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Looking for a DCC System on a budget

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  • Member since
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  • From: Dearborn Station
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Posted by richhotrain on Friday, June 19, 2015 4:52 PM

Regg05

Sorry Rich I was really planning on getting NCE but the Digitrax won out.

Regg, what really counts is that you got what you wanted and you are happy with it.  That is all that matters.  Keep us posted on your experience with your new DCC system.  Happy for you !

Rich

Alton Junction

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Posted by Regg05 on Friday, June 19, 2015 4:29 PM

Hello Folks,

So I wanted to wait until it was final and I received it in the mail but I got my DCC system and I couldn't pass the price up as I negotiated with the seller for two weeks and I ended up going with Digitrax 5 amp wireless system.  I got it for $415 shipped brand new so I felt like that was a deal that I couldnt pass up.  

Just found out after I opened it that I need another power supply.  The power supply that came with it is for the ur92 wireless receiver.  So not a happy camper but otherwise can't complain. 

So I guess Randy was right and 

Sorry Rich I was really planning on getting NCE but the Digitrax won out.

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Posted by riogrande5761 on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 8:55 AM

How goes the battle Regg05?

Rio Grande.  The Action Road  - Focus 1977-1983

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Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, May 10, 2015 3:31 PM

richhotrain
 
NP2626

 

 
richhotrain

 

 

I wonder why NCE is so expensive?

 

 

 

$84 a month is nothing for a man of Regg's means.   Laugh

 

Rich

 

 

Because its the 5amp Radio Throttle system.

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Posted by richhotrain on Thursday, May 7, 2015 6:11 AM

NP2626

 

 
richhotrain

 

 

I wonder why NCE is so expensive?

 

$84 a month is nothing for a man of Regg's means.   Laugh

Rich

Alton Junction

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Posted by NP2626 on Thursday, May 7, 2015 6:05 AM

richhotrain

 

I wonder why NCE is so expensive?

NP 2626 "Northern Pacific, really terrific"

Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association:  http://www.nprha.org/

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Posted by richhotrain on Thursday, May 7, 2015 6:01 AM

Alton Junction

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Posted by NP2626 on Thursday, May 7, 2015 5:57 AM

Regg05

Sad

I didn't get it.  I was on my way home when the auction expired.  I had maximum bid at $250 and thought I had it for sure but i was outbid by a freakin penny so I lost it.  My phone notified me when it was to late for me to rebid.....so sick!

But just like the NCE system last week and the Digitrax this week, I'll hold off until I come across another find.  I'm sure it won't be too long.

Regg

 

Dangit!  Now I suppose we have to start over!  

Here is the way to find the Digitrax Group, go to www.yahoogroups.com and in the "Search Groups" box type in "Digitrax".  Everything, absolutly everything you ever wanted to know about the best DCC manufacturer in the world is at your fingertips! 

NP 2626 "Northern Pacific, really terrific"

Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association:  http://www.nprha.org/

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Posted by richhotrain on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 2:10 PM

Here is the link to NCE-DCC group on Yahoo.

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/NCE-DCC/conversations/messages

Regg, it is the only link that you will ever need.   Laugh

Rich

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Posted by maxman on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 8:50 AM

Regg05
I keep hearing about the yahoo systems. How do I get on the groups and what are their names?

The main group site is www.groups.yahoo.com

Once you get there you'll have to search for the group that you want, and then there is a joining process.  Usually no cost to join.  Two such groups are HOSwap and HOExchange.  However, I don't remember seeing any DCC equipment come up for sale, but I may not have been paying attention.

There are also groups that are specific to various users, such as JMRI, NCE, Loksound, and Digitrax.

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Posted by Regg05 on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 8:39 AM

I keep hearing about the yahoo systems.  How do I get on the groups and what are their names?  I'm sure someone may know someone who is selling a good system and I can get what I want at a good price.

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Posted by riogrande5761 on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 8:38 AM

I've heard there is evil software that will automatically outbid someone - sounds like thats what happened.  Keep trying and you'll end up with a system.  Also, you might want to check some of the yahoo groups for people interested in selling a system used in good condition.

