Preferred DCC system

[liquidcross]

I've been told by many that DCC is the way to go. I know that DCC is standardized, so any decoder will work with any system, but what setups do you guys prefer? I've heard good things about the Digitrax and Atlas systems, personally, but I'd rather get some professional opinions before I make any sort of decision.

[ClinchValleySD40]

You've got to be kidding. Fastest way to start a flame war is to ask which DCC system do you like. I think if you search the archive you'll find a few discussions on this.
They are all good, all do as they advertise. Which one is best for you only you can decide. Best advice is to shop around, compare features and if possible, try them (test drive on someone else layout). What exactly are you looking for a system to do?

[lupo]

Because I got it offered second hand at a fair price I chose LENZ digital plus ( I am European ) once I had questions like yours, LENZ - DIGITRAX both are good, so I let my wallet decide

for DCC info:
check:
http://www.dcctrains.com/tonystips/dccprimer/index.htm

[liquidcross]

QUOTE: Originally posted by clinchvalley
What exactly are you looking for a system to do?

I'd like to run two trains on a layout like this:



I'm leaning towards the Atlas system at the moment, since my track will be all Atlas products as well, with possibly one or two Atlas locos.

[nfmisso]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AntonioFP45

[:)]Digitrax, Lens, NCE are very good systems, each with positive and negative traits.
(The Digitrax Zephyr has been reputed to be a big winner for beginners. Even I can understand it, and I'm electronically "challenged!")

Comparing these three is like comparing Toyota, Honda, and Nissan.

MRC and Atlas (and I may draw some irritated responses here) offer less as far as expandibilty and are less popular than the above mentioned three.

The Atlas system is made by LENZ, as is the forth coming Bachmann system. They can be upgraded with LENZ accessories.

[Anonymous]

Liquidcross, The layout you show has some shortcomings. There is only one passing siding/runaround. This makes it difficult for running two trains at the same time on the main. Also, there is no drill track for the main yard. This would mean the switcher would need to clear the main for any train out on the main as it is attempting to switch cars in the yard. John Armstrongs book on Track design is a great book for ideas on how to design a layout.

The layout you show could certainly work and has possibilities for future add ons.

[Anonymous]

I have used the EASY DCC system for a few years and find it to be one of the simpler
systems to use. It also is easily upgraded (Remove one chip and plug in another). It
also programs flawlessly and has excellent documentation. It initially cost more, but
it has many more features then many of the "starter systems".

Jack Bogus

[liquidcross]

QUOTE: Originally posted by deschane

Liquidcross, The layout you show has some shortcomings. There is only one passing siding/runaround. This makes it difficult for running two trains at the same time on the main. Also, there is no drill track for the main yard. This would mean the switcher would need to clear the main for any train out on the main as it is attempting to switch cars in the yard. John Armstrongs book on Track design is a great book for ideas on how to design a layout.

The layout you show could certainly work and has possibilities for future add ons.

Yeah, I'd keep secondary trains in the yard, and switch them off as necessary. I know the single main line design is rather limiting, but it oughta look cool due to the up-and-over layout. That's what I'm hoping, anyway. [;)]

My other idea was this one:



The dual-lines concept is cool, but it seems like it might be a bit boring and generic.

[Anonymous]

if you want to use 4 digits DO NOT use MRC or atlas. i have digitrax but i like it becuase that is what my club uses and i find it is very easy

[Anonymous]

Converting from DC I chose the Zephyr - "winner for beginner".

[liquidcross]

QUOTE: Originally posted by CNWfan5525

if you want to use 4 digits DO NOT use MRC or atlas. i have digitrax but i like it becuase that is what my club uses and i find it is very easy

Is 4 digits really necessary? I'd only be running two, maybe three trains at the absolute maximum.

[Anonymous]

I just purchased the atlas system duo pack for $110 shipped. For the money, It seems like it will be good enough for me. My layout is rather small (11X4) so I wont be running more than two or three trains at a time. Also, as stated earlier, Lenz accessories are available for this system if you want to upgrade. Atlas seems to be on the ball, as they are coming out with new features to add on to the system. I guess I will see how well it works in about a week or so!

Dave

[liquidcross]

QUOTE: Originally posted by wrxlep

I just purchased the atlas system duo pack for $110 shipped. For the money, It seems like it will be good enough for me. My layout is rather small (11X4) so I wont be running more than two or three trains at a time. Also, as stated earlier, Lenz accessories are available for this system if you want to upgrade. Atlas seems to be on the ball, as they are coming out with new features to add on to the system. I guess I will see how well it works in about a week or so!

Dave

That was you?! I was watching the same eBay auction. I didn't have any plans to buy it, though...I'm saving it in my watched items to see if the seller ever offers them again. ;)

11x4's monstrous compared to the layout I'll be building...

[BentnoseWillie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by liquidcrossIs 4 digits really necessary? I'd only be running two, maybe three trains at the absolute maximum.

It's not neccessary, but nice to have. With 4-digit addressing you can match the address directly to the locomotive number, making it a snap to know what address any given engine has. With the 2-digit addressing of my Atlas system, I use the last 2 digits of the locomotive number. Since I don't have many engines, this works fine, but with a larger roster you might hit problems figuring out what to do with engines 2410 and 2610, for example. That isn't a problem for me, since I paint and decal all my locomotives anyway. I just make sure not to duplicate. [:)]

I'd say that 4-digit addressing is the least of the reasons to buy a more advanced system, though it is a valid one. When and if I upgrade from Atlas to Lenz, I'd do it for increased power output, easier access to advanced programming (including PC based programming), and additional function controls, more than to get 4-digit addressing. That said, It'll be a nice inclusion.

