Hi folks,
i am looking at moving over to a DCC system as I expand my layout. I currently have a 14' x 5' dogbone layout with a small switching yard. i am moving th etable into a larger room which I will be devoting to a larger layout. The current layout already has terminal joiners every few feet in anticipation of eventually going DCC. I am currently looking at the Prodigy Express system because of price and later expandibility. It seems that for what i run now that system out of the box would work well.
My question though is as I expand to a larger layout in my 9' x 21' room, will it be enough. I don't know a lot about DCC but understand I will likely have to get a power booster and perhaps put in a couple plug in locations around the layout. I intend to be th eonly operator but maybe one or two more in years to come. Hopefully the layout will runn 3-6 trains at a time with one or two in a switching role also.
What do I need to be looking at and does the MRC system have a decent reputation in the modeling community?
Thanks
Model Railroad Backdrops
Get the inexpensive Bachmann EZ Command system. Get used to it, find out what you like/dislike and then move on to one of the better systems. The fans of the various systems out there will contradict me, but that seems like the best way. As a bonus, you'll be able to sell your Bachmann system after you've decided.
As someone who started with an EZCommand let me be the first to cotradict. Start with anything EXCEPT the EZCommand. The EZCommand is primitive and not expandable. It is only capable of running addresses 1 through 9. It cannot program CVs, it cannot operate switches, it cannot be upgraded. Mine was retired to the junk pile about the time I bought my third train.
There are several low end systems that can be easily expanded as you grow over the years. My personal preference is Digitrax. Other people in here can recommend others. But the EZCommand is a toy.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
Hi!
About six months ago, I was where you are today regarding DCC. I asked a lot of questions at hobby shops and on this Forum, and read, read, read all I could. My layout (replacement now under construction) is HO, 11x15 with a lower level staging area. I like to run ABBA consists with all units powered, and have some sound equipped locos as well.
I've been playing with trains since the '50s, and will be doing so until my demise. So, I wanted to get the best I could manage for my situation. The decision came down to Digitrax or NCE, and I decided to go with Digitrax for the system, although it looks like most of the decoders will probably be NCE.
I got the Super Chief system, and the Super Empire Builder (to get a second booster and DT400 controller) as the set was cheaper than individual components.
That is what I did, and would do it all over again. However, I could have easily gone with NCE too. You will find that the majority of folks are very opinionated on their system, with most stating that their's is the best. Soooo, before you buy, do all the research you can and ask all the questions you can come up with. I suggest you make sure what you get will be expandable for your future needs. And, put your money into the operating system. You can buy your decoders over time.
ENJOY,
Mobilman44
ENJOY !
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
Whether you go with MRC, NCE, Digitrax, or whoever (they're all good), be sure to go with one thats expandable. Start with something small, like an Digitrax Zephyr or MRC Prodigy Express. It might turn out to have all the power you need. If not, it's easy to add a booster. Later you may add radio walkaround or signalling or who know's what?? But take it in steps would be my advice. Nobody won the Olympic gold medal the first time they jumped into a swimming pool.
Thanks for all the info guys. The appeal to the MRC system is that it seems like it is expandable pretty easily and without a huge amount of expense. I thought about the Prodigy Advanced but felt like the express would give the opportunity to get a cheap starter system so I can see what i like. Also, the handheld just seemed a little friendlier for use, which may nat be the best reason, the LCD also looks good.
I think in the long run you will be happier with Digitrax or NCE. You just can't go wrong with either of these. I wouldn't waste my time or money with the Bachmann EZ Command. You will learn so much more, and faster with Digitrax or NCE, and they have good resale value should you decide to make a change later.
MRC systems are good in many ways but the Express has limitations that will definitely need upgrading before long. It's very short on power for one thing. I personally am a big Digitrax fan and user. Their Zephyr has good power to start with and great expansion options depending on your future needs. Digitrax and NCE are both very good but Digitrax just fit my personal needs and likes much better. Take a good look at both of them and see which fits you the best.
Jerry
Rio Grande vs. Santa Fe.....the battle is over but the glory remains!
