NCE vs. Digitrax - If you had it to do over.

Model Railroader Electronics and DCC
1

I’m at the point of choosing my DCC system and I am strongly leaning towards NCE. Everything seems more user friendly with NCE and Digitrax seems dated. Sort of like the Mac vs. PC arguments. I want to start out slowly but will eventually have the mother of all layouts, assuming that I don’t die first or go broke in the process. My questions are:

  1. Is there anything that Digitrax can do that NCE can’t and vice versa?
  2. Which one has a better reputation regarding the amount of technical problems and their solutions?
  3. If you had it to do all over again, would you buy the other system?

Thanks,

Bruce

2

If I had to do it again, I’d do the same thing as I did the first time.

3

The superior control bus and third party support would lead me to choose Digitrax all over again.

–Randy

4

I’d still go with NCE

IMHO, its easier to use, especially combined with JMRI, less “geek speak”, customer service is phenomenal. The local clubs have it , the LHSs stock it, one exclusively.

I’ve run on Digitrax layouts before. I can’t say reading “cheat sheets” to consist engines or to acquire engines was fun, when it was right on the screen at home.

Another point too, The local guys. Our "round robin " group all have Procabs, so when its run night, we all can bring our own throttles.

That’s my [2c]

5

  1. LocoNet, and the number of both Digitrax and third-party LocoNet-compatible devices that are available. After all, you see any number of NCE users adding stand-alone LocoNets for signaling, detection, etc, but I have yet to hear of even a single Digitrax user adding some sort of NCE command bus.

  2. A reputation is subjective, so it depends on who you talk to. My personal experience as a Digitrax user over the past ten-plus years is that I’ve never had anything that could be called a “technical problem”. I’ve also never had any equipment failures/DOA/etc. Everything has Always Just Worked, and worked quite well.

  3. Nope! When I was first looking for a DCC system, I was pretty much settled on either Wangrow or NCE, since I had “grown up” on a System One on a friend’s layout. The only question left was “Which one?”, and with Wangrow in it’s death throes that would have been an easy decision. However, that also made me take a closer look at Digitrax, and even back then their ability, flexibility and expandability swayed me. It’s only gotten better over the years with all the third-party LocoNet stuff, duplex, user-downloadable firmware updates, etc.

6

If I was doing my DCC system decision over again I would not have 5 systems (MRC, Lenz, Digitrax, NCE, CVP). I would go with CVP as my 1 and only.

But to answer your question not make my my own comments.

  1. A. I love the built in computer port on the NCE unit. With the Digitrax I had to buy that as an add on.
    B. The Digitrax transponding is pretty easy to work with, but then one is stuck with Digitrax decoders.
    C. The Digitrax Zephyr has the jumper ports that are pretty cool.
    D. The last upgrade of the NCE wireless seems to have cured all quirks.
    But over all I cannot think of any straight up functions that one can do that the other cannot.

I think I actually use the NCE more than the Digitrax, but that just could be because the number of people’s layouts that have that particular system. In general I don’t like the big NCE hammer head throttles. I prefer the Cab-06r. I like the dual controls on the Digitrax DT402. I am a firm believer in 1 controller per train on the track. This swapping back and forth and “stacks” to move control between simultaneously running trains is not a good plan.

  1. I have not had the opportunity to work with either of the technical support departments. I have sent decoders back to NCE for repair with no problems. Actually Lenz has had the best technical support I’ve come across. Through the last 2 decades I cannot count how many upgrades they have provided to me for the cost of shipping.

  2. See my first sentence. However between the two you seem to be considering I would probably choose NCE.

7

Go to Tony’s Train Exchange site. On it you will find a comparison of several different systems, which may point you to the better system for YOUR situation. Number of cabs you want to operate, physical size of your layout, expandability are all things you want to consider.

I am also at the point of making a decision, so am looking closely at all the options.

As mentioned above, there is also the consideration of what is used in your area. If you have the opportunity to go to a club or round robin group, easier if you have a compatible system. First, you will be familiar with it’s operation and second you can bring along your own control and others can bring theirs to your layout.

You can see from the above that most folks like what they have. Changing from one to another is a whole new learning experience.

Good luck,

Richard

8

No, I would still go with NCE. Digitrax does do a few things better than NCE but I still like the interface and intuitiveness of the Power Cab/ProCab throttles over the Digitrax throttles.

Tom

9

I like my NCE Power Cab. It is expandable should the need arise, which it will in your case if all goes according to plan. It is easy to operate and to reprogram decoders.

I have not tried a Digitrax system but when I first compared NCE and Digitrax my mind went numb looking at all the identical buttons on the Digitrax. I am all thumbs so I avoided the Digitrax learning curve and I am happy with my choice.

