I have a bli hudson, mike and rsd15 with sound. For a first dcc at home, would the mrc express or digitrax zephr do ok with these, or even the bachman for that matter? I’m seeing write ups here and there about not enough power for this/that etc and don’t fully understand maybe what’s being talked about. I’m wanting to get dcc but want to start small and feel my way into it. Other engines to be converted after the initial dcc familiarization. Am now using mrc controlmaster X and a mrc golden throttle pack. I’m between layouts, test track only for now. Your thoughts appreciated. Thanks for sharing.
nyce4me,
I think that you have 3 serious choices and one alternative option as I will note below. The 3 serious choices are the Digitrax Zephyr, the NCE Power Cab and the MRC Prodigy Express. Any 3 of these will meet your needs with the roster you indicated and are good starter sets. If you are looking to expand significantly in the future you migh drop the MRC from the choices as it is unclear how much expansion capability it will have and MRC does not have a good track record in this regard.
The Bachmann system is a dead end for sure and very limited, but is very cheap, some ads have it for $60 odd dollars now. So it may be a viable entry system to get you started, recognizing that you may want to ditch it in a year or so for something with more features.
If I were in your shoes, I would look seriously at the 3 above and see which one takes your fancy.
I am 2 weeks ahead of you and after MUCH debate went with the Digitrax Super Chief. It cost more now, but it gave me what I wanted and I won’t have to up grade later as much. What I learned is that with DCC I want to do way more then I ever dreamed of with DC. ie I ran an old brass Seirra, a BLI with sound and a Spectrum as a triple header the first day. That was fun and I was glad I had the power. When the family comes over we will do that and run the logging branch at the same time. I didn’t even think of those things with DC.
I went with Digitrax because that is what is popular around here and having people to talk to is very useful. I have seen the others work and they seem to be fine. Be cautious about the Digitrax Empire Builder, that is not the same.
I agree with ARTHILL in principle. We all start in a modest way, usually somewhat concerned about our own knowledge base and ability (means lack of confidence), so we go “lightly”. Unfortunately, most of us end up casting many of our first purchases aside, or at least relegating them to not-often-used status. DCC control systems are right in that group. So, better to advance the spending on such an important device up front, something that can allow you to grow for some time without fear of having to toss the item due to its limitations.
A good DCC system, even after you have shopped around, is going to cost you what a good locomotive will…generally.
Gary,
You’ve been given good advice from Troy, Art, and Crandell. I just bought an NCE Power Cab. NCE decided to address the “not enough oomph for programming sound decoders” issue in program mode with their new Power Cab. I’ve had no problems programming any of my decoders with it. The review on Tony’s Train Exchange specifically tested the NCE PCs ability to program sound decoders and it passed with flying colors. Here’s the link of the review in .pdf format:
http://www.tonystrains.com/download/df-powercab-rev.pdf
Tom
Digitrax is the way to go IMHO.
The facts are:
You Should have a DCS100 Booster (this allows read and write to yout BLI,)DT400 THrottle, You can SEE what you are doing and has a full keypad, no shorthand needed,
UP5 this is what you plug into in a remote location form the main booster,
LT1 This is the tester for decoders and wires
All the above is in the Super Chief
IF you get the Empire builder you will NOT get a read write booster you will get a DB150 which is an expansion booster. Hence the name BUILDER.
I got the Radio Super Chief on line for $289.00. Which is a STEAL.
If you have not been look at www.digitrax.com and you can see what I am talking about.
Take Care
George P.
Geroge, I had never realized this, but it now makes sense. Thanks for clearing that up. Maybe I’ll get a radio controller, and get the Chief as a basis. I already have the DB150, so…
-Crandell
I’ve been into this hobby about 3 months now and was going through the same process you are. I thought about going with the MRC DCC system at first. After doing more research I went with the ARTHILL approach.
I bought an NCE Power Pro R system. If you go with a system that does more from the start you won’t be looking to expand too soon after. It was expensive but over time with not having to expand as soon I’ll save from the price of what it will cost in the future.
With this system I can walk around my layout without having to plug into a bus and if I want to expand all I have to do is purchase the items I need when I get ready. For now the basic NCE Power Pro R system will do everything I need and then some.
Now I need more rolling stock!
Bill
before this slips too far into the past, thanks again for the tips and thoughts. I’ll continue to listen and learn and one day soon I’ll come off center. Appreciate the help!