Yeah I was looking at the digitrax. The basic system seems like a fairly reasonable price. Seems like enough to fit what I am looking for now and then not real expensive to expand. Am I right in thinking that expansion really only requires buying a booster pack more more power. Or do you have to buy a new cab as well?
The NCE looks real nice too but the Pro is pretty expensive for a guy at entry level. I did like the handheld unit though.
I am also getting ready to start a mid-size HO layout. I looked at several of the systems and decided to start with a Digitrax Zephyr and two UT4 throttles. The price was not bad and with the Digitrax system I can add things such as boosters or radio throttles at any time. Digitrax and NCE seem to have the best reputation, the systems from MRC and Bachman come across as beginner sets with little expandability.
Just my 2 cents worth.
Andrew C
I have been using NCE since 1999, when I converted from another older command system called Dynatrol. Dynatrol was limited to 19 channels if I remember right, so moving to DCC and NCE was like a rebirth. I have not run on a Digitrax system todate, so I can only address NCE, which I find simple to understand and use, but I know either system has a core of followers and believers.
The use of DCC has made my enjoyment in the hobby, which dates back to 1958, even more enjoyable. The NMRA certified systems let you use different brands of decoders, so I have a pretty even mix of Lenz, Digitrax and NCE decoders on my layout. After installing decoders in around 200 diesels, I can do it in my sleep and program them during the dream intermission.
My 5 cents worth (inflation). Bob
I have no intention of flaming others for their choice of DCC system or which is the best. I keep hearing the Bachmann EZ Command can't be upgraded and how cheap it is and who came first easy command or EZ Command. Bachmann has been around since the 1800's and they are still in business and doesn't look promising for them to got out of business even during these tough economic times. I still use my EZ Command and have for over 4 years. I had no problem with the system at all in that amount of time. There are definitely limitations with their "cut down" Bachmann decoders (Lenz). Not much you can do to change CV's or program them. I am moving up to Digitrax eventually. I am retired and watching my bucks and took a hit on my "mad", dividend income money, just holding off for a bit. The Bachmann ready to run DCC equipped diesel engines can still be purchased brand new in the box for around $50.00, where else can you buy a DCC loco that cheap if all you want to do is run DCC. OK not very pretty to look at, but most all of mine are still running. I also own Atlas, Athearn, Proto, BLI, and Stewert, half dozen or so with sound, and 2 with sound I have on order, BLI, Blue Line.
I am sure there a plenty of modelers who run with the Bachmann sytems, EZ Command or the new Dynamis wireless system it depends on how much money you want to spend and how much room you have for your layout, mine is u-shaped 16' x 10'.
Bachmann brought me back to this wonderful hobby after being out of it for 35 years, I learned a lot in 4+ years and this forum is the reason I will be going Digitrax, but Bachmann was my start, I could afford it and have lots of fun growing in this hobby in my retirement.
Bachmann EZ Command is expandable to a certain point, here is how I expanded mine:
1-I have the 5 amp Bachmann booster, I was able to run 3 DCC loco's, including sound, with the EZ Command stand alone without the booster + 1 DC loco on #10. I can now run 9 trains with the booster + 1 DC train. I normally run no more than 6 trains 4 consist, 2-3 trains are normal and easily managed.
2-I have 2 Bachmann Walk Around Companions, they are wired with cable, not wireless!
3-I have the Bachmann Reverse Loop Module, for my reverse loop on my subway and is adjustable!
4- I purchased the Digitrax PR3 programmer computer interface and now I can adjust cv's, I just received it on friday march 6, and I am impressed, I can now adjust the Mars light, speed, ditch lights, and of course sound and whatever else is possible, still much to learn. I can also consist much easier.
5-Bachmann also has available, DCC controlled turnouts.
All the above are compatable with EZ Command!
I have 27 DCC loco's some with sound, Atlas, Athearn, Proto, Broadway Linited, Stewart, Bachmann, all run on EZ Command!
Also I have used the Bachmann EZ Command for 4 years, and I bought the 5 amp booster when it came out 3 years ago with no problems at all.
