If I convert to DCC, which system is "best" for me?

[mobilman44]

To all,

Thank you for your input, it is appreciated!  It sounds like the field of choices is narrower (4 ?) than it was when I first looked into this about 4 years ago.

To answer some of the "it depends" items, I tend to run two or sometimes three trains at a time.  I also "overkill" on power, and my F units (Stewart) run in ABBA configurations with all units powered.  In any case, I do not want a system that could lack for power.

The GPs and E units run two/3 powered units.  So I guess the max draw would be 10 or so powered locos at a time.  The BLI steam locos have sound, and I do know that this is an additive thing.  Maybe a good route is to power about half the locos with the basics, and then eventually replace those with sound and move the basics to the other locos.

I do subscribe to the Dream/Plan/Build series and did watch the Digitrax demo.  But like I said originally, I much prefer to get the opinions of "the people" than the companies themselves (or those demonstrating them).

My layout is fairly track intensive (not quite a spaghetti bowl) but the wiring is fairly heavy.  If I go to DCC I will of course keep the many feeder wires (#18/#20) and put in either # 12 or # 14 bus wiring.  I firmly believe that if you are going to do something, do it right the first time and don't skimp on anything.

Again, I thank you all for your input......

Mobilman44

PS:  If you all have any questions about oil refineries or terminals or pipelines or the oil bizzness in general, just give me a hollar!   

[jfugate]

Wow, we get this question a lot ... for that reason I put together this thread:

Picking the best DCC system

One short answer to "What's the best system?" is this: all the big four systems (Lenz, Digitrax, NCE, EasyDCC) are good, so just pick one. You probably won't be disappointed no matter which one you pick.

Advantages: Digitrax has the advantage that more people use it than any other system, NCE has the best feature set, EasyDCC has the best wireless DCC, and Lenz has nice "big knob" throttles and some unique features like using a wireless phone as a throttle. 

Disadvantages: Digitrax is the most geeky of all the systems (keep the manual handy), NCE's wireless is weak, EasyDCC is only available directly from the vendor (so it tends to cost a bit more), while Lenz tends to lag behind the others a bit in features (like having no true wireless throttle offering).

Next is the question of how many amps of output do you need? You answer this question by adding up all the amps draw of all the locos you will be running at one time.

For example, if you will be running two HO trains with two sound locos each, that's 4 locos. Each sound loco will draw about .5 amps (typical), so you'll need at least 2 amps of output. If these are non-sound locos, then you can cut the amp requirement in half to about an amp.

You should also allow for some headroom on the amps, so at least 2.5 - 3 amps would be recommended. Going 4-5 amps would be ideal and give you plenty of capacity that you should never exceed.

DECODERS

My favorite decoder has become the NCE D13SRJ, which can be had in quantity for around $12 each. That means you could outfit your entire loco fleet for about $650.

Keep in mind with DCC, you get the ability to individually tune loco performance. If you like having the best possible performance from each of your locos, DCC will give it to you unlike anything you can do on straight DC.

Then there's the whole area of sound. If you have some locos you like to run more than others (I suspect you do), then you may consider adding sound to them. Keep in mind sound decoders cost more, going from $50-$100 typically. You will probably want to stay with only equiping your favorite locos with sound decoders because of the expense.

But adding sound to your locos is addictive, so be careful! Once you get used to sound, your non-sound locos just aren't nearly as much fun to run.  

[SpaceMouse]

I went with Digitrax because my club uses Digitrax. If they used something else, I'd have used something else.

I operate on two layouts. One uses NCE the other uses MRC. Both work extremely well. You simply cannot make a poor choice.

You can, however, argue until bandwidth is exceeded as to which one is 2% better.  

[DigitalGriffin]

Of course I could go to the loco hobby shops and/or read (again) all the ads, but frankly I trust you all to give me the straight scoop!

Quite frankly it's a matter of personal choice.

First off, I would buy Dream Plan Build Project Edition Volume 2 DVD - DCC from start to finish from MRR's customer service.  You can reach them by

phone:  [phone]

fax: [phone]

Although this video is really a big plug for Digitrax as that's the only system they show you how to set up, it should give you an idea if you are ready for DCC.

That being said, Digitrax is probably the simplest and offers the greatest number of accessories as well as the greatest installed user base.  They have a neat signalling system.  (Which techincally works with all DCC systems, but you get the most out of it when used with digitrax system)

HOWEVER, I find Lenz to be one of the cheapest and flexible.  There are several different vendors which make compatible cabs which work with the Lenz system since it is an open standard.  They also offer several innovative systems available including two way communication with trains that has them automatically slow down, or even stop a train when a train comes to an end of line, or if the next block is occupied.

 

 

[Driline]

Save yourself the headaches, go with Digitrax for all your DCC needs.

He's right. All other DCC systems suck. Especially NCE.

Looks like the Digicrap trolls are back.

LOL. I was being facetious. I actually have an NCE power cab.

[MisterBeasley]

Please don't be misled by the partisan fans of one system or the other.  Very few modellers are actually dissatisfied with the DCC systems they own.  (Also, almost no one ever goes back to DC once putting a DCC system on line.)

