Hi guys,
I have decided to use a DCC system for my layout. I did some research and narrowed down my choices to either a Digitrax Zephyr or an NCE Powercab. The main thing I want is walkaround capability. Which one should I use for my layout?
You mention walk around capability. If your layout is small enough that the throttle will reach any portion without having to be unplugged and moved, then the Powercab will get you going out of the box.
If you will need to unplug and move the throttle, you will need to purchase either another throttle or a smart booster. With the Powercab, the throttle is also the command station and must remain plugged in for the system to function.
With the Zephyr, you will need to purchase another throttle to get the walk around capability.
In either case, it would be a good idea to consider what others in your area are using. If you go with the system that is most popular in your area, it will be easier to get assistance if you run into trouble. Another thing to consider; what are the dealers in your area supporting? Most dealers should be able to offer assistance for the systems they sell.
If you provide more information about your layout (existing or planned), it would be a bit easier to get more specific about advantages/disadvantages each system holds for you.
I hope this helps.
Vernon
Either! Both are good starter systems.
-
The Zephyr costs a little more, and ‘walk-around’ throttles are extra. But it has a computer interface capabiity built in and can be expanded. You are limited to 10 engines running at one time.
-
The Powercab is a little less power, and expansion has limits. But it does give you a corded hand-held throttle in the base unit(it cannot be unplugged in it’s base configuration).
I would ask around and see what other local modelers use. I happen to have a Digitrax system, mainly because everyone else in my area has Digitrax, as well as the club.
Jim Bernier
CP
For what its worth the Power cab is very easy to use. Probably the easyest systems out there. I have used most systems(Lenz,CVP,Digitrax) but NCE seems to be a no nonsence easy setup and program in a flash. I can put a decoder in and program the address, lighting and motor in less than a munute with out looking at the manual.
Pete
Just got back into model railroading after a 35 year hiatus. Was immediately confused about dcc. After a little reading I purchased the NCE power cab starter unit. Am by no means technically advanced, but I was running two engines on the same track the first evening. What a great up grade from when I had my last layout [early 70’s] with blocks, confusing wiring etc…NCE is fairly easy to get up and going and the track wiring is simpler, faster and easier…My new layout is about 14 feet long with the cab control in the middle and I have no problems reaching areas with attached cab. Maybe someday I’ll go wireless with radio control but right now without a government bail-out it is out of reach. Maybe I should name my railroad Citi group, AIG etc…Marges Diamond
I own both a Digitrax Zephyr and the NCE PowerCab, I can assure you can’t go wrong with either system. Both are equally easy to use and set up, programming is a breeze with both system. While I like both system I prefer the Zephyr as it is more powerful and versatile. It is my opinion the Zephyr also has a better upgradeable path.
Here are a few more questions to help you choose.
1, Will you be joining a group or model train club? If so, what do they use?
-
What does your LHS stock?
-
Do you want a computer connection right away for decoder programming?
David B
Well, for starters, my LHS stocks both. The Powercab is priced just below $200, but the Zephyr had a price increase up to $242. As for joining a club, I don’t know any in my general area. Right now I’m leaning towards the Powercab, but I’m going to be using Digitrax decoders. Will Digitrax decoders work with the Powercab? And about decoder programming, is that like adjusting CV’s?
Perhaps I should start searching around for a club…
Absolutely! Thanks to the National Model Railroad Association and their DCC Standards and Recommended Practices, any decoder will work with any brand of DCC command station as long as the decoder manufacturer complies with the NMRA standards.
I have used TCS, Digitrax, NCE, QSI, SoundTraxx, BLI, and many other brands of decoders and locomotives and have never had a problem programming any of them.
Right now Walther’s has the Zephyr on sale for $180 and it comes with it’s manual and a manual with the program codes for all Digitrax decoders at the time of printing.
Decoder programming IS adjusting CV’s.
Tony list the Zephyr at 160.00$ and the PowerCab at 150.00$
I started out with the Bachman EZ command. Nice unit but very limited.
I then switched to the Power Cab on suggestion of my LHS who uses digitrax and NCE, and gave a good demonstration of both side by side.
I’ve since switched to the power pro which is a 5 amp base unit. The nice thing is I use my original power cab as a dumb walk around throttle with full functionality. I also have a programming track that I can use the same throttle and it’s built in power supply.
