The Ford/Chevy question of DCC's

[shawn-118]

With eveything that I have read in the last few days I've decided to go DCC. But now the question is which one to go with. I've checked out a lot of web sites to learn what I can, but I want to know from the people that use them which one is better. Not only in proformices but in customer support, compatability, and bang for the buck. So which one is better and always drive a CHEVY.

[Anonymous]

Without saying anything BAD about the "other guys", I will say this much.
( I hope others can do the same)[}:)]
I love my NCE, and I'll quickly say why.
Fully functional, not like some which cannot run special effects on some decoders.
Feedback from the PHPro throttle comes to you in English. Not some code or flashing LED that means something or the other. While we are on the subject, the Procab and the intermediate cabs are so simple to use, my son had them mastered at age 5.
My dealings with a few tech problems and questions with NCE have been great. Jim Scorce (Owner of NCE) has never failed to be helpful, even when one problem I was having was caused by another companies decoders, he walked me through a programming fix for them.
Here's a challenge for you. Seek out other DCC owners or clubs with DCC in your area. See if they will let you "road test" a throttle and see how it feels, and if simple commands are easy for YOU to execute (selecting engines, speed and direction, and consisting units). Train shows are also a possible venue for this. If they start rattling off mumbo-jumbo-technical garbage, walk away. This test is to see what feels good to YOU. After all, you are going to be the one running it. Just like a car, if it doesn't fit your butt, you wont be happy driving it.[;)]
I did the same thing 5 years ago, and havn't regretted it for a moment.[:D][:D]

[dehusman]

I also use NCE as do two or three other layouts in my area. Easy to understand, easy to use. Radio is a great option.

Most of the other modelers in my area with DCC use EasyDCC. I can't think of one Digitrax user in this area. There are a couple Lenz and Marklin users.

Dave H.

[Anonymous]

shawn-118
I recently took the plunge into DCC. I did not even connect it yet. I am in the process of it right now. I went to the shops for feedback and recomendations as well as the local clubs having their open houses this time of year. Two of the shops dropped the MRC systems and the clubs were using Digitrax. Locally from what I have seen in my area the support from the stores leaned to the Digitrax. They also carried the Atlas and NCE systems. From a pricing stand point I felt that I was going to get the best bang for my buck from the Digitrax ( I found it to be priced $20-$30 more) plus the potental for expandability is very good. My local shop support is outstanding also. I was given very good instruction with buying the system as well as decoder recomendations with instructions. I was told that if I have a problem with intalling anything that I could bring in the engine for decoder installation and programming. I feel as it you must also look at the service dept. of your car dealer also. I could have mail ordered my system and saved a few dollars but I also wanted to purchase the local support issues and I was willing to pay for it. This whole process is an education. Do your homework. It is nice to spend your money once and to be happy with it.

[nfmisso]

I have Digitrax, and am very pleased. You can go with Digitrax, NCE, and Lenz with a great deal of confidence for the system. Every comment I have head from thier owners is that they are pleased with the system.

I would suggest asking around locally, and going with most popular brand.

[BRAKIE]

I use Digi Trax and the UT2 throttles...Regardless of the system you chose be sure to get one that will fill your needs today as well as in the future..I recommend by passing the starter sets and go with the set that will fill all of your requirements in DCC use..

[Anonymous]

Ford: Digitrax
Chevy: NCE
BMW: Lenz

[Anonymous]

I will do MRC or Digitrax because they are cheaper. I woundn't have chosen MRC if I din't see in running at a train show. Another reason is my dad will pay for most of the stuff on our layout(my brother and I purchase engines and cars).

[RhB_HJ]

Of course there are also the Cadillacs in DCC.

I'm using ZIMO, it has everything I want, need, could possibly desire etc.etc.
Yes, ZIMO is pricier than the others, it also offers considerably more!
I can run N scale to LargeScale with the same control (without as much as batting an eyelid), it has more built-in features, an assured up-grade path, super documentation etc. etc.

[Anonymous]

Will the NCE setup run a non-DCC (no decoder) analog locomotive? I heard that it couldn't.

[Anonymous]

Choose Digitrax over MRC, there is no upgrade path to the MRC products; something you might surprise yourself with after you have a system and wi***o add more goodies.

MRC is the Chevy of the lot, but then I don't like Chevies. I've owned three over many decades, the last one given to me and I ended up repairing the same problems the other chevies had.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by CSpratt

Will the NCE setup run a non-DCC (no decoder) analog locomotive? I heard that it couldn't.

It wont "out of the box". There is a way to modify the system to run an analog throttle (NCE can supply the info) but frankly, I havn't tried it.
After installing the 2 decoders that came with my system, I made myself go on a decoder buying binge to equip the fleet. I have a friend with Digitrax, and I just cannot make myself comfortable with the hum that anolog engines make on DCC. It can't be good for them.

[Anonymous]

So Jeremy you're sayin' Shawn should switch from Chevy to Ford - [:D]

I have a 5'x12' HO layout and will be running only 2 trains at a time. I, for the most part, will run the trains myself except when my grandson comes over. I have decided to buy the Digitrx Zephyr Basic Set and use my two MRC DC power packs for throttles via the "Jump Ports". Digitrax also lets you run non-DDC locos so you won't need to convert them all at once to DCC.

Here's a couple great decoder comparison charts from Tony's.
Mobile: http://www.dcctrains.com/productcompare/decoder_comparison.htm
Stationary: http://www.dcctrains.com/products/type_stadecs_1.htm

[NevinW]

I jumped to DCC last year after posting similar questions over the internet. I decided on Digitrax as it was what my club and friends used. I had major worries about it being more complicated than the NCE or Lenz but their big throttle, (the 400) made things much easier. I couldn't be happier with the Digitrax. The bottom line is that the big three - Digitrax, Lenz and NCE all make great products and you should try each of them out before deciding. Zimo sounds good too, but I have not has an opportunity to try it.

For some reason MRC has not really gotten their act together regarding DCC which has really surprised me. I thought they would end up the leader, but each product seems to be lacking the features most people would want and the lack of compatiability and upgradability is concerning. - Nevin

[Anonymous]

Nevin,
I agree with you. But remember that the companies that supplied horse whips to horse carriage manufactures went under because the failed to see that they were into transportation accessories, not horse whips. Instead they should have changed production to supply car accessories.

MRC has focused on making it easy for the new guy into DCC rather than supplying a system that is "full spectrum." They are rapidly losing the leadership role they have provided in the power accessory market whidch they have dominated for so long. Sometimes then number one guy starts believing his own press and looses his competitive edge, which is happening at MRC.

[shawn-118]

I would like to try out some of the DCC units but where I live the local model RR club moves on average 3 times a year. The LHS is more like a craft store, they can order anything in it just takes months and they aren't very up on new things. The local club has yet to go DCC anyways. So this leaves me little in ways of gathering info. other than reading the company flyers and surfing the web. Thats why I really am thankfull for this site and the experance that the people have on it.

[Anonymous]

I personally would stay away from MRC for the reasons mentioned above. I personally use NCE and I wouldn't trade it for any other system, based on ease of use, reliability and customer support. having said that, if you can find a hobbyshop that has several brands, try them out and see which one you like the best.

[Anonymous]

If you haven't looked at Ford lately, look again!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by smaclenn



If you haven't looked at Ford lately, look again!

I have and they're still F'd Over Rebuilt Dodge's