Rio Grande.  The Action Road  - Focus 1977-1983

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Posted by Regg05 on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 8:31 AM

Sad

I didn't get it.  I was on my way home when the auction expired.  I had maximum bid at $250 and thought I had it for sure but i was outbid by a freakin penny so I lost it.  My phone notified me when it was to late for me to rebid.....so sick!

But just like the NCE system last week and the Digitrax this week, I'll hold off until I come across another find.  I'm sure it won't be too long.

Regg

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Posted by rrinker on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 8:00 AM

 Search completed items for Super Empire Builder, it was the first one a few minutes ago. Edit - still is.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Digitrax-Super-Empire-Builder-DCC-System-w-Power-Supply-Super-Throttle-/291449174066?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43dbb97832

                    --Randy


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

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Posted by maxman on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 7:42 AM

richhotrain
Quite a finish to that eBay auction.

Link to the auction?  I looked and didn't see any used items listed.

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Posted by richhotrain on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 7:02 AM

rrinker

 Now you see why you put an odd number of cents in your bid. $250, but oops, the other guy has $250.01, he wins.  Still a super deal at $250.

                    --Randy

 

Yeah, I agree, Randy.

eBay bidding could be the topic of a whole new thread, but as a buyer, I always look at the incremental bid system.  Depending upon the amount of the last bid, I make sure that I have entered not only my highest desired bid, but also one more bid increment plus 1 cent or maybe 5 cents or 10 cents just to be sure.

Here is eBay's bid increment table:

         Bid Range             Bid Increment
 
$0.01 - $0.99                  $0.05 
 
$1.00 - $4.99                  $0.25 
 
$5.00 - $24.99                $0.50 
 
$25.00 - $99.99              $1.00 
 
$100.00 - $249.99          $2.50 
 
$250.00 - $499.99          $5.00 
 
$500.00 - $999.99          $10.00 
 
$1000.00 - $2499.99      $25.00 
 
$2500.00 - $4999.99      $50.00 
 
$5000.00 and up           $100.00 

Alton Junction

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Posted by NP2626 on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 6:40 AM

Awh, so it boiled down to "Regg, get the NCE", "Oh-no Regg get the Digitrax"!!! NCE/Digitrax, lets call the whole thing off!

I have absolutly no doubt that Regg will be happy with his purchase, good luck!  And, it only took 105 entries to put this one down in the books, amazing!

NP 2626 "Northern Pacific, really terrific"

Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association:  http://www.nprha.org/

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Posted by rrinker on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 6:35 AM

 Now you see why you put an odd number of cents in your bid. $250, but oops, the other guy has $250.01, he wins.  Still a super deal at $250.

                    --Randy


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

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Posted by richhotrain on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 7:39 PM

Quite a finish to that eBay auction.

Rich

Alton Junction

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Posted by rrinker on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 7:30 PM

 That is indeed a deal. Current price is less than the throttle alone costs.

Do note that is a DT400, not DT402, so it only goes to F12. For $25, Digitrax will upgrade it to a DT402. Or for $65, a DT402D duplex radio throttle, but you'd need to buy a UR92 to use it.

If I needed another booster you'd have a bidding war on your hands.

             --Randy


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

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Posted by richhotrain on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 5:14 PM

Digitrax Super Empire Builder???

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.   Laugh

Rich

Alton Junction

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Posted by Regg05 on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 2:06 PM

Ebay currently has a Digitrax Super Empire Builder with the dual throttle for $160 bidding...bidding ends tonight.  Talked to the store owner and it is slightly used but he says in excellent condition.  I bidded on it.  Since that normally would go for over $400 and it's already 5amps I think and has included power supply, too good of a dealto pass up.  

Rich it must be in the cards for me to get this if I win it.  I was on there to buy the NCE Power cab but if I can get this for under $200 I'll gladly take it.

