First I would like to thank those who responded to my last post! The layout isn’t mine, and I needed to see if my “fix” was viable.
Meanwhile, I am a veteran of DC…and in process of building a new layout. The more I read about DCC systems on the market, the more confused I get. Whose is best for the midsize home layout…multiple engine lash-ups, soem older engines t o convert, etc.
I would focus on what YOU are trying to do, and pretty much ignore babble about things that don’t matter to you.
Because the DCC track signal is a standard, any decoder should work with any DCC system. So converting older locomotives has nothing to do with selecting a particular DCC system.
This is a “new” layout. Will you be using DCC from the very beginning, doing a combination of DC and DCC for a while (gradual conversion), or converting to DCC all at once at a later date? This will drive how much of a DCC system you have to have at a particular point in time.
There is no “best” DCC system. There is a system (or systems) you prefer for various reasons - some logical, and some more of a personal preference. Your priorities for DCC (walk-around or central control, cost, expansion to include signaling and/or turnout control, compatibility with JMRI, compatibility with friends or club, a particular style of consisting, wireless, etc) may also lead you to a particular system.
I would list in priority order what features matter to you. Post that list, along with operating parameters (how many operators, how many simultaneous engines and trains, etc) and DCC users can give you a better feel as to how the system(s) they are familiar with can meet your situation.
Fred W
i have a small layout. I chose to use DCC to avoid all the block wiring issues
almost all DCC controllers and decoders from different manufactures are compatible.
Mine is best…
Sorry, but No DCC controllers are compatable from one manufacturers system to another manufactures system. Only DCC decoders are compatable between systems.
Actually, gandydander19, that’s incorrect. Lenz and CVP’s EasyDCC throttles are compatible. In fact, many Lenz users in the USA use CVP radio throttles since Lenz does not make them.
And, technically, if you set up a PC to talk to different layout systems and you use the right software, you can use a smart phone as a throttle on any layout. It means lugging around a laptop and plugging it in to any layout you visit, but it could be done.
Paul A. Cutler III
You are right. I wasn’t trying to say that you can use different types of controllers on the same layout, but that you can use a particular brand of controller (e.g. NCE) with different brands of decoders.
Welcome to the forums.
There several good basic systems, as noted above. Also mentioned is how you plan to use it makes some difference, walk around or control panel. Look at the literature on each, see which appeals to you. If you can, get a little hands on experience to get the feel of a handheld. They are different sizes and shapes and some folks prefer one, while others like a different one. Expandability is another thing to look at. Will your children, grandchildren, wife, neighbor or someone else want to join you? You would need a second set of controls. Expandability should also consider increasing power for your system. (Power needed is determined by the number of locos, locos with sound and accessories you run, not so much the physical size of the track plan.)
A question I was asked when shopping was, “what do others near you have?” If there is a club or operating group in your area, you can often take your controller and join them or they can come enjoy your layout. It also gives you a good source of hands on information close by. Even if you don’t plan to participate or have others visit, having someone close by to physically show you, is a great asset.
Good luck,
Richard
I’m no seasoned expert, and even I can tell you that the criteria you list is not really relevant to who’s is best. They are all pretty much the same in that regard.
What I would ask is, how big is “midsize home layout” If you would use a tethered throttle to operate your layout in DC, you’ll probably want to do the same in DCC. The NCE system comes with its command station and throttle located on a 7 foot cable that is tethered to the power “supply” that attaches to fascia. The Digitrax and other systems command station and basic throttle are stationary, they look more like a standard DC power pack.
You can always buy tethered throttles, or even go wireless with each system, but the NCE system may be more versatile right out of the box if you walk around the layout as you operate.
There is no “best”. I believe you are getting into analysis paralysis. Our club studied them trying to find the “best” for almost a year. Finally we realized we just had to choose one and go with it.
I would say look at the systems throttles and choose based on the one that “feels” the best in your hand. First hand I can say you cannot go wrong with a CVP, Digitrax, Lenz, NCE (power or pro). Second hand I understand Prodigy Advanced and Zimo are excellent as well. I consider my primary system to be a Lenz with CVP wireless throttles. Were I buying a new one today I would probably go with a CVP easy-DCC wireless.
My experience, my latest layout is small, about 50’ of total mainline run, about 100’ of total track, I wired it using the method for DCC, with main bus and feeder wires, but also divided it into blocks, with both rails insulated, and added the feeders accordingly. My previous layout used blocks and cab control, so I used the Atlas controlers left over from this layout. I started out using DC, but as I added more DCC locos, either factory or wired with decoders, I eventually have gone over to using DCC only. The locos I have that are not DCC, have been wired with the harness and dummy plugs, so I run them on DCC.
What I like, and use, with the DCC, is the ability to have a train on the main, running, and still being able to switch the yard and industries. I even bring the switcher out on the main, while moving cars, and get it done and out of the way, in time for the main line train to pass. I think this is the coolest part, and to be able to have a local follow the main line train, to the siding, for switching industries. It’s just totally awesome to be able to run multiple locos, without the hassle of using cab control.
I use the Digitrax Super Empire Builder, with the DT400 throttle, and the DP150. I’m the only operator, and as of yet, not involved with any club, although I would like to explore that option, and try an “operating session” on a club layout. My layout is not big enough for anything like that.
Good luck in your choice.
Mike.
In that case, mine is bester. [:P]
Oh, yeah? Mine is bestest!!
LOL
Your move, David.
No, mine is better!
Mine is best times N to the n-1
Thanks for playing, boyz’ngirls. [8-|]
Sigh…I give up and will go with DC blocks…move over Sheldon.
I believe that N to the +1 power beats N to the -1.
Well, since N is just an arbitrary number…
If my N is 5 and your N is 4, I win. LOL.
–Randy
My system is the finest, greatest, foremost, preeminent, premier, supreme, par excellence, unrivaled, second to none, without equal, unsurpassed, peerless, matchless, unparalleled, optimum, optimal, ultimate, incomparable, ideal, perfect.
Rich