$120.00 Bachmann EZ Command 1 digit addresses (1-9)
$290.00 Bachmann 5 Amp Booster
$115.00 Bachmann Walkaround Companion (wired) EACH
$ 84.95 PR3 so that you can program CVs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
$199.00 Digitrax Zephyr 4 digit addresses (00 to 9000) Nothing additional required to program CVs
$ 79.95 Digitrax UT4 Walkaround throttle (Wired) each
Part of a total well developed expandable system that can grow with you.
Better prices can by found for both brands if you shop around. These are MSRP.
TA462Stay away from the Bachmann EZ Command system, it is just a junk system and you will not be able to learn anything about DCC with that unit.
Sorry, Dave. Gotta disagree with you. Just because something is limited doesn't make it junk. For what the EZ Command does, it does quite well - albeit limited. And I actually had one for a year and learned quite a bit with it before I moved to my NCE Power Cab.
I agree the EZ Command isn't for everyone. However, that would also be true for the Digitrax, NCE, Lenz, or Easy DCC systems. If you're money tight and just want to get your feet with DCC, for $40-$50 you can have yourself a decent little DCC system with the EZ Command.
And if you sell it to someone else, you can always recoup some your cost. That's what I did. I originally bought my EZ Command brand new in 2005 for $53 and sold it a year later for $30. So for a $23 investment and a year of my time, I had loads of fun with DCC and figured out which system I would be buying next.
Having said all that, if I would have had to pay $100 (MSRP) for an E-Z Command, I would definitely have reconsidered my position.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Phoebe Vet $120.00 Bachmann EZ Command 1 digit addresses (1-9) $290.00 Bachmann 5 Amp Booster $115.00 Bachmann Walkaround Companion (wired) EACH $ 84.95 PR3 so that you can program CVs ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- $199.00 Digitrax Zephyr 4 digit addresses (00 to 9000) Nothing additional required to program CVs $ 79.95 Digitrax UT4 Walkaround throttle (Wired) each Part of a total well developed expandable system that can grow with you. Better prices can by found for both brands if you shop around. These are MSRP.
WOW they may be recommeded MSRP and I certainly would have not purchased when I did at those prices. My first Bachmann purchase was for the EZ Command with a loco for well under $100.00 right now the EZ Command is availbale from The Favorite Spot, a Bachmann dealer in Texas for $79.99. Bachmann Walk around companion is $65.00 at The Favorite Spot, he also has DCC Bachmann equipped loco's for as little as $38.00 for a GP 40. I paid $150.00 for my 5 Amp booster. Also I paid $67.00 for my PR3 and have seen them as low as $54.00. Even guys that have CV read and write capability have purchased the PR3 much easier to adjust and with the JMRI program musch friendlier to use.
I know ya'll hate Bachmann, but like I said it got me back into this wonderful hobby and I am upgrading to Digitrax. I have no regrets and like the previous poster, it was cheap and I will get a return for the 4+ years of problem free use and running.
I don't hate Bachmann, or the EZ Command. My EZ Command was still working perfectly when I remanded it to the dead train box. I just think that unless you are buying a train for around the Christmas tree, it is a giant step down the wrong path. I'm not a big fan of going back and starting over. The price difference between the EZ Command and an entry level puchase in a mature system is not enough to tip the balance in my humble opinion. I quoted Digitrax because that is the system with which I am familiar. The prices among the various manufacturers are similar.
I also do not have, and never have had, a Zephyr. I went from my EZ Command directly to the Digitrax Super Chief.
I quoted MSRP because that was easier than checking several sites for their prices. The places that have the EZ Command cheaper will also have the Zephyr cheaper.
Rangerover,
You've given about the best reasoning that I've heard for going with the EZ Command. But then again, to make it really workable you've had to add quite a bit to it. It sounds like you've invested somewhere between $350 to $400. Certainly without the PR3 one could only run trains in a toy-like manner (not being able to adjust CVs).
I know that many of us would feel that for that kind of investment you could have easily gone with a full-featured system that would not cause you the loss that you will now encounter if you upgrade to another system. And, you would now have had 4 years of experience and pleasure running a top-notch system. But I appreciate your thinking and reasoning for your approach and am glad that it has worked well for you.