Regg

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Posted by selector on Sunday, May 3, 2015 10:13 AM

CSX Robert
 
bagal
...The MRC and Digitrax throttles are really two handed operation...

 

I find the Digitrax throttles quite easy to use one-handed.

 

I'm a small guy with average sized man's hands.  I can operate my DT400 with one hand and control two locos concurrently due to its design with two encoder knobs at the top.  I do it at least once each sesson.  I don't know what these others guys are on about.  Sounds like a limitation to me.  Geeked

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Posted by rrinker on Saturday, May 2, 2015 6:16 PM

Me too. Mainly because you reverse by clicking the speed knob - so I hold my DT402 down at my side in one hand, my thumb on the knob to spin it for speed control and able to press it to change direction, leaving my other hand free to uncouple or operate turnouts or whatever. The NCE throttle is HUGE in comparison to the DT402. I only look when selecting a differnet address, but I can't even dial my phone or type without looking, so even if there were only 10 buttons total I'd still be looking.

                 --Randy


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

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Posted by CSX Robert on Saturday, May 2, 2015 6:49 AM

bagal
...The MRC and Digitrax throttles are really two handed operation...

I find the Digitrax throttles quite easy to use one-handed.

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Posted by richhotrain on Saturday, May 2, 2015 4:42 AM

bagal

 

richhotrain

 

bagal

What do you think won on the day?

 

NCE

  

You hit the jackpot Rich! The HO section purchased a wireless NCE system. One factor in the decision was that the throttle offers both the thumbwheel and buttons for speed control and the throttle, despite its size, works well for one handed operation. The MRC and Digitrax throttles are really two handed operation.

We are very happy with our choice.

Bill

A wise choice.  
 
I use some Digitrax products, and it is a good company.  But, when I first got into DCC back in early 2004, the guys at my LHS recommended the NCE system because clubs in the vicinity were using it and reporting back with good results.  
 
The NCE system is highly reliable and even my 5 year old grandson can operate it.  He needs two hands to hold the throttle, but any adult can hold it in one hand without any difficulty.

Rich

Alton Junction

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Posted by bagal on Saturday, May 2, 2015 3:31 AM

richhotrain

 

 

 
bagal

What do you think won on the day?

 

 

NCE

 

 

You hit the jackpot Rich! The HO section purchased a wireless NCE system. One factor in the decision was that the throttle offers both the thumbwheel and buttons for speed control and the throttle, despite its size, works well for one handed operation. The MRC and Digitrax throttles are really two handed operation.

We are very happy with our choice.

Bill

  • Member since
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  • From: Dearborn Station
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Posted by richhotrain on Friday, May 1, 2015 6:14 PM

farrellaa

Regg,

I started with a Digitrax Zephyr .....and connected two wires to the track and I was running DCC. I don't know what the 'learning curve' is on Digitrax? I just started running and the manual pretty much tells all. 

Same with the NCE PH-Pro.  Connect two bus wires to the command station and you are good to go.   There is no learning curve to speak of, and the manual is quite comprehensive with a step-by-step explanation of decoder programming.

Rich

Alton Junction

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Posted by farrellaa on Friday, May 1, 2015 6:09 PM

Regg,

I started with a Digitrax Zephyr (got a used one on Ebay $77: 2.5amp model) and connected two wires to the track and I was running DCC. I have a fair size layout (18 x 22) and usually run 2 sound locos at a time with at least 10 others sitting in yard/siding. I added a DT402D wireless throttle a couple of years ago and rarely use the Zephyr except to control locos in the roundhouse. I don't know what the 'learning curve' is on Digitrax? I just started running and the manual pretty much tells all. I am 74 now and went to DCC about 4-5 years ago. One other feature of the Digitrax system is you can run DC locos using the 00 address; not a recommended practice but handy when you need to try a new non-DCC engine.

I still haven't found the need for more amps but it is easy to do if I ever want/need to . This is just my experience with Digitrax and I am sure the NCE system is quite as good.

   -Bob

Life is what happens while you are making other plans!

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