DCC Systems Poll

[Anonymous]

Which Dcc system is the best in general. Which one has the most for your money with the most room for future expansion????

[Anonymous]

I have given no answer. I think this is pretty much up to personal choice. I would guess that most of the top suppliers have economy units which fit the bill. For my personal choice, I chose the Digitrax Zephyr and am very happy with it. If people criticize this unit, in your pole, make sure there criticisms are justified. I find a lot of folks on here do not know what they are talking about at times.

[AntonioFP45]

As a DCC newbie,

I've read a lot of the info on various DCC systems. I'm going with the Digitrax Zephyr.

[Anonymous]

I voted Digitrax, but lately I'm leaning toward NCE. I've had two Digitrax systems (Super Empire and Emprie Builder) and I would rate them good, not excellent. I think the Digitrax systems fall short because of their poor instruction manual. They really need to overhaul the manual. I have the Super Empire Builder set now and I think the manual is awful. I've seen the NCE manual on-line and its much better. I've also heard good things about the NCE ProCab from close friends. If I had to do it again, I think I would get the NCE system.

[ClinchValleySD40]

I voted NCE because that is what I own. Before deciding on a system, I tried them all. I suggest anyone thinking of buying a system do the same. Know what you want from a system before deciding and see which one best suits your needs. Another great place to learn about the systems is the Yahoo chat groups. There is a group for each system and a couple of generic groups. See what owners are saying about the systems they have, both bad and good.

[simon1966]

I have a Zephyr and find it ideal for my layout and for use by my young sons. The jump port capbility is of great benefit to me. I also like that my initial investment is limited and that I can grow the system in the future.

[michealfarley]

So far, I feel the best feature of the DCC option is that there is no real reason to buy a "system". You can mix and match the best features of each system to fit your needs. Decoders from different manufacturers work on other systems.

This is an example of what a benefit the NMRA is to our hobby. The standardization and compatability of all DCC systems is HUGE to the growth of its use.

A month ago, if you would have asked me about DCC, I would have said that I had no intention of ever changing over to DCC. Well, I've done some research for a friend who's switching from Command Control to DCC, and now I'm convinced that I will go, and soon, and mainly for the availability and compatability.

[BentnoseWillie]

I voted Atlas it was the best system for me. It offers some expandability via Lenz components (Lenz makes the Atlas, Roco and Marklin DCC systems), it has most of the features I want, and it's affordable.

No one system offers the most expandability, the most features, and the lowest-price together, so one evaluates each and see where the best balance of needs and budget lies. For me, that was Atlas.

Your mileage may vary, on approved credit, some users experience side-effects, etc.

[Anonymous]

I voted for Digitrax. Not a owner of Zephyr system because those things sell fast here in Oklahoma.

[bcammack]

This isn't going to tell you anything about which is best. It's going to tell you which is most popular. That is all.

[Anonymous]

Ist das ein Intellibox?
Ja, das ist ein Intellibox.
Ausgezeichnet!

[Anonymous]

I voted for MRC. Don't yell at me yet. I have been a huge fan of their DC power packs for years, and though their Prodigy system is lacking it is a good option for small layouts tthat want DCC on a budget and don't need all the extra features, like a small shelf layout or 4x8. They also are coming out with the prodigy advanced which has more functions along with a LCD Display, plus they say it will still be easy to program. I have one on backorder and when it comes in I'll make sure to give a review here.
Andrew

[Anonymous]

You forgot to include one of the better systems out there: Easy DCC. I agree with previous advice, try all the systems you can and then make your choice based on what you like. I would also suggest not buying a system that can't be expanded and that does not support at least 9 functions. The fully featured systems dont cost that much more and the less feature equipped sets can't access things like sound, wireless, slow speed mode decoders etc....

My Two cents,

Guy

[Anonymous]

I was wondering which non- tethered system would be considered to be a "good buy " . Is anything in wireless cab available at an decent price ? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

I voted for MRC because that's what my Dad gave me for my birthday[angel]

[johncolley]

DougCook,
Ja, Ich hat schuldekeit getan!

[Anonymous]

I've looked at other systems, and I'm going with CVP Easy DCC. That is, as soon as I have a layout to use it on...

[Anonymous]

A few years back (1998) we "roadtested" Digitrax DCC for future club purchase, then our dealer suggested we try another, so we "roadtested" NCE. We brought both systems to our club, hooked them up and let the members decide. The Club bought NCE. Then I bought NCE (along with 6 other club members, 2 with radio). Since then, there hasn't been a regret in the bunch of us about which system we went with. Recently, we've even convinced a friend who was thoroughly aggrevated with his DCC system, to switch to NCE rather than go back to DC Block control. He's now as happy as a pig in , uh, MUD! [;)]
Support from NCE has been phenomanal! The level of customer service one experiences as an NCE customer is like none I have ever heard described by the customer of any other DCC manufacturer. They even helped me with a problem I was having with a brand x decoder, telling me how to modify the programming myself, rather than selling me new decoders. [:D] Nice guys!

[Anonymous]

I have a customised Digitrax system for my railroad.

James

[AntonioFP45]

Wow! Good input guys. Helpful too!

So far, it "Seems" like the two top contenders here have been Digitrax and NCE!

