Which DCC is top dog?

[Anonymous]

During my 20 yr US Air Force career I had a "portable" 4'x8'x3/4" flat HO layout hinged in the center so that during moves it could be crated 4'x4'. Now medically retired at 54 I have talked my better-half out of half of our 2-car garage. My new and "perment" layout will be 5'x12' HO. I plan to have both a passenger line and a freight line but due to the limited space I will need to run both on shared track. Engines are all Athearn.

DCC is new since I last modeled and could use some help. I have decided while I am building a new layout I may as well go with the newest technology - DCC vice DC and toggle switches. However, with all the choices available, which company is best at a reasonable price? I have read alot about DCC and the more I read the more confused I get.

Atlas, MRC, Digitrax... which one do you use and why?

Dave

[Anonymous]

During my 20 yr US Air Force career I had a "portable" 4'x8'x3/4" flat HO layout hinged in the center so that during moves it could be crated 4'x4'. Now medically retired at 54 I have talked my better-half out of half of our 2-car garage. My new and "perment" layout will be 5'x12' HO. I plan to have both a passenger line and a freight line but due to the limited space I will need to run both on shared track. Engines are all Athearn.

DCC is new since I last modeled and could use some help. I have decided while I am building a new layout I may as well go with the newest technology - DCC vice DC and toggle switches. However, with all the choices available, which company is best at a reasonable price? I have read alot about DCC and the more I read the more confused I get.

Atlas, MRC, Digitrax... which one do you use and why?

Dave

[Anonymous]

______

This is one of those Why are Presbyterians better than Methodists? topics!

Lenz, Digitrax and NCE (North Coast Engineering) are pretty much an equal thing with differences seeming to boil down to the hand-helds. Of course, if you like to parse nits there are plenty of differences on the "Who Cares?" level! There are other DCC players that also need to be considered, but don't seem to have the visibility.

Specific to two the of systems you mentioned, there is a difference to consider. The Atlas system is actually Lenz and has an upgrade pate into Lenz. The MRC is unique to MRC and is fairly limited in potential. The third name you mentioned is Digitrax which has systems at every lever of interest or expertise.

No, I'm not going to bite on which system I use and why. I am a Presbyterian!

_____

[Anonymous]

______

This is one of those Why are Presbyterians better than Methodists? topics!

Lenz, Digitrax and NCE (North Coast Engineering) are pretty much an equal thing with differences seeming to boil down to the hand-helds. Of course, if you like to parse nits there are plenty of differences on the "Who Cares?" level! There are other DCC players that also need to be considered, but don't seem to have the visibility.

Specific to two the of systems you mentioned, there is a difference to consider. The Atlas system is actually Lenz and has an upgrade pate into Lenz. The MRC is unique to MRC and is fairly limited in potential. The third name you mentioned is Digitrax which has systems at every lever of interest or expertise.

No, I'm not going to bite on which system I use and why. I am a Presbyterian!

_____

[BentnoseWillie]

I use Atlas. When starting with DCC, I looked at 3 systems:

DIgitrax's base system (before the Zephyr) cost $CAD 450, including a tethered walkaround throttle. It had the most features and the greatest room to grow. Since I got my system, Digitrax has introduced the Zephyr at around $CAD 300 with a fixed throttle (on the base station). It is definitely worth a look for the extra features and expandability.

MRC was only $CAD200, but the basic throttle was fixed, and you could only add two walkarounds - not much room to grow. Worse, engines get throttle numbers assigned to them instead of using a throttle to select the engine. That alone was a deal-breaker.

Atlas was $CAD 250 with a fixed throttle, and can grow with Lenz components including the XPA telephone adapter, which turns a cordless phone into a wireless throttle for $CAD 90(plus the phone).I also operate with a modular group, and we use Atlas with up to six throttles on the go at a time without problems.

