Best dcc

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

What do you think is the best starting out DCC sytem for the dollar. Please explain why. And what system to avoid.

2

That depends on how big of a dollar you want to spend… I’d reccomened going over to the General discussion forum and seeking out both the “choosing the best DCC system” and the “DCC Throttle Shootout” threads… Both will overload you with info. At the end of the day, all of the upper end starter systems give you about the same thing, it then comes down to interface and what you want to do with it.

Good luck.

3

Chefev,

First off: [#welcome] to the forum! Good to have you aboard! [:)]

Jeff’s points are well taken. It does depend on how much you can and want to spend on a starter DCC system, as well as what you want to accomplish on your layout. The best thing for you to do is to read and the posts that Jeff mentioned are a good start.

Here’s a list of most of the starter DCC systems out in the market:

  • Atlas Commander

  • Bachmann E-Z Command

  • Digitrax Zephyr

  • MRC Prodigy Express

  • NCE PowerCab

The last three listed will be your better systems, with the Zephyr and PowerCab vying for the top spot. The Zephyr has been around for a while and has a strong following and support system. The PowerCab was just released 3 weeks ago but received a glowing report from Tony’s Train Exchange web site. (See http://www.tonystrains.com for details.) I will most likely come down to preference.

Tom

4

If total cost is an issue, don’t forget the cost of decoders! In any event, each system from the simplest, least expensive to the top of the line all the bells and whistles system have their plusses and minus. Jeff is dead on accurate with his suggestion to do a little reading here - there are bunches of posts and threads that will give you a good start on making your own list of “need” “nice to have” “can do without” “don’t need” requirements.

Tom,

It’s been awhile, but perhaps you could list the pros and cons that you encountered with your Bachmann system.

I have the MRC PE and love it. Here’s my view of the pros and cons:

Pros: Walk around. Number of functions. Price to have a two cab walk around system (add PA throttle and booster). Feel of the thottle in my hand.

Cons: No wireless. No computer interface. Have to have PA system or PE system with PA throttle to get CV readback.

I’ve posted previously on the thought process I used in my decision. Many others have done so also with the systems they decided to purchase. Do some reading and research. There’s nothing to replace being an informed consumer.

5

Dave,

As you requested…

Bachmann E-Z Command: Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Inexpensive
  • Simple/uncomplicated
  • Farily intuitve - e.g. features well-marked, large throttle knob
  • Easy to hookup - Simple as two wires
  • Accesses 8 sound functions (F1-F8) & 1 light function (F10)

Cons:

  • NO access to CVs (configuration variables)
  • Only 28 speed steps (default)
  • 1-amp power - Still able to operate 3 newer locomotives
  • Limited expandibility
  • NO feedback or LCD screen - Use blinking LED
  • NO computer interface

That’s all I can think of at the moment. If you know the limitations up front and can live with them, the E-Z Command makes a nice, simple, starter DCC system that’s easy on the budget. No regrets for purchasing it.

Tom

6

Here’s the link to the Forum Clinic: Picking the Best DCC system. It’s a long read but well worth it.

http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=1&TOPIC_ID=49375

and Joe Fugates clinic: 12 Years experience using DCC

http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=36389

7

Tom brings up an excellent point about knowing the limitations of a system. I always thought it was neat that even with the Bachmann bashing that goes on Tom did his research and used the Bachmann for his intro to DCC with no regrets (he’s a NCE kinda guy now). There’s more than one way to do the DCC thing!

8

I’m new to the hobby as well and the MRC PE was my choice. I love it!! The features and the PRICE fit my needs perfectly. Got it for $99 at Micro-Mark.
Goodluck!

9

In considering total cost, don’t forget to account for the cost of setting your starter system aside if/when you go “full bore” and find you need something better. I personally think it’s ‘cheaper’ to spend more up front and not have to re-spend over and over.

Several of the starter systems (typically the one from manufacturers offering “full” systems too) are expandable and/or at least some components are reusable in a new system (e.g. throttles). I’d strongly consider avoiding the systems that have no upgrade path versus those that do.

For myself, that means I tend to concur with Tom - it’s a choice between Digitrax and NCE.

10

While I understand and agree mostly with kchronister’s logic about picking a more powerful or fully equipped DCC system initially, that is contingent on two things:

  1. The funds are available
  2. You have access to a system or systems, in order to try them out FIRST.

For me, neither was the case. Therefore, I did my research and settled for my initiation in the DCC world on an inexpensivd, limited but still capable DCC system. Now, after more reading and study of the subject, I can make (and have made) an informed choiced as to my upgraded system. I thank the members here on the forum for being a intergral part of that decision-making process. [:)]

Tom

11

what about the easyDCC system?

12

Tom - I actually had in mind an upgradeable system more than jumping right into a full-blown system. I had the NCE powercab in mind… Regardless, I’d certainly always say better to go with whatever than not at all! Enjoy and let us know how it goes!

13

kchronister,

Agreed. The idea of going with even a minimal DCC system like the Bachmann vs. dealing with switchers and controllers on DC was convincing enough and a no-brainer for me. [:)]

Still waiting on my PowerCab to come in the mail. The supplier said that NCE was “experiencing a problem with a packing material vendor”. [sigh] Anyhow, I guess it will come when it comes. I’ll keep you posted…

Tom

14

Kchron and Tom,

Agreed, DCC in any form sure is cool!!

While one definately needs to factor in the cost of scrapping a system for a “new and better” one like Tom did with his Bachmann to NCE switch, one should also think of the possibility of having to scrap a system because the throttles aren’t comfortable or the programming isn’t the way one likes it. This is one of the reasons I went with my MRC PE. If I decide I don’t like the way it is set up and decide to follow Tom to NCE, I’m out about $100.00. Probably a bit less as I could sell the thing on ebay or something. The Zephyer was in the running until the very final round, but I wanted walk around and to add that to the Zephyer would have busted my self imposed price cap. If I decided to go to say Lenz or EasyDCC, then I would have been out about $200. If Digitrax had a walkaround system for about $125-$150 then I probably would have gone the Digitrax route. Of course for people that don’t need the walkaround, then the Zephyer is a great system.

Of course, the cool thing about the NMRA standards is that the decoders are “reusable.” I’m sure that for most people, the decoders (especially sound ones) are the most expensive part of making the DCC switch. Thankfully we don’t have to figure in decoder brands when deciding on a DCC system. Could you imagine how difficult the decision would be then???

15

Absolutely! Command Control (not digital) has been around for years. I believe it was not technology, but standardization that kept it from becoming big. Too many guys SOL when their manufacturer quit making. Too much investment depending on one company staying with it. DCC is a great advance over Analog CC, but without standards, it would probably also be a hodge podge that would remain a ‘niche’ thing.

And speaking as someone who scrapped about $800 worth of equipment to switch to NCE from another system, simp

16

Well said, Dave & kchronister!

Tom