bagalI get a little bemused by ongoing NCE vs Digitrax debates. Its not as if these are the only systems available out there for the OP to consider...
The OP himself said he had "pretty much narrowed it down to NCE and Digitrax", so I didn't see the need to talk about any other systems.
I am reasonably intelligent and feel I would be happy with any system once I had learned how to use it. It so happens that Digitrax is what my closest LHS sold back when I got mine. I have never had occasion to regret its purchase. It wasn't particularly difficult to master. I certainly didn't purchase it thinking it looked or felt cheap. It is what was available to me, and it has served me reliably ever since.
I narrowed it down to NCE and Digitrax because that is what everyone seems to run. Bachmann was out of the question even though it's system probably is by far the cheapest. Lenz was recommended to me honestly by the guy whose helping me with my layout but once I looked at what they offered and I didn't see a wireless offer not to mention the throttle seemed to basic eliminated it. MRC I will admit looked very close to NCE and what's crazy is I use and still have their DC powerpacks. They were the power packs of choice it seems for DC layout builders but in DCC they seem to gotten loss between the big two so I unfairly didn't even look too much into them like I did with NCE and Digitrax.
Maybe I should though look at MRC although the NCE is pretty much what I'm leaning to simply because it seems to be the best.
Regg
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!
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.
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.
Rich
Alton Junction
richhotrain bagal What do you think won on the day? NCE
bagal What do you think won on the day?
What do you think won on the day?
NCE
We are very happy with our choice.
Bill
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
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.
bagal...The MRC and Digitrax throttles are really two handed operation...
I find the Digitrax throttles quite easy to use one-handed.
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.
CSX Robert bagal ...The MRC and Digitrax throttles are really two handed operation... I find the Digitrax throttles quite easy to use one-handed.
bagal ...The MRC and Digitrax throttles are really two handed operation...
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.
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.
Digitrax Super Empire Builder???
Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.
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.
Quite a finish to that eBay auction.
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.
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/
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
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:
richhotrainQuite a finish to that eBay auction.
Link to the auction? I looked and didn't see any used items listed.
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
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.
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
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.
Regg05I 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.
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.
Regg05 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!
Here ya go, Regg, only $84 per month for 6 months.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NCE-2-DCC-PowerHouse-Pro-5-Amp-Radio-system-set-BRAND-NEW-PH-PRO-R-524-2-/151623897900?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item234d7d132c
Your NCE Buddy, Rich
richhotrain Here ya go, Regg, only $84 per month for 6 months. http://www.ebay.com/itm/NCE-2-DCC-PowerHouse-Pro-5-Amp-Radio-system-set-BRAND-NEW-PH-PRO-R-524-2-/151623897900?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item234d7d132c Your NCE Buddy, Rich
I wonder why NCE is so expensive?
NP2626 richhotrain Here ya go, Regg, only $84 per month for 6 months. http://www.ebay.com/itm/NCE-2-DCC-PowerHouse-Pro-5-Amp-Radio-system-set-BRAND-NEW-PH-PRO-R-524-2-/151623897900?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item234d7d132c Your NCE Buddy, Rich I wonder why NCE is so expensive?
richhotrain NP2626 richhotrain Here ya go, Regg, only $84 per month for 6 months. http://www.ebay.com/itm/NCE-2-DCC-PowerHouse-Pro-5-Amp-Radio-system-set-BRAND-NEW-PH-PRO-R-524-2-/151623897900?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item234d7d132c Your NCE Buddy, Rich I wonder why NCE is so expensive? $84 a month is nothing for a man of Regg's means. Rich
$84 a month is nothing for a man of Regg's means.
Because its the 5amp Radio Throttle system.
How goes the battle Regg05?