For your layout, I'd start by looking at the Digitrax Zephyr, Atlas, and Lenz Set 100. These are comparable in price range, and all offer some room to grow. The Atlas is the cheapest, but the Digitrax and Lenz both have more feautures. I'd also ask around to see what other local DCC users have. There's a lot to be said for using a system that allows you to tap on the experiences and expertise of other modellers locally.

Note 1
I didn't mention NCE, because I have no first-hand experience with their product. They're usually compared to DIgitrax's systems. I didn't shop for one because no local dealer had NCE, nor were there any local users.

Note 2
I'm "United Church of Canada", a cross between Methodist and Presbyterian.

[BentnoseWillie]

I use Atlas. When starting with DCC, I looked at 3 systems:

DIgitrax's base system (before the Zephyr) cost $CAD 450, including a tethered walkaround throttle. It had the most features and the greatest room to grow. Since I got my system, Digitrax has introduced the Zephyr at around $CAD 300 with a fixed throttle (on the base station). It is definitely worth a look for the extra features and expandability.

MRC was only $CAD200, but the basic throttle was fixed, and you could only add two walkarounds - not much room to grow. Worse, engines get throttle numbers assigned to them instead of using a throttle to select the engine. That alone was a deal-breaker.

Atlas was $CAD 250 with a fixed throttle, and can grow with Lenz components including the XPA telephone adapter, which turns a cordless phone into a wireless throttle for $CAD 90(plus the phone).I also operate with a modular group, and we use Atlas with up to six throttles on the go at a time without problems.

For your layout, I'd start by looking at the Digitrax Zephyr, Atlas, and Lenz Set 100. These are comparable in price range, and all offer some room to grow. The Atlas is the cheapest, but the Digitrax and Lenz both have more feautures. I'd also ask around to see what other local DCC users have. There's a lot to be said for using a system that allows you to tap on the experiences and expertise of other modellers locally.

Note 1
I didn't mention NCE, because I have no first-hand experience with their product. They're usually compared to DIgitrax's systems. I didn't shop for one because no local dealer had NCE, nor were there any local users.

Note 2
I'm "United Church of Canada", a cross between Methodist and Presbyterian.

[Anonymous]

Bentnose,
As a United Church ex-associate chaplain at the University of British Columbia hospital I can tell you an old saying floating around when "combining denominations" was popular; for example, the United Church of Christ in the states and UCC.

What happens when you combine two denominations? You get three, two old and one new...lol! So in Canada, we don't have the Methodists anymore but still the Presbyterians and Congregationalists. ("I'm "United Church of Canada", a cross between Methodist and Presbyterian"). Congregationalist's were part of the "United Church of Canada formula as well).

Right now, for the next while at least, the Zephyr is still the best entry level system out there. That doesn't mean that you can't run your layout with other systems - it just means the Zephyr is more feature laden than the others. Some of the features you may not even be interested in right now, but surprise yourself latter on.

For example, I got the Chief about 4 years ago. My son was demo'ing Digitrax in the Vancouver, BC area so we got the proverbial "deal" on it. I didn't think I would be interested in some of the features on it... ever. But as I developed my interests in the hobby, features that were "blah" to me became interesting, for example power routing. Why? Well, I have become interested in computer running some of my layout (to add operators when I am alone, or to add operators when only one other person has show up).

However, should you get Lenz or other brands, they will do a good job of running your layout as well.

[Anonymous]

Bentnose,
As a United Church ex-associate chaplain at the University of British Columbia hospital I can tell you an old saying floating around when "combining denominations" was popular; for example, the United Church of Christ in the states and UCC.

What happens when you combine two denominations? You get three, two old and one new...lol! So in Canada, we don't have the Methodists anymore but still the Presbyterians and Congregationalists. ("I'm "United Church of Canada", a cross between Methodist and Presbyterian"). Congregationalist's were part of the "United Church of Canada formula as well).

Right now, for the next while at least, the Zephyr is still the best entry level system out there. That doesn't mean that you can't run your layout with other systems - it just means the Zephyr is more feature laden than the others. Some of the features you may not even be interested in right now, but surprise yourself latter on.

