FORUM CLINIC: Picking the best DCC system

[jfugate]

Bump ... I encourage others to post their experiences with various systems in between my official clinic posts.

Please try to balance your post with at least 1 issue or problem you encountered with your system.

[jfugate]

QUOTE: Originally posted by knewsom

Joe,

Would you be opposed to someone else posting how to create a consist with one of the starter systems? For example I would be willing to take the time to post how to create a consist with the MRC Prodigy Advance since I already own it. If not I will be happy to post it as a separate thread. As an aside the PA interface is extremely similar to the NCE interface and it is very easy to use.

Post away ... go for it! [swg]

[tstage]

Pat,

Yes, the Digitrax Zephyr is a complete starter system and all you need to get up and going..

The Easy DCC is $229 for the starter set. And CVP is the sole distributor of their own products. The only additional item you would need to purchase (unless you already have one) is a 16 VAC power pack for the booster.

Tom

[knewsom]

Joe,

Would you be opposed to someone else posting how to create a consist with one of the starter systems? For example I would be willing to take the time to post how to create a consist with the MRC Prodigy Advance since I already own it. If not I will be happy to post it as a separate thread. As an aside the PA interface is extremely similar to the NCE interface and it is very easy to use.

[Anonymous]

Joe,

First let me say thank you for the great job you've done on this and your other DCC clinic.

Now with that said can I make a request? I'd like to know the minimum $ amount to get started with each system you review. For example I've been looking at Digitrax Zephyr & Easy DCC. both have a stationary base station, and that's what I'm looking for to start. I can always add walk-around and leave the bases an the main yard.

Anyway what I've found is;
Zephyr, $160 includes all to get started.? (Tony's prices)
Easy, $130 + power supply $44 And you're ready to go? (CVP prices, can't find anyone who discounts this brand)

Add PC decoder prog. w/DecoderPro
Zephyr, $60 for Loco Buffer 2
Easy, $0

Add a throttle, or booster, or reverser, and so on. and what boosters/throttles can be used with what systems.

I know this is a lot of work but if others chime in I think it would be doable. It would be good to have it all in one thread here. and very helpful to newbies like me.

Thanks
Pat

[Anonymous]

Hello Joe - I just wanted to say thanks for doing this. I'm getting ready to purchase in the next month or two and have been doing a fair amount of research. What you've done here has been some of the most valuable information that I've gotten in terms of practical comparisons. I'm glad you're including the Zimo and I do look forward to that posting. At this point, I'm leaning toward NCE (but I was even before reading this thread), but both Zimo and Digitrax are still in consideration for me.

Thanks again,

A. P. Robinson

[jeffshultz]

Ah, I wondered where you got 3 Amp boosters from - I wasn't finding any less than 5 Amps in EasyDCC or Digitrax land.

[jfugate]

Just some side notes since my first DCC system was a Lenz system purchased in late 1993.

I originally went with the Lenz system because I wanted a nice large "knobby" throttle, and at the time you could get some dandy knobby throttles for Lenz from a third party source.

One of the reasons I abandoned my original Lenz system in 2000 was because of the consisting limitations and the ease-of-use issues. Things have improved somewhat since that time, but not enough that I would consider going back to a Lenz system.

However, I absolutely *love* the Lenz boosters. I use exclusively Lenz boosters on my layout. They are reasonably priced and they work *great* with the 1156 light bulb short management (see my other DCC thread for more on this topic: http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=1&TOPIC_ID=36389 )

[jfugate]

TOPIC THIS POST: Continuing to rank the systems - Ease of use - Lenz

In this post we consider the Lenz system and its ease of use.

We'll use the Lenz Set 02 because it's priced as a starter system, which means many will consider it as their first entry into DCC. We also look at the Set 02 because it uses the more familiar knob on the handset for loco speed control. The Lenz LH90 is a mobile command station handset that allows you do some mobile decoder programming and to operate locomotives. Since programming on the main is becoming ever more popular, having a mobile command panel as part of a DCC system is a wise move.

Here's the Lenz LH90 handset.



Lenz uses an action - object paradigm (like NCE and EasyDCC, but unlike Digitrax), but with the very abbreviated keyboard even entering numbers requires multiple keystrokes. You won't get far with using this handset unless you first study the manual for a while. Here's a key section from the manual that is *required reading* before you can even get off the ground with using this system:


(click to enlarge)

So after looking at this keypad, how does one type the digit 9? Any guesses? Hardly what I call an intuitive user interface. It gets better ... it turns out pressing the number keys doesn't actually type numbers. Okay, back to the manual some more to figure out how to even enter digits.


