Having dabbled for years, I’m getting more serious about the trains. This includes DCC. (Please don’t tell my bank account. It doesn’t know yet.) My club uses Digitrax Evolution Duplex, & I need the radio capability to run there; but I don’t need anywhere near that level for my home layouts, I can save ~ $100 by buying the DT500D cab and an NCE Powercab set for my home use. Could those of you who know more about these things (that’s everyone) tell me what’s wrong with my $ saving scheme?
You could also buy a Zephyr starter set and use the DT500D at home by plugging it into the Zephyr’s loconet jack.
The club makes you buy your own throttle?
I have had the Power Cab for some years at home. Nice for three sound locos when I use to run it. Easy to use. No issues.
Rich
Digitrax just discontinued the Zephyr Xtra DCS 51 and introduced the Zephyr Express DCS 52 so you should save money on a discontinued Zephyr Xtra DCS 51
Expect NCE Power Cab to be upgraded during 2019.
The NCE Power Cab is preferred over the Zephyr by some but since you use Digitrax at the club realize using a Power Cab would require learning to do things differently. There are folks whose club has Digitrax but they prefer and use Power Cab at home.
Best decision is made by you if you get some hands-on experience with the Power Cab.
RR Baron
What is the upgrade going to do for us?
NCE isn’t talking. Have to wait and see. Dunno if there will be much change int he PowerCab, seems like the bigger news is a new command station for the PowerPro. Lots of rumors, no details yet.
–Randy
You will have to wait as what is intended does not always make it into the final product.
RR Baron
Not OP but I’m also looking to get into DCC. On the other end, any systems you would avoid and why?
Well a direct bluetooth or wifi interface would be nice. At least thats my thinking.
I’m an only child, that doesn’t work for me [}:)]
Silverliner266 Avoid the DCS system by MTH. I don’t see a lot written positive about the Bachmann entry system.
We have a thread on what system to buy every 2 weeks or less. Comments that “I bought Brand A and wish I bought Brand B are pretty rare with the major starter systems.” They all have a different look and feel to them. If you don’t have a decent trains store close to you check out the youtube videos.
OTTR [#welcome] to the forum. Your first few posts are monitored and take a while to appear.
All decisions like this should be based on science and nothing else. If puppies like the one you choose then it is the one for you. [swg]
My wife is in total agreement, and concurs with your scientific evaluation. [&]
Mike.
One of my dogs ate one of the hoppers I was modifying into covered hoppers. Does this mean she approves of my modeling work?
–Randy
I had problems with my Digitrax system. Trashed it and bought NCE Power Pro.
Now I am using RailPro with the NCE system. To me, RailPro is the way to go. I wish I had found RailPro before I bought the NCE system. Most of my DCC locomotives are collecting dust.
Thanks to all for your help/advice. For Big Daddy: my club is small - 13 members (I pointed out that I brought that number to 13 & so will likely be responsible for the demise of the club) - & has a small budget. While they don’t really make me buy my own throttle, everyone has their own.