For example, I got the Chief about 4 years ago. My son was demo'ing Digitrax in the Vancouver, BC area so we got the proverbial "deal" on it. I didn't think I would be interested in some of the features on it... ever. But as I developed my interests in the hobby, features that were "blah" to me became interesting, for example power routing. Why? Well, I have become interested in computer running some of my layout (to add operators when I am alone, or to add operators when only one other person has show up).

However, should you get Lenz or other brands, they will do a good job of running your layout as well.

[Anonymous]

Which is better??? Who knows. But be aware if they meet NMRA standards they are basically the same are they not??? Some people will find they like the look and feel of one unit over another and flame anyone who might (gasp) disagree. Which is better, a EMD or GE loco??? A Ford or Chevy??? I use an MRC Prodigy and it can take 4 throttles, not 2. The throttles can be moved using standard cat5 computer ethernet patch cables. And I like the throttle numbering system. So go figure.

[Anonymous]

Which is better??? Who knows. But be aware if they meet NMRA standards they are basically the same are they not??? Some people will find they like the look and feel of one unit over another and flame anyone who might (gasp) disagree. Which is better, a EMD or GE loco??? A Ford or Chevy??? I use an MRC Prodigy and it can take 4 throttles, not 2. The throttles can be moved using standard cat5 computer ethernet patch cables. And I like the throttle numbering system. So go figure.

[BentnoseWillie]

QUOTE: I use an MRC Prodigy and it can take 4 throttles, not 2. The throttles can be moved using standard cat5 computer ethernet patch cables. And I like the throttle numbering system. So go figure.

True. I meant MRC's earlier system: Command 2000. Prodigy didn't exist when I was shopping. That'll teach me to be specific in my posts.[:I]

QUOTE: ]be aware if they meet NMRA standards they are basically the same are they not??? Some people will find they like the look and feel of one unit over another

Although most systems do comply with the NMRA spec, the differences can be substantial. For example, Atlas will support 6 throttles, and can use Lenz's low-cost wireless throttle. Meanwhile, Digitrax supports 4-digit addressing, which allows the full locomotive number to be used as the DCC address for simplicity. Atlas only allows a 2-digit address, meaning I have to give addressing a bit more thought.

While no one system is best for all users, if you look at what each one can do, you'll probably find that one system will work better than the others do for you. That's all that really matters.

[BentnoseWillie]

QUOTE: I use an MRC Prodigy and it can take 4 throttles, not 2. The throttles can be moved using standard cat5 computer ethernet patch cables. And I like the throttle numbering system. So go figure.

True. I meant MRC's earlier system: Command 2000. Prodigy didn't exist when I was shopping. That'll teach me to be specific in my posts.[:I]

QUOTE: ]be aware if they meet NMRA standards they are basically the same are they not??? Some people will find they like the look and feel of one unit over another

Although most systems do comply with the NMRA spec, the differences can be substantial. For example, Atlas will support 6 throttles, and can use Lenz's low-cost wireless throttle. Meanwhile, Digitrax supports 4-digit addressing, which allows the full locomotive number to be used as the DCC address for simplicity. Atlas only allows a 2-digit address, meaning I have to give addressing a bit more thought.

While no one system is best for all users, if you look at what each one can do, you'll probably find that one system will work better than the others do for you. That's all that really matters.

[Anonymous]

Note alos that the MRC systems have known problems with Sound decoders, and the prodigy only suports 32 locomotives. This may or may not be a dealbreaker.

[Anonymous]

Note alos that the MRC systems have known problems with Sound decoders, and the prodigy only suports 32 locomotives. This may or may not be a dealbreaker.

[Anonymous]

My Prodigy's documents say 64 and it has 64 addresses on the selector. I have had no sound problems. But even if it did only only support 32 locos? 32 locos would need a whopper of a power pack and bigger wires that most layouts have. Can any companies units really run 32 locos "out of the box"? I run at most 6 and don't own anywhere close to 32 locos. If I did it takes like 30 seconds to reprogam them.