(click to enlarge)

So you press the 4 to change the ones digit, the 3 to change the tens digit, and so on. Feels like what I have to do with my watch when I want to change the time. Fortunately, with my watch, I don't change the time *that* often.

To be fair, Lenz does have a keypad handheld with all the number keys, but it's missing a knob or slider of any kind for a throttle. You have to press the up or down arrow buttons to change loco speed. Here's a photo of both types of handhelds offered by Lenz:


(click to enlarge)

You either love the up / down buttons for speed control, or you hate it. For myself, give me a knob or slider any day for a throttle. The buttons just don't do it for me.


THE EASE-OF-USE TEST: MAKING A LOCO CONSIST
Lenz considers decoder consists to be the *only* kind of consist you can make with their Set 02 system. They call this type of consist an MU or "Multi-unit consists" in their manual. If you want to make a command station consist, you'll need their set 01, and look for what Lenz calls a "double header" in their manual. Lenz limits command station consists to a max of two locos.

Lenz: Setting up a consist
I first look for some obvious way to make a consist without referring to the manual. You won't get any help looking at the LH90 since it has a minimal number of buttons. Back to the manual, again.

STEPS FOR CREATING A CONSIST WITH LENZ
Here are the steps to create an MU consist (decoder-based only -- you can't make a command station consist with a Lenz Set 02).

1. Make sure the first loco to be consisted has been selected and stored in the loco stack in the handheld memory.

2. Select the second loco you want to add to the consist and add it to the loco stack in the handheld memory. Don't know how to do this? Time to check the manual ...

3. Go back to the first loco in the memory stack.

4. Press the shift key (the one with the up arrow and the plus on it), then press the O/M button to bring up a menu of operations you can perform. Keep pressing O/M until you see MU appear in the display (looks more like nu, but let's not get picky).

5. Enter an MU address, which must be between 01 and 99. Use the 4 key to alter the value of the ones digit, and the 3 key to alter the value of the tens digit.

6. Confirm the selected MU address by pressing the "A" key. The first locomotive you selected (the first loco in the internal memory stack of the handheld) is now part of the consist. Pay attention to the direction switch next to the display since that's what controls the loco's direction in the consist.

7. Scroll through the memory stack to the second loco you selected. Now repeat steps 4-6 to add the second loco to the consist ...

CONCLUSIONS
The Lenz LH90 gets a C- for ease-of-use. The set 01 is better (I'd give it a solid C), but the set 02 with the LH90 throttle takes dozens of non-intuitive keystrokes to even do basic loco addressing, much less to do consisting. Some things are very intuitive, like the use of the direction switch to control loco direction in the consist, but other things are a real pain -- like the need to go through all the button pushing gyrations done to add the first loco to a consist to likewise add each additional loco. Once you are in consisting mode, there is no reason why pressing a single button shouldn't add the next loco in the address stack to the consist.

The Lenz user interface *requires* keeping a manual handy (or making up a cheat sheet for yourself) since very few of the keystrokes needed to do anything are intuitive. Or do yourself a favor ... get a computer interface and do all your programming through your PC.

TOPIC NEXT POST: Continuing to rank the systems - Ease of use - Zimo

[jrbernier]

Joe,

I have had my Digitrax 'Chief' system since about 1997/1998? In all fairness, the system is 'over kill' for my layout. That said, I am a 'tech' type person and enjoy this stuff. After thinking about my purchase, I am glad that I went with a 'top of the product line' full feature system. No matter what manufacturer you choose, investing in something with 'growth' is not a bad idea.

o - I use the 'wireless' throttles(really like them for open houses).

o - I use the built-in 'fast clock' feature

o - I use the 'read back' capability for programming

o - I use the computer interface

None of these functions were at the top of my 'had to have' list when I made my purchasing decision, but purchasing something having the capability 'built in' was one of my better buying decisions!
My only other 'system' purchase was a Digitrax 'Zephyr' system that I got for 'dealer cost' when a LHS was shutting down. I thought that a $119 'investment' was good insurance if my 8 year old 'Chief' died in the near future.
I know 'cost' will always be a buying decision; but do not write off features that you feel are not useful right now. I spent about $100 more to get the 'top end' model. Over 8 years that is $12/year or about $1 per month.......

Jim Bernier

[jfugate]

People seem to be having a lot of heartburn over my suggested rules for posting to this thread, so I ask you to relax and realize any rules I suggest are just that ... suggestions. I rely on feedback from you to tell me if you think my suggestion stinks, which it appears several people feel about the 2 year thing. Not a problem, we'll just change it and make it official then.

