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Took the plunge today

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  • Member since
    March 2003
  • 24 posts
Posted by andyhjn on Thursday, November 23, 2006 11:31 AM

congradulations.   

i am standing on the edge trying to decide which system to jump into.how did you decide on the digitracks?

anyone else have any input on wich system they chose and why? everyones opinions appreciated. good luck with your new system .andy

  • Member since
    February 2006
  • From: Gahanna, Ohio
  • 1,987 posts
Posted by jbinkley60 on Thursday, November 23, 2006 8:15 PM
 andrewn wrote:

congradulations.   

i am standing on the edge trying to decide which system to jump into.how did you decide on the digitracks?

anyone else have any input on wich system they chose and why? everyones opinions appreciated. good luck with your new system .andy

I went the Digitrax Super Chief radio route.  I went the Digitrax route because of the overall feature set and available accessories.  I wanted something I knew I wouldn't outgrow for a number of years.  I tossed in radio because I wanted wireless control.  I am sure someone can make an arguememnt on why any system is the "right" system for you.  The one that ended up being "right" for me is the one I own now.  I am getting ready to add computer control to improve decoder programming.

  

Engineer Jeff NS Nut
Visit my layout at: http://www.thebinks.com/trains/

  • Member since
    February 2006
  • From: Gahanna, Ohio
  • 1,987 posts
Posted by jbinkley60 on Thursday, November 23, 2006 8:17 PM

 rrinker wrote:
 Cannoli wrote:
Without trying to take this topic off track to much, I was looking at the description online for the Loco Buffer USB and noticed that it says it has a LocoNet Terminator for interfacing with other systems. Does this mean that I could use it with a non Digitrax based system, such as my clubs NCE or my own MRC Prodigy? I'd love to be able to add a PC interface for programming, etc.


 It won't interface your computer to NCE (NCE has a serial port on the command station already - just hook it up and download JMRI and off you go). The idea is that you can use Loconet in a non-Digitrax environment - say a DC layout. Or another DCC system that doesn't do anything other than run trains, like CVP. Some of the Digitrax boards can be the termination as well, definitely the BDL-168 block detector and I think the SE8C signal controller. Normally the Digitrax command station provides the termination in a Digitrax system.
 The reason you might want to do this - good as it is, Bruce Chubb's C/MRI is pretty darn expensive. Not that signalling of any sort is cheap, but the SE8C from Digitrax is a great value, controller 8 interlockings for $100 street price. The Team Digital SIC24 is even less expensive. And you get to connect all your electronics together with handy 6-wire phone cords.
 As for programming, Dick at RR_CirKits has said he will release and add-on for the Locobuffer-II USB that will provide a standlone programming function. You could hook this up to a piece of track and use it with JMRI to program locos for your Prodigy system. Alternately there is the SPROG which is available now that is a standalone programmer and is designed to work with JMRI.
                

                                  --Randy

Does Decoder Pro have the capability to program stationary decoders like Digitrax DS64s ? And programs routes into the DCS-100 ?

 

 

Engineer Jeff NS Nut
Visit my layout at: http://www.thebinks.com/trains/

  • Member since
    January 2004
  • From: Crosby, Texas
  • 3,660 posts
Posted by cwclark on Thursday, November 23, 2006 8:58 PM
The overall reason I went to a Digitrax system is that everyone in my area uses it. That means if i have one also, I can go over to their layouts and just plug in a throttle and run the trains on their layouts (as long as we use different locomotive address's  if i bring trains over with the throttle).. The other selling feature that persuaded me was control throttle knobs instead of push button controls. I like the way the throttle feels in my hands and I prefer knob control. I ordered the super chief radio last Friday and it's supposed to be here tomorrow. I don't think i'm gonna sleep too well tonight!....chuck