[Anonymous]

My Prodigy's documents say 64 and it has 64 addresses on the selector. I have had no sound problems. But even if it did only only support 32 locos? 32 locos would need a whopper of a power pack and bigger wires that most layouts have. Can any companies units really run 32 locos "out of the box"? I run at most 6 and don't own anywhere close to 32 locos. If I did it takes like 30 seconds to reprogam them.

[Kent]

I bought an Atlas Commander when I first got back in to model train well over a years ago, it works good and the controls are easy to learn.

Later I bought a Digitrax Zyphyer and DT400 throttle, more features then the Commander, but I had two lockups in the first few days I had it, I had to cut all power to get it to reset. I also didn't like the flimsy plastic case... And the Digitrax warranty on decoders "ends when it's installed"

I sent the Digitrax stuff back and got a Lenz Set90 and LI100F. 10 year warranty, works great, and very well built. Including if you fry a decoder when installing it!
And I can use my old Commander as an extra throttle.

So I'm happy with Lenz.

[Kent]

I bought an Atlas Commander when I first got back in to model train well over a years ago, it works good and the controls are easy to learn.

Later I bought a Digitrax Zyphyer and DT400 throttle, more features then the Commander, but I had two lockups in the first few days I had it, I had to cut all power to get it to reset. I also didn't like the flimsy plastic case... And the Digitrax warranty on decoders "ends when it's installed"

I sent the Digitrax stuff back and got a Lenz Set90 and LI100F. 10 year warranty, works great, and very well built. Including if you fry a decoder when installing it!
And I can use my old Commander as an extra throttle.

So I'm happy with Lenz.

[Anonymous]

I too have a small (5x11') layout and I have NCE and like it very much. I like the English labelled buttons for horn, light and bell (so I don't have to remember which function controls which), I also like the display that not only indicates that a command is received (not just sent) but also "walks" me through any sequences that I don't use very often, like programming and MU-ing. I am also using the radio which is two-way (also indicating receipt of commands). When I installed the radio, there was a problem -- which was fixed at no charge to me (other than postage to get it to NY) and I got it back in less than a week! Good support!! (and you can get the owner on the phone easily) Now I will admit that it isn't the least expensive, but it is comparable to other similarly capable systems and I don't worry about upgrading -- it's all in there - including a 9-pin serial jack for computer interfacing (and programs like Easy Ramp for easily setting engine decoders)
I also use Lenz with my modular group and it is also quite capable. The company is very supportive and the product works well and intuitively, but it uses more icon labelled buttons and does require a "cheat sheet" to remember the more complex capabilities (like MU'ing and programming). I suppose if I used it every day I'd remember that "F3" is used for MU'ing (along with "+" and "enter" and number keys -- I was just using the system last weekend, so right now I do remember)
I would suggest that if it's at all possible, try out the controller for the system(s) you're considering and pick the system based on the controller YOU like. Saving a few bucks now is not much of a deal if you're soon looking to "upgrade"

[Anonymous]

I too have a small (5x11') layout and I have NCE and like it very much. I like the English labelled buttons for horn, light and bell (so I don't have to remember which function controls which), I also like the display that not only indicates that a command is received (not just sent) but also "walks" me through any sequences that I don't use very often, like programming and MU-ing. I am also using the radio which is two-way (also indicating receipt of commands). When I installed the radio, there was a problem -- which was fixed at no charge to me (other than postage to get it to NY) and I got it back in less than a week! Good support!! (and you can get the owner on the phone easily) Now I will admit that it isn't the least expensive, but it is comparable to other similarly capable systems and I don't worry about upgrading -- it's all in there - including a 9-pin serial jack for computer interfacing (and programs like Easy Ramp for easily setting engine decoders)
I also use Lenz with my modular group and it is also quite capable. The company is very supportive and the product works well and intuitively, but it uses more icon labelled buttons and does require a "cheat sheet" to remember the more complex capabilities (like MU'ing and programming). I suppose if I used it every day I'd remember that "F3" is used for MU'ing (along with "+" and "enter" and number keys -- I was just using the system last weekend, so right now I do remember)
I would suggest that if it's at all possible, try out the controller for the system(s) you're considering and pick the system based on the controller YOU like. Saving a few bucks now is not much of a deal if you're soon looking to "upgrade"