So now maybe you could give us your reasoning for feeling the need to upgrade to Digitrax. That might be helpful for others that might be considering EZ Command. And also tell us which items that you now have that would be compatible with, and could be used with, something like Digitrax, e.g., the booster and reverse module.
tstage Sorry, Dave. Gotta disagree with you. Just because something is limited doesn't make it junk. For what the EZ Command does, it does quite well - albeit limited. And I actually had one for a year and learned quite a bit with it before I moved to my NCE Power Cab.
Ooooops. Didn't read all your post....Nevermind
402drvrMy question though is as I expand to a larger layout in my 9' x 21' room, will it be enough.
0. It was not indicated how many trains are run simultaniously on the current layout?1. How many of the 3-6 trains will have multiple powered loco's pulling it? I mean that could mean 3-24 locos if they come in sets of four. 2. Will the new layout have a engine terminal where lots of loco's will be sitting around sucking power?3. Will the expanded layout use DCC to power stationary decoders for turnouts?
Generally:
1. I count 4 locos per AMP of power. So to me a Digitrax Zephyr with its 2.5 Amp included power supply is designed for 10 locos. Count each sound unit as an additional locomotive. So this would be sufficient for 5 sound equipped locos. Check what power supply (if any) comes with the MRC system. Map that power output to the number of locos and it will indicate if it will need a power booster or can stand on its own.
2. The other reason one might want multiple power boosters (or at least power splitters) is to isolate short circuits and other problems to one section of the layout. Our club has eight boosters. No we don't need 40 amps of power to the trains, but we do want 7/8ths of the layout to continue to run when there is an issue in 1/8th of it.
Not to guide you away from the MRC system as I have noted above I have zero experience with it, but that might be a factor there. None of the layouts in my operating circles use that system. I have lots of experience with EZ-DCC by CVP, Lenz, Digitrax, and NCE. It is very nice to use the same system as a friend or club does. I can take my throttles to their layouts to run. In my opinion if you stick to one of those you cannot go wrong. However, I've heard good things about the Zimo, and I've heard from many people who are very happy with their MRC systems.
Thankgs guys,
The more I read the more questions I have. I think I need to go to the store and buy a book. I am leaning toward the NCE or Digitrax systems right now. Silly as it may sound the NCE has a little more asthetic appeal.
The goal will probably be looking to have about ten locos on the tracks. I would like them to eventually be equipped with sound. Currently I own only two locos so I will buy the new ones with sound already probably. I think it will take a few years before reaching that many locos though. THe current layout runs two locos with a dual cab power pack. TH ebig problem is that you can't really do much switching without going onto the main line which s run by the other cab of course.
Am I right in that if I need more amps I can just buy another booster? How many trains can be controlled from one throttle. It seems like yu can cycle through many.
402drvr The more I read the more questions I have. I think I need to go to the store and buy a book. I am leaning toward the NCE or Digitrax systems right now. Silly as it may sound the NCE has a little more asthetic appeal.
How you like the handheld throttles will probably be the biggest factor in your decision. At first glance, and feel in your hand, you might like NCE the best. I felt that way. But, after use of each, I changed my mind completely. Some say that they don't like the small knobs and buttons on the Digitrax DT400, and don't like the small display. Actually the knobs and closely spaced buttons make the DT400 so much easier to use for me. And, the DT400 is shorter and seems lighter than the NCE.
With NCE I just couldn't get comfortable in deciding which fingers to use to operate buttons and speed on the NCE. They are farther apart and require more "reaching" with the fingers to operate. I have some arthritis in my fingers and they started hurting after awhile with the NCE. But, with the DT400 it is amazing as to how much easier, and painless it is to use. I simply love this throttle, and being able to control two locos at the same time with the two speed knobs is also a terrific advantage. I'm sure that others will feel just a good about NCE, and that's understandable. It's a very individual thing.
Another important factor for me is in throwing turnouts from the DCC throttle. Digitrax works so much better for me with fewer button presses, and, again, without a lot of "reaching".
402drvr Am I right in that if I need more amps I can just buy another booster? How many trains can be controlled from one throttle. It seems like yu can cycle through many.
Yes you can add boosters for more amps, or you can upgrade to a more powerful command station. These options will depend somewhat on the system you choose. Someone else can probably give you better advice on this.
