For under $150 the NCE DCC system “Power Cab” is the most hi-featured system you will find for the money.
Better still, the NCE system is made with quality construction–the plastics and accessories are not subject to wear like MRC’s Prodigy system components. Prodigy components are made with cheap plastics and just don’t have the “heft” that the NCE components do.
The Power cab only has about 2.2 amps to give your locos–but that is fine for me, right now I am happy running two trains. I can always add a smart booster. The trains I am running both have sound decoders–of the newest generation. I have a Walthers P2K GP20 with sound and a Bachmann Decapod with a Soundtraxx Tsunami installed.
Everything works great and simple to setup! Another thing great about the NCE is you get a spiral-bound manual, unlike Prodigy. But you won’t need the manual much–I’ve got most of the stuff down without having to bother with it.
Its great when you power up–the diesel starts its rumble…the steamer will grumble and hiss…HO DCC has come of age.
I have an NCE system, too, the Pro wireless, and I have to agree with LGBfan. I spent the big bucks on the top of the line NCE system and have no regrets. And yes they do have a customer service number. Of course the number would be no use without good service, and NCE’s customer service is excellent. I am sure if you check with Tony’s or Litchfield they will agree with me that NCE is a first-rate company.
Glad to hear you are enjoying your Power Cab! [:)][tup] I really thought I would miss the potentiometer knob. But, for me, the encoder wheel and speed step buttons make changing speeds a pleasure and easier to regulate. I also like the fact that the Power Cab gives you the extra “oomph” on the programming track to program your sound decoders. I find using the PC very intuitive.
Tom
I agree with you 100%. I just got my NCE Power Cab a few weeks ago and love it. Very easy to use and took only about five minutes to get rolling. Programing CV’s is a breez. I’ve looked into most all of the DCC systems over and over again and just kept putting off a purchase. I’ve even had the chance to use Easy DCC., the Lenz Set 90, MRC Prodigy and Digitrax. After that the only thing I knew was that I did not want Digitrax. Still none of the starter sets suited my needs for one reason or another so I firured that I would just have to spend more than I wanted on a full blown NCE or Easy DCC system…that is until I found out about the Power Cab and downloaded the manual. So I bought one. After just a few minutes operating with it I felt like I got the exactly what I wanted. Bruce
I compared, (my), NCE ProCab to just about everything out there, feature for feature, dollar for dollar, long term design, quality, etc…and the NCE won out- hands down. It took about 5 minutes to change over my layout from a 4 cab DC system to the NCE system and program the first loco. The whole system seems to be very intuitive.
It didn’t hurt that the company is now in, (Rochester), New York and they do offer great service![:)]