From what I've read and heard, all of the DCC systems that have come out in the last few years are very good.  A while back, there were a few "entry level" systems that had limited capabilities and were not expandable, so if you wanted to upgrade the first step was to tear out the old system.  Now, all the major manufacturers offer a growth path from their bottom-end systems.  And even those starter sets are pretty good.

[modelmaker51]

Save yourself the headaches, go with Digitrax for all your DCC needs.

He's right. All other DCC systems suck. Especially NCE.

Looks like the Digicrap trolls are back.

[Vail and Southwestern RR]

Until the Mobilman comes back and answers some questions I don't see that there's much more to say.  Other than the one liner about Digitrax was obviously well thought out and considered.  My guess based on a three level layout, with fairly good size, and the number of locos he has is that he's going to want more than a starter system, but we don't know.

 

[loathar]

Save yourself the headaches, go with Digitrax for all your DCC needs.

Digitrax MUST be the most popular - well over half of all the DCC problems people seem to have on these forums are Digitrax related !!! 

Mark. (A staunch Lenz supporter)

 I find it strange that there's hardly any DCC systems for sale on E-Bay. (from any mfg.)

[tstage]

Bear, 

You are more than welcome and entitled to disagree with me.   Although I do understand your point, I think it really depends on several factors:

1. How many locomotives you're are going to run?
2. How much track you have in that certain space?
3. What size power bus and track feeders you use to provide power?

If you are only going to run 2-3 locomotives on a single track through those 3 tiers, I think the 2.5A Zephyr would work just fine under those circumstances.  However, if you start increasing demands on that layout (e.g adding another mainline, installing a large yard or yards, invite several friends over for an ops session), then I would agree and say that you should look for a DCC system with some more "oomph".

Also, what size (gauge) power buss and feeder wire(s) you use to wire your layout with can make powering your layout either more or less efficient.

Tom 

[bearman]

Tom,

This time I tend to disagree with you.  With a layout that size, albeit you did condition your response based on the original poster's needs, I don't think that the 2.5 amp Zephyr will provide enough oomph.

[Mark R.]

Save yourself the headaches, go with Digitrax for all your DCC needs.

Digitrax MUST be the most popular - well over half of all the DCC problems people seem to have on these forums are Digitrax related !!! 

Mark. (A staunch Lenz supporter)

[Driline]

Save yourself the headaches, go with Digitrax for all your DCC needs.

He's right. All other DCC systems suck. Especially NCE.

[Ted Marshall]

Save yourself the headaches, go with Digitrax for all your DCC needs.

No offense meant to the proponents of Lenz, NCE or MRC.

Just my

[tstage]

mobilman, 

Figuring $15 per decoder x 54 locomotives, you get $810 just for converting your locomotives to DCC.  Buying a good DCC system will bring that amount over a $1,000.

I think you'd be wise to answer some of the questions that Jeff has proposed to you so that you can start narrowing down your choices of DCC systems.  Depending on your layout needs, you may only require a starter DCC system like the Digitrax Zephyr or NCE Power Cab to get up and going.  However, the more locomotives/throttles/users you add to your requirements, the more likely you'll want to look at a more substantial system to better serve your needs.

Tom

[Vail and Southwestern RR]

Well, there are several parts to the question, and so several parts to the answer.

As far as decoders, assuming you don't need/want sound (and even if you did, probably not in very many, I'd think), you can get decoders for a bit under $15 each.  There's no need to do them all at once, but eventually you will probably want to.

As far as a system, it somewhat depends on how many trains you plan to run at a time, with how many locomotives, with how many operators, and whether you want radio throttles or not.  I think you'd start by looking at the Digitrax Super Chief and the NCE ProCab.  The Lenz Set 9 or Set 100 would probably also warrant a look.  Your requirements might help narrow it down.

 

[Mark R.]

One of the best pieces of advice is to check with other DCC users in your area and see what they are using. Also, what brand(s) does your local hobby shop carry. There's nothing like close support for when you have problems and need help figuring things out. If there are more than one prominent system in your area, get to know who has them and try the different systems out for yourself - one will "feel" better to you than the others .... THAT is strictly a personal thing. Kinda like telling you what kind of car to buy - I like it, you might not - you yourself are the one who has to be comfortable with it.

As for prices on decoders, depends on what you want / need your decoders to do. If all you want is good engine control with two functions (front and rear lights), TCS offers the T1 decoder which is one of the better low end decoders and can be had for $15.00 or less in quantity.

Mark. 

 

[mobilman44]

Hi,

I have been an avoider of DCC, as I have way too many locos (22 - P2K, 28 - Stewart, 4 - BLI, Atlas) to convert, and the two Controlmaster 20 units I have work just great.  My layout fills a 15x11 room and is 3 levels.

But, even at age 63, it might be a good idea to look at a change.  Cost is not a major issue, but it certainly is a consideration.  While I am fairly computer literate, I am not a PC guru.

So, what advice do you all have for me?  And assuming I want to put a decoder on all of my locos, what kind of money am I looking at?

Of course I could go to the loco hobby shops and/or read (again) all the ads, but frankly I trust you all to give me the straight scoop!

Thank you!

Mobilman44