I run my entire layout with a Digitrax Zephyr (2.5 amps) and a DT400 throttle. I sometimes have as many as 8 locos running at the same time, 4 of them with sound turned on and the Zephyr handles them just fine. I could probably run a few more but haven't tried it.
Both NCE and the DT400 have loco recall stacks so you can run a lot of trains from one throttle, but you may not want to run too many as that can get a bit difficult to keep track of everything. Of course that also depends on your track plan.
jwils1 Rangerover, You've given about the best reasoning that I've heard for going with the EZ Command. But then again, to make it really workable you've had to add quite a bit to it. It sounds like you've invested somewhere between $350 to $400. Certainly without the PR3 one could only run trains in a toy-like manner (not being able to adjust CVs). I know that many of us would feel that for that kind of investment you could have easily gone with a full-featured system that would not cause you the loss that you will now encounter if you upgrade to another system. And, you would now have had 4 years of experience and pleasure running a top-notch system. But I appreciate your thinking and reasoning for your approach and am glad that it has worked well for you. So now maybe you could give us your reasoning for feeling the need to upgrade to Digitrax. That might be helpful for others that might be considering EZ Command. And also tell us which items that you now have that would be compatible with, and could be used with, something like Digitrax, e.g., the booster and reverse module.
OK jwils.... I'm going to try to explain this. When I first saw DCC in a HO Hobby train store in North Jersey, I couldn't believe it. The price for the systems he had were expensive for model trains, or so I thought, I haven't kept up with model railroading for 35-40 years, so it was all new to me. But I was very much enthused by what I saw. It was 5 years ago, 1 year before I retired and moved to West Virginia. I came here in fact to this site and Atlas site and just lurked for almost 2 years. I read about problems with cv's and all the comments posters said of what was the best system, very pricey and I was very confused. I though before I invest a lot of money I didn't want to lose if things didn't go right, well I went with Bachmann. I planned on upgrading one day any how and only wanted to learn by doing. I went on line and saw the Bachmann EZ Command, I am a seller on eBay. I really didn't' want to invest a whole lot of money in my new found hobby, I understood model railroading of the 50's-70's went by way of the dinosaur, so to speak. I wanted to MRR as a hobby when I retired, so I started buying stuff. The Bachmann EZ Command was frowned on by the hobby store in Jersey, but I went ahead and bought my EZ Command on eBay for around $70.00 with a diesel loco included. I thought I would try it and started with an oval on a piece of plywood while I was still working in NJ. I moved to West Virginia and have enough room for a small layout, it's 16'X10' U shape, but with a subway under it, I rode the subway trains in NYC quite often when I went there. The more I lurked here and other sites including yahoo and still kept getting confused about cv's, different decoders, adding sound, frying decoders, and even read a time or two of guys melting locomotive shells, no I thought I'll keep buying the stuff I need and use my Bachmann system, I have to tell you, I have not had a problem with it in the 4 + years I've used it. I only had a problem with one Bachmann Loco, and for $10.. Bachmann repaired it. I admit I have 6 Bachmann diesel loco's, the rest are top brand both steam and diesel, I have about 30 now. But I bought the 5 amp booster, actually made a bid on eBay and got it for $150.00. I have 6 main lines, looks like a spaghetti bowl, but I like running trains, and that's counting 2 main line subways. I needed reverse loop for a turn around for the subway, therefore, since I really can't see the loop, I bought the reverse loop module from Bachmann. Then I went ahead and bought the 2 Walk around companions for when my grandchildren visit. They love it too! Now one of the members here talked me into the PR3 and JMRI a little over a month ago, cudaken, I went ahead and bought it and couldn't believe what I have been missing, not with Bachmann (you can't do a thing with Bachmann decoders), but the others digitrax, soundtraxx tsunami,nce, qsi decoders, well all I can say is, I'm glad I found out about how easy it is to tweak your loco's and I can turn the volume down, mars lights now work right as well as ditch lights. Tony's Trains and there help along the way for the past 3 or 4 weeks with helping with decoder choices and what certain cv's mean. With the Bacmann system you can't do much except run your trains and if you have more than 9 dcc loco's or well 2 loco consist's, that only gives you 18 total loco's you can program in the command station. I like the idea of the roster that decoder pro has in it's interface, and the digitrax system where I can program all my loco's with their 4 digit road numbers. Na, you can't beat a system where you can change cv's, sound levels, lights come on and off when you want them, the simplicity of consisting is so much easier with the PR 3 and JRMI. Nice to be able to start them up with momentum instead of jack rabbit starts and you can turn the throttle down and make them coast to a stop instead of slamming the brake on and sudden stops.
