what dcc system are you using

I use a fairly heavily expanded Digitrax Zephyr. 

I started some years ago with the basic Zephyr and used if for a while with a pair of jump throttles (Old DC packs connected) so that my boys could play along.  3 more throttles, duplex wireless, a booster, PC interface with Decoder pro and continue to have one jump throttle for really small kids to use.  In all now the Z lets me and 4 to 5 others run trains at the same time.  It is this incredible expandability that I really like about the Zephyr, it continues to run everything several years after I purchased it, I simply have not outgrown its capabilities.

Now having said that, I rarely use the Zephyr throttle at all.  It sits by a yard and gets used to run a switcher or two, but what I really like is the DT402 throttle.  It does a lot, but is compact enough to allow single handed operation.  But, most of the time I run 2 different trains with it, which is very easy with the dual knob control.

Frankly, I really don't have a dislike, the system has done everything I have asked of it.  It is easy to use, and very flexible.  I am not sure that there is anything I would change, other than increased battery life in the radio throttle.

BTW, the vast majority of users like the DCC systems that they have regardless of brand.  If you are looking to select a system, I would not give too much weight to what you read in a thread like this.  What really matters is that you get a good handle on the capabilities that are important to you so you can select a system that best meets your needs.  The fact that  I like my Digitrax system should have zero influence on your decision.

...the same one I bought nearly 4-1/2 years ago: NCE Power Cab.

I use my Power Cab in conjunction with the first generation NCE Smart Booster (SB3).  It allows me to unplug and plug my Power Cab into an available UTP panel without shutting down the layout.  One of these days I'll upgrade to the new SB3a.

I've been very happy with the Power Cab so far.  Even without the SB3, it's been a great system for me.

Tom

 Digitrax Zephyr plus a DT100 and DT400 throttle. And a Hans DeLoof Locobuffer to interface to my computers.

 Likes: simple yet fully featured, powerful - I've run up to 4 sound and 4 non-sound locos at the ame time, unlimited expansion capability of Loconet - there are dozens of third party products that work with it, makign for many options when it comes to detection, signalling, and accessory control.

 Dislikes: none at all. I'm actually on my second one, but the first one didn't break or anything, I lost nearly all of my train stuff. However I recently got some of it back so now I have two Zephyrs.

                                                                        --Randy

Digitrax Super Chief.

Likes:   Everything.

Dislikes:   None.

I'm using a Digitrax Super Empire Builder, DT400r and a UT4r on my home N scale layout. At my club we have a Super Empire Builder for our N layout and a Super Cheif on the HO layout. All my decoders are Digitrax with the exception of a POS MRC sound decoder in one loco.

Super Empire Builder with twin DT400 throttles and Digitrax's own 5 amp power supply.  I don't want anything more as this suits my needs quite nicely.  Very reliable, too, if a bit quirky at times. I'll turn on the power and the DT400 throttle shows cab numbers I've never had.  I just power down, flick the toggle back up, and it seems to excuse itself and show the last numbers I used...no excuse given, but it's a minor inconvenience.

-Crandell

 I use 3 different systems. The club has a Lenz system with CVP wireless throttles. I am an operator of a large home layout that uses a Digitrax system. At my home you will find an NCE Power Cab. When my layout is finished it will be incorporated into a PH pro system and the PC panel will be mounted by the work bench for programming.

 In my opinion no system is better then the others. They each have their great points and they each have their quirks. I liked the way the NCE throttle fit my hand and the large easy to see display the second I touched it. If it was not for that I would have bought a Lenz system for home. Digitrax burned me a couple times on warranty claims for decoders so I shy away from spending my hard earned money on them. That was a good 7 or 8 years ago and from what I have heard they are much better in customer service.

       Pete

NCE Power Cab here. So far so good with no problems.

Super Chief with two DT400's, four DS64's, two DS54's, two Team Digital SRC8's, some UP5's, a PR3, and a (retired) MS100.  More to come as the layout progresses...

Likes:

LocoNet - You can't beat the flexibility and expandability of LocoNet.  Heck, even some guys using NCE are setting up stand-alone LocoNets on their layouts, for signaling and/or turnout control!

Future proof - Playable F2 before anyone even had playable decoders is one example. The ability to upgrade firmware on newer products (eg, the DT402's) via the PR3, rather than either having to send it back or be charged $35 for an EPROM, is another.  And the fact that the DCS100 command station has NOT needed a firmware upgrade since back when the NMRA changed the DCC standard from 8 to 12 functions (that same firmware handled the change to 28 functions) is a third. 

