I see it is ony about $100, curious as to how it compares to MRC Prodigy. Its easy to assume the low price may indicate it’s too simple and not have many features
I do believe that it is made by Lenz. Strictly conjecture, though about features. I suspect that like Atlas, they have rebadged the Lenz entry-level system as their own. The upside of that would be compatibility with the Lenz accessories like the XPA wireless adapter and such.
I’ve not yet tried it, though I’ve heard a few “trade” reports about it from friends in the know. Apparently it can handle up to 8 locos, including one analogue, and it can accept a normal DC powerpack as an extra throttle unit. It is indeed made by Lenz and supposedly has the option of using it as a slave throttle unit if you later upgrade to their more advanced systems.
I have a bunch of locos with Decoders from Digitrax in them, Would it be able to run those locos? I have a small layout, so I don’t really need a huge system.
Wholesale trains is offering the Bachmann DCC system for $53.29, or for about $78 with a decoder equipped loco. The loco’s look like the inexpensive Bachmann standard line, but for the extra $25, I think it would make a great test piece. Still, it’s hard to choose something when noone has tried it yet.
The advertisements seem to indicate that this unit will handle no more than 10 separate locomotives or possibly consists. This could be a severe limitation to anyone with a decent sized collection.
For $54 what does one expect ? You want features , spend the money. Everyone on a limited budget will be happy – ? Hopefully[%-)]
Yea, but is that at one time or total addresses? The Digitrax Zephyr system is also limited to 10 active locos, but can handle any number you have addresses for. That’s proably more than enough for 1 or 2 operators at a time; if you need more operators at the same time, you probably won’t be looking at entry-level DCC systems anyway. The new Bachmann system is probably the same.
Besides, I can’t imagine trying to run 10 locos at the same time all by myself – I’d be spending more time throwing switches to make sure they don’t collide than actually enjoying running them. [:)]
I agree that trying to run ten locomotives at once would be impossible, but the advantage of DCC is to be able to mix and match locomotives with different operating characteristics. You might want to “operate” only one or two locomotives at a time, but the ten locomotive limit means that you can have no more than ten locomotives “parked” (idle, but with the headlight(s) on) on the layout at a time.
Remember, a DCC layout is powered at 12 volts all the time. Any additional locomotive on the layout beyond the ten unit limit will have to be dummys unless you want the locomotives to run solo at full speed on a circle of track. Then you will not have to worry about throwing switches.
Well, I don’t know, but I think for the average home layout, 3 or 4 engines in operation and 6 idling somewhere are still a lot.[:)] And the rest can be sitting in storage yards with the power off.
Besides, I just checked with my Zephyr system, and even if you dispatch a loco to release it from the throttle, the lights stay on in the last mode chosen as long as it’s sitting on a powered track (at least with an Atlas Master engine and an older engine with a Digitrax decoder). So the 10 loco limit doesn’t seem to prevent you from having idling engines with their headlights on and not in the throttles queue.
of course you can when you using DCC, you need a interface (like the LI100 from Lenz), a Computer and a proper software program, (like Railroad &Co or Layout Commander ect.).
Divide your layout in blocks with occupancy detectors and you’re ready to run… Or even only watch since the computer can handle all trains if you want it to do so.
Well ten trains you’re probable need an extra power station to though… and a lay-out big enough to create blocks for ten trains. [:D]
But it is possible now a day to operate a large lay-out by yourself.
Krgds
Cor
The latest NMRA mag had a review of the system. They rate it very high and easy to use for a smaller layout.
It conforms to NMRA Standards (per the review in Scale Rails, The NMRA publication) there should be no problem.
Does anyone have it available for purchase yet? Wholesale trains still has it listed as pre-order.
Sounds to me like it just got easier to get into DCC. And that ain’t bad.
Mark
My LHS had two of them for sale as of last Thursday.
My only concern with these ‘simple’ inexpensive systems is, what about the future? If you currently have a small layout that fits withint he parameters of such a simple system, and plan to never expand beyond that, great, it should work fine. But if you need to expand, and the system can’t, it’s that much money down the drain (sure you can probably resell it…).
For this reason, I went with a Digitrax Zephyr. Right now I am building an 8x12 Ho layout that will accomodate 2, maybe 3 operators tops, so the Zephyr has plenty of power. However, eventually I will fill up my 25x50 L shaped basement space with a layout that I am planning on handling 4-5 operators, at least. I will need a larger system. Well, I can keep adding equipment to what I have and never throw away or resell the original Zephyr system. When I need ore amps but no more locos, I can add a booster. When I need more than 10 locos as well, I can added the DCS100 command station and the Zephry becomes a throttle in my system. The 2.5 amps of the Zephyr will be plenty of power to run a whole lot of Tortoise switch motors and so will become a dedicated power source for stationary decoders once my layout reaches that point.
It’s only $53!! I would bet most of you have ruined at least that much in rolling stock experimenting with paint and weathering. The good thing, if this system operates well, is everyone can afford it. A big difference between $53 and $350.
I think the next step-up is more like $150 to $175 for the Zephyr and the new MRC advanced system. These will be 3x better as far as functionality and use go.
Enduringexp. I agree with you. The Bachmann DCC seems to be an good way to experiement somewhat long term with DCC - then decide if DC was better. Of course if I had a 20 by 40 foot layout with a couple of dozen engines running, then I’d probably go another route. The good thing is that it is DCC. So if you decide to trade up, the decoders you had already installed would stil be usuable. Trade up or return to DC, I’m sure you could sell the thing for at least $20.00 on ebay or a swap meet. Makes for a pretty inexpensive way to experiement with new technology. Heck taking the family to a movie on a Saturday night costs more!
How much rolling stock have I messed up? Not counting those that I accidently sat on, dropped etc. just a tad more than $53.00. I WISH! lol