I am currently building a new 12x16 layout and was planning on re-using my Atlas DCC. But after reading some of the postings i’m contemplating switching to another brand. My question then would be which DCC is a better upgrade and will any other brands support the Atlas factory installed decoder in my Atlas locos? I will basically be the only operator on my layout I really don’t forsee any operating sessions in the future.
Any input would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you in advance
Sean
Any brand of DCC system will support the Atlas dual-mode decoders, and most any other brand of decoders, provided the system and decoder are NMRA DCC Standards compliant; and nearly every decoder on the market today is compliant.
P.S.: Why don’t you go back and delete the other two messages you created with the same subject line as this one.
My first question would be, what don’t you like about your Atlas system? The upgrade that’s “better” is the one that addresses that issue. Depending on what/why you want to upgrade, you may be able to use Lenz components (Lenz manufactures the Atlas system). As cacole mentioned, decoder compatability shouldn’t be an issue.
Steve
If the Atlas works, use it until you can up grade to a good radio set with more than one controler, like Digitrax(the one I have figured out). You will run more than one train with more than one engineer, when friends can each walk around the layout with their own train. You will eventually have 4 or five at a time. I had a cub scout group over on my small layout and in 10 minutes had four trains going. The kids had a blast.
My opinion is that to upgrade to less is a waste of money.
Steve has a good point. If the Atlas system satisfies your needs, then why upgrade? Use the money saved on that new layout. Along the same thought - you may want to postpone any DCC upgrade while working on your new layout. The layout itself may help you identify what needs a new DCC system will have to address.
Dave
I was in a similar situation. I got some good advice from Ken in New Zealand which was to keep my Atlas Commander and when ready to upgrade get the Lenz Set 100 and then use the Commander as an extra throttle. I’m so glad I did this as Lenz is a very fine system.
Don’t know what your scale is or your future plans and desires, e.g., sound, consisting, number of trains running at the same time, etc. Actually the Commander is a very fine system for what it does. At 2.5A it can probably run whatever you need to. But for all the great features that DCC offers, upgrading can really make it more fun.
The Lenz system can give you just about anything you may desire, such as a cordless throttle (using a cordless phone), radio control (using an Easy DCC throttle), extra tethered throttle using the Set 90 throttle, computer interface for great programming methods, etc. Plus a 10 year warranty.
For a good description of what Set 100 can do you can check this site:
http://www.mizelltrains.com/ProdDisplay.asp?Prodcode=LENZ60100
If you do go Lenz, definitely get the Set 100 instead of the Set 90 as the 100 throttle is terrific for control, decoder programming and consisting. The Commander throttle still gives you knob speed control if you like that for certain condtions.
One other point regarding the Atlas Commander. Even if you want to get into sound, you can still use the Commander for awhile. It only has five functions (headlights plus Functions 1 thru 4) but I’ve found that with sound I mainly use only the lights, bell and horn so the Commander works fine for these.
Even on my one steam engine I only use the five functions.
One problem might be in trying to mute or turn off sound in some engines if you’re running several at once. Most people want to do this as it’s very annoying to have too much sound going at one time. Most of my decoders use Function 8 or 12 to do this.
Maybe there would be some way to program certain CVs to turn off the sound. Someone else may know if this is possible. But I think you would have to do this on the Progamming Track on the Commander and that could be a little inconvenient. You could call Lenz to see what the possibilities are.
Most interesting comments as I am in an identical position except I model in N.Does the 100 programme and consist better than the 90? I am wanting to be able to access CV5 and 6 which I cannot do at present.thanks.
The Set 90 will program everything that Set 100 does except for assembling what Lenz calls Double Headers (2 locos only). Of course they both do MU consisting for any number of locos.
From what I can tell, and from what others have said, the Set 100 has a bigger and better display, and the programming procedures are more easily understood and followed. I’ve heard many recommend starting with Set 100 and adding the throttle only from Set 90 should you want another tethered walk-around throttle.
You can daisy chain LA152 ExpressNet outlets around the layout for plugging in the tethered throttles.
I’m not sure, but when you switch back and forth between locos, the Set 90 throttle may not pick up the same speed that a locos is running at and you may have to adjust the speed control knob to find the same speed. Maybe someone else can verify whether or not this is so. Set 100 will capture the exact speed that every loco is running at.
Or, for an extra throttle, you can go wireless with the Lenz cordless phone throttle option. The XPA ExpressNet Phone adapter cost about $50 plus an inexpensive cordless phone.
Also, note that Set 90 only allows Functions F1 thru F8 whereas Set 100 allows F1 thru F12. Of course both do F0 for headlights.
If you want more Lenz info you can go to http://lenz.com/index.htm