If you went DCC again, which brand?

[jwar]

After searching threads and post on DCC, and really getting close to going DCC. Running about 230 feet of track and deciding that 5 or 8 amps and radio controll would work nicely for three mains and two yards.

Havent decided on the manufacturer as of yet, but close to making a decision.

The questions I would enjoy hearing from those of you running DCC.

(1) Now that you have the expertiese, if today you were going to start over again, getting into DCC, what brand would you go with.

(2) If you have the experience of using two or more systems (brands) which did you like best and if you would like to elaborate about it, Please do so.

Thank you for any and all info, Have a great day...John

[tigerstripe]

You just stirred up the nest. Now all the bees are coming.

[Anonymous]

I would check the features of each brand. I went with the Lenz system, and would do the same if I were to do it over. There are a lot of considerations dealing with features, future expansion, and price. I purchased the LZV100 system, and then purchased the LZV90 controller as well. Between the two of the throttles, there are advantages/disadvantages to each. For switching the 90 series controller is a "knob" controller which gives very easy control. The limitation is only 8 different addresses are stored into the controller. The 100 series is all "push button", so it can be more cumbersome for switching operations. It does offer certain programming features that cannot be done on the 90 series. It also allows me to be able to recall any of my programmed engines at any time. I find that I use both of the controllers often, but for different reasons. Check the features before buying, and make sure you are getting enough of a system. You don't want to have to lay out the ca***wice because you've outgrown your system.

[rrinker]

I've seen nothing yet that makes me regret my decision to go with Digitrax. If I scrapped it all and started over - I would just get another Digitrax system. Start small, add on as needed, no surplus or useless equipment when you do so, it's all usable in a fully expanded system.

--Randy

[dehusman]

I have NCE and the only other system I would consider would be Lenz.

Dave H.

[Anonymous]

My vote is with rrinker. I have been using Digitrax since 2001 and have had no system problems and have found their tech support people very easy to deal with when I called them to answer beginner DCC questions.

Ben

[simon1966]

John,

Based on every other thread I have read about "which DCC Co" I don't think you are going to find responses to this very helpful, most all that will reply like what they have chosen. Which suggests to me that all the DCC manufacturers make decent systems, and as far as I can tell, they all provide great support. Digitrax would appear to be the market leader in terms of installed systems (I have a Zephyr, Empire builder combination with no regrets at all, and would do it again as I like the ability to build on my system), but also seems to have the most passionate detractors! Since you have made the decision for a 5-8 amp system with radio, you are down to a reasonalbly short list of US based makers, Digitrax, NCE and Easy DCC, and a couple of overseas Lenz and Zimo. I personally would never look at Zimo, because of the pricing, and I don't know anyone with Lenz or Easy DCC. It does not mean that any of these are bad, just that I find value in having local people with the same system that I can talk to and try things out. Anyway, if i were in your shoes now, I would make a fairly thorough comparison of the Radio Chief and the equivalent from NCE. Better still, see if you can use either of them on a local layout. I can not imagine that you would be dissapointed with either choice.

[Anonymous]

I agree, they all do about the same thing. It is just a matter of personal preference. As long as the system is to NMRA code, there should be no problem with interfacing decoders... from other manufacturers.

[tstage]

Hmmm. That's a tough call. I started out with the Bachmann EZ Command DCC system, paying about 1/2 MSRP for it. For the price, I'd choose it again because it allowed me to get my DCC "feet wet", of which I have NO regrets. However, with the limitations of the Bachmann (which I was fully aware of BEFORE I bought it), I would have to choose going with a more sophisicated DCC system like Digitrax or CVP EasyDCC.

It's hard to say because I have not had much of a chance to see any of the other systems first hand - other than NCE, at a train show a few weeks ago. I would like the opportunity to have more control of the decoder's CV's, which I really don't on the Bachmann EZ Command system. Needless to say, I am content for now with what I do have, limited as it may be.

Tom

[Anonymous]

I'd stay with Lenz - very happy with my Compact. However, I think I'd save a bit more and buy one of the more advanced sets - the Compact is a great budget system but it's not too hot on controlling plenty of functions (as you need for sound-equipped locos) or much programming. The 2-digit addressing is also a bit of a nuisance, but I still feel you can't find anything better over here for the money.

[ClinchValleySD40]

I wouldn't consider anything else other than what I have - NCE.

[michealfarley]

After using Digitrax and CVP while owning NCE, I would say that I love the system that I have and would repurchase in a heartbeat. Easy installation, fantastic customer support, etc. I would also consider going with CVP if I did it again, although the installation and troubleshooting haven't been as trouble-free for a friend of mine who had me install his EasyDCC. CVP is a very technical system and sometimes I just don't have the patience for that. Digitrax just doesn't do it FOR ME. Thousands of people love it, I just don't.

[davekelly]

I think it is pretty clear that each system has it's plusses and minuses. I don't think there is a bad system out there. Systems that don't meet the modeler's needs or have more than the modeler needs? Yup. But bad systems? Nope.

Of course that just makes the decision even more difficult!! Not a bad position to be in.

[Anonymous]

Look at all of 'em, buy the one you like!

[davekelly]

But Ed, what happens if you like 'em all?

One of my fantasies is to win the lottery, call Walthers and say "send me one of everything!" Man that would be great!

[Anonymous]

I noticed no one said that they would use MRC... Interesting.

For me, I tried MRC, didn't have a good experience with it, and am now going to try Digitrax...

[Anonymous]

I started with the MRC Command 2000 and found it more than adequate to the task. I used it on my layout that had a couple ovals and some spurs. IOW, I didn't do much in the way of operations as scenery and continuous running were my primary goals and I could run five locos with help and easily three by myself.

I'm currently looking at the new MRC Prodigy system and find that I like the hand held cab with the advanced system.

