Paul,
DCC systems are designed to be used with any brand decoder. I have a NCE Power Cab. But I can run a locomotive with either a Digitrax, TCS, Lenz, QSI, Loksound, or NCE decoder. Doesn't matter. What you can NOT do is mix and match DCC system components - e.g. using a Lenz throttle with a Digitrax Zephyr.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
People have been mentioning using Digitax Zephyr and Atlas Commander in this thread, so I thoguht I'd ask: I'm building my first layout with DCC in mind. The layout will allow me to operate 2-3 trains at the same time. I have a Bachman Acela set (DCC ready, no decoder on board), and I just got an Atlas SD-35 loco today, which has a decoder built in.
Can I run an Atlas loco with a Zephyr controller? Or will I have to replace the Atlas decoder with the Digitrax decoder?
Thanks.
Don,
As I responded to your e-mail, I'm glad you found the Power Cab review helpful. Let us know what you end up deciding to get.
Tom:Simon:
Thanks for helpful feedback on my choice of DCC system. I was concerned that perhaps the power cab was a more dependable product than the MRC Prod 2. Just seems that NCE gets more positive comments than MRC DCC products.
Tom, I previously visited your site and read the helpful review of the NCE power cab.
Simon has given you some sage advice to consider, given the list of DCC systems that you've posted. My opinion is that either the MRC PA2 or Power Cab should work just fine for your needs.
And, for what it's worth, the recall stack limit of 2 with the Power Cab has never really been an issue for me. Keeping tabs on two locomotives running simultaneously is enough to keep my brain occupied. (More than that, for me, would be courting disaster. )
djb39 wrote: $200 MRC Prod Adv 2, 3.0 amp, recall stack of 6, lots of power for the price, good reviews of new MRC effort. MR Mag gave good review. Am I taking a risk with MRC over NCE power cab?
A couple of corrections on the MRC Prodigy Advance2: It offers 3.5 amps and a 25 loco recall stack.
I've seen the price as low as $200 but you may have to shop around to find it. Have also seen it for $210 and $220.
Jerry
Rio Grande vs. Santa Fe.....the battle is over but the glory remains!
I'm new to DCC as of the last year or so. I was DC about 25 years ago then quit the hobby all together. DCC was starting to appear but seemed a dream (or nightmare..)
I now have a small 2 X 8 at present to test and see how I do with DCC. I purchased, thru WEB stores and Ebay, various enignes and DCC equipement. Installed decoders yada yada yada...
I read much before jumping in and wrote down what I wanted. I wanted it all: Computer control, CTC, automation, signals, turnout control, radio. Just for the fun of it.
I elected to go Digitrax.
There is so much writen up on Digitrax that I had no problem familliarising myself before starting. Bought a Zephyr then a DCS100. Then the radio options (DT400R, UR91). Gathered up PM42, DS54, SE8C, BDL168, serial LOCOBUFFER, JMRI.
At present I have the test bed layout up, wired, signaling via JMRI PanelPro. I can control the locomotives by computer or radio walk around. I encounter very little I could not resolve myself or find my answer googling, or reading forums. Only recently joinned this forum.
I think that this is the beauty of using a proven system, the wide spread support base. The other system may be just as good and flexible, but this was my choice.
Don, another way to look at it is what end point do you want to have?
Joe and others have pointed out one of the draw backs of expanding the Powercab is the redundant parts you are left with as you expand. If you start with the basic 1.7 amp system and add the Smart Booster the initial 1.7 amp internal booster is redundant and you are left with the 3 amp capacity of the smart booster. If you then decide to move up to the Pro then the Smart booster is redundant and you are basically left with a throttle from your original purchase. This becomes a rather expensive way of getting a Pro with an extra throttle. So if I were in your shoes considering the NCE product line, I would decide on my end point needs and then select the most cost effective way of achieving it.
It may just turn out that the MRC offering better suits your end point. Either way you will end up with a good system.
Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum
Been eagerly watching this thread since it appeared, and more confused now.
Starting up, new layout after 12 years out of hobby. Was previously a 12vdc modeler
Want to run 2-3 locos to start, maybe 1 or 2 with sound. Layout design is a 10X8 around the room 2' shelf layout. Looking to buy 1 Atlas Gold loco to start.
Summary of what I get from this thread, & other comments results in my system choice as follows:
Oh what to do. The Pwr cab with boosters, if/when needed, or MCR Prod. Adv 2? DRILINES gave me good logic to going with Power Cab. Recall stack of 2, and low amps bothers me with the Power cab.
Perhaps Joe Fugate will see this and chime in! Looking for an easy answer.
leejax01 wrote:2. No recall issue of only 2 locos like NCE(if I had known, I would have not bought it)...not sure if the Procab has a larger recall capacity, if so, then disregard this point
Full ProCab system allows a recall stack of 6 locos ...
