I’m in the market for a DCC system medium size layout, and I was looking into the NCE system, but i want to hear from people using any system and tell me if your happy with it? was it worth the money?
I use Digitrax and it’s great. I can’t compare NCE though because I don’t have any experience with it. What I really love is Loconet and the ease with which I could integrate a computer. I use the computer for my programming needs and for hostling and consist make up. I’m not aware of NCE’s abilities with respect to computer use but I’m interested.
Jesse
I’ve owned Lenz and EasyDCC, currently am a user of EasyDCC.
I have used NCE and Digitrax, and I prefer NCE as I find the user interface to be more intuitive and easier to use.
I compared NCE and EasyDCC and went with EasyDCC because their wireless throttles are easy to use, and cost less. Plus I prefer EasyDCC’s expanded basic consisting features, which gives me lots of flexibility with modern diesel lashups.
But these days, going with any of the “big name” systems: Digitrax, NCE, Lenz, or EasyDCC you almost can’t go wrong. They’re all good systems.
My recommendation is that you buy what other modelers in your area are using because then you can get good support. In my area, Digitrax and EasyDCC are popular, another reason I went with EasyDCC.
I also use Digitrax (Super Empire Builder) and I think it is great too. It is easy to adapt and expand to fit your needs as your layout grows. Like Jesse, I can’t compare it to others because I haven’t ever used them.
Greg
I, too, am a Digitrax user, so I can’t comment on any other particular systems. I can say without a doubt that going DCC was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I’ve been model railroading 35 years. Digitrax has a steep learning curve and is probably one of the harder systems to learn. The versatility gained with DCC IMHO can not be matched. All I can say is you have to try it.
I’ve used command control long before DCC came along and currently own two MRC systems, a Digitrax Zephyr, and a Lenz. I believe all command systems are worth their cost. They are soooo cheap and easy now compared to what they used to be. I also believe you will grow to like whatever system that you purchase as soon as you get used to its quirks.
Here are what I consider the quirks —
Lenz - manuals are terrible. I think they need a new German->Engli***ranslator. I ran my system in German for two months before I figured out how to get it into English mode.
Digitrax – more technical skill required or use of a computer interface. I purchased some of their fancy (and expensive) decoders and can’t get them to work right. (Note I am a computer professional). I don’t want to have to “learn” how to use a system. I want to pick it up and go.
NCE – I find the big hammer head controller to be more like a video game than running a train. I’ve never met anyone who has the “utility” throttles. Every one who I know who owns this system is a one person operation. I’ve never had NCE fully answer a technical question. They either answer some trivial question, that I am not asking, or totally ignore my questions. I’ve never had any problems with their decoders though.
I am using a combination of System 1 and NCE components. which were both manufactured by NCE, and uses the same NCE bus architecture. Even though I have the System 1 booster and command station, I am using 1 NCE Procab, 3 Intermediate cabs, and all of my intermediate cabs have been equipped with the NCE radio kits (including my System 1 intermediate cabs).
I am very happy with all of the NCE equipment I have, and have never had any problems with warranty issues. When I had problems with Switch-It decoders (I had an early version, which were a bear to program), NCE sent me the latest versions direct, even before I returned the older versions. Great customer service. The only issue I had with NCE was the time to return my radio base station which I returned for warranty service, they needed a little prodding to process the return. My radio was a No Defect Found, and instead of sending me back my radio, they sent me a new replacement.
I use NCE decoders exclusively, and I have never encountered a failure. Decoder programming with NCE is a snap.
Contrary to one of the posts further down, I am not a “one man operation”, I have hosted up to six individuals running on the railroad at one time with no problems. I know of several clubs (the most recent one I visited was the NAPM group in Milwaukee) that use and love System 1 / NCE.
I personally love the hammerhead throttle. It is very user friendly, and makes consist programming a snap. It also has an integral clock, which can be set up in whatever fast clock speed is desired. I keep a procab at both yards on my railroad. For road cabs, I issue the intermediate cabs with radios, which are all the road crews nee
For a basic system you can’t beat the MRC prodigy. The original system, not the new Advanced. It gets you up and running DCC in minutes. These can be had for under $100, and if you don’t need to re programyoue decoders, it does a fine job.
BTW I have a new Digitrax Super Chief on the way from Tony’s and will sell my Prodigy for $70.00
I’m setting up with Lenz and the 100 throttle [ one hand operation …with pushbuttons] Later on I will be adding a wireless from one of the other companies. Loconet is a common interface system used on all the better systems. It allows you to choose different brands of stuff and mix and match for the features you want… For your basic system, I agree with the others…buy a brand you can get local advice and support on. You DON’T need to be a computer wiz to use many of the DCC systems to full advantage. For me, the hardest part is fitting the decoders into engines built years before DCC was a reality…, the track part is easy. GOOD LUCK, Jennifer
One of the best things you can do before you buy any system is check your local lhs and find any clubs,or people in your area with operating layouts that would be willing to let you go and see.LOOK at how easy it is for them to operate the system,check things like does the throttle fit your hand well.If you are not comfortable with the throttle no matter how advanced the system is you won’t like it.There are alot of great starter sets available now that won’t kill your joy of running trains and leave you with an empty feeling in your wallet.I also use lenz set 100 I have nothing but praise for lenz.One thing for sure once you go dcc, there is no going back.Good luck.
NCE is great. Sit tight for another month when the new ROM upgrade is released. Some really great new features being added.
I have had a lot of enjoyment on a friend’s NCE system where we used one or two of the big hammerheads and 3 or 4 of the little handhelds, all on radio. They are great as long as you remember two impotant things: 1 make sure you are not standing between the controller and the receiver as you can block the signal, and 2: the timeout is a difficult thing to get used to - if you try to enter a control change after it has timed out you may find it just keeps going the way it was until you select the loco again.
I now have the Prodigy Advance for half the cost of the NCE and am quite happy with it. they all have their quirks so I guess it comes down to what you can afford and what you get used to. The main thing is do it and Enjoy! Analog DC is dying a slow but inevitable death. Long live DCC