Hello! presently I have a DC layout, What DCC starter system in HO would you recomend for a 4x8 layout and future expantion to 10x20 That a caveman could use it?
John
This has been beeten around a few times before. If you ask me I will tell you an NCE Power Cab, Others will tell you a Digitrax Zepher will be better and so on and so forth. The best advice I can give you is go to train shows, DCC supplier shops, Train clubs, and other places that use DCC and try the diferent systems for your self. Its your rail road not mine so dont let me tell you what to do with it. Try each throttle in your hand, ask a lot of questions and make a list of things you want out of a system before you decide.
Pete
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
Digitrax Zephyr.
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam
Ronzo,
Like the previous posters say, its a matter of taste and personal preference. Four months ago, I knew little or nothing about DCC, and as I am fixin to rebuild my 11x15 layout, I thought this would be the time to convert. I picked up a Kalmbach DCC book, went back thru MR articles and reviews, and got a basic DCC education. Then I was "dangerous", and started asking specific questions of the wonderful folks on this forum.
For a layout your size, I doubt there is a "wrong" choice among the popular brands (Digitrax, MRC, NCE, etc.). I choose to go with Digitrax (Super Chief starter set), but could easily have been convinced to go with NCE. If I didn't run so many locos and am a nut on "more power", I could have gone with some of the others as well. From what I understand, the 5 or 6 main DCC providers are all good solid companies and will serve the entry level MR well.
DCC - in my newly semi educated opinion - can be as simple or as complicated as you wish, and also as inexpensive or expensive as you can afford.
Good Luck, and let the Forum know what you do about this!
Mobilman44
ENJOY !
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
Thanks guys got some home work to do! for sure.
Digitrax, Lenz, MRC and NCE all make good, reasonably-priced systems. The suggestion about trying the throttles is a good one. This will be your "interface" to the system, and you will likely be happiest with the one you're most comfortable with. I personally chose Lenz, in part because I like the big-button throttles that I can operate easily with my large fingers, and I can see what's on the keys with my aging eyes. Of course, larger buttons means fewer buttons, so there is more "functionality" available on some of the other throttles. That's why your own impression of the throttle is important.
The NMRA has defined standards for DCC systems that apply to what goes to the track. So, the same signals go out no matter what your system. This means that any DCC decoder can be used with any DCC system, so buying one system does not restrict you to that company's decoders for your engines. What the standards do not cover, though, is the rest of the system. The throttles, in particular, are not interchangeable and can't be mixed-and-matched on the same installation.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
I agree with the other posters that the throttle may be ther most important consideration. How does it feel in your hand? Is its use intuitive? Can you read and understand the buttons and LCD screen read out?
I would add that you also consider what your friends and/or local clubs use. These would be resources for help and guidance. And you could use your throttle on their layouts.
Good luck! Happy hunting!
That being said, has anyone done a good side-by-side comparison of the systems? Most of the time, when this question is asked, the answer is that each system has its "plusses" and "minuses". I would think a grid showing each system and its capabilities and drawbacks would be a good start, although I agree that ultimately using the system yourself is the best way to judge. I did a search on the "Electronics and DCC" forum and I did not find a comparison anywhere. Anyone know if this exists?
i was in the same boat as you a few months ago, and I decided after research to go with
CVP;s Easy DCC
It's expandable, and very competitivly priced overall. I got a starter set that comes with a console mounted head unit that has two built in cabs, a dual zone booster (one auto-reverse capable), and a tethered walk around throttle with a couple of extensions. It's more than enough for my 4x8, and should run my final layout with ease, I'll add another throttle later though.
I'm 100% satisfied with the purchase, and I feel that despite being only available from CVP, the prices are reasonable for what you get.
Their expanded starter system comes with all of the above (except the booster, 7amp is a single) is $429, which for 3 throttles, is pretty *** good.
I'm trying to model 1956, not live in it.
If you plan on running a lot of engines at one time, look at systems that supply 8 amps of power.
Most systems are 5 amp's and with a lot of engines running at the same time, will short the system out.
I went with the CVP with the wireless throttle. It is very comfortable to hold onto. The command station has a lot of easy keystrokes to use in progamming locos. This is all a personal preference situation. If I can figure out how to use an electrical item , I'd say it's got to be easy. Good luck in Your choice & let us know when You make You're decision. By the way I wouldn't worry so much about about the amps issue as You should use another booster when You expand & create your power districts. There should be miles of threads on here explaining this.Enjoy the Holidays. Randy......
On days I want comfortable I drive the Sebring Vert.
On days I want to be frugal I drive the Prius
On days I want to have a lot of fun with a lot of power, I drive my vette.
