Anyone have any feelings – pro and con – about NCE DCC Systems? I’m trying to narrow down all the options about the different products out there…Thanx in advance…
Joe,
Here’s a link that may be helpful:
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=59491
It primarily talks about the new PowerCab and some issues but the Power Pro is mentioned, as well.
Hope you find it helpful.
Tom
Also look at this by Joe Fugate:
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=49375
Have it, love it.
My decision boiled down to two factors:
- Throttle design & use. The throttle is your “interface” to the system. I think it’s the single most important element in whether you like the system or not. It’s also the most subjective and personal factor. What I like, you may hate… and that’s fine. Here I’d suggest you make every effort to use each system you consider… or at least get an actual system throttle in your hand and mentally go through what functions would require - acquiring a loco, programming a decoder, throwing an accessory function, etc.
I find the NCE throttle the best. Easy to use, intuitive buttons labeled as what they are, easy to program, etc.
Digitrax was close second, a little less intuitive, more to ‘remember’ as to how to do a function, program, etc.
Had a Lenz system with both -90 and -100 throttles, was unhappy with both. Not at all intuitive, especially the 90, which lacks even a numeric keypad. Way too many keystrokes to perform many common functions.
- Wireless. During the selection process, I had absolutely no question I wanted wireless (and I was right, I love it). I believe most people discount their possible desire for wireless too much. Having had it, I’d get it even for a 4x8!
My current NCE system can do anything wireless it can do plugged in. My current layout is 30’ x 30’ and I get no dead spots or signal problems whatsoever. I’ve never had more than one plug-in point on a layout and rarely use the one I have.
DT wireless on the other hand, didn’t work for me because there are many things you can not do wireless, starting with acquiring a loco! DT uses a simplex (one-way) system; i.e. the throttle can’t receive data from the system, only send… The fact that you must plug in to acquire a loco with Digitrax was a deal-breaker for me.
Lenz wireless option is a cellphone, or buying the EasyDCC throttle that costs darn near as much as the
Thanx much guys…all very helpful info…
JoeC
Ditto about the quality and usefulness of the PowerPro.
I’d like to add that I bought mine several years ago on the advice of Tony’s. About 2 years ago, NCE came out with a new version – many improvements. I figured, well, I can’t justify a new one, even if it’s really all that good. Then I was astonished that I could upgrade my system for $5! New chip, easy install, clear instructions. That can’t have covered their handling! I spent an extra $15 to get a whole new printed manual (and it’s a good one, by the way).
Others may be as good, and yes, pick one that’s comfy for you, but you sure can’t go wrong with NCE.
the NCE is just like buy a cadilac. My wife got me one for christmas and i use it every day.
Something else to think about is, what are others in your area running? They have the experience and would be able to help you over the steep learning curve.
Also you would have the same keypad and would be able to use it at others layouts during operations! Or others would be able to use their keypad on your layout. Thus eliminating a big expense on your part of having to supply a large quantity of keypads so everyone can operate!
Just a thought!
BOB H – Clarion, PA
Something worth noting here… The Digitrax systems throttles can’t access addresses wirelessly on purpose. This wasn’t some wierd bug they forgot to work out before shipping the product… [;)]
The decision to do this was based solely on club use where non-native throttles would be introduced into the system all the time, and is of course limited to the one way nature of the system architecture. If wireless throttles were allowed to access locomotive addresses without being plugged in first, the newly introduced throttle would start operating things on the layout (assuming there was an address match). I have no idea how NCE manages to deal with this problem (maybe they didn’t), but as I operate at several Digitrax clubs I’m happy this safety feature is present… [:D]
In keeping with the topic however, I really like the look and features of the new Power Cab and may pick one up to play with!
Jeff
Jeff
I’m leaning more to buying the power cab for the reasons above and also that the power supply can be switched from 120 to 230 volts.This saves me from having to buy a seperate suitable power supply here in oz
Another viewpoint might say that it’s simply rationalization for the fact that DT is still hawking a 10+ year old system that can’t do wireless loco acquisition, because it’s a one-way system while the other contenders are all duplex.
