Is duplex radio dcc the way to go for a medium size 23’ x 35’ basement shelf layout? I am building a new layout and am considering NCE radio system vs tethered.
NCE radio throttles are also plug ins so if you need to you can plug in a throttle you have been running on raido and it will convert to the bus automatically. You will appreciate the radio control for freedom of movement on a walkaround layout that size.
I operate a 20’x20’ layout with digitrax radio control,the slight problem I have is that it doe’s not always receive the signal from the throttle,but now all I have to do is buy another receiver to place on the other side of the room and connect it to my loco-net.
I also have loco net connections about every 8’ to plug in the throttle(s) when I want to chose another loco address.
I think the issue is all about cost. I have operated on layouts with radio control and it is great to be able to walk around cable free. For my layout (17’ x 16’ N scale), however, I decided the extra cost outweighed to benefit, so I went with a tethered DCC system with memory. I am perfectly happy with my decision. It is all about what the value it to you.
Ron
n2mopac hit the nail on the head. I went with EasyDCC radio, but now that it’s time to add more throttles I’m adding tethered. I bought three tethered units on ebay for less that what one additional radio throttle would cost me. Since my layout is primarily a switching layout there’s not a lot of long distance walkaround activity. If operators follow trains over a long run the wireless throttles cut down on what some call “plug 'n chug”. That’s when the operator plugs in, watches his train go by as he stands in one spot, then runs ahead to the next plug in and repeats the process. With radio throttles operators have more of a tendency to walk along with thier train. Either way, good luck on your new layout. Enjoy.
OK first I want to giggle about what you consider a medium size layout at 23’x35’. I ranked that as a fairly big layout IMO. [:)]
I have DCC for my layout and it is a great LENZ set-100 system. I also wanted wireless for my medium layout of 17’x13’. I was ready to put my system on ebay so I could get a digitrax and get that wireless throttle. Well I instead looked into what was available for the Lenz wireless and found that for $50 I could get a cordless phone adapter and control all my trains. I was interested for sure and purchased it. AWWWWWWWWWW man!!! This is so great! I mean the cordless phone is very easy t use and give you complete wireless operations. I want to stress to you guys with the Digitrax, and NCE systems, or no system at all yet. The cordless phone is so so great and for the price lets compare.
NCE wireless throttle $200
Digitrax wirless throttle $190
Lenz Cordless phone adapter $46 + a caller Id phone $25 at Wally world.=$71
Lenz hands down takes it in my opinion. want another wireless contrller? $46 more and another cordless phone. Plug and play.
Justair look into the Lenz system too. Good luck
ABSOLUTLY GO RADIO. I don’t care which system, they are all good. I have a layout similar in size that is walk around. There is nothing more irritating than being tethered. In fact tethered throttles are banned! I love radio that much. Once you experience the freedom of radio you would never go back. The cost is not that much of a difference.
Just my opinion, I could be wrong.
I use Digitrax infrared and am very happy without any added cost as it is part of the system.
Gotta agree with Parkerlegend on the Lenz ph adaptor it’s great, cost me $95 NZ and a digital phone and I can go anywhere don’t have to point it at the receiver or anything. My layout is in the garage so I’ve got a switch on a phone connection box if the phone rings i just flick the switch and answer the call!!!
AWESOME
Ken