Ergonomics - Direct (NOT recall stack) control of two locos at the same time from a single, easy to hold DT40x throttle that has FEWER buttons than NCE's big ol' hammerhead.

Dislikes:

It hasn't given me any winning lottery numbers yet.   

Digitrax Super Chief which was purchased more than ten years a go and still going strong.  I started with a DT100R simplex radio throttle but have recently upgraded to duplex radio.  The DT100R (two of them) are still in service.

 NCE phpro 5 amp with radio.  I also have a power cab that I use for the 2nd throttle and for the program track.

Likes: Easy to use and great menu system

Dislikes: Still looking for one but no luckf

 I use a NCE Power Cab with the older SB3 smart booster.

Likes: most user friendly system out there.

Dislikes: NONE

Stevert

a single, easy to hold DT40x throttle that has FEWER buttons than NCE's big ol' hammerhead

You know, I'm trying to ignore all this my system is better than yours nonsense.  I think there's one of these posts every other day.  That said, I think this is the second time in about a week where someone has made the fewer button statement.

Yes, you are technically correct if all you are doing is counting "buttons".  If I counted right, the DT current update handset number whatever has 32, and the PowerCab has 34.  However, 4 of the PowerCab buttons are related to speed step control and supplement the thumbwheel.  You don't have to use them.  So if we subtract those 4, then the PowerCab only has 30.  So hows about a little truth in advertising?

Been using the NCE Pro system since 1999.  Have four power districts and boosters, use wireless and cable, have the T bone cabs and the cabo4p cabs, like the system very much.

Bob

Stevert

Dislikes:

It hasn't given me any winning lottery numbers yet.

Well....maybe you should have gotten the one with more buttons then...

Tom

NCE Pro, Love it!

 No problems!

TheK4Kid

maxman

However, 4 of the PowerCab buttons are related to speed step control and supplement the thumbwheel.  You don't have to use them.  So if we subtract those 4, then the PowerCab only has 30.  So hows about a little truth in advertising?

Now that my friend is a new definition of "Truth in advertising"  Something only counts if you have to use it. 

Do you really think NCE would advertise their throttle as having "Only 30 buttons" and then in very small type "actually 34, but you don't have to use 4 of them"

simon1966

maxman

However, 4 of the PowerCab buttons are related to speed step control and supplement the thumbwheel.  You don't have to use them.  So if we subtract those 4, then the PowerCab only has 30.  So hows about a little truth in advertising?

Now that my friend is a new definition of "Truth in advertising"  Something only counts if you have to use it. 

Do you really think NCE would advertise their throttle as having "Only 30 buttons" and then in very small type "actually 34, but you don't have to use 4 of them"

 Well with that logic, subtract two from the Digitrax count too, because they are the direction buttons for the left and right knob which only supplant the functionality of clicking the knob.

 Or if you really want to be sneaky, consider that button count for Digitrax is for TWO throttles, not one! And a flashlight. Does anyone else have a flashlight in their throttle?  

                                        --Randy

rrinker

Does anyone else have a flashlight in their throttle?  

Randy,

I've used the backlit LCD screen of the Power Cab as a flashlight before.  Does that count?

Tom

I'm using a Zephyr with DT402D duplex radio, DS64 turnout control and a LocoBuffer to access JMRI.

Likes:

1.  The DT402D for controlling two locos simultaneously without having to push a recall button, and, great for speed matching locos.

2.  Nice crisp, positive response to button pushing compared to the mushy, squishing feel on NCE Power Cab or Pro.

3.  Nice, close button arrangement.  Easy to locate and don't have to reach all over the place as on MRC and NCE.

4.  Fewer button presses for throwing turnouts than on NCE and MRC.

5.  A third throttle available using the Zephyr throttle when needed.

6.  Nice size of the DT402, not too big and not too small.  Just right for me.

7.  Digitrax manuals and documention.

8.  Digitrax website......an amazing wealth of info.

Dislikes:

1.  Short battery life of DT402D and need to remove battery when not in use.  I have to use a tool to help loosen the battery as it fits very tight.