Joe Fugate Modeling the 1980s SP Siskiyou Line in southern Oregon
Best is a relative term and I can give you my experience. I have had 4 different DCC systems which was the
1. Bachmann EZ DCC
2. MRC Prodigy Advance
3. Digitrax Radio Super Chief
4. NCE Power Cab
In ease of use, I would say:
1.MRC/Bachmann tie
2.NCE
3.Digitrax(although when you get the hang of it, it is quite easy)
In overall capability I would say:
1.Digitrax
2. NCE
3. MRC
4. Bachmann
If you were asking my opinion in getting a system for home use, I would say get the Digitrax Super Chief as it is the most capable by:
1. Running 2 locos without toggling as it has 2 seperate throttle knobs on the throttle. I can't actually think of any flaws like the other systems.
2. No recall issue of only 2 locos like NCE(if I had known, I would have not bought it)...not sure if the Procab has a larger recall capacity, if so, then disregard this point
3. If I remember correctly, with the MRC system, you had to assign a consist # and the locos to that number and you were not able to access sound functions and control throttle at the same time. Maybe it is upgraded in the newer systems, and if so, disregard this point.
4. Bachmann is quickly outgrown after a week...if that long as it has very limited capabilities that I would not recommend to anyone serious in model railroading.
3.
I went the Zephyr route myself and have found it to be a fine starting point and a perfect platform upon which to build. The real power of the Digitrax solution IMO comes from the Loconet which is the common network interface that Digitrax designed to hook everything together. When you want to add stuff you generally just daisy chain on to the loconet. For me this has led to the addition of a booster, a couple of extra throttles, a wireless interface and a PC hooked in to both run Decoder pro and use some of the other neat diagnostic tools that Decoderpro offers for Loconet. My Zephyr still sits in the middle of all this running the whole show and acting as a yard booster/throttle. With the two jump throttles in action it is not uncommon for me to have 6 operators running on my layout at the same time (One virtual throttle on the PC). Just in November at my sons birthday, I was able to entertain 12 2nd graders and have what might be called a chaotic experience with all these throttles in action at once!
Now, to be fair, when I purchased the Zephyr several years ago there was really nothing out there to compare it to. NCE did not have an entry level system. MRC were far from consideration and had not introduced the Prodigy. I don't even think the Bachmann solution was out there? Atlas did have the Commander, but it was clear to me that the Z offered a lot more for not much difference in price. It seemed to me that the Zephyr gave me the full capabilities of an advanced Digitrax system with compromises that I could live with. The 10 slot and 10 throttle limit have not been an issue for me. If I were making the decision today, I would be giving serious consideration to both the Powercab and the Prodigy. I still think I would choose the Z simply because I don't think either of the others can actually do what I do with my Z. I simply have too many occasions when I have groups of kids at the house and I like to give as many of them a chance to run a train as I can. The Z and the jump throttles are so simply for a kid to run that I don't have to concern myself if they have no experience.
simon1966 wrote:Nope, same thing and sure enough if you use the Atlas search it is there. Appologies for that. I am almost 100% certain that it is not available for sale and that these are some older pages still up on their web site for some reason. At $169 it is no bargain, either the Zephyr or the Power cab can be had for less and offer a lot more.
No problem
I'm new at this & only plan on running 2-3 trains on my layout for now, so maybe the Zephyr would be a good choice, then way down the road I decide on something bigger.
Phoebe Vet wrote: Which system is best is like asking which car is best. There will be as many opinions as there are members.Perhaps a better question would have been: 1- Which DCC system do YOU use, and why did you choose it.Digitrax Big Boy, purchased in 1995-96(?), and I like it. It was reportably the best at it's time. The upgradability was a plus. Not sure about now, though. As usual technology has improved. I think there are functions on newer sound equipped locos I can't access, but I really am not sure yet.2- Now that you have had it for a while, do you still feel you made the right choice, or would you choose differently if you had it to do over?I made the right choice in 1995-96 when I purchased the unit, but with todays choices, I really don't know where I would go. I think I would still go with Digitrax, simply because they are just across town, and I like to keep my dollars spent locally.I like the Digitrax response. I would like to see other systems recommended the same way by an actual user.
Which system is best is like asking which car is best. There will be as many opinions as there are members.
Perhaps a better question would have been:
1- Which DCC system do YOU use, and why did you choose it.
Digitrax Big Boy, purchased in 1995-96(?), and I like it. It was reportably the best at it's time. The upgradability was a plus. Not sure about now, though. As usual technology has improved. I think there are functions on newer sound equipped locos I can't access, but I really am not sure yet.
2- Now that you have had it for a while, do you still feel you made the right choice, or would you choose differently if you had it to do over?
I made the right choice in 1995-96 when I purchased the unit, but with todays choices, I really don't know where I would go. I think I would still go with Digitrax, simply because they are just across town, and I like to keep my dollars spent locally.