[jslean]

NCE should have been listed separately. Most of my friends use it.

John Slean

[PwdOpd]

I have CVP's Rail Command. Personal preference. Works great. Paul

[AntonioFP45]

QUOTE: Originally posted by clinchvalley

You've got to be kidding. Fastest way to start a flame war is to ask which DCC system do you like.

Hey ClinchValley,

Not necessarily! We all know how to conduct ourselves and respect each other's opinions.

After reading about various systems and seeing a few in action, I've decided to go with the Digitrax Zephyr. A close friend of mine owns one . [8D]

And like most of DCC, it's not "PROPRIETARY". One can install Lenz, NCE, or TCS decoders in their locomotives. I like the "Dither" feature offered by TCS as well as the "no questions asked" warranty on their decoders. What more can you ask for?

As a guy that's an electronic "Klutz", I've found my friend's Zephyr system very user friendly and easy to operate, and having just read up on the new UT-4, I'll be able to operate the F8 and up functions on locomotives equipped with Soundtraxx decoders.

I'm very much looking forward to it! [:D][;)]

[Anonymous]

NCE all the way!!!!!

[DigitalGriffin]

I did some research and digitrax seems to be the most popular system. I think it offers a few more "perks" and is easier for some to use.

However after some careful research I found Lenz OEM'ed to other manufactures including Atlas and Bachmann. Several other manufacturers also make compatible Cabs and extension sets.

They are also the only one approved by NRMA for DCC across the board. And I think the XpressNet command protocol for computer control is the easiest to understand so far. This is vitally important for me as I am writing my own control code to use with a wireless gamepad for throttle/turnout control.

~Don


~D

[trainboyH16-44]

Digitrax. It is easy to use basically, and it has higher functions and 4 digit adresses.
Matthew

[AntonioFP45]

Don,

Impressive! When you finish it, please consider sharing the "how you did it" with us as many DCC beginners (me included) would benefit from learning about DCC's many different applications.

Thanks!

[Pruitt]

QUOTE: Originally posted by clinchvalley

Fastest way to start a flame war is to ask which DCC system do you like.

Yeah!

But anyone who doesn't think NCE is the best one deserves to be flamed!!!!

(just kidding)

I use NCE. I like the easy to read display on the Procab throttle.

[Anonymous]

I use the Lenz system.

[Anonymous]

when I get into DCC (eventually) I will probably be using the Bachmann EZ Command by Lenz because of it's price and simplicity of use.

[grayfox1119]

How could you not list NCE? I had to choose "other". NCE is one of the top DCC systems!! Tsk, tsk.

[Anonymous]

I recently purchased the MRC Prodigy Advance for my entry into DCC. It offered the features I was looking for at a fair price. It has a handheld throttle, four digit addressing, control of up to 25 engines per throttle, expansion capability for additional throttles, 14-28/128 speed steps, programming on the main or the program track, etc. It also included everything I needed for DCC (except the decoders), even the power supply that many other systems do not include. It also has the ability to utilize up to twenty functions, even though the current standard is only twelve. All this was less than $200 when purchased from a mail order company.

There are some drawbacks to this system, however. The included power supply is only rated at 2.5 amps. There is no wireless option for the throttles (at least at this time). The system does not have the ability to link to a P.C. For an upgrade to this product, it has to be sent back to MRC for a firmware upgrade.

For my money, the list of included features out weighed the drawbacks much more than any other system I was considering. As an entry level system, it seems that the Prodigy Advance offered the most features that I wanted for the lowest price. If I were looking for something more along the upper end, I would have probably selected Digitrax, NCE or Lenz, as all of these manufacturers offer excellent products from what I have seen.

[Anonymous]

I choose Lenz Set 100, but wil be adding NCE wireless throttle when we get more track up and need easier walk around . Nice thing about the Lenz is that I CAN use the NCE wireless setup with it. I like both systems as a whole, and might have gone all NCE just as easily. The nice thing about many DCC systems is the ability to connect stuff from different manufacturers and it all works just fine. The BEAUTY of Open Source standards......a philosophy that works for DCC standards for our trains, and for Linux operating system for our computers
Cheers, Jennifer

[Anonymous]

Forther thoughts....It does not matter a hoot what I or others have chosen to decide which system you should choose. One VERY BIG factor in choosing a system will be to buy a system that other people in your area are familiar with. Every system has its own unique quirks. Having friends and a hobby shop service center that are already experienced with specific solutions to common situations is a big plus, as help is a good thing to get when something goes wrong.
Cheers
Jennifer

[AntonioFP45]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Jennifer RR

The nice thing about many DCC systems is the ability to connect stuff from different manufacturers and it all works just fine. The BEAUTY of Open Source standards......a philosophy that works for DCC standards for our trains, and for Linux operating system for our computers

Cheers, Jennifer

Jennifer, you really have a cool, realistic way of viewing things. Your post is a breath of fresh air.

MTH repesentatives need to read your posts! Mr. Wolf, are you reading this??????

[Anonymous]

I use Lenz set 100 I like it and will probably allways be a Lenz customer.I did not care much for their xpa phone adapter for wireless control so I went with cvp and theirs. CVP is allso A very good dcc system on its own. It really matters not what you buy as was said before local support can make all the difference ,try to see what if any clubs in your area are running try to get a little hands on if possible from other modelers in your area.I thing I have found no matter how good the system is if you don't like the throttle you won't use it..As was my case with digtrax I didn't like the two knob throttle so away it went. As with allmost everything in this hobby your personel preference will determine the best system for you. Good luck once you go dcc you won't regret it no matter how many trains you plan on running. Terry