2.  12" cable that is permanently attached to the top of the DT402D.  A minor annoyance at times

simon1966

Do you really think NCE would advertise their throttle as having "Only 30 buttons" and then in very small type "actually 34, but you don't have to use 4 of them"

My issue is not the button count, nor whether or not they are needed.  My issue is that the original post asked what you like and dislike about the system you have, not what do you like about your system and dislike about someone else's.

Because we have each made our own choice about what to buy, I believe we all have an inherent bias to that system.  So my system will be perfect for me because it does all I want it to do.  Does that make it perfect?  No, of course not.  And I know that your system is perfect for you because I think you've indicated in previous posts that it will allow you to do things other systems don't, such as run a single DC engine or program an engine while someone else is running on the main.  However, these "features" are of no use to me so if my system does not have them I could care less. Regardless, the fact that your system is perfect for you does not mean that it is perfect.  Far from it.  And I know this is true because the guy up the road from me who has a fully signaled model railroad of a size much larger than most of us could ever hope to have recently spent a considerable amount of money to dump your system for someone else's.  And he did this why?  Because of all the great features that the Digitrax system has, there was one thing (that everyone else here would not need) that it couldn't do.

So all I'm asking is that you recognize that we all have our own needs and preferences, and try to refrain from firing a shot across someone else's bow (unless directly provoked).

Thanks

 Interesting comments so far. I did learn that you can control 2 locomotives at the same time with the 2 knobs on the digitrax unit.

trainman6446

Interesting comments so far. I did learn that you can control 2 locomotives at the same time with the 2 knobs on the digitrax unit.

And, you know what? I think that THAT is terrific feature of the DT400 throttles.   Even so, I have no problem using the RECALL button on my Power Cab.

I also agree with maxman.  I don't see why a few of us always seem to feel compelled to turn a discussion of DCC systems into some sort of petty school yard "my bike is better than yours and yours stinks - Nah!" argument.

It seems to me that, although I choose to use a Mizuno glove and you choose to use a Spalding to play baseball, we're still all on the same team.  Yes?  But...apparently from the answers given by a few individuals, I guess I'm mistaken on that fact.

Tom

I like my NCE PH-Pro 5 amp system because the throttle floats in the bathub, and I don't think that those crappy other systems can claim that.

Rich

 It did not take long for this to turn into a food fight. Every system made no matter what the make and model has good and not so good points. They all are good systems for what they are designed to do. Move DCC controlled locomotives. Pick the system that suits you and leave the petty bickering out of the equation. How low can you people get when someone says mine has more buttons than yours? What POSSIBLE purpose does that argument make?

  Like I stated in my first response. I have hands on experience with the three most popular systems. They all work great. Unless you have hands on, frequent use of each system then your opinion of the ones you don't use should be kept on your side of the screen. Bashing serves no purpose but to entice conflict. If you want to argue then go some other place and count buttons.

  The most important point about a system is. How does the throttle feel in YOUR hand?  Can YOU run trains with it?

       Pete

richhotrain

I like my NCE PH-Pro 5 amp system because the throttle floats in the bathub, and I don't think that those crappy other systems can claim that.

Rich

Now that's an image I didn't need.

Do you run your trains from the bathtub often?

Phoebe Vet

richhotrain

I like my NCE PH-Pro 5 amp system because the throttle floats in the bathub, and I don't think that those crappy other systems can claim that.

Rich

Now that's an image I didn't need.

Do you run your trains from the bathtub often?

  I tried, but then my iphone slipped and I ruined it. (reference the WiThrottle app that works with JMRI and any DCC system with a supported computer interface (sorry, MRC)).

 Not really on the bathtub part, but if you have an iPhone or iPod Touch and use JMRI with your DCC system, check out WiThrottle. Since you already have all the other stuff, it's basically a free wireless throttle for your system (there's a free Lite version of the app that has a few limits, plus a full featured version). It does NOT us your airtime minutes or data transfer it connects via your wireless router.

 As for using the throttles, I tend to hold my DT400 down at my side and use my thumb to control speed. A double click on the knob changes direction, so that leaves my right hand free to operate coupler picks and so forth.

                                                 ---Randy

Phoebe Vet

richhotrain

I like my NCE PH-Pro 5 amp system because the throttle floats in the bathub, and I don't think that those crappy other systems can claim that.

Rich

Now that's an image I didn't need.

Do you run your trains from the bathtub often?

Phoebe,

You apparently missed my April Fool post on Bathtub Layouts.

Rich

I did indeed miss that post.