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.
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 like the Digitrax response. I would like to see other systems recommended the same way by an actual user.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
I am very content with my Digitrax Super Empire Builder DB 150 and the 5 amps of power it offers. What I really like, though, are the twin DT400 throttles, each with twin clickable encoders that allow me to run two engines on one throttle simultaneously, and four if I have the nerve...hasn't happened yet.
I find my Digitrax to be easy enough to read and use. I would agree that you can't expect to pick up a DT400 and get trains running just like that. But, manual open on the bench and throttle in hand, it soon becomes very clear and the rest is pure enjoyment. Whatever Digitrax decides to offer in the future, twin clickable encoders should stay on their premier throttles.
My vote for best DCC system would be "Decoder Pro". It is not a system but an indispensable free software program that has made my Digitrax Chief easier to use.
JIM
Jim, Modeling the Kansas City Southern Lines in HO scale.
The CVP system is very easy to use. A limitation with it is the programming must be done from a fixed panel. If you are going to have a LOT of radio throttles working I have heard of people having problems when they have more than 8 EasyDCC radio throttles going. I have had friends that had issues with the 4 digit addressing (they may be fixed for now).
I really don't like early Digitrax throttles, they are very hard to figure out. i recently operated on a layout with the most recent radio throttle and it was a LOT more intuitive and user friendly.
I have also used a Lenz system and it was OK too.
I personally have an NCE system with a mix of radio and tethered throttles. I am happy with it. Several others in this area also have NCE systems randing in size from my 300 sq ft layout to rooms with 2500 sq ft.
Dave H.
Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com
Thank you very much Tom and Falls Valley, exactly what I'm looking for in results and details.
John
Where's that "opening kettle of fish" graphic when I need one?
As always I will reply with, "Whatever system you like is whatever system works for you" They are pretty much all capable of the same things give or take.
Just pay attention to things like
1. Will I need a walk around throttle?
2. Will I need a wireless throttle?
3. Will I want software support?
4. Do I want to use a particular feedback system?
5. How much current will I need?
6. Will my layout be modular, and what do fellow modular users use?
7. How important is an easy to use cab/throttle? Will 1 or 2 extra button presses mean that much to me?
BTW: Joe Fugate is a wonderful source of information on this topic.
Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions
Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!
Well, John. You didn't waste anytime in starting this brand new forum out with a topic that's a proverbial "can of worms". Thank you for a least putting some constraints on it.
Any one of the systems that you've mentioned will work well for you. For ease of use, I personally find the NCE interface more to my liking. I have tried Digitrax but the button layout of the Pro Cab or Power Cab throttle is more intuitive...to me. For the needs that you've mentioned, the 5 amp Power House Pro would be better for you than the 1.7 amp Power Cab.
John, if you'd like to take a virtual tour of the Power Cab (essentially the same throttle used with the NCE Power House Pro sytem), click on the link at the bottom of my post and go the review page on my web site. There's a short review of the Power Cab. It also contains pictures and comments to give you an idea of what you'd see if you were holding and/or using one yourself. And the review of the CAB-04p throttle and the Smart Booster might also be inciteful, if you should care to read them.
Hope that helps...
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
I use the Digitrax Super Chief.
I use Kato Unitrack. The switch machines are thrown by a DS-64 after they recieve the command from my DT400 throttle via the loconet.
The 8 amp command station is backed by a 2012 power supply that is capable of 20+ amps or feeding multipule boosters.
Practically, there are like 120 engine address can be stored, no limit to program options and I have not yet hit something that I cannot do with this system.
I bought this system at the hobby shop on discount and basically this will be the only system for the remainder of my life such as it is.
The signalling can be supported by the Digitrax Se8C (Either that spelling or the SEC8..) board. I have researched the future use of B&O CPL's with this system.
Yes I can patch into the chief with the computer but need a cable for that. Maybe will do that some day.
The only thing that I can or will do is upgrade to full two way radio someday, that is easily done.
Finally but not last, the reason I bought the Chief is that I understand and enjoy the system very much. Cost was secondary. I suppose it is my way of learning DCC. All in and learn as I need to make things work.
The basic starter stuff I knew will be a waste of my money, time and create frusterations as I did not want to be limited in any way in the future.
Hi all, so, which system is the best? I'm sure we'll have many different posts for this.
Here is my situation: I have many locomotives, I want to use signals and eventually I may want to run things using a computer , radio is likely with tethered cabs in the yards and, no, I don't care for sound. My biggest thing is Ease of Use. Price is not a concern at this time.
I've seen Digitrax, NCE and have used CVP Rail Command. I realy liked the simplicity of the CVP system. Can you folks give me pros and cons of what you believe in or used please?
Thanks everyone,