New to DCC Choice

QUOTE (jimbob @ 11 Oct 2008, 06:33) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Hi All

Apologies if this has been asked before I have a DC layout and am looking to upgrade to DCC and am looking for advice on choosing a system. I notice most of the DCC Systems are hand held. I am used to controlling my trains by a Knob and as far as i can see a lot of DCC ones are push button I am used to a desktop controller and don't know if I would like a hand held.

I was looking at a Lenz LH90 starter set as it has a Control Knob but notice some mixed views on this system is it out of date ?

It is not the most recent however still adequate. There are many more recent systems than this.

Can I control DCC fitted trains with onboard Lights and Sound with this System ?

Yes you could but you could do that with any DCC system.

I was also looking at NCE Power Cab but this just has a Slider wheel. The Lenz Manual mentions something about a Pre Programed Simulated Brake for controlling the trains slowing down and speeding up can this be done with NCE ?

You could this with any DCC system which allows you to change CV's. All you have to do is increase the braking time.

It seems the ESU Ecos is the best but is rather more Expensive than I was wanting to spend any advice would be great.

Thanks Jimbob

Have a look at our user reviews to see what some of the current systems offer. If you're looking for a starter set there are many good ones currently available with the same or better spec's than the Lenz 90.

Hi Jimbob

Welcome to the forum

There are some user reviews on DCC systems Here

There is a discusion on upgrading a system Here

But you can probably start with a basic system that is easily upgradeable

NCE Powercab is one with full capabilities at a reasonable price Stay away from Hornby Select ( compatibility problems with other brands of decoder)

Once you have done a little bit of reading see if you can try some different systems out and see what suits you

Below is from another post

--I have always liked a control knob for hand held control

I prefer the the Roco (designed by Lenz) control with the centre off rather than the Lenz combination of the Direction Switch and Knob of the LH90 or push buttons of the LH100 ( the MultiMAUS can be plugged in to the Lenz System as well)
So my preference would be something similar
Hence my choice would be MultiMAUS Pro for wireless

NCE do a Knob based control (NCE cab-04p) as well which can be used like the Roco (centre off) in yard mode or full one direction and can come radio equipped

But I don't mind keyboard based control like JMRI panel pro ( controlling trains while answering emails is great!)

The NCE Power Cab control is in a Industrial Tough case so very robust

The MultiMAUS is in a plastic case and a bit more ergo dynamically designed , it also has 4 little rubber pads underneath so it will not slide away when put down on a smooth surface (handy when leaving it on the rolling tool box while plugged in) you can also hang it on a round head self tapper , it has a upside down keyhole mount on the back.
The only time you need to use two hands - is you need to enter the Menu (shift and Menu button) or change from Library mode to Address mode , basically you need to push two buttons simultaneously . For most operations you would use it like you would a phone keypad , everything is in easy reach of your thumb.

Hope this helps

Regards Zmil