Which DCC system comes with the most highest quality, highest ratig, and is the most popular among them all.
(probably belongs in the dcc subforum)
I have never had any problems with my digitrax system but I'm sure opinions will vary. The digitrax zephyr is a good way to get into the dcc game as it is pretty much an all in one system that is also easily expandable. Though I have no experience with other dcc systems, I believe (mrc) prodigy is good too. If you go the digitrax route I'd find a hobby shop that is also an official digitrax retailer and stick with them. There the folks will be able to help with all of the different components and technical aspects that can be seem overwhelming.
Cahrn
You will get many different answers to your question. Those of us, who run their layouts on DCC, have had a own and personal reason to buy a specific system, be it price, be it functionality, be it the looks of it, or be it the "feel" of it.
Digitrax, NCE, EasyDCC, MRC - all of them enjoy a good reputation (maybe MRC decoders not so much). There is Lenz, a system I prefer, because I live in Germany, and a number of others.
The choice of a DCC system depends on the size of your layout, the number of operators, your budget for it. My recommendation to you is to go to your LHS and have a look at the various systems there. Pick the one that gives you the best "feel".
I like my NCE system. Others like other systems. Research the features to see which ones have what you need.
Enjoy
Paul
There are no published ratings and statistics to answer your questions. Therefore you will get a lot of personal opinions regarding this question.
Probably the system with the largest installed base in the USA is Digitrax, but IMO that is a lousy criteria for choosing something. Identify features that are of interest to you, figure what your needs are regarding layout size, number of operators, number of locos and of course budget and go from there.
With respect to quality, I think you will find that all the major brands offer decent quality and support their systems well.
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
This is like asking which is better, Chevy or Ford!! As suggested, do your own research and choose the one that has the features/price you like.
That's a no brainer.....NCE Powercab of course. Even Digitrax acknowledges that
NCE Powercab----none beats it----period.
Any argument carried far enough will end up in Semantics--Hartz's law of rhetoric Emerald. Leemer and Southern The route of the Sceptre Express Barry
I just started my blog site...more stuff to come...
http://modeltrainswithmusic.blogspot.ca/
The big 4 (Digitrax, NCE, Easy DCC, and Lenz) are all good systems. You will have to choose which one fits your needs. I have the digitax super chief radio system and my determining factor when purchasing it was that all my train buddies had the system. I chose it because I can take my throttles over to their house or they can bring theirs over to my layout and everything is compatable. If a system is different from others it's a hassle because you'll have to reprogram everything you bring over to a layout with a different system....chuck
That is like asking who makes the best car, or the best television, or the best computer.
Go to each company's web site and download the manuals. Then compare using your own desires as the criteria. That's what I did. In the end my choice came down to Lens and Digitrax. I chose Digitrax.
I have the Digitrax Super Chief. I have had it for several years. It has never had a problem, it does everything I want it to do and is capable of everything that I can foresee wanting it to do in the future. Even my 3 year old grandson can operate Thomas the Tank Engine and Hogwart's Express all by himself using the UT4D throttle. The older grandchildren have no trouble using the DT402Ds to operate the "real" trains and the subway trains.
Your needs and desires may be different, that's why everyone is telling you to do your own research.
Let us know what you eventually choose.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
DrilineThat's a no brainer.....NCE Powercab of course. Even Digitrax acknowledges that
Thank heavens, someone finally said it. So there you have it, question answered, OP saved a ton of work researching his actual needs. You really should submit this detailed review and assessment to the hobby press, I think it might stand a chance to get published! I don't think I have ever read such a succinct and well considered comparison
~G4
19 Years old, modeling the Cowlitz, Chehalis, and Cascade Railroad of Western Washington in 1927 in 6X6 feet.
cwclarkIf a system is different from others it's a hassle because you'll have to reprogram everything you bring over to a layout with a different system...
alloboard Which DCC system comes with the most highest quality, highest ratig, and is the most popular among them all.
Everyone assumes you are looking for a system. Maybe you are but you didn't say that. But, to answer your questions:
1. Highest quality? It seems that Digitrax, NCE, Lenz and CVP are equal in high quality. MRC is just a bit below the others but still very good.
2. Highest rating? Don't know of any rating system other then personal comments of users, and the only ones of these that really count are from those that have used more than one system. And here is where personal needs greatly affect opinions.
3. Most popular? Digitrax has the most U.S. users so I guess you could say its the most popular.
Jerry
Rio Grande vs. Santa Fe.....the battle is over but the glory remains!
The best DCC system? Why, that's an easy one. It's the one I am using, the one I purchased, the one I have learned to use. Had it for four years now.
-Crandell
Why the one that comes with free stuff of course! Like two free puppies.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
Are those "hush" puppies?
I knew it wouldn't be long before this thread started going to the dogs.
LOL on the puppies I'm getting dizzy with all of the "best DCC system" threads lately, Seem more than I've seen in a while. I guess that's sign that more new people are getting into the hobby/DCC.
Springfield PA
CSX RobertcwclarkIf a system is different from others it's a hassle because you'll have to reprogram everything you bring over to a layout with a different system... Not true.
simon1966Thank heavens, someone finally said it. So there you have it, question answered, OP saved a ton of work researching his actual needs. You really should submit this detailed review and assessment to the hobby press, I think it might stand a chance to get published!
Straight and to the point. No detailed review required.
Thank you for agreeing with me Simon. So how's that 2nd banana Digitrax system holding out for you?
BATMANWhy the one that comes with free stuff of course! Like two free puppies. Brent
Yea, but who picks up the poo?
DrilineThank you for agreeing with me Simon. So how's that 2nd banana Digitrax system holding out for you?
You know, for a substandard piece of junk it is working remarkably well. With the distant #2 being so good, I am not sure I could stand the joy of owning the #1, I think it would be all too much for my little ticker!! But sadly it is not to be, since the #1, PoweCab, even with all its little extra goodies added still can't do what my Z can do. It sure is tough to watch the #1 seed go down to the #2
BTW, yet again an OP vanished into thin air, so it may well be that you did him a favor and short circuited the entire process, leaving the rest of us to amuse ourselves with emoticons!!
Driline BATMANWhy the one that comes with free stuff of course! Like two free puppies. Brent Yea, but who picks up the poo?
I'm sending it over to Germany for Wolfgangs new stockyard.