Dave

10

I bought NCE the first time, luckily. And would buy it again in a heartbeat. The NCE range of controllers fits my needs and my hands (and eyes) best. Try both.

11

I started with Lenz back in 1993. Ran that until 1995 when I had maxxed out the capabilities of the then Lenz system. I then looked at both Digitrax and Sys 1. Remember this was 1995 and the Digitrax handset at that time was the dt100. I intended to go to 4 digit address decoders replacing the 99 address capable Lenz ones of that era. The Digitrax handset the dt-100 was a real pain to use with 4 digit decoders and the Sys 1 was easy so I went the Sys 1 route. Move ahead 5 years . By this time Sys 1 was out of business but NCE had now built their own system. Since NCE had done most of the original design work on Sys 1 it was a good continuation so I went with NCE. By this time I wanted to go to radio handsets but the then NCE radio had many problems and did not work well. Also by this time Digitrax had come out with their dt-400 and ut-4 handsets a much better user friendlier design than the horrible dt-100. The Digitrax radio worked very well as I operate on others railroads that use the system. So I decided to switch to Digitrax. All that was required to switch was a new command station and handsets. The Sys 1 boosters worked with the Digitrax system.

Now I have a large operation requiring about 28 handsets in operation. At that time I was modeling the early Conrail period on my Buffalo line. This meant many multiple unit diesel consists. After awhile I discovered the flaw in the Digitrax world. The flaw is the number of active locomotives that the command station can handle at one time. That number is 120. While 120 seems like a lot if you have a large motive power fleet and have large numbers of consists already made up on trains in staging yards the 120 limit becomes a problem. The existing system does not have the capability to expand beyond the 120 without making all older handsets obselete. That is why they have not done so. The NCE benefit is a slot capability of somewhere near 2000 locos. So after waiting for an upgrade to the Digitrax system for a few years and real

12

Hi,

I did a huge amount of research before making the switch to DCC four years ago. Once I decided it was right for me, the next question was “which system”. It ended up with the two most popular brands - NCE and Digitrax. I asked a lot of questions on this Forum and at the two LHS and the responses reminded me of the “Ford vs. Chevy” conversations of my youth.

Basically, you can’t go wrong with either. I did like the looks of the Digitrax units better than the NCE, but the NCE controller looked better than the Digitrax. This is obviously no big deal, and was one of the few differences I found that even came close to making a difference.

I ended up going with Digitrax - two 5 amp Super Chief systems. But, all the decoders I bought (over 30) were NCE.

Am I happy with my decision? Yes, very much so. I do like the Digitrax system, but I honestly feel that if I had bought an NCE system, I would have felt the same about it.

Either way, you can’t go wrong.

13

Ah yes the ford vs chevy thing all over again. If I knew then what I know now I would be collecting post cards instead of model railroading. Just kidding. This is a great and very diverse hobby. What you choose is up to you. My advise is to try as many systems and throttles as you can. There are many more than two systems too. Lenz, ESU, Easy DCC, Digitraxx, MRC, and NCE. Try them all if you can and download the manuals and flip through them.

Of all the different systems I have operated on I like the feel of my Lenz LH90 throttle for operating trains the best, but for programming ease I use my Power Cab from NCE.

My [2c]

Pete

14

I would go with NCE again. (I have a 5 amp Power Pro) I also have a stand-alone LocoNet for my signals and block detection.

I operate Digitrax at the club, but still like my NCE system better.

I belong to both the NCE and Digitrax Yahoo Groups. I see a lot of new Digitrax users having more problems than new NCE users.

If you are going to have a really big layout, I would suggest the NCE 5 amp Power Pro system for it. At the same time, I would also get the NCE Power Cab system and use it at the bench for programming and testing locomotives. And, you can also use the Power Cab’s throttle on the Power Pro system as another throttle.

15

While we can have this debate and there will never be a clear winner - and dragging up past experiences with any brand -

Does NOT have much bearing with the Current state of DCC as it is today!

All systems were going through growing pains as we all were ALL learning DCC as did the manufacturers!

While some had problems with Digitrax on thir large layouts - I didn’t with the Silplex Radios from the beginning (back in 1999) my Layout ran great and I could host OPs Sessions with 40 operators and the Digitrax just kept running.

No having to reset the layout during an OPs Session - just turn it on and run.

Yes - later when I added DUPLEX - It still ran good - now the problems only started with SOFTWARE UPDATES and this caused problems until the software was sorted out.

