Thinking about a new DCC system - please help me decide

QUOTE (Doug @ 17 Sep 2008, 05:21) <{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?

***The ECOS is nice but it really suits about 1 in 10 of my clients mentally... Many are not comfortable with its interface. Ecos is a good system but adding radio will be exxy and frankly the playstation style of the new radio handsets is unappealing as they are a 2 handed controller... that is a big mistake, as most clients are not of the Playstation generation

Without doubt I'd recommend the NCE system. every useful function is wihin one finger reach whether U are right or left handed. Its being adopted by many large clubs globally because of its exceptional performance overall, ease of understanding and exceptional radio peformance.

Has all 28 functions, NMRA Compliant, does what you want stack wise, can be plugged into the SAME layout sockets as Lenz (handset wiring sequence is the same), has direct computer interface, and is the best and most instinctive controller ergonomics wise.

Roco has some quirks that I see raised regularly on E lists and its rail voltage is ridiculously high. Its an expanded toy controller.

Re radio no its not specifically EU compliant as nobody has done the work to approve it but it DOES pass EU standards, otherwise it couldn't pass AU standards which are fundamentally the same.

you CAN as a private individual import the radio version... its only prohibited for a company to distribute.

It will NOT cause interference to anyone anywhere and is in fact so tightly controlled in frequency and power that its perfectly reliable at any range.

It is the ONLY radio system that requires no plugging in for any reason - all others need to be plugged in except for driving of trains and basic stuff.

The NCE can also control routes and provide semi automation from the base system with no PC added, and NCE's coming mini-panel will give extended automation for things such as shuttles etc with any form of detection, not just S88 like ECOS.

Regards

Richard

QUOTE (Doug @ 18 Sep 2008, 03:50) <{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...?

*** Whilst based on user feedback from many NCE users with radio systems compared to other brands including ESU, I'd still recommend the NCE over all of them....however if budget is not an issue the Zimo system is excellent feature wise, very high quality and does all it claims to very well indeed.

I'm not an evangelist for a product because I use it, as I use them all, however my opinion IS based on practical things like user satisfaction, observing comfort level of modellers after they've made the decision and levels of help needed after purchase - NCE always stands out as having more owners with constant smiles than any other brand at every level from startset thru 5 amp system to full blown mulit-booster wireless systems and huge club layouts.

As always its a very personal thing, but having sold very many systems to very many clients, I can say without doubt that those who bought by looking at the pretty control panel and lots of glitzy bits are always less happy long term and always enjoy running their trains less than those who bought based on ergonomic comfort and pragmatic operational need.

Richard

QUOTE (Doug @ 18 Sep 2008, 23:45) <{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.

***No need to apologise as appeal is an important part of any decision...

You ask Vs Lenz 100:

In the past year I've had perhaps a dozen clients change from Lenz 100 to NCE. without exception they found it a better system to use, more instinctive for thngs like consisting, better equipped, more comfortable in the hand and in general simply more competent. All who had the radio system in particular find it impossible to wipe the smile from their faces.

What do you see as an upgrade?

For train control I see a system with no pracical train control limitations that lets me control everything I want at any time one handed while drinking a coffee a superb bit or human interface design....

If you are a runner of trains and its improved loco control then NCE is a very big positive step. If you want a big pretty LCD display like the ECOS or veismann then its not....

There's absolutely nothing wrong with pretty units like the ECOS at all, in fact they are great, but a good half of their street cost is in scrren + plastic tooling not control electronics, and a pretty box isn't an indicator of relative usability, functionality or competence.

You should without fail 100% clearly define real operational wants and needs before you even think about brands, otherwise eyes persuade heads and wrong decisions happen..

Richard