Some DCC advice wanted

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

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 ?

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

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!