Here's the new *suggested* posting guideline.

1. If you recommend a system, please tell us how long you have actually owned it (or your club owns it). Ideally, you have used your system regularly for at least 2 years, but if you have lots of good experience (both pluses and minuses) to share, then SHARE IT, no matter how long you have owned your system. But please do tell us how long you have had your system.

Okay, you guys who felt banned from posting before, I expect to see lots of postings listing what you have learned from your systems you've had for less than 2 years. Both good and not-so good experiences will balance your post, so make sure and share that too!

Waiting for your posts ... [:-^]

[jfugate]

QUOTE: Originally posted by On30Shay

Exactly. That's why I haven't posted here again. If you've had it for two years, it's already way obsolete in the world of electronics. I've had my DIGITRAX ZEPHYR right at six months, and have already experienced a LOT of issues AND resolutions including some great customer service that no one will hear about here, because of the limitations put in this thread.

QUOTE: Originally posted by mbvan5

If you have two years experience with the system, it's already old, Whats the best in newer systems is what we are asking

Excellent, then tell us about it. Relax ... the 2 years limit is a guideline to get only those who have used their system a lot to post. If you have lots of good experience to tell us about and you've only had your system for a month, sheesh, for heaven sakes go ahead and post it. I promise I won't call the forum police on you ... [swg]

P.S. The problem with text email-like postings on the internet is you can't really see my attitude like you could if you were right here talking with me. My last remark about the forum police was in jest, with a great big wink and grin. If we were face-to-face, you would see that as far as I'm concerned if you have something useful to contribute to the discussion, we can show the rule-guy the door!

[Anonymous]

Exactly. That's why I haven't posted here again. If you've had it for two years, it's already way obsolete in the world of electronics. I've had my DIGITRAX ZEPHYR right at six months, and have already experienced a LOT of issues AND resolutions including some great customer service that no one will hear about here, because of the limitations put in this thread.

QUOTE: Originally posted by mbvan5

If you have two years experience with the system, it's already old, Whats the best in newer systems is what we are asking

[jfugate]

I expect to post the Lenz eval today ...

[kansaspacific1]

bump

[Anonymous]

Joe,

Keep your clinic focused on the big four (maybe with the addition of Zimo). While there is a market for the lower end systems I believe that you are correct in your assertion that it is an apples to oranges comparison. Perhaps the lower end systems should get their own clinic at a later date????

To those looking at lower end systems, look at what the big guys offer and evaluate your intended purchase on those criteria. I.E. when you know what is available at the top off the line, you can choose the lower end system that has the features you prefer or perhaps postpone the purchase until you can afford a system that has more features.

[CrazyDiamond]

Joe,

Thank you for this topic....I am so new to this hobby and have learned lots in the past week or two....and this thread has also helped me immensly.

Keep it up and looking forward to your Zimo comments.

Cheers!!

[aluesch]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jfugate

BONUS POST: System updates


I encourage others (owners of NCE, Digitrax, etc) who have received system updates to share their experiences on here.

While my comment may be too biased for some of you, I do own and operate ZIMO for over 15 years on my own layout.
ZIMO owners can update their command station, cabs and decoders via Internet themselves, at no charge. No need to open up anything to replace an EPROM. Decoders don't have to be removed from the loco either, it's done right on the track.
Updates are noumerous as you can check out yourself on the ZIMO web site (follow the "Update" link) http://w3.zimo.at/web2003/index2E.htm

Regards,
Art
Zimo Agency of North America
http://www.mrsonline.net/

[CraigN]

Keep up the great work Joe!

I like how you put in the images so I can see what you're talking about.

Thanks,
Craig

[jfugate]

Will:

You're welcome! Doing this kind of system review takes a lot of time per system, but rather than whine about the MR article (which was fine as far as it went, I thought), I figured I would demonstrate how I think a good DCC system review could be done.

Become a part of the solution, so to speak.

Glad to hear people are finding this info helpful. I know if we get beyond the hype and actually take a peek at how each system does things, the differences become pretty clear. It's also easier to look at an example and when you like what you see, go with that.

