large layout that has the Lenz system and I think it is a very good one. What I do not know is how Lenz is going to fit in with radio control which I suspect is the wave of the future.
Also I should add that my friend hired someone to install decoders and the system itself -- and MRC's big point is the ease of installation

[nfmisso]

Greg;

Which ever one(s) you can get local support for. The club I belong to uses Digitrax, so that is the route I took at home too. I also use my radio throttle at the club and at home.

I would recommend a Digitrax Zephyr or Atlas system over MRC. MRC has not had a very good history in DCC. Digitrax has a good reputation, and lots of features. The Atlas system is made by Lenz, and is compatible with the Lenz system.

Nigel

[Anonymous]

I echo Nigel's statements.

I have heard that the new MRC system has some hidden gottyas (yes it does this but only with that and in this way).

I would checkout the various features on Tony's Train Exchange website and compare:

http://ttxdcc.com/productcompare/dcccomparison.htm

Also ask folk who HAVE one (hard to do with Zephyr as it's not out yet).

Based on features and Digitrax rep, I have ordered a Zephyr, myself.

- George / IMRL393

[Anonymous]

I've used Digitrax for a long time and recommend it very highly. I started with a big boy system right after it was released, and later upgraded to a chief system. They make an excellent system and back it with excellent support. I get all my DCC equipment from Loy's Toys in Wesley, Arkansas and couldn't be more pleased. He has great prices, a very large inventory, and provides tremendous support. His website is full of useful information and he's also publishing a DCC Encyclopedia on a quarterly basis. Incidently, I'm not a paid endorser, just a very satisfied customer.

[Anonymous]

As the others said, I would check out Tony's Train Exchange, Loy's Toys and DLA. Since DLA is located near my home, I have purchased a lot of DCC stuff there. I bought the NCE system. I love it. It's ease of use and programming ease are fantastic. I think that the Procab handheld throttle is much more user friendly than those of other systems on friends' layouts. However, there are a gazillion opinions. Check out the various products if you can and see which works best for you.

[cacole]

There really is no BEST system -- everyone has their own preferences and prejudices. Do some reasearch, such as the suggestions about Tony's Train Exchange (www.ttx-dcc.com), Loy's Toys, DLA, etc. and decide what would be best for you depending on how you anticipate using the sytem and whether or not a particular system fits your needs. In my own case, I have had experience with the Atlas Master, Easy DCC, Digitrax, NCE, and a home-made system -- and each has its own advantages and disadvantages (or as their literature calls them, "features"). Atlas is too limited for a large layout, and NCE is overkill for what I do.

[Anonymous]

Wow! Talk about reviving an old thread. I was following it along and not paying any attention to the dates, until some one said the Zephyr wasn't out yet.

[Anonymous]

It will depend on the size of you layout and what kind of money you wi***o spend.
A small layout with few trains running at one time, Atlas is what I would recommend (I have one). It is affordable and simple to use. I think it is ideal for the home or smaller layouts.
A large layout with several trains running, NCE makes an excellent system. My club has a NCE powerhouse pro. They have GREAT tech support.
Each system out there has its pros and cons. Atlas and NCE are the ones that I have work with the most. I am very satisfied with both. I have used Digitrax some, but not enough to give a fair evaluation.