Could someone point me to what they feel is a good comparison of the various DCC systems available? I am starting a smallish (10’x2’ + <2’x<4’ staging) n-scale switching layout (modern) and I want to control a couple of switchers and possibly a road engine. I’m pretty sure I want to go with DCC instead of DC. I’ve read through some of the principles of DCC so I have a little understanding - but probably not enough to make an informed decision on what to get.
By the stats, the Digitrax Zephyr starter kit looks like it’d be sufficient but does anyone recommend another brand/system? I wanted to go ahead and pick up enough to get started playing around this weekend with some temporary track mounted on a board and an engine or two. I actually have a bit of budget and I’d like the system to be expandable later when I build a bigger layout (or should I just plan for obsolescence?) For instance, I don’t need wireless throttles now but someday I might want them. It’s not clear to me that you can add them to Zephyr but maybe I’m missing it.
[edit]I should note that I have seen a chart from 2002 but at least some of the information there is out of date - and frankly I don’t understand all of the features yet anyway. http://www.mrsonline.net/html/comparison_chart.htm (hope posting links is okay)[/edit]
And, second, I was wondering if anyone would consider offering suggestions on the best track manufacturer/code to use with n-scale? I picked up a piece of MicroEngineering flextrack and a #4 left and right turnout just to play with a few years ago. I like the looks of it but I know the black-tie stuff can be weathered to look just as good so maybe that’s not important.
Sorry for the basic questions I’m back to the hobby after many years and, though I’ve been trying to catch up for a couple of months
Thanks for the link…I’ll read it. Odd, thought I’d looked for it here. Sorry to have missed the obvious one. The more I look at the Digitrax catalog the more I’m drawn to the Super Empire Builder even though I probably don’t need it now. I imagine that fancy looking throttle is removing clear thoughts from my head. The power supply (not included) seems awfully overpriced though. I have a bench powersupply that I paid a lot less for - have to see if maybe that’d work.
M
The two DCC systems that consistently come up for situations like yours are the Digitrax Zephyr and the NCE PowerCab. Sometimes the MRC systems get into the discusion, but I think in many peoples minds they are suffering from not doing it right at first, and consistently poor decoders (the decoders are not required to use their system, but the quality problem with the image is there). I’d go to the Digitrax and NCE sites, and read the manuals for eachm, and see how they feel.
As far as track goes, Micro Engineering has a very good reputation, and you get to pay for it :)! Atlas code 55 looks really good, and is cheaper. The difference between that and code 80 is considerable.
You might also consider the MRC Prodigy system. There are a few members of the group I’m in that use it on their own layouts rather than the Digitrax the club uses, and they say it is easier to understand and use.
If you were thinking of the Super Empire Builder I would spend the extra 100 bucks and get the Super Chief system instead. Its a better system and you can read CV’s with it. The Zephyr is a great starter system and will easilly handle what you want to do. Its expandable, very easy to use for MOST PEOPLE and later on if you decide you want to go with a bigger system then you can still use it as a throttle so its not money wasted. With the dollar being where it is, 1.06 US, now is a great time to buy one.
I have the SEB, but it is an old system, and I would advise you to look at the Zephyr with booster if you need more power, or get the Super Chief. You can’t read the currently programmed value in any of the CV’s typically manipulated by most users with the SEB. Not so with the Z or Chief.
You most definitely do want the DT 400 throttle, and you many find that you’ll want/need a second if you have buddies over to play with your train set or layout. Each throttle has two knob encoders high up on the face that allow you to control two engines simultaneously. If you are highly adept, you could even control four engines at one time by recalling others in a stack kept in memory, but that is for other than humans…or most of us, anyway.
If only I were in Canada I’m in the U.S. Vancouver, in WA across the river from Portland, OR. I think your Vancouver is nicer though
Thanks for all of the advice guys. I read through a lot of the thread given above and it was good to get a handle on the key issues and see what some people’s experiences have been. Will check out the comparison link above.
After reading over the manuals from Digitrax last night I agree about skipping Super Empire Builder. I’d rather have the Super Chief but I don’t really need it at this point so Zephyr’s probably my best Digitrax bet. I looked over MRC and others last night and wasn’t all that impressed. Going to check out the comparison, finish the thread, and ask my LHS guys and then try to make a final decision.
On track I looked over my samples last night (Atlas code 80 flex and switch and ME switches in a couple of different codes). The ME code 55 sure is nice looking stuff and the switch action is really nice. I’m going to see if my LHS has Peco code 55 so I can check that out as well. Looks like Atlas has code 55 now - not sure they did back when I picked up these samples.
Hmmm. Well that might help “decide” me. One of the things I don’t so much like about the looks (haven’t touched one yet) of the Zephyr is the throttle and the fact that it’s mounted to the box. Since a DT400 is $179 separately, that and a Zephyr already nears the price of a Super Chief - and, with a booster it exceeds it.
What about powering? Can I just use a bench power supply (assuming it can deliver 15VDC at 5A?) Digitrax’ recommended PS515 is only $50, not bad, but have a supply similar to their PS2012 20A system that I could press into service. Anyone used a non-Digitrax supply?
As long as the power supply is AC (the Digitrax power supply is not included in the SEB price, and it is AC, not DC) and cannot inadvertently exceed the maximum rated input for the system you eventually use, you should be fine with something handy.
Note that my SEB base unit, what is called a DB 150, has a selector toggle to set the track output voltage you want for the scale you are using. I believe, but am not positive, that most systems provide for voltage selection to the track.
It seems you are right…I have not looked for this information since my experience is only with the SEB. I know that the power supply for the Walthers Indexed Built-up turntables will accept either AC or DC, within specifications, so I am guessing that this may be the case here…I would urge you to call Tony’s and find out for sure. All I do know for sure is that the power supply that Digitrax, themselves, offered me two years ago is the one I described, with AC only.
Call them…they’re nice folks, very helpful, and of course most knowledgeable. Maybe you wouldn’t mind posting what you find here for my edification? [:D]
I found even with a small layout that a walk around throttle is great. Whatever system you decide on, I would make sure it either comes with or you purchase additionally, a walk-around throttle.
If you want a handheld throttle, you should take a good look at the Powercab. It comes with a 7’ flat cable which would be good for a 10’ layout length. I doubt if it could be radio.
Trackwise, I run Kato Unitrack in N. I would not recommend it for a permament layout that large with DCC.
