I want to jump into DCC. I am a computer nerd and would like full access to all DCC features. I have read that some systems are more complex then others. The more complex, the better for me. Been looking at Digitrax.
Any suggestions?
Pat Bandy
Well, not to start a flame war, or to kvetch, but judging by the annoyed posters who swear that Digitrax almost ended their foray into DCC because the manuals were so complicated, I'd say just stop right there and go right in that door...Digitrax. Also, you probably know about loconet...it's wonderfully complex. Gruesome, dark, and mysterious. Abandon all hope, though, if ye enter.
I recommend the same system as mine, an NCE PH-Pro 5 amp wireless system.
I don't know about complicated, but it is a sophisticated trouble free system that I have owned for 12 1/2 years.
Rich
Alton Junction
Pat,
Digitrax and NCE both make very good DCC systems and both have their strong points. I've been using my Power Cab since 2006 and like the interface for its intuitiveness. Others prefer Digitrax for their throttles and features - particularly Loconet.
If possible, it's best to try a system first-hand to see which one appeals to you the most. And only you can determine which one is best for you...
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
DCC systems are varied as to features & capacities. If you live in the US and there are others in your area, find out what they use. This will give you a good support network. That said:
The above said, while the DCC packets sent out all meet the same standard - The cabs/throttles are not interchangeable between brands. If you are a 'nerd', I would suggest getting into JMRI and attaching your DCC system to a home computer. Programming decoders is so much easier using JMRI(and it is free). You can also break out of the propriatory cab/throttles and use your smart phone as a throttle with JMRI - well worth the time to look into this. All of the above systems support JMRI...
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
IgnatoskyThe more complex, the better for me
If you haven't run across the term "Arduino" you should do some research. It is way above my pay grade and interests but it might suit yours.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
I can't comment on the MRC stuff, zero experience there.
By all accounts NCE seems to win in the easier to understand and get you doing things other than basic CV programming for addresses.
Digitrax is nice and does everything it says it can, although their instruction manuals are garbage. I know firsthand I own a Digitrax setup. With some digging and online resources you can get it all going however.
One thing I will add, I do not know if you are a solo modeler or looking to join a club, but being new to DCC, if going/joining a club is in the cards, you might want to go with the same equipmment they use. Nice to have experienced help when there is a problem or you don't understand something.
BigDaddyIf you haven't run across the term "Arduino" you should do some research. It is way above my pay grade and interests but it might suit yours.
You can get an Arduino Uno clone for 5 or 6 bucks.
I want to jump into DCC. I am a computer nerd and would like full access to all DCC features. I have read that some systems are more complex then others. The more complex, the better for me. Been looking at Digitrax. Any suggestions?
It's possible to get into DCC for very little money. Someone has developed an Arduino-based system called DCC++ that can be built for about $30. It's not a scaled down system. You have access to all decoder features.
There's a subforum devoted to DCC++ over at the Trainboard forums.
Steve S
I removed a 5 year old Digitrax system and replaced it with a NCE Power Pro 5 amp system. I should have started with NCE.
Never operated with another system so I cannot compare, but I bought an NCE Power Pro wireless and have been very happy with it. Connected to a PC and use JMRI to program and more importantly store decoder configurations. If you're planning to play with decoder configurations I would say the JMRI connection is a must have.
Steven S BigDaddy If you haven't run across the term "Arduino" you should do some research. It is way above my pay grade and interests but it might suit yours. You can get an Arduino Uno clone for 5 or 6 bucks...
BigDaddy If you haven't run across the term "Arduino" you should do some research. It is way above my pay grade and interests but it might suit yours.
You can get an Arduino Uno clone for 5 or 6 bucks...
To say something is "above may pay grade" does not mean that it is expensive. "Above my pay grade" is an idiom that means too complex or important for my skill set (because gnerally speaking the people with a more complex or important job get a higher pay).
If I was going to buy a DCC system..........Easy DCC by CVP Products, one of the first, still one of the best.
http://www.cvpusa.com
Sheldon
Robert nailed it. I didn't think it was an unknown expression but this morning SWMBO told me she never heard the expression "You can never be too thin or too rich"
There are others here who can have a high level discussion of Arduino with the OP. I just put it on the table for consideration.
