Joined
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750 Posts
Having read numerous posts on this and other forums about the different DCC system controllers out there, I do believe we are becoming obsessed with the latest gizmos and gadgets.
Yes, I was taken by the ESU ECoS and Viessmann commander, but in the real world I'm never going to use these systems to the best of their ability!
Is this just buying for the nice flashy lights and screen? (big boys toys and all that)
I have the NCE PowerCab connected to a smallish 7x4ft layout which still needs alot of finishing to do.
On top of this in one corner is a small N-gauge layout, which is finished, just need to connect the point motors up.
This is all controlled by my PowerCab and SmartBooster, which in all honesty I've not really used in anger yet!
I also have my little N-gauge so called exhibition layout, which is finished bar the shouting which is controlled by the EZ-commands.
The two systems I have are more than enough for what I will ever run, so are we all getting ahead of ourselves in wanting all of the latest gizmos and gadgets just because they are the lastest and 'best'
Having tried and used the DCC controller to operate points and now built a switch/mimic panel I have to say that I
prefer the switch panel, just seems more hands on realistic to me.
You still need the extra wiring for point indication(well I do so I know whats set to go where! old age!), regardless of which system you use(ok so I may be proved wrong here!) so unless you start and want to go for the full PC automated layout, something which to be honest really doesn't appeal to me at all.
Is there any major need to go for DCC control of everything?
Yes I completely understand that there are some decent size layouts where these types of controllers will come into their own, but these tend to be from those with experience and have had chance to 'play' with other systems and have found the 'one' for them.
They also have in mind how far they are going to take the layout and to what level of automation.
Wouldn't it be better to get the controller that most fits our own layout and personal preference, and spend the rest of our hard earned, on very good quality decoders and rolling stock to get the best running performance?
It's just my opinions but I do think that alot of time and thought needs to be spent choosing the right system and if it means the very simplistic 'basic' system fits you and your layouts needs so what...spend the rest on really good decoders and locos!
Cheers
Yes, I was taken by the ESU ECoS and Viessmann commander, but in the real world I'm never going to use these systems to the best of their ability!
Is this just buying for the nice flashy lights and screen? (big boys toys and all that)
I have the NCE PowerCab connected to a smallish 7x4ft layout which still needs alot of finishing to do.
On top of this in one corner is a small N-gauge layout, which is finished, just need to connect the point motors up.
This is all controlled by my PowerCab and SmartBooster, which in all honesty I've not really used in anger yet!
I also have my little N-gauge so called exhibition layout, which is finished bar the shouting which is controlled by the EZ-commands.
The two systems I have are more than enough for what I will ever run, so are we all getting ahead of ourselves in wanting all of the latest gizmos and gadgets just because they are the lastest and 'best'
Having tried and used the DCC controller to operate points and now built a switch/mimic panel I have to say that I
prefer the switch panel, just seems more hands on realistic to me.
You still need the extra wiring for point indication(well I do so I know whats set to go where! old age!), regardless of which system you use(ok so I may be proved wrong here!) so unless you start and want to go for the full PC automated layout, something which to be honest really doesn't appeal to me at all.
Is there any major need to go for DCC control of everything?
Yes I completely understand that there are some decent size layouts where these types of controllers will come into their own, but these tend to be from those with experience and have had chance to 'play' with other systems and have found the 'one' for them.
They also have in mind how far they are going to take the layout and to what level of automation.
Wouldn't it be better to get the controller that most fits our own layout and personal preference, and spend the rest of our hard earned, on very good quality decoders and rolling stock to get the best running performance?
It's just my opinions but I do think that alot of time and thought needs to be spent choosing the right system and if it means the very simplistic 'basic' system fits you and your layouts needs so what...spend the rest on really good decoders and locos!
Cheers