Not to say that the other systems don't offer advantages but this matchup here "sort of" resembles Toyota vs. Honda or Chevy vs. Ford. [C):-)][C):-)]

It would be good if some of you could offer specifics such as: [;)]
What does this brand offer thats edges out this other "brand".
This brand is as good, it's just my preference.
This is more user friendly.
This DCC Controller makes it easy to turn on light & sound features
Expanding is made easy on this system.

Thanks, guys!

[Anonymous]

I got my Digitrax Chief Radio set in 1999 and I've been very satisfied with it. I agree that someone looking at DCC should try several systems before deciding on one. I did not, but the way it worked amazed me. Another thing to remember is you can use other brands for decoders, Pc interface, and sgnals. I like the NCE decoders and have as many of them installed as digitrax. I hear alot of people complaining about the high price. There is an initial high investment, but you can install decoders in just a few locomotives and wire in a plug on the rest and share decoders. Also, you can install one decoder in a loco consist that is going to be permantly coupled (like the first FT units). Digitrax could improve their instruction manuals, that I think is their biggest weakness.

[BentnoseWillie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rororo

I was wondering which non- tethered system would be considered to be a "good buy " . Is anything in wireless cab available at an decent price ? Thanks.

The Lenz and Atlas DCC systems are both compatible with the Lenz XPA, an adapter into which one plugs a cordless telephone to use the phone's keypad as a throttle.

Sounds silly, works great, and economical - my XPA and phone came out to about $CAD 110, a fraction of the cost of any other wireless throttle. I think it can be the deciding factor between Atlas and the Zephyr - Atlas has the more economical wireless throttle, but Zephyr has more features and can grow a little more. Which works better depends on the purchaser.

[Anonymous]

I started out with Digitrax Empire Builder because the local guys were using it and I needed help. I'm now up to the radio Super Chief and sold my Empire Builder on eBay for almost what I paid. I use Soundtraxx decoders in most of my locos, the only ones that don't have Soundtraxx are the FA units that are attached to the sounded FB's.

If you are having trouble with the Digitrax manual (and I had a lot of trouble) call Digitrax. They have a very good customer service dept. and will go out of their way to get your system up and running, they want you to be happy with their product. I sent a DCS 100 in three times because it wouldn't reset without turning it off and waiting about 5 minutes. They reprogramed it the first time, replaced the motherboard the second time and replaced it the third time. I found out that 15 lighted Walthers passenger cars will draw enough current to keep the DCS from resetting.

HAVE A BLESSED DAY AND REMEMBER SANTA FE ALL THE WAY
BOB

[Anonymous]

I extensively used the various systems at the 2000 NMRA Convention and then in several hobbyshops. Two years ago when it was finally time to start my layout, I chose NCE. It has been fabulous. Using this system has proved to be much easier than I thought it would be. The technical manuals and support are fantastic. I recently operated on a friend's layout using Digitrax. While the system was very good, I would not rate it as highly as the NCE system in terms of ease of operating. Each system has its plusses and minuses. I suggest that you try out the various alternatives and make your choice. Once you go to DCC, you'll never go back to DC again.

[Anonymous]

I don't use DCC because its to expensive but I could choose one I would use Digitrax because I like the Digitrax DT400s button-for-everything style throttle a lot.

[aluesch]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AntonioFP45

Wow! Good input guys. Helpful too!

So far, it "Seems" like the two top contenders here have been Digitrax and NCE!

Not to say that the other systems don't offer advantages but this matchup here "sort of" resembles Toyota vs. Honda or Chevy vs. Ford. [C):-)][C):-)]

It would be good if some of you could offer specifics such as: [;)][blue]
What does this brand offer thats edges out this other "brand".

Thanks, guys!

Antonio,

you are right, we haven't heard from the Cadillac of systems yet. Zimo offers a lot of features I haven’t seen in any other. Here are some:


100% stabilized track voltage
Infinitely adjustable between 10 - 24V
Volt and Amp meter built in
Built in shuttle operation for 4 independent trains
Train number recognition and location (also found in Digitrax as Transponding)
Signal controlled speed influence with full signaling, with or w/o PC
Location dependent function control
All decoders equipped with bi-directional communication
Non-linear momentum
3-way adjustable BEMF
Command stations and cabs upgradeable via Internet, free of charge
Easy expansion, up to 9 PC's supported on same layout.

Regards,
Art
http://www.mrsonline.net/

[mikebonellisr]

I voted for Digitrax. I don't know if It's the "BEST", but I bought it 5 years ago from Loy's Toy's.I received great support from them, never had ANY problem with the system[CHIEF], It has been ON all this time,It works great,I don't think I could be happier

[Anonymous]

michaelfarley says, several posts back, that his friend is "switching from command control to DCC". What? DCC stands for Digital COMMAND CONTROL. Michael, what are you saying? Did your friend switch from an older analog command control system (many of them were referred to as "carrier control") or just what are you saying?

[cacole]

This poll is meaningless, since people are only going to vote for what they own. Everyone will naturally vote for the one they personally own or use at a club, because they don't have any experience with other systems to know their capabilitiles.

[michealfarley]

Yes, my friend currently has the Railcommand system from CVP Products. It's not digital. Works well, but company support will be cut-off as their focus shifts to all-DCC products. He's going to EasyDCC with mostly NCE decoders. I have also decided that I will switch from DC to DCC in the near future, but most likely with an NCE system.