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Which DCC System for shunting

5.2K views 13 replies 12 participants last post by  baz  
#1 ·
I am looking at a OO shunting layout.

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I am going to use Peco 75 track, and only operate one loco at a time. Its 9' x 2'

I have been looking at the Hornby elink. Are there any pitfalls to using this control with this layout?

Or is there a better way for this shunting layout?
 
#2 ·
Unless you particularly want to use a computer IMHO the NCE power cab would be ideal for your proposed shunting layout.

I am always wary about anything DCC that has the name Hornby attached to it.

Some have success with Hornby DCC but there are many who don't.

I don't use NCE but do believe NCE power cab is very good value for money starter set.

Has many of the features of higher end DCC systems with a few limitations.

Very easy to use also comes with power supply which many don't.

Also, it is not the amount of locos/trains you an operate with DCC but more importantly how each loco can be set up (programed) to operate like the 12" to the foot loco.

Cheers

Ian
 
#3 ·
Tom, I have the Railmaster and E-link for my 7mm On16.5 layout, I have found it very good for ordinary use but the slow speed control is not
very good for shunting, and if you like a directional knob then the Gaugemaster Prodigy has a shunt setting which I use on my O gauge layout
and would recommend it as a simple system to use.

regards

mike g
 
#4 ·
Tom.

We have nine different controllers in our lab for testing our sound decoders and I have used them all on my shunting layout. I would definitely not recommend eLink because it is too tedious when making small uncoupling movements, etc. NCE Powercab is okay but is a bit clumsy for one handed operation and you have to press buttons to change direction. I find the Roco Multimaus far superior for shunting because it is small, light and easily operated in one hand. Most importantly it has a thumb operated, centre off knob. That means that you can readily achieve accurate movements in both directions just by moving your thumb, while concentrating on the loco and wagons.

Regards
Peter Lucas
MyLocoSound
 
#5 ·
*** Did you not realise that the NCE an also be used in "shunt mode"? It makes the thumbwheel a centre-off rotary control.

Funny how usage opinions differ - I find the NCE by far the most comfortable and usable product.... It is also the closest to NMRA spec in performance / waveform.

Richard
 
#8 ·
Left field, and more expensive than things discussed here... Uhlenbrock Daisy II system. About ÂŁ220 in the UK. I briefly played with a Daisy II in November, and I think its one of the nicest handsets I've ever used. Small, light, easy to hold, sensible buttons, well balanced, clear display. The speed knob can be configured for either centre-off or separate speed and direction controls.

- Nigel
 
#10 ·
I second Nigel's recommendation of the Uhlenbrock Daisy 2. I have the handset in the radio version as an additional controller for an Intellibox 2, and I find it a pleasure to use. An English version of the instructions has not yet reached the Uhlenbrock website but you can see a series of short videos showing how the Daisy system works on the website of the UK importers, A & H Models. One thing not mentioned is that there is a useful free computer programme for setting up the loco database, which is otherwise a time consuming fiddle. If subsequently you want to move on to something more complicated, there is a very wide range of Loconet accessories, both from Uhlenbrock and other makers, that can be used with Daisy.