In other words, it what makes you happy based on your needs. :-D
Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions
Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!
Yes poor advice.
You can take the five amp booster and break it into power districts so I am sure that no matter how many engines are running. I have had 11 HO scale locos with 5 that had sound running on my Power Cab. With the built in amp meter it was only drawing 1.78 amps. My club powers the modules with 1 five amp booster per main. There have been way more locos running than most home layouts will run. Plus some modules rob power for lighting and accessories. Some times the layout is 40 feet by 20 feet. We have another booster for backup but have not needed it yet.
DCS50 - $179 - 3 Amps - $59.60/ Amp
DB150 - $179 - 5 Amps - $35.80/ Amp
DB200+ - $199 - 8 Amps - $24.88/Amp
DCS100 - $285 - 5 Amps - $57.00/Amp
DCS200 - $305 - 8 Amps - $38.13/Amp
Why are you guys on your computers?
Shouldn't you be out front watching for Santa?
He might be bringing that new "Big Boy".
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
prrsd45DCS50 - $179 - 3 Amps - $59.60/ Amp DB150 - $179 - 5 Amps - $35.80/ Amp DB200+ - $199 - 8 Amps - $24.88/Amp DCS100 - $285 - 5 Amps - $57.00/Amp DCS200 - $305 - 8 Amps - $38.13/Amp
Wow, you're making me feel even better about CVP's Easy DCC, as it's starter set comes with a 7 amp Booster included for $419.
or, to put in your terms, a single Zonemaster ($79.95) with powersupply ($55) costs under $20 per amp!
Cheers!
Scarpia prrsd45 DCS50 - $179 - 3 Amps - $59.60/ Amp DB150 - $179 - 5 Amps - $35.80/ Amp DB200+ - $199 - 8 Amps - $24.88/Amp DCS100 - $285 - 5 Amps - $57.00/Amp DCS200 - $305 - 8 Amps - $38.13/Amp Wow, you're making me feel even better about CVP's Easy DCC, as it's starter set comes with a 7 amp Booster included for $419. or, to put in your terms, a single Zonemaster ($79.95) with powersupply ($55) costs under $20 per amp! Cheers!
prrsd45 DCS50 - $179 - 3 Amps - $59.60/ Amp DB150 - $179 - 5 Amps - $35.80/ Amp DB200+ - $199 - 8 Amps - $24.88/Amp DCS100 - $285 - 5 Amps - $57.00/Amp DCS200 - $305 - 8 Amps - $38.13/Amp
Before you get too excited, the prices above are list prices. Prices you are more likely to pay are:
DCS50 - $141 - 3 Amps - $47/ Amp
DB150 - $149 - 5 Amps - $29.80/ Amp
DB200+ - $157 - 8 Amps - $19.63/Amp
DCS100 - $226- 5 Amps - $45.20/Amp
DCS200 - $256 - 8 Amps - $32/Amp
Also note that these are a combination of boosters and command station/boosters in this list. So you may or may not be comparing apples with apples. You can get a Super Chief 8A system for $365 (non radio) and a Super Chief 8A radio system for $514. In both cases the power supply is extra ($40-70 depending on model). I agree the Zonemaster boosters look interesting. I've even considered them for the future, if I ever expand my system. They are attractively priced.
Engineer Jeff NS Nut Visit my layout at: http://www.thebinks.com/trains/
Keep in mind that the only item on that list comparable to a Zonemaster is the DB200. Both are simply boosters with no command station capabilities. Comparing the price per amps is a wash.
Martin Myers.
mfm37 Keep in mind that the only item on that list comparable to a Zonemaster is the DB200. Both are simply boosters with no command station capabilities. Comparing the price per amps is a wash.Martin Myers.
Agreed. The only point that I have been trying to get across that the CVP starter system really is priced pretty fairly, for what you get, and worth a look for a new railroader that wants to grow his layout. The Superchief is mentioned above at $365, yet that doesn't apparently include a power supply. The Easy DCC starter is $419, all included, and has three throttles, one more than the Superchief.
Merry Christmas!
If you want to push I can push back. NCE Power pro 5 amp complete system $412.95. How about the 10 amp for $506.95.
Merry Christmas
Who's pushing? Since when is discussing the merits and relative costs of other systems pushing?
The system you mention at that price seems to still lack a power supply, and only has one throttle (that can run 2 trains. although you can go wireless on this one), not 3 throttles like the CVP package. And the similarly priced 5 amp system is 2 amps less, not that it's a big issue.
Still, you guys win. I'm not going to continue this discussion any further, as folks on this forum seem to get increasingly rabid over the oddest things. To the original poster, definitely only get a NCE or Digitrax set. They are the best.
Merry Christmas and good luck in the new year!