Some DCC advice wanted

6670 Views 33 Replies 17 Participants Last post by barrymx5, Nov 19, 2008

Sir Galahad

Discussion Starter · Oct 29, 2007

I was thinking about getting DCC for my loft layout which is medium large-ish. It has 2 full loops and 1 that goes 3/4 of the way and stops. Just wanted to know what I should be thinking about when getting DCC stuff and anyother advice from your experience's. And was looking at the Hornby stuff and wanted to know how good it was (value for money, features etc)?

Much appreciated.

Sir Galahad.

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longbridge

· #2 · Oct 29, 2007

I am also looking at DCC control systems for a reasonably small size layout after trying the E-Z Command system which I was very disappointed with. After a little research the NCE POWER CAB controller seems to be very good value for money and I would be interested in any actual users opinions of this system.
Brian.

gdaysydney

· #3 · Oct 29, 2007

QUOTE (longbridge @ 30 Oct 2007, 06:55) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>I am also looking at DCC control systems for a reasonably small size layout after trying the E-Z Command system which I was very disappointed with. After a little research the NCE POWER CAB controller seems to be very good value for money and I would be interested in any actual users opinions of this system.
Brian.

It depends how far you want to take DCC. If you are looking for a reliable system, then the NCE POWER CAB is the way to go - and it is upgradeable. I have been using the POWER PRO system for over 2 years and find it very easy to use.

There are numerous DCC groups -DCCUK being one, that provide loads of advice (and experiences /opinions) for anyone thinking of going digital.

The best advice I can offer is try before you buy so that you get a system that best suits your needs.

Dave

34C

· #4 · Oct 29, 2007

QUOTE (gdaysydney @ 29 Oct 2007, 20:41) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>The best advice I can offer is try before you buy so that you get a system that best suits your needs.
So true. There is such a range of choice that may strongly influence personal preference in the control interface alone: desktop unit, or something handheld, tethered or untethered; knobs, sliders, buttons, levers: it just goes on and on. Why settle for something 'OK' when for the same money there may be a product which fits you like a second skin?

Just make sure it has the 'NMRA conformance' stamp on it: that's an assurance of interoperability for a specified range of functions.

Sir Galahad

Discussion Starter · #5 · Oct 29, 2007

Ok Thanks.

kq53

· #6 · Oct 31, 2007

I too have been trying to make a decision on the right DCC system so I have no expert advice to give . However the new controller Viessmann are soon coming out with looks very promising (larg touch screen ,simulated layout for turnout and signal control). Anybody in the market for a new system should give it a close look.
Kal

neil_s_wood

· #7 · Oct 31, 2007

There are plenty of previous threads where DCC systems have been discussed and there is a lot of information to be gotten from these. Also at the top of this page you can see other informations sources which are informative on the subject.

Dynamite26

· #8 · Oct 31, 2007

Well I've decided to go with the Lenz set 100 and I hope to get it for my Birthday in April as a present to myself,and I am getting the wiring after the new year but I will have all the droppers in for the hidden siding by Christmas.

Makemineadouble

· #9 · Oct 31, 2007 (Edited by Moderator)

2

QUOTE Well I've decided to go with the Lenz set 100 and I hope to get it for my Birthday in April

Some folks might regard your choice as traditional and uninspired. Some folks may try to dazzle you central controls, controls that look railway like, or controls from a space odyssey 2008. Lenz have been a life time in producing any new kit. Not as long as Digitrax, perhaps there's a completion to see who will take the longest. These two well known producers have a highly stable and dependable products. NCE form the third pillar of highly dependable suppliers, they may well be joined by Bachmann who if they get their product right , " I believe they will" ,will gain critical from the other side of the pond. Mass sales, good product, = wide spread acceptance of DCC, more product developments, and more fun for us the users. The Dynamis is being widely advertised in the model railroad market in America, they simply can't fail.

Oh happy birthday for 2008 - sure you don't want to reconsider ?

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neil_s_wood

· #10 · Oct 31, 2007 (Edited by Moderator)

I think ESU would be worth adding to that list. They have been around for a while and their decoders are excellent. Oh and they are behind the Dynamis too.