I would certainly buy the ‘safety feature’ argument a lot more if DT did have two-way wireless and still chose to disable wireless acquisition… (I’d also bet some serious $$$ that when/if they do come out with a duplex system, it’ll have wireless acquisition, but that’s another matter)
So while you may appreciate the so-called ‘safety feature’ (as you have every right to), for me it’s a deal-breaker pure an
This is absolutely correct, but remember the NCE 2-way wireless products weren’t available until 2002, and the first generation of that system is an absolute nightmare from what I’ve been told and read. The second generation shipped in 2005 and is a considerably better product again from what I’ve read and been told by people who have the system. I’m still uncertain how the NCE system deals with addresses left on the throttles when a new throttle is introduced to the layout. I read the information on the RBO2 briefly and it doesn’t even mention this issue, but does talk about a layout ID which can be changed. Again, I still don’t know how this would effect the problem addressed by the method employeed by Digitrax.
On the other hand, Digitrax has had wireless operation since the 90’s, and remember all Digitrax throttles are wireless using IR. This is a very inexpensive way to add wireless control to a Digitrax DCC system (this is unavailable on any other system that I’m aware of), and of course IR is one-way (hence the architecture used). Besides, two-way radio communication is just around the corner for Digitrax users… [:D]
I actually have a good friend who just purchased an NCE Pro system and is using the wireless functionality, so I will have to go over and check it out for myself!
Jeff
Like my sig line says, NCE-DCC user since 1998[:D]
Almost went with Digitrax, reconsidered after finding a local dealer that handled both, and offered a demo. I guess for me it was not only the performance of the system, but it was the performance of the dealer and ultimately, the performance and support from NCE itself that has kept a smile on my face for the last 8 years![:D]
Considering the age of the system, it is remarkable how well Digitrax stacks up against the competition. It is a testament to the forward thinking innovation of Digitrax that the Super Chief supports the latest Sound locos, playable whistle etc, without needing to be upgraded. A loaded radio Chief is about $100 less than a NCE Radio Pro, a Digitrax Zephyr equipped for radio is $200 less. For close to 20% more in cost than a Chief I would like to think that the NCE system would offer some advantages. It is so easy to daisy chain Loconet panels around the layout that the slight (IMO) inconvenience of plugging in to acquire a new loco is not too onerous. On my layout, additional locomotives are sitting in my yard or engine service facility, a UP5 panel placed in these locations lets me move right along. The other argument often touted against Digitrax is that you are forced to run a throttle bus because of the simplex nature of the radio. Since the loconet bus is the same bus for boosters, signal systems, radio and IR transmitters and PC interface, it is run around the layout anyway, so it is not a big deal or extra expense to install a panel or two. The point I am trying to make is that NCE makes an excellent system, one I would seriously consider. Digitrax makes a system with a lot of performance for the dollar and should not just be dismissed as an out of date device.
I think it’s more of a testament to NMRA DCC standards…
From what I have read on the NCE forums with the radio problem, it is still around with some layouts even with the additional repeaters due to the extremely low power out put due to FCC regs.
Also (again form the NCE forums) that to stop the runaway/stealing problem with the radio keypads it is recommended that the operator always zero out the keypad. By zeroing out is that they should select address 00 as it does nothing on the NCE system and this (I guess) keeps the keypad from accidentally acquiring an engine.
At least this is the way I understand it, I may be wrong!
And why (if simplex radio is so bad) was NCE working on a simplex radio system before they came out with the repeaters?
BOB H – Clarion, PA
Actually, Simon is more right about this than you think. Unlike many of the DCC manufacturers who sit and pine (or aid) the NMRA, Digitrax has gone ahead and done some very cool things that are outside of the NMRA guidelines. In my many conversations with people “in the know” at Digitrax, I have been told on many occasions that the NMRA wouldn’t be the driving force behind their products. The trandsponding and signalling (cab and layout) products are a good example of this. I have had transponding on my N sclae layout for over 2 years now. I can program (read and write) decoders on the mainline (something none of the other system can do that I’m aware of), can track equipment on a realtime CTC board and have been using the cab signalling to some extent.
I’m sure the NMRA plays a part in the product decsions Digitrax makes, but they certainly don’t drive them… [;)]
Jeff
Can NCE systems be hooked to a computer? If I remember correctly from talking with a dealer at the local train show last month, the new PowerCab did not have that option.
I’m not certain about the PowerCab, but I’m very sure you can hook up a computer to the Pro system. Someone with a PowerCab will probably have the answer for you.
Jeff
They have announced a USB interface for computer hook up for the Power Cab. According to www.litchfieldstation.com it is scheduled for release in April, but there is a big ? by the date.