Having been in the computer industry for over twenty years and being asked by all my friends and family what computer they should get I developed a criteria list. It goes something like this.

1. What do you want to do? I used to tell people don't go buy a PC or a MAC and then look for the software to do what you want. Buy the software first and then buy the hardware that runs the software. So the better you know what you want to do with your layout, the better you will be able to select the right feature set. No sense in buying some feature that you will never use.

2. What are your friends using? This was brought up before and I can't emphasize enough the importance of this one. Unless you can't satisfy your needs with a system similar to your friends this should be heavily weighted in your analysis.

3. What is your budget? This is often weighted the most at the sacrifice of the first two criteria but always ends up costing more. If a system doesn't have what you need and you are trying to get by, just know that you are compromising what you want to do with your layout and it will usually cost more in total than if you had gone with the more expensive system in the first place.

[nickatnet]

I'm glad someone finally mentioned MRC. I'm new to DCC. In fact I haven't used it yet as I'm building a new N-scale layout now. From what I have read as far as features, ease of use and price I'm going with the Prodigy Advance. Good luck on your choice.

[Anonymous]

For what I want in a DCC system, I would probably again choose the MRC Prodigy Advance. It offered the best combination of features that I wanted for the lowest price. I did not need wireless, but I did want hand held control. I don't need a lot of expandability, but did want to use additional throttles, which it allows. I wanted to have access to all normal function controls, which it does. I wanted something to allow me to run several trains at once, without being too limited by the available current. It does not have the highest current rating (only 2.5A as delivered), but it is sufficient for the time being and can be upgraded. I also like the ability to program routes and things like that, I like the "yard mode" of the controller, and the ease of use of the product. There are a lot of choices out there, many of which are excellent, but this was my preference for what I wanted and for the price I was willing to pay.

[WilmJunc]

Based on all the different opinions above, it seems like everyone is pretty happy with their selection. This leads me to believe that all of the major DCC manufacturers are pretty good and it's hard to make a bad decision. I went with Digitrax and have no complaints

[johncolley]

Wow, talk about a quandary... I have and enjoy Prodigy Advance for my home use, Because I am building Free-mo modules and they specify Digitrax I will build it in and buy the little handheld for meets. If I had the money my "druthers" would be NCE Radio. If "If" was a horse, we'd all get a ride.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by davekelly

But Ed, what happens if you like 'em all?

That is a problem. I have my hard headed opinions about DCC systems, but I have the "like 'em all" problem in other areas. I like first generation diesels, GP9s, GP7s, comparable SDs, F3s, F7s, etc. I also like jumbo covered hoppers and grain elevators. In the first generation era most grain was loaded in 40 foot boxcars with grain doors added. I also like 40 foot boxcars, but get lonesome for those covered hoppers in a short time. I guess I could reletter all the locomotives for some fictional shortline (that bought 'em used) from the class 1s, but.....well, you get the idea.

Now for DCC systems I have CVPs EasyDCC and love it. I have not been impressed with Digitrax on friends' layouts, but they like it so it's OK. I haven't seen NCE and don't know anyone who has any of the MRC or Bachman systems so have no first hand knowledge there. I have been VERY impressed with CTC-80 on some local layouts. It is NOT DCC, however. It is one of the older analog systems. One of the better known local layouts using CTC-80 recently switched to EasyDCC. One vociferous Digitrax operator is switching to EasyDCC! I agree wholeheartedly!

Each system has its admirers and detractors. It's what you like for your layout that is important. But to answer your question, I'd buy the same thing all over again.

Cheers,

Ed

[jwar]

Wow...a bit to think about and getting close to a decision and wist to thank each of you for your input. So far I think Im on the right track and my openion before is the same after injesting the above posts...Thanks...Have a great day...John

[Anonymous]

I'd go with what I bought originally CVP Easy DCC...Why because I like the wireless (knob speed control, no buttons) and the ease of set up and use. I have used NCE, Digitraxx and system one. I would still buy Easy DCC over those.....

[davekelly]

I've noticed that while everyone has their opinion on which DCC they preferred, there was no bashing of other systems. Way cool.

[Anonymous]

I use NCE on the clubs layout and I am real pleased with it, I'd use it at home If I could afford the system.

[selector]

The one with the 'best' warranty.

Everyone here has a good or not so good story to relate about Brand (fill in the blank). So, in the end, seriously define the function and performance parameters that you expect to need in the foreseeable future, cost out various suitable candidates, and then pick the one with the best warranty. Can't really go wrong with that formula.

[Anonymous]

I have used a set 100 from Lenz for 18 mounth and have loved it. I have used almost every brand of decoder and have had no problems programming or running any of them with the set 100.

[Adelie]

I started with Digitrax and would start with them again. Probably as much due to Loconet as anything. I work in the computer field, so I seem to understand how things talk to each other on it. I also like the throttles, which I found easy enough to manipulate.

I've exchanged numerous emails with their tech support about pre-purchase questions (whether things that I think will work will actually work). They have always been helpful and prompt. I've never had cause to return anything to them.

Decoder-wise, I have installed some Digitrax and inherited some Lenz. Who makes what is pretty much transparent, a credit to both Digitrax and the manufacturers of the decoders (who incidentally also make systems that I suspect work equally well with the decoders from the other manufacturers!). Unlike what I am used to seeing in segments of the computer business, it does not seem like anyone is purposely designing in any incompatibilities or limitations, except for the less expensive systems whose limitations are a trade-off to hold down costs.

[Anonymous]

A followup to my previous post in this thread...

I got my Digitrax in and got around to installing it this weekend, and everything works great. I have 3 locos installed with decoders, and had no problems with any of them.

So, I switched brands and all is good. I think a lot of my prior bad experience had to do with PATIENCE... or the lack there of...