[BR60103]

In among all the religious discussion, did anyone mention that all the chips for locos and accessories should work with any of the base systems?
There may be differences with the ones that allow 2 digit vs 4 digit addressing, but if you go from a simple to a more advanced system, that should work out.
You will not be operating 64 locos at the same time, but you can get quite a collection on the tracks.

[BR60103]

In among all the religious discussion, did anyone mention that all the chips for locos and accessories should work with any of the base systems?
There may be differences with the ones that allow 2 digit vs 4 digit addressing, but if you go from a simple to a more advanced system, that should work out.
You will not be operating 64 locos at the same time, but you can get quite a collection on the tracks.

[Kent]

QUOTE: Originally posted by synchrochuff


I also use Lenz with my modular group and it is also quite capable. The company is very supportive and the product works well and intuitively, but it uses more icon labelled buttons and does require a "cheat sheet" to remember the more complex capabilities (like MU'ing and programming). I suppose if I used it every day I'd remember that "F3" is used for MU'ing (along with "+" and "enter" and number keys

That's why I only set up MU's with my software, I can MU a loco and a few mouse clicks. Programing is just as easy.[:)][:p][;)] Shameless bragging over[:D]

[Kent]

QUOTE: Originally posted by synchrochuff


I also use Lenz with my modular group and it is also quite capable. The company is very supportive and the product works well and intuitively, but it uses more icon labelled buttons and does require a "cheat sheet" to remember the more complex capabilities (like MU'ing and programming). I suppose if I used it every day I'd remember that "F3" is used for MU'ing (along with "+" and "enter" and number keys

That's why I only set up MU's with my software, I can MU a loco and a few mouse clicks. Programing is just as easy.[:)][:p][;)] Shameless bragging over[:D]

[Anonymous]

I bought the Digitrax Empire Builder with radio throttles several years ago after kicking around slick sheets of the various manufacturers. There have been many improvements to the DCC systems over the years that I tend to take a quick look at, but I really have no reason to change now, 1) my system has expanded to a full basement system with boosters and many UP3s, 2) I understand the Digitrax system well enough to do most of the advanced programming on the go or on the programming track, 3) I'm a Baptist and can't see going back to a faith that proposes salvation by means other than the Lord, Jesus Christ.

[Anonymous]

I bought the Digitrax Empire Builder with radio throttles several years ago after kicking around slick sheets of the various manufacturers. There have been many improvements to the DCC systems over the years that I tend to take a quick look at, but I really have no reason to change now, 1) my system has expanded to a full basement system with boosters and many UP3s, 2) I understand the Digitrax system well enough to do most of the advanced programming on the go or on the programming track, 3) I'm a Baptist and can't see going back to a faith that proposes salvation by means other than the Lord, Jesus Christ.

[Anonymous]

well im still running the old ctc16e.....but my buddy is running railcomand, i do like the interface, but they are not interchangeable with other dcc.

[Anonymous]

well im still running the old ctc16e.....but my buddy is running railcomand, i do like the interface, but they are not interchangeable with other dcc.

[BRAKIE]

The best DCC system is the one that works for you..

This works for me..I use a Digi Trax Empire Builder-II with UT2 throttles..I prefer the simplicity of the UT2 and it does all I require a throttle to do...Program and use my Soundtrax system.What more do I need. Nothing in my opinion...

[BRAKIE]

The best DCC system is the one that works for you..

This works for me..I use a Digi Trax Empire Builder-II with UT2 throttles..I prefer the simplicity of the UT2 and it does all I require a throttle to do...Program and use my Soundtrax system.What more do I need. Nothing in my opinion...