I am relatively new to model rairoading; having assembled a couple of pieces over the years but getting into it now in earnest as my son gets older and is starting to participate. I have 5 HO locomotives on a small layout, 3 of which are “dcc ready”; and 2 of which are older Hornby (I’m originally from Dublin, but now in New England) models which would probably be difficult to convert to DCC. I am currently running everything on DC and would like to move to DCC. I am considering having one seperate line to run my older models on DC and buying a DCC system and decoders for my newer models and run on a seperate line(s). I’d appreciate some recommendations on good starter DCC systems which would have the capability to grow. I am a software developer by trade so am not intimidated by potential complexity (actually would love to eventually connect the layout to my computer to experiment). I dont have a huge amount of money to spend so cost is a factor.
First off, [#welcome] to the forum! Good to have you aboard! [:)]
Since you are wanting to run DC and DCC on your layout, I would look at the Digitrax Zephyr. The Zephyr is a VERY good starter system and you will definitely have room to expand with it. The Zephyr can be picked up for $150-$160.
With the Zephyr, you can run one (1) DC locomotive while you run one or more DCC locomotive(s). It also comes with “jumper ports” so that you can use a DC transformer as an additional throttle.
The Zephyr also comes with the capacity for RS-232 port so that you can connect your computer to your layout. (The RS-232 port is extra.) The advantage of the port is that you can use it to program, keep track of, and store your decoder CVs (configuration variables) for each of your DCC locomotives using JRMIJMRI Decoder Pro software - which is FREE for downloading.
I have the NCE Power Cab and enjoy it very much. It’s very intuitive to use. It doesn’t have DC capability though. If you want to read a review on it, click on my web site at the link below then click on “Reviews” on the left side of the screen.
First of all to show that you are in good company, here are some of my Hornby locos (I’m from England originally) running in the US.
Some of the older ones are a real bear to convert to DCC as the frames are used to carry the current, so motor isolation can be difficult, not to mention the fact that there is no room to put even the smallest decoder. The other issue is that some of the old Hornby motors draw a lot of current. So for numerous reasons you may not want to convert them.
I have a Digitrax Zephyr and have had it for about 3 years now. I am very happy with it and use it with a PC with the optional interface. Much as I like the Zephyr, if I were looking to get into DCC today, I would give a serious look to the NCE Powercab that Tom has mentioned, and also the new MRC system. Both of these systems have the promise of a PC interface and future expansion. I don’t think you can go wrong with any of these 3 systems at this point. So take a look at the features on the web sites and see what makes the most sense to you. All are good reputable manufacturers and offer good support.
If money is a concern, the Bachmann E-Z Command might be another option for you. I had one for a year and enjoyed it very much. It’s limited, with only 1-amp total output, but you can run 2-3 locomotives with it. (Hmmm, I don’t know how the much current your Hornby locomotives will pull. That may be a determining factor.)
The E-Z Command will run one (1) DC locomotive and can store up to 9 locomotive addresses. Even though you can NOT adjust CVs with the E-Z Command, you still have 8 sound functions. I picked mine up two years ago for $53 then bought my NCE Power Cab last year about this time. I sold the E-Z Command to one of the fella here on the forum.
In January, Bachmann announced their newest endeavor into the world of DCC with the launching of their E-Z Command Dynamis DCC system at the Nuremburg Toy Fair. I don’t know if it’s been released yet but it sure looks like a very nice system. The Dynamis is very similar looking to the ESU DCC system. My guess is that it will be released in the UK first before it makes it’s trek across the pond over to the States. There was a nice speck sheet on the Dynamis system but I can’t seem to locate it anywhere. Maybe someone else has the link.
Anyhow, Baz, perhaps worth a consideration for you…and you can get one right there in the UK. [:)] Hope that helps…
Tom, Baz is living in the USA. As a Brit that has many Irish friends, including family members, I can assure you that lumping Ireland in with the rest of the UK is a sure fire way to raise some angst. There is a very good reason that they were dancing in the streets of Dublin into the wee hours of the morning last week following not just the defeat, but the utter humiliation of the English rugby team. I may have lived in the US for 20 years but got a good dose of doom-and-gloom from my predominantly British family via Skype and other communications means.
