Thinking about a new DCC system - please help me decide

QUOTE (Doug @ 16 Sep 2008, 21:21) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>OK, I have a great DCC system. My Lenz 100 system does everything I want except for a few things. It does have a few limits though, so is there a system out there that can match all my requirements?

Lenz is great except:

• I can switch easily between two locos, but I often run more. Running more requires more cabs or a better system of switching between locos with one cab. The Lenz switches between tow locos with the Esc key. If you want to control a third or more, you have to dial it in or look for the list (pile) and select the loco you want.
• I have XpressNET sockets around my track, but plugging and unplugging the cab controller is a pain. I want wireless.

What I want from a DCC system:

• Simplicity
• Programmability
• Expandability
• Manoeuvrability (of the operator, i.e. wireless)

So what do you recommend?

I would say first of all NCE as I think the user interface is very good.

I would then say go and try the short list of systems. In particular do you want to roam and how does the controller feel/operate in your hand.

Looks to me as if the short list is Multimaus, Ecos and NCE with the first of these considerably more expensive

QUOTE (Doug @ 17 Sep 2008, 19:50) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Thanks for your replies guys. Some were expected - usual suspects with your systems

You know me though, I need more convincing. You can't just say that because you have x system then I too must get x system because it's the best.

I want wireless...
I'm not keen on the Dynamis wireless so Dynamis / ECoS is out (or I need more convincing)...
Need to see and test the Roco wireless system...
What about Zimo...?

Are you really sure you need wireless??

I have four terminal sockets for my NCE system so I can unplug it and replug it without loosing any info or stopping the trains and unless you have a very big space perhaps this would do.

NCE has of course had wireless for a long time as our american cousins like it with their very big (by our standards) layouts.

QUOTE (Doug @ 18 Sep 2008, 15:45) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>I'm sorry but NCE just doesn't appeal to me. Is it that much better than Lenz? It just doesn't seem to upgrade me from what I already have.

I have a large room to walk around and wireless seems logical. I have plenty of cabs and I can put one in each corner, so I can move from one to the other. I also have 4 Lenz Plug sockets, but I don't like the idea of setting a loco off and then unplugging and plugging in elsewhere to pick up control.

If Lenz had only remained passionate about DCC and come up with an updated system building on their older systems I'd happily upgrade to it.
In terms of switching between locos I think NCE is better than Lenz since it has the "recall" button that bscrolls through the last 6 addresses used.

I also think the programming is better than Lenz.

If you have never actually used one I would encourage you to try it as in practice it is better than it looks.

If you have tried one and do not like it then that is absolutely fine because the user interface has to feel right for you.