[Anonymous]

Like the *** Clark "American Bandstand" Rate the records, all these grading systems are subjective to the reviewer. "Doesn't have a good beat, can't dance to it, and I don't like the lyrics, I'll give it a 97" ( on a scale of 100, someone afraid of being politically incorrect, long before it became politic?) Keep it consistent!
The MR article also gives some creedance to your selection of systems to review. The list of manufacturers includes the address of Atlas, but it does not appear in the article, or the comparison chartwhich covers 13 "systems" out of the 21 manufacturers listed.
I for one would like to thank you for taking this task on for those of us who would appreciate your efforts in providing a reasonable yardstick for comparing systems that we like not what the "Jones" have, or the lovely old couple at the LHS have been selling for years and are familiar with and can explain to their custom built layout buyers. I would prefer to make a decision on features, layout and performance than on what everyone in the neighborhood may have "settled" for four or five years ago.
IMHO,Joe, you have assumed a leadership role in taking on this clinic,a tempest in a tea cup, and have given us all an insight into some of the areas omitted in the review that was published. It would be efreshing to see more positive input than "whining" about things not even covered by the original article.
Keep up the excellent work, and again thank you for your efforts in our behalf.
Will

[Pruitt]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jfugate

I encourage others (owners of NCE, Digitrax, etc) who have received system updates to share their experiences on here.

Shortly after I bought my NCE system they published a software upgrade. They provided a new chip which the system owner installed. Pretty similar to EasyDCC's approach, it sounds like. The cost was in the neighborhood of $20.

An aside:

QUOTE: Originally posted by chateauricher

VHS won out over Beta, not because it was a better quality, but because it had better marketing (ie: was more popular).

VHS won out over the higher-quality Beta because Sony refused to license anyone else to make Beta VCRs for a long time, whereas the developer of VHS (JVC, I believe it was, but I'm not totally sure I remember it right) basically gave away manufacturing licenses for a song from the very beginning.

[jfugate]

BONUS POST: System updates
I can only speak for the Lenz and EasyDCC systems regarding system updates, since I have owned both systems. I owned Lenz for 7 years and then got an EasyDCC system 5 years ago because I wanted the best wireless throttles and at the time EasyDCC was it.

Lenz did two system upgrades in the time I owned the system. The first one was essentially "free", I only had to pay $35 for shipping and handling both ways since Lenz did the upgrade for me. I considered it a bargain. The second upgrade was more costly and I elected to not do it. Instead I changed systems to get one with up-to-date wireless capabilities.

EasyDCC has done 3 upgrades in the time I've owned the system, one of which was free for the asking. The other two charged a nominal fee, again, like $25 - $35 per upgrade. EasyDCC gives you detailed instructions so you can open up the system and replace the chips yourself (they are in sockets, so they're easy to replace). EasyDCC says on the instructions that following the instructions and opening up the system to do your own upgrade *does not* void the system warranty.

The system upgrades have all been very appreciated, adding lots of new and interesting capabilities to each system. I felt like I had invested wisely in a system that would stay up-to-date, thanks to the vendor offering me these great upgrades at nominal prices.

At no time did I ever get the idea I was being "gouged" or "fleeced" for more money by either of these vendors. I felt the upgrades were very affordable and a great way to keep my system up-to-date.

I encourage others (owners of NCE, Digitrax, etc) who have received system updates to share their experiences on here.

[jfugate]

Timothy:

I can go back and evaluate the really low end systems too if people insist, but it is going to drag out this clinic a lot longer because it will take me two-three days to prepare each system evaluation. If anyone's in a hurry, it's going to take more time if I review more systems. I plan to review the Zimo system, since it's the cadillac according to its marketing materials, and it would be interesting to see if there's anything to that claim.

Also with the big four, I've actually *used* those systems -- and heck, I've *owned* two of them in 12 years of using DCC. With the low end systems, I've never used them (too new or too wimpy for the crowd I run with) -- so my evaluation will be more conjecture from studying manuals and less experience based. Just so you know.

[chateauricher]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jfugate
The choice is not exactly arbitrary ... there's the lack of computer interface issue, and then there's the size of the support forums, if you recall, from an earlier post:
Digitrax 5676
NCE 2176
Lenz 1687
MRC 519
EasyDCC 455
Zimo 308
Bachmann 200
Atlas [none]
NOTE: Atlas has no support forum on Yahoo groups, presumably because they provide direct support on the Atlas forum.

I don't see what a forum on Yahoo groups has to to with the quality of anything. Hence my claim of arbitrary selection of your "big four."

QUOTE: These in-depth reviews are time consuming to do so I elected to focus on the more popular systems. The popular systems are such because they are generally the more robust models.

Yes, I do realise that these reviews take time. And for that I, and the rest of the forum members reading this topic, am grateful that you are taking the time to do them.

