Zephyr vs. NCE PowerCab?

[rrinker]

A MAJOR fault of NCE here - the PowerCab does not have any way to use a computer interface! That's a huge omission, and leaves the Digitrax Zephyr as still the ONLY 'starter' system that is not feature-limited.
A true comparision requires both the PowerCab and SmartBooster - that gives you .5 amp MORE power than the Zephyr, but that's the only way the system can use additional cabs for more than one operator - something the Zephyr does right out of the box.
I guess maybe they are afraid of cutting into full system sales. Digitrax didn't seem to care that they made their 'starter' system in many ways superior to their 'mid-range' system, the Super Empire Builder. I'm still thinking Digitrax has something else up their sleeve in regards to the various sets, perhaps downmarketing the Super Chief and introducing a higher-end system to be the top tier. Only AJ and Zana know...

--Randy

[tstage]

Wes,

I wouldn't dismiss the PowerCab quite yet. $60 for a 3 amp booster plus $140 (Tony's discount) for the PowerCab still buys you a $200 4 amp DCC system. See what difference is functionality there is between the two (and other DCC systems) before pooh-poohing the idea. (Whoa! Hope Bergie doesn't come down too hard on me for that one. [:O])

Wes, one of the pluses with the Digitrax Zephyr is it's expandibility. I don't know how the NCE system comes out in that catagory. Also, if the PowerCab is truly a walkaround system, that is a nice feature in itself. Some folks have dropped more in the cost of a walk around than you'd be spending on a PowerCab alone. Spend a little more time researching the plusses and minuses...and keep up posted! [:)]

Tom

[Anonymous]

Thanks Tom, I didn't see that the PowerCab was only 1 amp. That seems kinda small to me...

Maybe the only difference is really going to be that the PowerCab is walkaround and the Zephyr isn't...anyway thanks!

[tstage]

Wes,

I believe the major difference between the two will be that Zephyr will be able to run more locmotives at one time than the NCE PowerCab because it has more amps:

PowerCab: 1 amp
Zephyr: 2.5 amps(?)

However, I did see that a 3 amp booster for the PowerCar was only going to be around $60. Not sure on programming capability differences though. Probably not much.

Tom

[Anonymous]

I saw on Tony's Trains website that NCE is going to produce a DCC starter set in the price range of the Digitrax Zephyr. I checked NCE's website and didn't find any info on it, and Tony's doesn't have a comparison chart up yet, so I'm wondering if anyone out there knows anything about the PowerCab?

Thanks Guys.