NOW

I have a great running Layout again and still hold OPs Session with 35 plue operators running BOTH DUPLEX and SIMPLEX radios exclusively !

So those that keep dragging up the past are not telling the whole truth as any NEW SYSTEM being purchased TODAY

Will work as it is supposed to as the problems have been solved - This goes for any Brand out there as they would be out of business if the DCC did not work!

The best advice is Operate on as many layouts running DCC as possible to see them in action

Believing others saying one is best is just foolish!

And going with what most others in your area are using is also a wise decision as the Owners of that DCC System will be better able to advise and HELP a Nube to DCC a lot better as they SHOULD know their system inside out!

Listening to a bunch on here spout one brand over another is just opinions and we ALL know what an OPINION is worth! :wink:

I have run every system out there and GUESS What - They ALL WORKED!

So trying to get a debate about which one is best is a JOKE !

And since I am throwing out OPINIONS - mine is DIGITRAX.

BOB H - Clarion, PA

16

I just got back to the hobby last year and decided on DCC, quickly narrowed down to NCE & Digitrax. I can’t comment on the technical issues as many are more aware but determined both would be workable for me, including additional auxiliary subdistrict circuit boards, etc, from the maker or alternate creators. I concentrated on the handheld controllers. It would be great if you could try both brands to see what you like better. I went with NCE (Powerpro 5 amp) with corded controller and aux utility controller. The main controller for speed control has 3 aspects; a thumbwheel, and fine and coarse step up/down speed buttons. The utility controller has a rheostat control that can be set to two different modes. Purely a preference aspect, I disliked the button types on the Digitrax, but’s that an individual preference.

Other key aspects might be: what any local buddies / clubs use where you might interface, and LHS support if you want to rely on that. You might want to understand how program track setup works with each as well as how mainline / operating programming works, whether a program track booster is needed, etc, as that may affect how you will set up your wiring.

I found a conversation with Tony at Tony’s Trains very helpful in making a final decision and then deciding what exact parts I needed for my system beyond the main system package, e.g., subdistrict circuit breaker and reverser boards.

17

I just converted to DCC about two weeks ago. I was lucky enough to be able to ‘test drive’ the Digitrax starter set and NCE Power Cab starter set. Both were good. Here’s how I would answer your questions:

  1. I went with NCE because I found it easier to use. I liked the feel of the Power Cab, how it was organized/laid out, and the backlit display was easy to read and monitor. Programing is a snap…and I am computer challenged! Even with the Cab not being wireless, the cord is ample in length allowing me to “walk around” and follow my train(s). I can upgrade the system easily and add a cordless cab(s) should I ever need/want to.

  2. Too subjective and open to the individual modelers personal tastes in my humble opinion.

  3. No, not at all! I am VERY happy with my NCE Power Cab and I would buy it again without a moments hesitation.

18

I would do Digitrax all over again. Loconet is the edge. Not that you cant do this with NCE but I now have my system hooked up to JMRI and am getting into operations. With JMRI and Loconet I hope to have my entire layout automated. With JMRI, either your laptop. tablet, or smartphone is now a throttle so the argument that one brands controller is better is gone. Everyone (almost except for Lions, shut-ins and Ludites) seems to have a smartphone these days so they already arrive at my layout with a throttle regardless if they are in the hobby or not. I think I am making some converts with the free JMRI download for the phone to MR.

I can’t speak to how involved you can get with NCE and JMRI because I have not experience with an NCE setup. BUT IMHO I think when you are choosing ANY DCC system the question should be how far and fancy you can go with JMRI. Remember its not just for programming decoders.

My two cents you mileage may vary, Derek

19

  1. Loconet. Period. Loconet means you are not locked into buying your ancillary devices (stationary decoders, detection, signalling, etc.) from one manufacturer. Search around and you will find a VERY wide range of options to do whatever your heart desires from manufacturers all over the globe.

  2. Too subjective. Horror stories are like belly buttons - everybody has one.

  3. I would choose Digitrax again.

Dwayne A

20

I’d do the same thing: get one of each. Looking at a model railroader’s expenses after a couple of years and the cost of two entry level systems is but a small piece of the pie.

NCE - instant ease of use. my 4 year old daughter and my 80 year old father can both run a train and ring the bell, toot the whistle, without me ‘teaching’ them anything. The button says ‘Bell’ …pretty intuitive stuff. Also, people either fail to mention or don’t know this, the power cab can program ANY decoder, period.

Digitrax - Loconet, expandability, just set up my pr3, zephyr, and a touch screen computer for my train room

Download JMRI. Either system can allow you to use your phone as a throttle, which is where the hobby is headed anyway… ultimate plug & play ease of use.