Our club has the five p power pro. We run as many as ten sound loco's.
I have the Power cab at home and run two HO sound loco's. If I want more, I can buy the smart booster but don't need it so far. Don't need any bragging rights. I am on a budget also. I cannot ever think of running six loco's at one time. I am the only operator. All I use the cab for is to run the loco's. Nothing else.
One advantage of the smart booster is installing extra plug in ports so the loco's keep running when you move to another port.
I believe Tam Valley sells a booster for about $50.00. Think you need to add a power supply. Been reading about it in the MRH forums. The Tam Valley owner post there I believe.
I made and extra long cable to connect the cab.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
Okay where I'm stuck at is this:
I like the Digitrax DT402 throttle that I would buy in addition to the Zephyr system so I could have wireless and I like that only because I like the dual knob throttles where you can operate two trains simultaneously without having to switch back and forth which is where I would be nervous about on the layout. I dn't like all those buttons which look just alike though because they don't indicate what their used for
I like on NCE throttle where everything is simplified. They have a horn, bell, lights, whistle etc all separated so you can just operate trains. Not sure how I feel about its large size or the thumb wheel for acceleartion though maybe because im just used to operating with Digitrax single knob on their wireless throttle the club uses. However I see that NCE sells a cab06r throttle that is wireless and has a single knob but only one loco instead of two can be controlled im guessing.
I'm getting close to one or the other though.
I'm going to go to the club now and ask one of the members if I can play with their Digitrax Dt402 so I can get a better feel.
Learning curve? Again I have to say, what learning curve? The OP is already using Digitrax at his club. Therefore I would assume that by now he knows how to run trains with a Digitrax system. Basic operation is almost exactly the same on every DCC system. There is a Loco or Select button, you key in the address, hit enter, turn the knob, and away you go.
Sometimes it boggles my mind that people can boot up their computer, log in, log in to this forum, post messages, and yet still have difficulty running a loco on a DCC system. And some of those people have been posting on forums since before the fairly ubiquitous always on internet of today - you know, when you had to dial up an ISP, or dial up AOL and log in to that first - even more steps.
And programming - just use JMRI. All commonly available systems are now supported, even MRC changed their tune. You won't have to learn how to program on any system. But if you do - they all support things like automatic address calculation, you don't have to calculate CV17 and CV18 for a long address, and you don't have to calculated CV29. Those days are long past. There's no hex or funny codes for Digitrax, haven't been for 15 years or more.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Regg05 I dn't like all those buttons...
The Power Cab and the DT402 both have 34 buttons (actually, the DT402 has 32, but the throttle knobs can be pressed like buttons for reversing the locos).
Regg05...which look just alike though because they don't indicate what their used for I like on NCE throttle where everything is simplified. They have a horn, bell, lights, whistle etc all separated so you can just operate trains.
On the DT402, the bell button has a picture of a bell above it, the whistle button a picture of a whistle, and the light button a picture of a light. All of the buttons are labeled. Some of the buttons are grouped and some are color coded, they don't all look alike to me.
CSX Robert Regg05 I dn't like all those buttons... The Power Cab and the DT402 both have 34 buttons (actually, the DT402 has 32, but the throttle knobs can be pressed like buttons for reversing the locos). Regg05 ...which look just alike though because they don't indicate what their used for I like on NCE throttle where everything is simplified. They have a horn, bell, lights, whistle etc all separated so you can just operate trains. On the DT402, the bell button has a picture of a bell above it, the whistle button a picture of a whistle, and the light button a picture of a light. All of the buttons are labeled. Some of the buttons are grouped and some are color coded, they don't all look alike to me.
Regg05 ...which look just alike though because they don't indicate what their used for I like on NCE throttle where everything is simplified. They have a horn, bell, lights, whistle etc all separated so you can just operate trains.
That is my experience as well. All buttons are clearly labelled. Sure, the first hour may be some trial and error, but if the light is good and your sausages not overly thick, you'll easily discern which buttons are which, and only a pressing error changes things. Does that on any throttle.