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Friday, November 24, 2006 12:46 PM
<BLOCKQUOTE><table class="quoteOuterTable"><tr><td class="txt4"><img src="/trccs/Themes/default/images/icon-quote.gif">&nbsp;<strong>jbinkley60 wrote:</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="quoteTable"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="100%" valign="top" class="txt4"><P><BLOCKQUOTE><table class="quoteOuterTable"><tr><td class="txt4"><img src="/trccs/Themes/default/images/icon-quote.gif">&nbsp;<strong>rrinker wrote:</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="quoteTable"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="100%" valign="top" class="txt4"><BLOCKQUOTE><table class="quoteOuterTable"><tr><td class="txt4"><img src="/trccs/Themes/default/images/icon-quote.gif">&nbsp;<strong>Cannoli wrote:</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="quoteTable"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="100%" valign="top" class="txt4">Without trying to take this topic off track to much, I was looking at the description online for the Loco Buffer USB and noticed that it says it has a LocoNet Terminator for interfacing with other systems. Does this mean that I could use it with a non Digitrax based system, such as my clubs NCE or my own MRC Prodigy? I'd love to be able to add a PC interface for programming, etc.<BR></td></tr></table></td></tr></table></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR> It won't interface your computer to NCE (NCE has a serial port on the command station already - just hook it up and download JMRI and off you go). The idea is that you can use Loconet in a non-Digitrax environment - say a DC layout. Or another DCC system that doesn't do anything other than run trains, like CVP. Some of the Digitrax boards can be the termination as well, definitely the BDL-168 block detector and I think the SE8C signal controller. Normally the Digitrax command station provides the termination in a Digitrax system.<BR> The reason you might want to do this - good as it is, Bruce Chubb's C/MRI is pretty darn expensive. Not that signalling of any sort is cheap, but the SE8C from Digitrax is a great value, controller 8 interlockings for $100 street price. The Team Digital SIC24 is even less expensive. And you get to connect all your electronics together with handy 6-wire phone cords. <BR> As for programming, Dick at RR_CirKits has said he will release and add-on for the Locobuffer-II USB that will provide a standlone programming function. You could hook this up to a piece of track and use it with JMRI to program locos for your Prodigy system. Alternately there is the SPROG which is available now that is a standalone programmer and is designed to work with JMRI.<BR>                 <BR><BR>                                  --Randy<BR></td></tr></table></td></tr></table></BLOCKQUOTE></P>
<P>Does Decoder Pro have the capability to program stationary decoders like Digitrax DS64s ? And programs routes into the DCS-100 ?</P>
<P> </P>
<P> </P></td></tr></table></td></tr></table></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yes, it can.

--Randy

Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: CA
  • 337 posts
Posted by DavidGSmith on Friday, November 24, 2006 1:52 PM

andrewn, I got a system by CVP. A friend has one and I liked the cordless controlers that CVP uses. They do not however make decoders. They suggested TCS which I bought, they work and have a goof proof policy. No charge if you fry a decoder. Both companies are great with help if you have a problem. TCS does not have sound decoders.

Have a good look aroud before you buy, then get the best system that the company makes. One time purchase.

Dave

  • Member since
    January 2004
  • From: Crosby, Texas
  • 3,660 posts
Posted by cwclark on Friday, November 24, 2006 8:33 PM
well drat!.....Today the DCC system was supposed to arrive but since it's the holidays, it may be a Monday delivery and I have to go back to work Monday.....everything is still normal....chuck

  • Member since
    December 2003
  • From: Rhode Island
  • 2,216 posts
Posted by davekelly on Saturday, November 25, 2006 8:21 PM

 cwclark wrote:
well drat!.....Today the DCC system was supposed to arrive but since it's the holidays, it may be a Monday delivery and I have to go back to work Monday.....everything is still normal....chuck

 

Chuck,

I'm feelin' for ya!  Nothing hurts more than having to wait over a weekend for a delivery.  If we could only convince the boss that the arrival of a DCC system is the equivlent of a national holiday!  Bet I know what you'll be doing all night the day it arrives Smile [:)]

If you ain't having fun, you're not doing it right and if you are having fun, don't let anyone tell you you're doing it wrong.

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