However, as in the case with Yahoo groups, what does popularity have to do with quality ? VHS won out over Beta, not because it was a better quality, but because it had better marketing (ie: was more popular).

QUOTE: With the low end systems, Bachmann is very limited, and MRC and Atlas are basically a wash. Atlas has the slight advantage it also uses the Lenz x-bus, so at least your layout will be wired for Lenz if you were to decide to upgrade.

Can you offer evidence to support your assertions so we may come to our own conclusions regarding Bachman, MRC and Atlas ? That's all I'm asking for.

I'm told by DCC "experts" on this forum one thing about Atlas. Then I'm told contradicting information when I seek advice from my LHS. I've been told that some of the "big four" force you to buy a new system whenever they issue a newer version of their software (to correct bugs and glitches); but that Atlas and Bachman will install new versions free of charge (all you need to do is mail it in). While it is true that Atlas's basic system has limited power, additonal power boosters are available.

So, I am very confused. Who do I believe ? The owners of my LHS (a couple) not only sell trains and accessories; they also design and build custom layouts. They are both very friendly and have been an invaluable font of information and suggestions. The service they offer, both pre- and post-sale is unequaled. They have shown me the owner's manuals for different DCC systems; but have never pushed me in any direction. Owner's manuals for some of the "big four" are nearly encyclopedic !!!

So, Joe, please include these lower end systems in your analysis. You just may well convince people to avoid them like the plague. But don't just dismiss them out of hand as a "wash" without giving them the same analysis you give to the "big four."

[jfugate]

QUOTE: Originally posted by chateauricher
I am really disappointed you are going to ignore Bachmann, Atlas and MRC systems.[V]

While comupter interface may be what some people look for, some of us don't care to have such an option. Not all of us want a system with all of the frills.

If you're going to compare and contrast DCC systems, do so for all of them; not just a select few chosen arbitrarily.

The choice is not exactly arbitrary ... there's the lack of computer interface issue, and then there's the size of the support forums, if you recall, from an earlier post:[code]
Digitrax 5676
NCE 2176
Lenz 1687
MRC 519
EasyDCC 455
Zimo 308
Bachmann 200
Atlas [none][/code]

NOTE: Atlas has no support forum on Yahoo groups, presumably because they provide direct support on the Atlas forum.

These in-depth reviews are time consuming to do so I elected to focus on the more popular systems. The popular systems are such because they are generally the more robust models.

With the low end systems, Bachmann is very limited, and MRC and Atlas are basically a wash. Atlas has the slight advantage it also uses the Lenz x-bus, so at least your layout will be wired for Lenz if you were to decide to upgrade.

Otherwise, for the low end systems, go with the cheapest you can find between the MRC Prodigy Advance or the Atlas Commander. If you ever expand to a layout much beyond 100 square feet and running more than two trains, you'll want to consider scrapping your low-end system and replacing it with one of the big four, or if you are really loaded, with Zimo.

The low end systems do fill a niche in the market, making DCC more affordable for more people. But remember you tend to get what you pay for. These cheaper really low end systems can be less robust in their construction, feeling more like a train set component than like a piece of fine electronic equipment.

[chateauricher]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jfugate
We'll take the systems one at a time. I'm going to focus on the "big four" systems, and ignore Bachmann, Atlas, and MRC systems because they lack some key long term expansion features (namely no computer interface) which limits their expansion of things like easier decoder programming using the free software DecoderPro.

I am really disappointed you are going to ignore Bachmann, Atlas and MRC systems.[V]

While comupter interface may be what some people look for, some of us don't care to have such an option. Not all of us want a system with all of the frills.

Also, many of us who are about to dive into DCC for the first time on a limited budget would love to know more about the more basic and affordable systems such as Bachmann and Atlas.

If you're going to compare and contrast DCC systems, do so for all of them; not just a select few chosen arbitrarily.

[jfugate]

TOPIC THIS POST: Continuing to rank the systems - Ease of use - Digitrax

In this post we consider the Digitrax system and its ease of use.

We'll use the Zephyr because it's an aggresively priced starter system that many people will consider as their first entry into DCC. The Zephyr is a stationary panel rather than a mobile handset. Since programming on the main is becoming ever more popular, having a stationary command panel as part of a DCC system is becoming a bit dated unless your layout is very small (under 50 square feet). Fortunately, Digitrax expansion options for the Zephyr include adding mobile command station units later.

Here's the Digitrax Zephyr, which has a single throttle, not unlike a standard trainset powerpack.