It helps that I only use maybe five function buttons regularly: lights, whistle/horn, bell, air pumps, and mute. The one's for shouting in the galley, toilet flushing, brake hose parting, drunk diner belching...they don't have any interest to me.
I do believe I will need to add that "drunk diner belching" sound to either a Loksound or my old unloved Soundbug and stick it in a dining car....
Hey if they can do cattle cars with cows, pigs, sheep, and donkeys...
Maybe also ass the sound of china shattering and tie it in with the same logic used for the brake squeal - stop too hard and all the dishes goes flying and break. Modern version of John Allen's box car with the ball on the tracks to set up the buzzer if you couple too hard.
That was "add"....right?
Regg05I like the Digitrax DT402 throttle that I would buy in addition to the Zephyr system so I could have wireless
Just be aware that in order to have wireless, you will also have to add a wireless receiver and at that point cost wise, you may want to consider going with one of the larger radio equipped starter systems to begin with.
Regg05I like the dual knob throttles where you can operate two trains simultaneously without having to switch back and forth
I too liked that feature, but have had no issue just using the recall button on my NCE system. Any time I have two trains running, I am actively controlling one and having the other running as background traffic. I have never been in a situation where I have needed intricate control of two trains at once. Just be aware that I still think you would need two throttles to do that (Digitrax users correct me if I am wrong). With the DT402, even though you would have two control knobs, you still cannot control two trains simultaneously. If I recall from my research, you have to "activate" one of the two (by pressing the knob?) in order to send commands to that locomotive, so to expect to be able to rotate both knobs simultaneously and have two different trains respond simultaneously is not realistic. Not trying to sway you one way or the other, just want you to be aware of the actual operation of the systems so that you know what you need heading into this. Not much I hate more than expensive surprises!
Mike
Water Level RouteJust be aware that I still think you would need two throttles to do that (Digitrax users correct me if I am wrong). With the DT402, even though you would have two control knobs, you still cannot control two trains simultaneously.
You can control two trains simultaneously with the DT400 series throttles. One knob for each train.
Joe
Water Level RouteJust be aware that I still think you would need two throttles to do that (Digitrax users correct me if I am wrong). With the DT402, even though you would have two control knobs, you still cannot control two trains simultaneously. If I recall from my research, you have to "activate" one of the two (by pressing the knob?) in order to send commands to that locomotive, so to expect to be able to rotate both knobs simultaneously and have two different trains respond simultaneously is not realistic.
Ok, I'll correct you. You can directly control two trains at one time with a DT402. You can be turning both knobs at the same time and both trains will respond accordingly. You can send function commands to only one at a time because there is only one set of function buttons, but speed and direction can be sent to both.
Regg,
The NCE Cab 06r allows up to 6 recalls if your system supports that many. I have one, but actually tend to favor my Cab 04r throttles, which also support multiple recalls. Both of course allow only one train at a time to be controlled.
Your idea to try the D throttle is a good one, though, as you wouldn't notice how agreeable or not it is until you've used it awhile. That's how I came down to favoring my 04s over my sole 06.
rrinker Learning curve? Again I have to say, what learning curve? The OP is already using Digitrax at his club. Therefore I would assume that by now he knows how to run trains with a Digitrax system.
Randy,
I know we've had this discussion before. Part of it may come down to the fact there's a lot of older version D throttles in use, although more and more the gang has new ones, too. I can't explain why they suffer so - or more importantly, why they don't just switch to NCE. We never have those discussions. I just notice what goes on. It's a lot like that Mac vs PC thing. Different strokes for different folks. And some folks want to suffer for their art, which is their privilege. I just want to run trains.
