Out of these two starter sets, which one is more reliable, easier to program loco’s with, etc? I have MR’s issue that compared all of the DCC starter sets, and I have it narrowed down to one of these systems, so I just though I’d ask some of the DCC experts here.
BTW, it’s only going to control a small layout that will only run about 2-3 engines at most at one time, if that would make a difference on which system would be better.
Thanks,
Christopher
Here’s a comparison chart from TTX. EasyDCC is not included, but at least you can see the features of the Zephyr vs some other brands:
http://tonystrains.com/productcompare/dcccomparison.htm
BTW, I have the Zephyr, and am currently running 5 locos at once with no problems - three are MUed together on one train. The MU capability of the Z is great, despite the unknown status on the chart.
Besides the Z’s throttle, I have an old Athearn powerpac for a second throttle (junpport), and a UT1 for a third throttle on the loconet.
Sorry I can’t help with the EasyDCC, but if you have any questions about the Zephyr, just holler !!!
BTW, you might check out Tony’s prices for the Z.
You can’t go wrong with the Digitrax Zephyr. [:)][:D][8D][8)]
There is currently a Zephyr setup at my LHS (Happy Hobo Trains) where customers can view the benefits of DCC in action. Very easy to use, even for an electronics klutz like me! From my understanding, this system is perfect for the “average” layout modeler that operates 2 to 3 trains simultaneously. [:D]
Go for it!
The best thing to do would be, download the manuals for both and read through them. Pick the one that does what you think you want in a DCC system. Then you can wonder, for the next few years, if you made the right decision. They’re both good, but Easy DCC is not a starter system – it is a full-blown, fully expandable, fully capable system. That’s why it costs more than Digitrax.
The problem with comparisons - is the products are too new. I don’t think you will find ANYone that has had both, or tried more than one, therefor their knowlege is restricted or somewhat colored… I’m afraid all you will get is: “I HAVE brand X and am happy with it”, Which is typical of Newlyweds. While receiving modules can be intermixed, Master Sending Units do not. There lies the difference.
Tethered or wireless control?
2 digit addressing or 4?
Ease of installation?
How many speed steps?
Try the forum 2 steps down, You may strike pay dirt there. Try to find someone that has tried several systems.
You asked about CVP. It comes with 2 cabs and sells factory direct ,and Keith (the Pres.)can answer any questions about DCC. Store owners and Mail order houses are somewhat limited.
I have a friend who installed easy dcc and has had a lot of problems with thier new throttles, he has returned at least 6 of them to be repaired, they keep telling him its static in his train room, but his train room is climate controlled in summer and his heating in winter is a unvented gas (non forced air unit) heater. He is about ready to give up on them. One reason he went with easy dcc was the way you plug into the layout with the stero plugs instead of the phone jacks that digitrax uses, although I use digitrax and have not yet had 1 plug end broken. I guess I’m biased though, I have had digitrax for 4 yrs now and not had any major problems. Good Luck.
nslakediv – it sounds like your friend has not properly installed and grounded the wiring to the controller fascia jacks around his layout. If the coax cable is not properly installed, it can cause all manner of problems with the controllers.
Try all systems that you can. Then decide based on what you like and how the systems suit themselves to your style of operation. As a disclaimer to the negative post on CVP, I have Easy DCC and two of my friends also run Easy DCC. We all have had no problems and find the system easy to use and the wireless throttles to be very reliable.
Guy
EMI : Electro Magnetic Interference.
I’t a major problem with sophisticated Electronic products. Ever notice how a cordless phones fades and finds locations of static when walking.
Solutions are to find the source and make sure some things get grounded.
One major source of EMI are light dimmers. Another is motors - elevator, refridgerator, heating or air conditioning fans. Yes, and model trains. Take a TV down to your layout sometime.
I think I’ll go with the CVP system, since they use programming on the main, and are supposed to program sound decoders easier. The Digitrax Zephyr has a nice name for the railroad I model, but it has lower power and a little lower cost compared to EasyDCC, and that’s about all of the advantages it has over CVP as far as I can see.
