Hello again [bow]
I have two local MR specialty shops here. One swears by Digitrax and the other… you guessed it, NCE!
I purchased the Power Pro-R for my new layout purely because I was familiar with the NCE system but the Digitrax loyalist says that Digitrax is more mainstream and better in a lot of ways.
Confused now… Can anyone please shed their personal light of experience/knowledge/opinion on this debate pls.
thanks
Vicky
I use Digitrax. The latest advice you have, opinion really, is still wrong. Neither system has a monopoly on being highly effective. Enjoy the one you have. [:)]
Vicky
Both NCE and Digitrax have their pluses and minus, and advantages over the other system. As Crandell already said, enjoy the one you have. Both systems are very good.
Tom
What do your local clubs use? Typically it is best to follow suit for support and possible integration into the club. I ALWAYS ask thisk question when people are choosing a system. It just so happens that Digitrax is the rule here in Calgary, but there are a few exceptions.
You cant go wrong with both. But have you considered Zimo? Worth it if you can afford the bucks. Their feature set cant be beat.
David B
Vicky,
I’ve owned a NCE PowerHousePro (PHP) system for about 10 years. It is a top notch system. I’ve also used Digitrax systems and various friends and club layouts. As Tom stated each system has their advantages and disadvantages that have been debated many times on this forum. One thing with the Empire Builder is that it is becoming a rather outdated system. It does not read CVs, a major disadavantage. My opinion is contrary to what others have told in to I believe the NCE system to be a lot better in a number of ways than Digitrax.
It disagree with David’s suggestion about letting what area clubs use guide your selection. It’s your layout, use the system that best suits your needs and the system that you understand and feel most comfortable with. Don’t let someone else dictate what you use.
On the opinion side, I think you’ll find that the throttle, or system interface, is superior to the Digitrax throttles. The display screen provides you with all the information at a glance you need when operating. It walks you through programming with a clear, concise, menu driven process. Consisting is easier to do. The only thing I dislike about the ProCab is that the number buttons aren;t like those on either a phone or a calculator, which I’m use to using for entering numbers.
Hello Tom,
I agree. Enjoy the one I have and besides, having started in MR’ing with an NCE Power Cab, it seems more natural to me with the NCE system because I can do quite a bit of programming with it with my eyes closed. Guess that helps
thanks again
Vicky
Hello David,
thanks for the note. The only club I know (in my area) uses both NCE and Digitrax so that would be a nice evening for debate if I asked the question [{(-_-)}]
I am not a member of the club yet…lets see, time permitting 
I havent even heard of Zimo [#wstupid] (new to this hobby) but I will surely check it out.
thanks
Vicky
Hello jktrains,
I played with the Digitrax a little (not powered up or anything, just out of its box) and I do find the NCE sort of better but then, that could surely be because I have used NCE extensively.
thanks a ton though, I value your comments and feedback
Vicky
Hello David,
I just started looking at the Zimo site. WOW it does look cool. I am seriously considering getting one. Do you know anyone who has one?
thanks
Vicky
The price of the Zimo products is a bit of a put-off, but the feature set puts all others to shame.
Not many people use it because of the price. If they could cut the price in half, there would be a slurry of folks switching over.
David B
Yes for sure. Not sure if I will go in for that system but its tempting. I dont really see any major differences/advantages though. The only reason I was considering it is owing to the “it looks cool” factor but that is lame at best.
Vicky
To LOOK cool?!
That is LAME. And a waste of money.
BUY it because YOU LIKE IT (Whichever system) and ENJOY IT. If they cannot handle your trains YOUR way, they can have teh HIGHWAY and show them to the door.
Im Digtrax with the Chief. As far as Im concerned I can add on Radio and Computer interface and that will be all I need for the next… 20 years?
no no, I meant IT looks cool. Not for me to look cool. I said that because there is hardly any information available that differenciates it from the other systems out there. atleast I couldnt find that info. so what I meant to say that the only reason to buy it would be because it “looks” cool because I dont see any other major glaring highlights to justify the cost.
V
Oh ok. So you like it then cool!
I have had Digitrax for 3 years. If I had to do over I think a might go NCE as it has an easier interface. Both are clearly good systems. You will be happy with your system. - Nevin
I sell both lines. They both have their plusses and minuses. However, I wouldn’t want to compare the Empire Builder to the Powerhouse Pro. It’s not a good comparison feature for feature. At that level comparison the PowerHouse Pro way exceeds what the Empire Builder can provide. The Empire Builder is an older system and I would not be surprised to see it being phased out sometime. You better NCE v Digitrax system comparisons would be the Zephyr vs Power Cab or the Super Chief vs the Powerhouse Pro. You can better compare features at this level.
I have been a satisified Digitrax Chief (radio) user for about 10 years. Digitrax is a good system which I would recommend to any modeler. That being said, there are other DCC systems out there which perform just as well. If it works for you, that is what is important.
One of the things I like about Digitrax is that my ten year old command station is still good. Since I bought my Digitrax system there have been may improvements. I just purchased these items and added them to my Digitrax Loconet.
Maybe it is time to thank the NMRA for setting DCC standards. Although I have a Digitrax system I can and do use a wide range of decoders including both Digitrax and NEC.
JIM