I will say that if Digitrax was so obviously great for the OP because he uses them at the club, why are we even discussing NCE? Was his original choice for his home layout just wrong? It doesn't sound like it, it sounds like uncertainty over a major investment. There really is something that works better in NCE for a sizable sector of the MRR community. It's not their fault, it's their choice. And making that choice often isn't easy, considering the costs and the often highly subjective user relationship to the hardware, as well as the various social pressures associated with that choice. Like Ford vs Chevy, we shouldn't let that come between us and our friends. We should just help them make the best choice for them. In the end, I could see going either way, as there's good reasons to make that choice either way.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
I agree with mlehman that both are good choices and ultimately the OP will probably be happy with either one. It's tough to sometimes just pull the trigger when you have two good options staring you in the face.
To Joe & Robert: Thanks for correcting me! Forgot that it was just for function commands.
To Regg05: Sounds like you are already leaning one way. Just go for it. I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
NP 2626 "Northern Pacific, really terrific"
Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association: http://www.nprha.org/
NP2626 So, what's it going to be Regg05? You should have sufficient information and opinions to have made a decision?
Alton Junction
One more thing...
The wireless DT402 will work wirelessly on your club layout and plug-in at home if you don't want to invest in a wireless startem for the home layout.
I have the right to remain silent. By posting here I have given up that right and accept that anything I say can and will be used as evidence to critique me.
Regg051. Can I get by on using either of the above two basic starter sets Digitrax Zephyr or the NCE Powercab or would I have to upgrade to the NCE Pro Cab and Digitrax Super Chief or Empire builder? 2. All things considered price is a factor but what would you do if it was your layout?
Somehow the responses have drifted away from the original questions, which seemed to infer that there was a budget to be considered.
Morning Folks
After much back and forth and spending some time on both of the systems, might be leaning towards NCE Power Pro or the Power Cab and then add the booster in a few months.
Love the Digitrax colors and look of the system as red is my favorite color. Looks more classy but with the Zephyr its like a power pack and will have to build a station to have the Zephyr sit on. With the NCE I can just buy one of those holders and attach it to the side of the layout.
If my budget had afforded me I probably would have gotten the Digitrax Super Chief Wireless for close to $600. Still love those dual knobs on the Digitrax DT402 but would have to buy the wireless receiver.
NCE sells the same type of receivers and throttles. And for a guy who knows nothing about DCC technical stuff NCE seems to talk in more laymen terms.
Now whether I will get the PRO cab or Power cab is up for grabs.
maxman Regg05 1. Can I get by on using either of the above two basic starter sets Digitrax Zephyr or the NCE Powercab or would I have to upgrade to the NCE Pro Cab and Digitrax Super Chief or Empire builder? 2. All things considered price is a factor but what would you do if it was your layout? Somehow the responses have drifted away from the original questions, which seemed to infer that there was a budget to be considered.
Regg05 1. Can I get by on using either of the above two basic starter sets Digitrax Zephyr or the NCE Powercab or would I have to upgrade to the NCE Pro Cab and Digitrax Super Chief or Empire builder? 2. All things considered price is a factor but what would you do if it was your layout?
But, don't forget, his full statement was "All things considered price is a factor but what would you do if it was your layout?". So, that opens it up to a lot broader response that focusing on price alone.
Regg05 After much back and forth and spending some time on both of the systems, might be leaning towards NCE Power Pro or the Power Cab and then add the booster in a few months. Now whether I will get the PRO cab or Power cab is up for grabs.
Regg05 Love the Digitrax colors and look of the system as red is my favorite color.
Love the Digitrax colors and look of the system as red is my favorite color.
Well if you are going to spend for the PH Pro - the Super Chief is $80 less, at least at Klein's.
rrinker Well if you are going to spend for the PH Pro - the Super Chief is $80 less, at least at Klein's. --Randy
richhotrainAnd, it's partially red. Angry
But with the NCE, when you're not running trains you can use the throttle to mash potatoes.
Maybe I should take the case off my DB150 and grab a can of Caboose Red paint....
Maybe making it red will increase the output to 10 amps.