My experience is to stay away from the power boosters though. I had 2 go bad within a week prompting me to switch to the pro.
The Digitrax have a much steeper learning curve but are very capable.
Whatever you decide I’m sure you’ll be happy with it.
(Big sigh…) Why do non-Digitrax users always say that?
I cut my DCC teeth at a club that used a Wangrow System One (same as NCE at the time), but when it was time to buy a DCC system I chose Digitrax for a number of reasons.
I can assure you, however, that none of those reasons were that Digitrax has “a much steeper learning curve”. In fact, I found the opposite to be true. It was easy to pick up and use, and it continues to be so.
Steve
Keep in mind that the “Learning Curve” is absolutely elimated when you have a computer connection. The learning curve is only with decoder programming. Every system has 3 steps in aquiring a loco:
-
You press “Select Loco” or “Loco” or equivilant button.
-
You input the loco’s address.
-
You press either “Enter” or “Loco” again.
That is it. How is that a “Steep Learning curve”? I just dont get it…
In FACT, because MRC doesnt offer a computer connection, THEY have a higher learning curve than Digitrax…
David B
I have been remiss in mentioning Gadget Tom. Silly name but his prices beat Tony’s even. The first couple of DCC decoders I ordered to go with my then-new Zephyr, I ordered form Gadget Tom and even though he’s located on the west coast of the US and I’m on the east coast, I got my order in 3 days. Right now he has the Zephyr in stock for $149.99 and the PowerCab for $143.99.
–Randy
What’s this about a steep leqarning curve for the Zephyr? I made no such observation. I hooked mine up and was programming the first decoder within 5 minutes. Within an hour I had 10 locos programmed. It was a snap. And that was WITHOUT a computer connection.
They also complain about the manual, but comparing the first chapter startup with the PowerCab manual they’re pretty much identical: connect wires from your track to these terminals. Make sure nothing is on the track. Plug in the transformer supplied. See if the display says this. Put a loco on the track. Push these buttons. Turn this knob - your train should move.
Granted I am a computer-oriented person and I had read the manuals for all of them long before I owned one. However, my ex father-in-law is not a computer genius, yet after I showed him how to run a loco he was easily able to runs trains without needing me there to coach him through how to use it. (I’m talking about the Zephyr here) He never attempted to install a decoder, or program them, but he had no trouble running trains. And a Bachmann EZ-DCC would never have worked, we had way more than 10 decodered locos between us. Sure you can have 4 or 5 locos all programmed on button 1, just only one on the track at a time, but that sort of defeats the purpose of having the space next to the button to write the loco name (and harkens back to the limitations of early commadn control systems with limited channels). I honestly don;t see how that’s ‘easier’ than just punching in the numbers decaled on the side of the loco.Actually it seems easier for a beginner who doesn’t know that a 2-8-2 is a Mikado and a 2-8-0 is a Consolidation and a loco with 2 or three trucks and a steam engine hanging on the side is a Shay. Sounds silly because most of us know that kind of stuff - but if I tell a rank beginner “hey, you run the Shay” I might be met with a blank stare, but if I say “Run #592” you can look for that number regardless of loco type. And sure, instead of a loco type you can write the engine number in the space on the EZDCC, etc etc.
Anyway this isn’t about EZDCC, but that somewhat illustrates the ‘ease of use’ myth surrounding DCC.
&
I know what yopu mean about the manual. I had no problem with it either. It’s fairly easy to understand, even easier if you have the controller there to work through the technique being discussed as you read it. Of course such things are rather easy for me. I was a self taught computer programmer and tech for 10 years starting back in 83 when 64k was a big thing.
I’m still trying to learn typing. Hunt and peck is very slow.
Operating my Zephyr is simple.
I guess some things are easier to learn.
Martin Myers
Talk about a learning curve. Like I have said before. The Club uses Lenz, My friend has Digitrax and I have NCE. I did not buy my Power cab on a whim. I researched it and tried them all at shows and dealers. I can do everything with the power cab that I needed to do. Lenz for at home was out of the question. Power cab and Zephyr were almost the same price. I can carry the power cab anywhere in my workshop. Zephyr is like a base station. Go to a local show and hobby shops and try the throttles in your hand. Not only program locos but set up consists and double headers. Find out how to operate accessory decoders with each system.
Pete