Baz: I have two of the Bachmann EZ Command control systems, one of which I’m not using. The system will work with any NMRA compatible DCC decoder. The system I’m not using consists of the wall mount power pack, control pad, track connector wire, instruction sheet and DVD.
I still think that you will be best satisfied with Digitrax Zepher. I have a large layout, so had to go to the SuperChief,with 8Amps. For a small layout, the Zepher is adequate. I wouldn’t even bother with old incompatible locos. I have some over 30 years old, and they tell me that they draw too many amps. So, invest in new locos (one at a time),with DCC installed. Good luck! Bob
Oops! [B)] Sorry about that, you two. [:I] Baz, I had forgot that you mentioned that you were from Dublin and now live here in the States in NE. I am aware of the “fondness” between the two countries - especially when it comes to playing either football (soccer) or rugby (ultimate football).
Every year Oberlin, OH (a 45 min. drive west of Cleveland) has Scotish games the 4th weekend in June. Besides the usual caber toss, highland dancing, and bag pipes competitions, there is usually a good 'ol, knock-down, drag-out, rubgy match between two or more teams. If you don’t at least have a bloody nose and scrapes over the every exposed area of your body, you either haven’t really been playing, or you’ve been warming the bench. Wow! What’s next?!? Shin-kicking contests?!? (Yea, I know about them, too.)
Digitrax systems can also be interfaced to a computer with the Locobuffer adapter from the Loconet connection. It’s a good interface and with things like XML based Decoder and Panel Pro, a programmer can extend functionality to their imagination.
Tom, Jeff did not say it came with the Zephyr. You mentioned that you can get an RS-232 interface for the Zephyr, which you can, from Digitrax. The Locobuffer is an alternative source for a computer interface. It happens to now be USB, not a serial link. Neither of them come with the Zephyr, they are both extra cost options.
Jeffery, you know better than get into a DCC discussion that is being hard sold Digitraxx and mention Bachmann! [:)]
Baz,
Before you spend your money on anything (Digitraxx), I’d suggest you read a couple of pieces of information.
First, examine the results of a poll about what other people believe is most important in a DCC system. This is available on my blog at http://wwwjoe-daddy.blogspot.com/
Despite all the Digitrax “Goliaths” here on the forum, let’s keep “slinging” the E-Z Command, Jeffrey. [:)] It’s still a pretty decent little DCC system for the price. [tup] I’m actually looking forward to seeing the Dynamis system, whenever it comes out.
Digitrax “Goliath”, now that’s a new one. I hope I wasn’t being painted with that brush but if I was, that’s OK too. I personally don’t care what system people buy. I just figure they want to be as informed as possible. I did a lot of research and chose Digitrax. Many others do a lot of research and make different decisions. Everyone has different drivers for what drives their decision. Tom’s always done a good job informing folks about the NCE systems. Others of us try to fill in the gaps and answer questions on Digitrax systems. A number of folks seem to have started purchasing the MRC systems. I am glad to see a healthy competitive market.
Yep. I never had one of the serial units but I heard some stories about reliability and packet loss due to serial overruns. I’ve had a lot of experience with serial communications and interfacing to computers so I understand the issues. The USB unit I have works very well and was easy to setup. Now if I ever get some real time to play with Decoder Pro so I can store my DCC configs, that would be nice. Of course building the layout is taking priority.
Absolutely not. It was nothing more than a tongue-in-cheek phrase meaning that the majority of DCC users here on the forum use Digitrax. I do like some of the things that Digitrax offers with their system and enjoy learning what I can.
I moved from the Bachmann E-Z Command to the Power Cab last year but I still think the Bachmann has it’s place and niche in the market. I guess I sorta have feelings for the E-Z Command like people do for their first car…[:)]
Many thanks for the welcome and all the information … that really helps to narrow down the list.
I had come quite close to buying ezCommand (you can’t beat it for price) but felt I should do some more research. Digitrax looks really popular (and I like the option to support usb) and the NCE seems very capable. Next step will be to try and get the documentation for each and then make a decision (analysis paralysis!).
For the Power Cab or Powerhouse Pro DCC systems, you can go to the NCE web page, click on “Products”, click on the sysem you are interested in, and download their manuals directly from the site. You should be able to do the same from the Digtrax web page.