Ignatosky I want to jump into DCC. I am a computer nerd and would like full access to all DCC features. I have read that some systems are more complex then others. The more complex, the better for me. Been looking at Digitrax. Any suggestions?
Digitrax is what you want. It will do all you want,and since you are a computer nerd it will be easy to understand. I am also a computer geek and I found that the manual was not that hard to digest. Of course I found a book on low lever operating system calls and found that I not only enjoyed reading it,I understood it and was able to use it when I wrote code.
I have two Digitrax systems - both Zephyrs. One is dedicated to programming and the other to running trains. I am not a computer geek and have not had any trouble in understanding the manuals and putting them to work. I don't know why others have had difficulty understanding the manuals.
Joe
JoeinPA I have two Digitrax systems - both Zephyrs. One is dedicated to programming and the other to running trains. I am not a computer geek and have not had any trouble in understanding the manuals and putting them to work. I don't know why others have had difficulty understanding the manuals. Joe
Code and a LOT of computer related things are not so much hard as they are detailed. CV values and dcc stuff is detailed and missing a step can be very frusterating.
Seems like alot of expense just to do decoder programming, but I guess that having 2 complete DCC systems gives you a spare/backup DCC system as a result.
ATLANTIC CENTRAL If I was going to buy a DCC system..........Easy DCC by CVP Products, one of the first, still one of the best. http://www.cvpusa.com Sheldon
ditto - I've used CVP since 2000.
Guy
see stuff at: the Willoughby Line Site
I did an awful lot of research and questioning before I left DC for DCC. For me, it was a $2k investment (system & decoders) and I was super cautious. It didn't take long to realize Digitrax and NCE were the front runners. For strictly minor reasons I chose Digitrax over NCE for the system, but ended up with almost all NCE decoders.
I won't badmouth the other systems out there, but will say that Digitrax and NCE are the "biggies" and you can't go wrong either way.
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
I come from a technical background, EE degree and my regular job involves computer networks and server builds. When I researched DCC systems, it was the Loconet on Digitrax that sold me. None of the other brands has anything nearly as capable as this bus system. In fact people with other brands often install Loconet to handle their detection and signalling when they get that far. There is more third party support for Loconet than the others combined - both pre-built components that are compatible with loconet as well as DIY bits, including libraries for various microcontrollers so you can build your own devices.
That said, I've never had any issue figuring out how any of it works, nor have I had any issues with other non-technical people figuring out how to use the Digitrax equipment. The manual complainer is ONE person here and seems very prone to hyperbole, since Digitrax manuals, at least for the past 10 years, are almost exactly like any others in that in the first few pages they tell you to hook up wires to the proper terminals and then press certain buttons on the throttle and your loco should run - step by step getting started directions that get you up and running in a very simple fashion. The more advanced features come up later, including a button by button description of the throttle and what you would use each button for, often with examples. It's all freely downloadable, so you can compare the manuals from different systems.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
crusader27529 JoeinPA I have two Digitrax systems - both Zephyrs. One is dedicated to programming and the other to running trains. I am not a computer geek and have not had any trouble in understanding the manuals and putting them to work. I don't know why others have had difficulty understanding the manuals. Joe Seems like alot of expense just to do decoder programming, but I guess that having 2 complete DCC systems gives you a spare/backup DCC system as a result.
My first Zephyr was the original model and served me well. I got the second (a Zephyr Extra) later for a little more power and some features. My programming setup - Zephyr, Locobuffer USB,PTB100 and laptop - is in my shop while the layout is in another room. It's just for a little convenience in my old age. I think that I'm having more fun than the law allows.
JEREMY CENTANNIDigitrax is nice and does everything it says it can, although their instruction manuals are garbage.
I've heard this kind of comment many times and just can't agree. I've used Digitrax and NCE and never had a problem with Digitrax manuals whereas I've had lots of problems with NCE manuals. I'm getting better with NCE now but there have been times when I had to search and search to find out how to do something. At times the NCE manual just doesn't seem logical.
