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324 Views 9 Replies 7 Participants Last post by  Michael Carter
i Am new to DCC and would like info as to which is the best CAB.
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When you've answered that one, you could also try "what's the best car" and "what's the best film".

There is no best, there are some devices which have a lot of shortcoming and few people who'd suggest them as device of choice. Thereafter "best" is highly subjective, depends what you are doing, personal preferences, budget, etc.. (and choice of DCC system as that will limit what connects).
As Nigel says, that's not a question anyone can give you a definitive answer to! However there are a few pointers in the right direction:

Buy a European system.

Buy a systen that enables you to read and program CVs in a straightforward manner.

If you intend running sound, make sure your controller allows you to set functions keys to either latching OR push to make.

Think about how important wireless control will be to you.

Think about whether you might prefer touch screen control for a throttle or a physical knob.

Watch as many YouTube videos as you can of how different systems are used. You'll find videos posted for most of them.

Then, once you done all your research and worked out what's best for you go out and buy a Z21. ;)
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Generalisation there Jamesed - there are US designed systems which do allow functions to be set as latching or non-latching, just like most EU designed systems.
Well there seem to be about 3 favourite systems of which I used Roco Z21, the above advice is sound I went this way because
1. I have a lot of locos
2. The use of an ipad or android keeps the cost down but once you get beyond 100 locos you need to ensure you have lots of capacity, Roco tell me I can run more ipads etc. on the system which will help now I am over 200 locos.
3. These devices give superior graphics
4. The white box version is cheaper still than the black box version.
5. DCC can be slow so ensure it does what you want
6. The advice above is good which leaves you wondering which way to go, I liked the ECOS before I bought the Roco Z21 and there are other good systems
7. Other benefit of the Roco is that it works with the modules such as the reverse loop etc found in Flieschman and Roco systems.

So there you have it, a lot of options, I'll suggest to others reading that they also post their system and give some idea if any good at all.

Kris.
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I don't know which is the best, but the best for me is the ESU Cab Control.

Prior to this system, I was using the NCE Powercab. However, this system is short on output voltage and lacks current capacity. It would be fine as an entry level system with a couple of locomotives, but as your collection and layout expands, you will soon see the shortcomings of the Powercab.
Worth knowing sure that is a useful tip ESU is one of the better other ones for sure.
I don't know which is the best, but the best for me is the ESU Cab Control.

Prior to this system, I was using the NCE Powercab. However, this system is short on output voltage and lacks current capacity. It would be fine as an entry level system with a couple of locomotives, but as your collection and layout expands, you will soon see the shortcomings of the Powercab.
The NCE PowerCab can be used in the larger version of NCE Power Pro cab when the number of locos running exceeds the PowerCab capacity in current consumption.
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I agree with Ron, there are 2 x power upgrades [5A and 10A], last time I looked. There are also direct plug-in Boosters from DCC Concepts. Both options are somewhat less costly than the ESU, which does include some additional functions, so it would be as well to factor in your "personal requirements" against the additional functions available on the ESU. Some additional reading might well be a good idea.

[As an example, point setting and routes being visible on the ESU screen may be appreciated by many - but having already created an accessory Control Board, combined with a Mimic board, I wouldn't need that ESU facility. An additional cost, very nice, but not needed.]

Julian
I can say that it is a much faster process to throw points with the ESU over the clunky interface that the Powercab uses. Powercab is hard wired too and you have to upgrade to get the Wi-Fi features.

It was only logical that I change over the ESU as most of my decoders are also ESU and I also have the Lokprogrammer.

I debated whether to upgrade the Powercab or change to ESU. The advantages of ESU were very apparent to me. I could upgrade the Powercab for around $225 US or spend another $200 for a system that more matched my needs.
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