All the problems I've read on forums like this are, for the most part, few, as compared to those who don't have any problems at all, nice though to read threads and posts that show what you can accomplish in this great hobby. This is where people come who have problems and ask questions and give advice first hand. I do the same on ebay seller forum, I've sold on eBay for 10+ years so I do have some experiience I can share there and help folks out, like here out of the millions who have no problems, the few who need help post there and here too.
I do have another expensive hobby, for the past 30 years I'm a competitive highpower rifle shooter and believe me it's not cheap. I travel to Camp Perry and shoot in the Nationals, well just an idea, a barrel replacement, every year to 18 months is about $1,000-$1500 dollars in our competitive rifles, they sure aren't hunting guns, but I do load my own ammo about 5,000 rounds per year for just one rifle and save a bundle there by today's prices. I love model railroading and am going to upgrade to Digitrax. found a whole bunch of good people right here to keep giving me ideas, I wouldn't change a thing from when I started with my layout 4 years ago, well except for my spaghetti bowl layout, would have done that different I think. Oh I'm sure I will get some money back on my EZ Command investment, but like you said the booster will still work with any system and same for the reverse module. All I really wanted to do was to keep things simple with model railroading, now I just want to learn and do more.
Thanks for your reply. Very informative and helpful considerations for some just looking into DCC. Your "other hobby" sounds interesting too. You've accomplished a lot.
Phoebe VetI quoted MSRP because that was easier than checking several sites for their prices. The places that have the EZ Command cheaper will also have the Zephyr cheaper.
I have one more very important and not so good for Bachmann EZ Command that disappoints me. These days most of the premiere sound decoders have 12 functions. You can spend a lot of money on a good Locomotive with sound and you won't be able to hear all the sounds on some decoders. Bachmann EZ Command you are only going to get 10 with the function key and sometimes only 6-8. This is another reason I'm anxious to move to Digitrax, I'm getting a bald spot on my "top knot" from scratching it trying to figure out how come my loco don't do what the directions say it's supposed to do on certain functions, it's the Bachmann system and that's the way it is. The functions are there, but EZ Command doesn't recognize them.
I suggest you spend some time with this site http://www.tonystrains.com/
I went with the NCE Power Pro-R system 2 years ago. I felt they had the best wireless system on the market. I have been very happy with it.
Enjoy
Paul
Thanks Paul, I've been going there a lot in the past month reading and re reading and on to the manufacturer sites. I never given much thought about wireless, the Bachmann Dyamis is wireless, but I'm not going Bachmann anymore, besides no interface. I haven't really researched NCE, I'm pretty much headed toward Digitrax, I'll certainly take a look on the web for NCE. I even talk to Tony's help on the phone up there in Vermont. LOL, after all this time I do have a better understanding of what you guys are talking about, especially this last month or so. Oh well, I'm only 20 years behind! I got the serenity and calm like a swan on a lake, but I'm paddling like the devil underneath trying to catch up. Time for me to hit the sack, thanks again, Jim
RangeroverI have one more very important and not so good for Bachmann EZ Command that disappoints me. These days most of the premiere sound decoders have 12 functions. You can spend a lot of money on a good Locomotive with sound and you won't be able to hear all the sounds on some decoders. Bachmann EZ Command you are only going to get 10 with the function key and sometimes only 6-8. This is another reason I'm anxious to move to Digitrax, I'm getting a bald spot on my "top knot" from scratching it trying to figure out how come my loco don't do what the directions say it's supposed to do on certain functions, it's the Bachmann system and that's the way it is. The functions are there, but EZ Command doesn't recognize them.