I love both of these systems. I'm presently using an NCE Power Cab because I just have a very small switching layout and it's perfect for that. But if I had a larger layout I wouldn't hesitate to go back to Digitrax as I really like everything about it. These are two great systems by two great companies and you just have to choose the one with features that best suit your needs.
Jerry
Rio Grande vs. Santa Fe.....the battle is over but the glory remains!
selector Well, not to start a flame war, or to kvetch,
Well, not to start a flame war, or to kvetch,
but judging by the annoyed posters who swear that Digitrax almost ended their foray into DCC because the manuals were so complicated, I'd say just stop right there and go right in that door...Digitrax. Also, you probably know about loconet...it's wonderfully complex. Gruesome, dark, and mysterious. Abandon all hope, though, if ye enter.
And of course the flame war continues. To be fair, it totally depends on the user - some love Digitrax and loconet and others hate (see above). Is there anything wrong with Digitrax? It depends on who you ask and the war continues. Those who like it are happy and in the end, each side honestly wants it's own converts so it's really more a pride thing - thats my unscientific assessment of the Digitrax vs. NCE kvetch war. Is kvetch polish? eastern european? I'm of English/Swedish/German decent.
Anyway, I have had a Digitrax Chief system I bought many moons ago but due to bumps in the roard didn't have a layout for many long years to use it. I bought it based on price/feature comparison and at that time, it was a better deal than the Wangrow/NCE more costly systems at that time.
I have used Digitrax at a modular group in the last year or so and have to be shown every time how to do stuff so that tells me something else might be better for me. Right now it's down to cost so eventually I may try out NCE and see if it really is more intuitive for me and make take the plunge.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
Well, I'm somewhat anti Digitrax, not because of manuals, or complexity, but simply what I consider the poor ergonomics of most all of their throttles......
Most of the DCC layouts I have operated are Digitrax, I can't push those little buttons, or see that display......
The only DCC system I have ever run is the one I bought, and after I bought it. Its an NCE system. I have no complaints.
- Douglas
I have a Digitrax Super Chief and JMRI. I am completely satisfied with it and have no difficulty finding everything I need in the manuals. I find them clear and complete.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
Thank you for all the responses! I'm more confused then ever! LOL! Just kidding. Very, very good information!
Rinker nailed it for me. I've built my own servers for personal use and love the hardware side of computing. I will go with a JMRI for sure and I like what I've read about Loconet.
My local club uses Digitrax. I hope to join next month but would like at least some experience with DCC before walking in there.
I did order a MRC sound controller 2.0 to use with my first DCC sound loco. I want to run DC with sound control. That constant bell ringing at yard speed drove me nuts. I'm pretty sure my figures don't move so safety is not a big concern for them.
I built a control box years ago that can handle three cabs with the use of rotary switches and DPDT switches. Layout is block wired so all I have to do is plug in whatever system I want
Why not use DCC++?
http://jmri.sourceforge.net/help/en/html/hardware/dccpp/index.shtml
An Arduino Uno and motor shield are like a little more than $10 total shipped from China.
A comparable Digitrax system is literally THIRTY TIMES the cost of this :/
Save your money and spend it on track or something really necessary.
I also found this article: a DCC decoder for $5:
http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/19070
Also using the same arduino tools.
Julian
Modeling Pre-WP merger UP (1974-81)
fieryturbo Why not use DCC++? http://jmri.sourceforge.net/help/en/html/hardware/dccpp/index.shtml An Arduino Uno and motor shield are like a little more than $10 total shipped from China. A comparable Digitrax system is literally THIRTY TIMES the cost of this :/ Save your money and spend it on track or something really necessary. I also found this article: a DCC decoder for $5: http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/19070 Also using the same arduino tools.
That's entirely too much work of most people..........
Can I assume that the only way to have a wireless throttle with that is to use a smart phone? That leaves me out thank you.
Most people in this hobby today use DCC because they did not want to do much wiring or learn anything about electronics.........