Randy Randy tsk tsk
I get the sense you're being funny lol But yes I do like the Digitrax system because it looks classier for some reason to me and the NCE looks sort of cheap but thats me admittingly being shallow. I just want a quality affordable system where I can have ease of use and that works 95% of the time without shorts, start up and shot down.
Thats why I'm leaning towards the NCE because it seems easier to use. I do want wireless though because having that tethered cord plugged in annoys me. The club has all wireless throttles so that's what I'm used to.
Regg
Well now, the NCE Power Pro 5 amp wireless is definitely the way to go, but that drives the price up to $500 or slightly higher.
I have the wireless system, and it is a dandy, and it works 100% of the time.
And, there is nothing cheap about it, quality wise.
They all work 100% of the time if you have your track wired properly.
If you're looking to get wireless right out of the gate, then there's no such thing as a 'cheap' option. Digitrax with the wireless DT402 throttle is just under $500, NCE with a wireless throttle is just over $500 from most resellers, to each you must add a power supply.
My last layout was 10x13, around the walls of a spare room. With one centrally placed plug panel, I could reach the whole layout, so I never bothered going wireless. Club has extra wireless throttles for when I run a road train, but I like switching the yard so I just plug in my wired throttle when doing that. I will probably go radio now that I will have a full basement layout - nice thing is I can upgrade my non-radio throttle to radio and it will not cost me any more than if I had just bought the radio one up front - Digitrax upgrade costs are exactly the price difference between the radio an dnon-radio units. I keep meaning to get going on this while I don;t need to use any of it, that way I will have no downtime. I actually have 2 of the DT400 series throttles plus I picked up an old DT100 cheap on ebay - makes a great train-running throttle, personally I do not like potentiometer controls so i don't have any UT4's, which are probably the ones you use at the club, big knob plus a toggle switch. The DT402 is easier, just key in the address instead of trying to turn the little dials to the address you want, but the UT4 design came from polling Digitrax users and the majority won.
Regg05I plan on running at least 2-4 trains...
This is something I meant to touch on earlier and forgot. You say 2-4 trains, but don't mention how many engines. If they are all going to be single-headed, no problem, but if they are all going to be triple-headed, then you may need a 5 amp system. The number of running engines is the key, not necessarily trains.
Here's some food for thought:
Either a Digitrax Super Chief or NCE Power Pro wireless starter set will cost around $500 + power supply, so less say $550. The NCE system seems to cost a little more at most places, but not enough difference to matter if that's the system you really want.
You could get a Zephyr + DT402 + UR92 (wireless base station) for less than $500 (~$490 at one common dealer), and you would have a complete wireless system. For me, the fact that I can spend the money in chunks without it costing me anymore is a major plus, it's just easier to spend ~$500 in <$200 chunks than to save up and spend $500 all at once (this is pretty much the route I went).
The main things you give up with the Zephyr over the Chief is 3 amps of power instead of 5 and 22 lcoo slots instead of 120 (doesn't sound like that would be an issue for you). There are a few other features that the Zephyr does not have that the chief does:
You actually gain one feature with the Zephyr, and that is blast mode programming, which can be used for programming some sound decoders that are hard to program on program tracks. Plus, you do get the bonus of that extra throttle, which I find I use more than I thought I would, even after getting a DT402. For example, I have my program track next to my Zephyr, and for inital testing and programming a new decoder install I just use the Zephyr's throttle instead of getting out the DT402.
I looked at what it would take to upgrade from a Power Cab to wireless, and you can do it for even less (Power Cab + wireless Pro Cab + RB02 = ~$460) if you don't get a Smart Booster, but personally, I'm not a big fan of running more than a couple of engines with the Power Cab without the booster because it's like adding 14' (power supply to Power Cab + Power Cab to track) of relatively small gauge wire to your track bus.
You can save money on either the Zephyr or Power Cab path by getting one of the cheaper "engineer's" throttle, but I got the feeling you really want the full function throttles.