I like the Digitrax response. I would like to see other systems recommended the same way by an actual user.
I haven't used a lot of systems, so I don't have a lot of DCC experience, but I'm comfortable with my old system. I will upgrade to a newer Digitrax soon, (not sure what yet, as long as it's compatible with my Big Boy) and I guess a new learning process will begin.
I'm also looking for info and suggestions.
Rotor
Jake: How often does the train go by? Elwood: So often you won't even notice ...
simon1966 wrote:hubbards98 I don't believe that you can see it for sale on the Atlas web site. In the on-line catalog you can only see accessory items for it. I don't doubt that there are still some sitting on shelves in hobby shops around the nation though.
Maybe we are talking about 2 different things...I found it on the Atlas Web site, sells for $169.95
hubbards98 wrote:I was considering the Digitrax Zephyr, but I was wondering about the Altas Commander, does anyone know anything about this product
I have mixed emotions about the Commander. It was my first DCC system and it was an exciting moment when I first started using it. But, I'm afraid technology advancements have passed it by, thus it's no longer produced.
But, if you can get one cheap somewhere it just might be very good for certain situations. Here is what it can do:
All in all this is a pretty powerful little system. It can run quits a few locos at the same time. I thinks it's best for a non-sound layout because of the limited functions (no way to mute sounds unless your decoder supports double clicking F0). In some ways it's very easy to use but in others the newer systems are much faster and easier. I'm presently using mine on my N scale test track and debating whether to use it on the N scale layout that I'm constructing, although I'll likely use my MRC Wireless for both my HO layout and N since they are in close proximity.
simon1966 wrote: hubbards98 wrote:I was considering the Digitrax Zephyr, but I was wondering about the Altas Commander, does anyone know anything about this productAtlas no longer sells the Commander. They do still offer documentation support and a few accessories on their web site, but otherwise it has been dropped from their product line.
Atlas no longer sells the Commander. They do still offer documentation support and a few accessories on their web site, but otherwise it has been dropped from their product line.
Really...Makes you wonder why they would still have the price on it, well I guess Zephyr it is
Joe:
I chose Digitrax because I am a fan of "geedunks" (A term I learned in the Navy meaning things that are neat, but nobody really NEEDS.), and Digitrax seems to have more of them. I like the ability to program switch routes and cascading switch routes and the fact that you can initiate a route with a pushbutton as well as the throttle. My layout is 20x18 feet. I have 8 trains on the layout, but I only run 2 trains at a time. I could have gotten by with the Zephyr, but I wanted at least 5 amps, and by the time I added a second throttle, it wouldn‘t have saved much over the Chief. The Empire Builder would have been good enough for me if it used a command center instead of a booster. But then, an Empire Builder with a command center IS a Chief. I don't have signals yet, but probably will someday, and Digitrax has the accessories to do that easily. I like the dual knobs on the DT-400 throttle.
So, it was a lot of little things combined. I have nothing bad to say about any of the other systems.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
Phoebe Vet wrote:"Best" is subjective.Everyone thinks the one they use is the best, that's why they bought it. Who would buy "second best"?The better question would be "Why did you buy the one you did, and how do you feel about it now that you have had it for a while?"FYI I have the Digitrax Chief. That is the one I like best. That does not mean it IS the best.Best for you is the one that YOU like best.
"Best" is subjective.
Everyone thinks the one they use is the best, that's why they bought it. Who would buy "second best"?
The better question would be "Why did you buy the one you did, and how do you feel about it now that you have had it for a while?"
FYI I have the Digitrax Chief. That is the one I like best. That does not mean it IS the best.
Best for you is the one that YOU like best.
So now you've got my curiosity up ... why did you go with the Digitrax Chief? Did you try lots of other systems first, was it cheaper, why? And now that you've had it for a while, how do you feel about it? How often do you use it in an op session, and how many trains at a time do you run? What is your least favorite aspect of your Chief system?
Do tell!
simon1966 wrote: armchair wrote: I have owned an Atlas dcc set.It was fairly easy to use, it did not last very long, I'm not sure Atlas is even still making those.I believe that they were made for Atlas by Lenz and that some if not all the Lenz throttles were compatible with it.
armchair wrote: I have owned an Atlas dcc set.It was fairly easy to use, it did not last very long, I'm not sure Atlas is even still making those.
I believe that they were made for Atlas by Lenz and that some if not all the Lenz throttles were compatible with it.
Correct, including the Lenz cordless phone option, and even the CVP radio throttle will work with the Atlas Commander. However none of these throttles will perform any operation that the Commander itself cannot do.
jfugate wrote: MRC's throttles have a knob on them instead of a thumbwheel, which is a plus.
MRC's throttles have a knob on them instead of a thumbwheel, which is a plus.
It's pretty easy to convert the NCE procab thumbwheel to a knob.
http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/nswmn1/procab_knob.htm