You are probably already aware of it but the Digitrax Zephyr only allows use of functions F0-F8. But if you add either a UT4 or DT400 throttle you can access F0-F12. It sounds like their proposed new throttle will offer F0-F28 but I don't think that's been confirmed. NCE allows F0-F28.
I never use anything above F8. It's mainly MRC decoders that use anything above F12 but after the novelty wears off I doubt if very many use those extra functions. Maybe others can say whether or not they find these useful.
By the way, I think that the Zephyr/DT400 combination is an ideal setup. Since I operate alone I use the DT400 for almost everything. Adding a UT4 is great if you have extra operators.
Rangerover Thanks Paul, I've been going there a lot in the past month reading and re reading and on to the manufacturer sites. I never given much thought about wireless, the Bachmann Dyamis is wireless, but I'm not going Bachmann anymore, besides no interface. I haven't really researched NCE, I'm pretty much headed toward Digitrax, I'll certainly take a look on the web for NCE. I even talk to Tony's help on the phone up there in Vermont. LOL, after all this time I do have a better understanding of what you guys are talking about, especially this last month or so. Oh well, I'm only 20 years behind! I got the serenity and calm like a swan on a lake, but I'm paddling like the devil underneath trying to catch up. Time for me to hit the sack, thanks again, Jim
Once you use wireless it's hard to go back to tethered. However, a lot depends on your layout and how you run your trains. NCE and Digitrax radio both work flawlessly. You can do everything from the NCE radio throttle, e.g., select locos, make/break consists, etc. Presently with Digitrax you must plug in to select/dispatch locos and make/break consists. But Digitrax will be coming out with "duplex" radio which will eliminate the need to plug in.
You can always upgrade to radio later should you find the need.
TA462Maybe junk was the wrong word, limited does sound better. For me most of the appeal of DCC was being able to program your loco to do anything you wanted, you just can't do that with the EZ system. Sure you can run a train with it but then again you can do the samething with a DC power pack. Having the ability to change CV's should be at the top of the list of features on any DCC system for somebody just starting out in DCC. That's the only reason I feel the EZ system is a poor choice.
Dave,
I do understand where you're coming from. I, too, enjoy playing with the CVs to tweak my locomotives performance. However, not everyone getting into DCC has that as their top priority; nor do they need to.
For those with limited funds and just wanting to find out if DCC is a right fit for them, the EZ Command is a very economical and viable alternative. I may not have all the bells and whistles that the other DCC systems have...but can still do quite a bit.
Agreed, you can NOT adjust CVs in order to make your locomotive run smooth or operate your ditch lights. However, I still think it has a niche market for those just wanting to run trains and happy operating functions F1 - F8.
I also wouldn't necessarily compare using the EZ Command with a DC power pack. Even with the EZ Command you can operate 2 - 3 locomotives simultaneously and have them all doing completely different things on the same track. Not so with a DC power pack. With that in mind, I would gladly take a limited EZ Command over DC any day of the week.
Fellas, we have bandied all this about many, many times over the short four years I have been on the forum. Interestingly, almost oddly, I think this series of posts in this thread have been the best yet. The approach is almost conversational, cordial, and the peeing-on-the-hydrant territorial side of the debate hasn't surfaced as it usually does. I wonder if a whole bunch of us have finally come to respect that each of the systems does a darned good job for a group of modellers, and that the deal is to figure out the best match. Not which system is the best, because we have finally agreed that they all are good systems. Instead, it is just in the variances in features that much of the match-making needs to be addressed.
I really liked Tom's post where he explained that the EZ-Command is a relatively inexpensive introduction that allows the dabbler, the still-not-sure, to experience an engine with a decoder in it. Others, notably TA462, have explained why that one system was not going to fulfill their expectations.
Phoebe Vet's post is, arguably, a fairly concrete indicator of the differences when it comes to price. I happen to think that it is a reasonable choice to use MSRP, even if all the systems get heavily discounted. It is a reasonable benchmark. If something gets hugely reduced it is probably because it hasn't done well (doesn't appeal to the market).
I wanted to say that I have actually enjoyed reading this thread, having expected that it might enter the reduction that it usually does. So, thank-you, everyone, for helping the OP out, and not trying to be next in line to pee on the one hydrant.
-Crandell