(click to enlarge)

Digitrax uses what we call in the computer software interface design business an "object - action" paradigm for it's interface. The other two systems reviewed so far (NCE and EasyDCC) use an action - object paradigm.

In action - object, you first select your action (press a button), then you indicate what object (what loco) you want to do that action on. With Digitrax's object - action approach, you first pick the object (what loco), then you indicate the action.

When I'm staring at a controller with buttons on it, I find the action - object paradigm a little easier to do and more obvious. With object - action, I have to remember to pick one or more locos first. If I just press a button first, the system may complain that I can't do that action to that object because I haven't properly selected something first. This means I *have* to read the manual first since it isn't exactly obvious when you first look at the system.


THE EASE-OF-USE TEST: MAKING A LOCO CONSIST
Digitrax considers command station consists to be the *only* kind of consist you can make with the Zephyr. They call this type of consist a "Universal Consist" in their manual. You're on your own if you want to make a decoder based consist. You'll have to look up the CV19 rules in the decoder documentation if you want to make a decoder consist because the Zephyr manual doesn't even go into decoder consists at all.

So let's look at setting up a command station based consist in the Digitrax Zephyr.

Digitrax: Setting up a consist
I first look for some obvious way to make a consist without referring to the manual. Nothing immediately jumps out at me on the Zephyr panel that says consist ... oh, wait! Here's a button labeled MU -- I wonder if they mean "multiple unit" since that's what the prototype calls diesel lashups? Hmmm ...



After checking the Digitrax Zephyr manual, I find out that's exactly what MU means. It's what is normally called in DCC parlance a "consist."

STEPS FOR CREATING A CONSIST WITH DIGITRAX
Here are the steps to create a universal consist.

1. Make sure you already have the first loco in the consist selected.

2. Select the second loco you want to add to the consist and run it the proper direction you want it to go in the consist so both locomotives are running the same direction.

3. Go back and select the first (or lead) loco of the consist.

4. Press the MU key. The MU dot at the top of the display starts to blink, indicating you are MU'ing locos.

5. Enter in the other loco number you want to add to the consist (the second loco you previously ran) . Press the t + key to add the loco to the consist.

Digitrax gets its consist direction info from the direction info you last gave it when you ran that locomotive. So you *need* to select and run any locos you want to consist first *before* you start trying to consist them together with the command station if you want some say over the direction they run when consisted, so they all run the same direction no matter which way they are facing.

NOTE: The Digitrax Zephyr manual makes no mention of how to create a decoder-based consist so you're on your own -- good luck!

CONCLUSIONS
Digitrax gets a C for ease-of-use. Once you realize they use the object - action paradigm (which you learn by reading the manual), doing the commands are mostly straighforward. However, the command display does little to step you through the process ... you are just supposed to "know" what you need to do next. Add to the lack of prompting the fact Digitrax tends to throw in a cryptic key stroke now and then -- like the t + key to add a loco. Using the + key makes sense once you read the instructions, but I would not know that for complete certainty without the manual.

With Digitrax, you'll need to keep the manual handy, or write up a set of shorthand notes for yourself on what key sequences you'll need for things. This is especially true for any tasks you don't do all the time. Digitrax used to be far more cryptic in their use of buttons to do commands, but in recent years their newer systems like the Zephyr have improved their ease-of-use quite a bit.

However, ease-of-use is one of Digitrax's weaker points and continues to be less-than-stellar, though clearly improved over their earlier product offerings. The lack of any provision for decoder based consists in the interface or manual is a real oversight, and cost them a C+ rating.

TOPIC NEXT POST: Continuing to rank the systems - Ease of use - Lenz

[tstage]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jfugate
I may circle back around and take a look at Zimo later. Those who own the system call it the "cadillac" system, so it might be interesting to look at it closer and see if we agree. But it is both spendy and a mostly foreign only system (there is a Canadian distributor, however), so it looks destined to be a runner -up "dark horse" system for a long, long time.

Joe,

Even so, I would enjoy hearing about the Zimo system anyway - i.e. if it's feasible for you. I still can't rationize the several hundred $$$ more on the price of the "Cadillac", when all I can afford to drive is a Corolla - figuratively AND literally!

Tom

[jfugate]

To Crazy:

I may circle back around and take a look at Zimo later. Those who own the system call it the "cadillac" system, so it might be interesting to look at it closer and see if we agree. But it is both spendy and a mostly foreign only system (there is a Canadian distributor, however), so it looks destined to be a runner -up "dark horse" system for a long, long time.