I was really fortunate when I was in the market for my DCC system. I was able to "test drive" three of the more popular and readily available entry level systems (NCE Power Cab, Digitrax Zephyr, and MRC Prodigy) thanks to a local modeling club, local hobby store, and a gentleman I met at the local model club who was hoisting an operating session and kindly invited me over (my first ever session btw and I was like a kid at Christmas...and oddly a little nervous ). All three systems were great, I would have been happy with any of the three systems had I just gone out and bought one without having tested one...but...because I was able to test three out, I was able to choose the one that best met my needs. My point, as the others above have already stated, most readily available and recognized DCC systems will work just fine, but if you can test any out via a Club, LHS, fellow modelers personal home layout etc then I highly recommend doing so. Baring that, check out YouTube for demos and I believe Tony's Train Exchange (tonystrains.com) breaks a few systems down quite nicely.
Good luck and happy modeling!
Don.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I have some good news and some bad news. The bad news is that both engines have failed, and we will be stuck here for some time. The good news is that you decided to take the train and not fly."
Since radio protocols are proprietary you might want to consider those you know who might want to visit and bring their throttle. Also, who you might go to for Q&A/help locally and what the local shop knows best. Having said that I would go with Digitrax or NCE--I prefer Digitrax.
Also, smart phones can be made into wireless throttles when you use a computer interfaced with your system and application like JMRI and wireless router.
Richard
I can't tell you which one is best, because I have only used one. That said, my Digitrax Duplex Super Chief works well.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
Others hint at it.
I will say it.
The NCE PH-Pro R, a 5 amp wireless system, is the best one.
Apparently, David has the same one.
Rich
Alton Junction
Yes, it really is a Ford vs. Chrysler thing. As I tell people, there aren't any 'bad' DCC systems because they all do quite well if applied appropriately to the needs of their users. They are all well made, well engineered, reliable, and have their robust fan bases. Decoders are another matter, but that's another discussion. The DCC systems, as they are built, are good for some people and not so good for others, but not due to faults. It's just that some should probably not be used in the way that some careless shoppers apply them.
Do you mind tethers? Or, would you rather the throttle control be built into the base control box? Or, would you rather walk around with a small throttle held in your hand that sends and receives inputs and outputs wirelessly...without a tether, or even having to plug a dangling cord in from time to time? Would you be better off in the next 18 months with only 2.5 amps, or should you get the 5 amp power supply now? Do you prefer the feel of the dog bone throttle, the headstone throttle, or the slimmer telephone-like throttle? Are you okay with smaller buttons on a smaller paddle, or would your sausages work better with larger buttons and a larger LCD display?
Would you like your system to be exandable and updatable, even if only with once-every-two-year firmware updates or maybe a plug-in chip that can be had for $35?
And so on...with the 'best' one ideally not the one you missed and didn't buy when it really was more appropriate than what you bought. If you get my drift.
Crandell
David B hit the nail right smack on the head -- the one I have is the best, and everyone else will tell you that theirs is the best.
If you have any clubs in your immediate vicinity, or know of any model railroaders who have radio control DCC on their home layouts, visit them so you can actually see a radio throttle up close and personal, and decide which one you like best if you can possibly try different brands.
I am shopping for the best DCC setup for my medium-sized personal layout. The layout is 27' x 8' and has a very long mainline and many switches and accessories.
I want to get a radio controlled setup right off the bat.
You opinions, please?
Thanks for the help!!
Keith