Choosing a DCC system

[mikesmowers]

  I know this has probley been ask a hundred or so times, but....

   I have finally got the funds to get my first Dcc system and would like your thoughts on what I will need. Here is the scoop..I am building an N scale and will have a single track along the outside of the table and another track on the inside of the outside tracks (running parallel (SP) in places).  On the inside tracks will be 2 reverse loops and several sidings and industries. I will have a total of about 150 ft. of track and would like to be able to run 3 trains at the same time. 

   I have been studing on the subject some and am leaning toward the Digitrax   What can you recemond before I spend $$$ on something of this importance

  Thank you, if you have any questions. please ask. I will probley order a couple of DCC equiped locos at the same time.

    Another quick question.. A DC loco will run on DCC, will it not?

                                                                           Mike

[NeO6874]

I'd say go to the LHS to "play" with the various systems if at all possible...

As for brand - can't help you much there... still running strong with DC

A DC loco will run on DCC only on a few mfg systems - if you get a Zephyr (or maybe any of the Digitrax systems) I know you hace run a DC loco on address 00... however if you go with NCE Powercab you cannot...   so if that is a need for now, you'll have to research that...

 

tonys trains and Litchfield Station are good resources for DCC system comparisons...

 

tstage did a review of the NCE Powercab a while back... unfortunately railimages moved so the pics are currently broken.. but you shuold get the general idea of things without them...

[jeffrey-wimberly]

I'll be watching tyhis thread. I'm looking to upgrade myself. Right now I'm looking at the Digitrax Zephyr and the MRC Prodigy Express.

[jrbernier]

Mike,

  You can get by with some of the full feature 'starter sets' available.  What is going to be the 'drop dead' feature will be the throttles.  If you can get to a club or LHS and 'try out' various throttles, it will help you make a decision.  Also, what systems are local clubs using?  The club I belong to uses a large Digitrax system, and at least 3 of us use Digitrax DCC systems.  For me, this is  the features that are important:

• Throttles
• Expandability
• Computer Interface(do not blow this one off)

You are going to buy additional throttles, and the 'feel' is important.  You need to be aware if the throttle has a 'wireless' upgrade feature.  Having 3 operators run trains will need 3 throttles at some point.

  Is your system expandable?  Can you add the computer interface, or wireless throttles, or even a larger booster? 

  That last one is a real show stopper for me.  Being able to use 'Decoder Pro' and programming the decoders from my PC takes all of the work out of setting up locomotives.  The software is 'free', and being able to use it with my DCC system is great.

Jim Bernier

 

[Texas Zepher]

I will have a total of about 150 ft. of track and would like to be able to run 3 trains at the same time.

Capacity-wise any of the systems will handle this scenario just fine.  Make your decision based on features you like.   I would recommend a separate throttle for each train (3 throttles).   I hate punching back and forth between two things when trying to operate.  That is just as bad as the old DC toggle switches for controlling multiple trains.

Another quick question.. A DC loco will run on DCC, will it not?

No, only some of the DC systems have a "channel zero" for operating DC locomotives.  Even if a DCC system has this function, I don't recommend using it.  Check out some old threads with Jeff Wimberly who did some experiments to see how long a DC motor would last before melting down with DCC applied to it.  To spoil the story, they didn't last long.

[jalajoie]

I'll be watching tyhis thread. I'm looking to upgrade myself. Right now I'm looking at the Digitrax Zephyr and the MRC Prodigy Express.

Jeffrey take a look at this thread: okay..., i'm letting the but bite me but I have some questions about DCC which is going on in the Electronics and Dcc forum.

[markpierce]

Model Railroader magazine has an article in November 2008 issue on "A buyer's guide to DCC systems."

Mark

[mikesmowers]

   Thanks for the help. I did order a Digitrax DCC system and 3 DCC equiped Atlas Locos yesterday, I hope I am smart enough to figure it out.

 There is no club or LHS around here, the nearest one is in OKC and I am not sure if he has a DCC layout. I have only been there once. Thanks again, I will be back with more questions when I get them in (About 10 days).     Mike

[jeffrey-wimberly]

I ordered my Digitrax Zephyr DCS50 yesterday along with 8 DZ125 decoders. It'll be here Monday.

[simon1966]

Good for you guys, I hope you get as much enjoyment out of your new systems as I have my Digitrax system.  Lots of help available here if you have any questions.  I would also recommend joining the Digitrax Yahoo group.