QUOTE: Originally posted by railroadyoshi Hi everybody I am looking into DCC systems, and my two main choices are Digitrax or Lenz I have some experience with with Digitrax, and almost none with Lenz. Thats why I was leaning to Digitrax, up till I found that Lenz is located in Chelmsford, MA, about 20 minutes from where I live. Now, my question is, what do you reccomned? Here is what I want from my system: 1. Versatility. I want it to be as appropriate for a 4x8 as it is for a larger 12x20 layout. 2. Affordability. I do not want to spend a lot. I do understand the relative price of DCC, but if there is a significant difference in the base price it will be a factor. 3.Simplicity. I am not interested in reading long manuals. I know that is a requirement, but the UI is important. 4. Sound, something im pondering over. Perhaps I will equip some of my locomotives with simple sound, though that is going to be limited. 5. My locomotive fleet at the moment is about 7 locos, and I dont plan to go much over double that in the near future, that being the next 5 years or so. 6. i would like to be able to use the computer to program CV's 7. I will only be using a few throttles, i.e.3 I think this gives a baisc idea of my desires Thanks in advance
QUOTE: Originally posted by railroadyoshi dazzar, thank you for the link, though im trying to keep things simple by only thinking about 2 brands, one of which ive had experienc with, the other who is located relativley closeby, and both i have seen in stores and have been around a while. Shay, thank you for the info. From what ive seen, the Zephyer seems like a great system to get started on. Im just thinking that would getting any service I may need be easier with Lenz.
Carey
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QUOTE: Originally posted by scubaterry I have had my "Super Chief" for going on four years now. About six months ago I got lazy rewiring the booster after doing some benchwork and I wired the booster up wrong and fried it. I emailed the Digitrax tech guys and they told me to do a few things to verify the problem. Yep fried (do to my own stupidity). I mailed it in and the turned it around repaired in less then two weeks and I was NOT CHARGED a nickel even though it was out of warrenty and I fried it. I love the system and the one time I needed the repair service from Digitrax they did good! From what I have read and heard of the Zephyr system I don't think you can go wrong and you will be very happy with its expandibility as your layout expands. An entry price of $150.00 isn't bad either. I can't comment on any other system as I have always used Digitrax. Terry
QUOTE: Originally posted by railroadyoshi 1. Versatility. I want it to be as appropriate for a 4x8 as it is for a larger 12x20 layout.
QUOTE: 2. Affordability. I do not want to spend a lot. ..but if there is a significant difference in the base price it will be a factor.
QUOTE: 3.Simplicity. I am not interested in reading long manuals. I know that is a requirement, but the UI is important.
QUOTE: 4. Sound, something im pondering over. Perhaps I will equip some of my locomotives with simple sound, though that is going to be limited.
QUOTE: 5. My locomotive fleet at the moment is about 7 locos, and I dont plan to go much over double that in the near future, that being the next 5 years or so.
QUOTE: 6. i would like to be able to use the computer to program CV's
QUOTE: 7. I will only be using a few throttles, i.e.3
QUOTE: The numbe rof THROTTLE choices might be limited (since for whatever crazy reason Keith G at CVP REFUSES to license Loconet and build radio throttle for it, even though it's a nominal fee and they have a huge chunk of the market.
QUOTE: Originally posted by cjcrescent QUOTE: The numbe rof THROTTLE choices might be limited (since for whatever crazy reason Keith G at CVP REFUSES to license Loconet and build radio throttle for it, even though it's a nominal fee and they have a huge chunk of the market. Randy; I don't understand. Digitrax has had a Radio version available for the DT throttles for quite a while, (I don't know if there is one for the UT Throttles or not), as well as infared. These all work on loconet quite well. There are several channels available on this. The only drawback is you have to plug in to accquire a loco.
QUOTE: Originally posted by rrinker Lenz has a radio option.
QUOTE: Originally posted by railroadyoshi BTW, would all Lenz systems come speaking german, because i am not fluent in German