I started with a Bachman DCC system I got for Christmas a couple of 5 years ago. I had an HO train set and thought DCC was cool. I bought a Bachman Booster and facia plates After a couple of years and more time I upgraded to a NCE Power Cab and used the Bachman Booster. About the same time I started N scale. I purchased an MRC Prodigy Express for the N scale. I then bought a Digitrax Zephyr but returned it as I did not like the cryptic LED display. (…at the time I did not know what routing or consists were) I wanted more so I bought the MRC Prodigy Advance 2 for the N scale. I bought a USB interface and used MRC’s software. Last year I got rid of the Bachman booster and bought the NCE SB3a booster for the Power cab for my HO in the basement. I am toying with the idea of selling the MRC Prodigy Advance 2 and getting the Super Chief or Empire Builder[8-|] for the N scale. I like the hand held throttle and I like Digitrax’s website. I like learning new systems. When I was younger I played with all computer Operating Systems (Windows, Unix, BSD, Beos, Linux, Mac).
Like you, I was hesitant on going DCC. But since I was in the process of re-building a layout, I figured it would be a good time to check it out. My first purchase was the Bachmann EZ Command and a Bachmann DCC loco. WOW, what a new dimension DCC brought to my “trainland”! Through the learning curve, I found out that Bachmann decoders are limited, so I bought a Digitrax decoder for an Athearn conversion. The “poison” was in my system forever.
To take it to the next “high”, I began researching and learning about sound decoders. Not only did I upgrade my command station to Digitrax Zephyr, I purchased a Soundtraxx Tsunami and installed it in one of my older locos, giving it a new life. I now have 4 locos with sound (all my own conversions), 1 with DCC motor only and plan on converting the remaining 7 to sound. Oh, did I mention I have an Athearn SD70Ace/DCC/Sound, NS Heritage with the Penn Central paint scheme pre-ordered?
With my current “re-structuring”, I will be installing Digitrax UP5’s and DT402’s for my around-the-room layout.
I have not looked back since and don’t foresee “detox” anytime in the future…[swg]
Since you already have the NCE power Cab system and have added the SB3a booster, you can add the wireless components without going to the NCE Power Pro 5 amp system.
I would sell everything else except the NCE items. I would then consider getting another NCE system for the N scale layout. That way you would be able to interchange the throttles between the two systems. To my way of thinking that makes things easier.
If you haven’t done JMRI (Java Model Railroad Interface) yet, I would strongly suggest you try it! It sounds right up your alley!
JMRI does not work with MRC (they won’t publish their API), but JMRI does work with NCE, Digitrax, Lenz, and others. With JMRI and a wifi network, you can use free apps on Android & IOS devices as wireless throttles. JMRI makes programming decoders so much easier too. The best part is JMRI is free!
There is a lot of synergy in settling down to one system, no matter which one it is. My personal preference is NCE because of the Pro/Power Cab and Cab06 throttles. Sharing throttles (wireless or tethered/walk-around) between layouts saves funds for other toys.
Digitrax’s Loconet has an awful lot going for it (except the throttles, IMHO), especially when it comes to signaling and/or transponding, but you don’t have to give up NCE and their throttles to use it. Just set up a stand-alone Loconet bus using a PR3 or similar Loconet/computer interface, and hook up the Loconet accessories. Then you can use JMRI to tie the two systems together.
Ah, you noticed that. It does help to be rather computer literate if using Digitrax. I’m not, so find NCE a much easier system to use and much more intuitive.
I would obviously recommend the NCE Wireless PowerPro command station. Not cheap, but the wireless is now virtually faultless.
One thing I wondered: Why different systems between HO and N? Maybe that’s just part of your helplessness against buying new DCC systems? but that does sound like it could get expensive!
Yes it is all part of my disease. I saw someone with the MRC system and I wanted it. I still like the throttle with the large LCD printout. If I chose all NCE I am afraid all the Digitrax people would laugh at me. I visited the NCE factory from the outside in Webster. Webster NY is very charming. JMRI looks like it could be fun. My wife is very understanding but she cannot help me with my issues.
If I went all NCE I could use the wireless throttles upstairs and downstairs. I never thought of that before. Sometimes, I guess the answers are right before our eyes.
I am afraid DCC has become a hobby within a hobby. You could probably call us DCCers control freaks.
Going with the NCE system on both layouts would be cost effective and also a little fun with some cross talk between layouts. A closed camera system could be used to operate both layout at the same time.
That’s OK, if you choose Digitrax, we NCE folks will laugh at you! [;)]
Seriously, both systems are fantastic, but they do have different strengths and weaknesses. Don’t choose one because someone else likes or dislikes it (even me). Choose one because its what you like, and does best what you want to do. All we can tell you is why we chose one system over the other. You get to decide whether our reasons are the same as yours.
The best part is that the user communities of each are eager to help out, whichever you choose.
Sorry, hate to break it to you but you don’t have it bad at all. Why are you selling them? I have two MRC command 2000 systems with the walk around control, a Lenz Set-01 with CVP wireless throttles to go with it, a CVP system also with wirelss, a Digitrax Zephyr, and an NCE Pro-R. All of them (except the MRC of course) have computer interfaces, and I have several programming track boosters for programming the sound units. In addition I have two Railcommand systems also with CVP wireless throttles and computer interface, and multiple PFM sound systems. THAT is an addiction.
I could not stand to have people asking about systems that I had no knowledge of.
In Rehab they tell us to relate to the feelings and not to compare.[:)] Sounds like you have spilled more DCC on your shirt than I have consumed DCC in my lifetime.[;)]
Nothing is wrong with the system. Happy to sell it to you for $200 with the USB interface. I think I will buy the NCE Wireless ProCab for downtstairs and bring the PowerCab with SB3a upstairs for my N scale.
And when you want to add detection and signals to your layout using Digitrax products on your NCE system, ask me, because I have done it and got it working.