Chris,
Hi, I don’t have any real expertise or experience personally with a DCC system BUT there is a Yahoo list which covers DCC in general. It covers ALL brands and you can ask questions and compare all of them without having your arm twisted to go with one brand over another – the moderator sees to that! I believe there are also some of the manufacturers reps on the list, too. The link for the site is:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DCC4EVERYONE/
If I ever seriously think about going DCC someday, I intend to pick some brains at this group!
Hope this helps…
Paul,
I just joined the group, haven’t posted anything yet, though.
Too bad the Atlas DCC forum is not up - you could get a lot of good info from users of many different systems there - if you want to wait 'till August!
BTW How much is the EasyDCC system? You can get a Z for $160 (TTX) - I thought the EZ was a lot more than that.
I think the EZDCC id a little under $230 list price, but the Zephyrs list price is almost $200, so really there’s not too much of a difference until you get discount prices.
By the way, does anyone know any good dealers for CVP? Could you get a EZDCC system thru Tony’s train Xchange for cheap?
I own an EasyDCC system and am very pleased with it. I’ve had it for 4 years and bought it mainly for the wireless throttle feature and have not been disappointed with the system in the least.
I have a fairly large layout (1200 feet of track in a 20’ x 50’ space) and hold regular operating sessions where we run 16 or more trains using 40+ locomotives. I model the 1980s SP in southern Oregon, and they run long trains with lots of diesel lashups.
I looked at Digitrax, NCE, and EasyDCC. I downloaded the manuals for each system and read through them. I ended up selecting EasyDCC and would be even quicker to make the same choice now 4 years later and having operated on Digitrax, NCE, and EasyDCC layouts.
Does anyone ever say their system is bad - nope. Does anyone ever say my system doesn’t do this or that - nope. So why ask which is better. Everyone is going to say my system is great, so you’re no further ahead.
Only way to determine is to try each one and see which fits your needs the best. What features are important to you, what are you going to do with it. Does each of the systems satisfy those needs? Only you know what is right for you.
CVP is sold Factory Direct. He doesn’t sell to dealers because they would add 50% to the price. He would also have to cheapen it considerably to add the dealer’s profit,…and if you were a dealer - would you ‘handle’ any product that you couldn’t make money on?
As stated here: It is a full blown system not someone’s ‘starter’ system. If your only yardstick of value is “for cheap” - or how big the discount is - that’s OK. Perhaps it’s not for you.
Perhaps.
But I have run on multiple DCC layouts using Lenz, Digitrax, NCE, and EasyDCC. And for what I model (1980s SP, long trains, and diesel lashups), wireless EasyDCC is one of the most feature rich, easy-to-use, and reliable systems out there.
So I have tried most of the “biggies” and I chose EasyDCC. I also downloaded and read manuals, plus I talked with owners of the other systems before making my choice.
But if you are still not sure, get yourself invited to layout op sessions and try each of the systems. Or pay for a few days at a National Convention and go to the train show (the one is Seattle is this weekend).
At the train show you can walk around and talk to all the vendors, try out their systems, and learn all you need to know in a single weekend.
Or talk to others who have tried the other systems. Or all of the above!
Allright, time to clear a few things up.
Clinchvalley-Good point, only 1.No other modelers that I know of around here 2. no nearby DCC experts or hobby shops that sell all DCC systems. And by the time I go to another train show that would have DCC equipped layouts, I will already have whatever system I choose to buy.
Don Gibson-As I said before I have it narrowed down to either the Easy DCC or the Zephyr system, right now I believe I am going with CVP, I just asked if there was anywhere you could get it at discount prices as “icing on the cake”, or getting the system for under $230.
I think you’ll be happy with either, or most any of the others, as long as you do your homework first. I’ve had EasyDCC since 1998 and it does whatever I ask it to. The Digitrax throttles of that era (1998) were not good, but they have improved since. The one drawback to Digitrax is you have to plug in the wireless throttles to acquire a locomotive. Which means if you go with a wireless system YOU STILL HAVE TO PUT JACKS ON THE FASCIA. With most of the other systems, including EAsyDCC, wireless means WIRELESS. Whatever you choose, enjoy it; and let us know how it goes.
Ed