Dynamite26

· #11 · Nov 1, 2007 (Edited by Moderator)

I have seen alot of people use a Set 100 on there layouts and get a lot out of it and seems a good choice but seeing as my Birthday is quite abit off I could end up with a totally different system like Digitrax as that is a good system too,as I have seen what you can do with a Digitrax system or I could end up with a Bachmann E-Z Command Dynamis who knows but it will depend on how much money I will have when it's my Birthday.

Makemineadouble

· #12 · Nov 1, 2007

2

You surely don't want EZ DCC, it would be like getting mumps ! But worse. Having looked at your layout your probably well suited to the Dynamis (who dreams up these names at Bachmann) however it's untried for now.

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Sir Galahad

Discussion Starter · #13 · Nov 2, 2007 (Edited by Moderator)

Just had a look at the digitrax stuff and it's a bit daunting! Can ayone tell me what i'm looking for?

noblenoel

· #14 · Nov 16, 2008

Just read your thought on choice of DCC command station I have just jump in the pond! and got a Dynamis new off a well know auction site cheap £74 so far so good the main problem is not being able to read CV s but Richard J suggested using cards to keep track of this which I have done .the other one is you need to keep track of your locos as it is a bit of a pain. unless you can remember the number you have entered as going through the entries can take a while so have made up a chart with the address number and loco for the expert the may seam a bit of a no no but works for me also added a ESU points decoder which is the same as Bachmans but £12 cheaper got it from digtrains.co.uk will let you know how I get on hope this ramble helps
regads Noel

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zmil

· #15 · Nov 16, 2008

Hi All

If you have the Dynamis or any other system that will not read back the CVs a good addition is
the SprogII which is a DCC computer interface . Using this unit with your computer and a bit of track you can program your CV and store all the Data with JMRI's software it is much easier to keep track of your Loks and how you have set them up.

Hope this helps

Regards Zmil

barrymx5

· #16 · Nov 17, 2008

QUOTE (Sir Galahad @ 2 Nov 2007, 14:27) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Just had a look at the digitrax stuff and it's a bit daunting! Can ayone tell me what i'm looking for?

I agree about Digitrax being daunting but I eventually went with them and have no regrets. The following is of course from a Newbie so should be treated accordingly!
There are 3 Digitrax starter sets: Zypher, Super Empire Builder and Super Chief. All are inter-connectable through Loconet, Digitrax's peer to peer system which is included in vestigial form with each set. Zephyr is basic but good for the money; SEB is probably best avoided if you want to read back CVs without add-on such as Zmil mentions; Super Chief is best if you can run to it. If you make a wrong decision you can upgrade and use the original kit through Loconet.
The DCC System Chart above is well worth studying. Remember no gain without (a little) pain!

Lancashire Fusilier

· #17 · Nov 17, 2008

I concur with comments re Digitrax from above. I have the Super Chief with radio hand set and love it. Have had no problem with programming the little that I have done but I did study the manuals thoroughly right through a number of times - but I like reading manuals because I am a sad, sad man.

Richard Johnson

· #18 · Nov 17, 2008

*** Just go with the NCE PowerCab or Powerhouse Pro. I have never yet met an owner (and I've met lots of them) that wasn't 100% delighted they had done that.

More features than the Digitrax being discussed, equivalent or lesser cost than its peers, more up to date software, more often updated, excellent support, comfortable in the hand, easier to use and understand and NMRA Conformant, which Digitrax is not.

regards

Richard

Lancashire Fusilier

· #19 · Nov 17, 2008

Awww Richard, don't go spoiling the chance to recruit another Digitrax convert by sharing hard facts

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upnick

· #20 · Nov 17, 2008

QUOTE (Richard Johnson @ 17 Nov 2008, 04:10) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>*** Just go with the NCE PowerCab or Powerhouse Pro. I have never yet met an owner (and I've met lots of them) that wasn't 100% delighted they had done that.

regards

Richard

Totally agree with Richard i have both systems he highlights here and never had a problem with either ...... for value for money the powercab is the best choice with clear instructions to get up and running in DCC in minutes.

I have reccomended it to several people and all of them are 100% happy with NCE.

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