What is the very cheapest way to get going in DCC I have the lionel challenger and all works fine in analog. I also have a mrc tech 2 transformer. What else do I need to run it in command and at the lowest price.
Dave. Thank you in advance.
If you want dirt cheap and don’t care about limitations then search eBay for a MRC Command 2000. I picked one up for a friend for just $30 to run a small layout.
borrow one from another model railroader and forget to give it back ! ummm errr MRC Prodigy seems to go on Ebay for $100 - $125 ( not the advanced version )
Since running the Lionel Challenger is what is driving you to look into DCC, I recommend against the old MRC Prodigy or the Bachmann EZ-Command DCC systems- neither of them can control all the function buttons needed to fully support the Challenger.
You’ll want a system that can control functions up to at least function F9, so at the introductory level of the market, you’ll want to look at the MRC Prodigy Advanced System ($329 MSRP), or the Digitrax Zephyr, with an additional UT4 or DT400 throttle ($280 MSRP when you add the UT4- The Zephyr only supports through function F8 with the built-in throttle, but with a UT4 or DT400 throttle, you can access up to F12). These are available discounted for less, which may skew the price comparison.
Dave,
With O gauge, you’ll probably have to go with a bigger system - e.g. Digitrax Zephyr or MRC Advanced Prodigy. The Zephyr will run you ~$150-160. I saw the MRC AP advertised on Tony’s Train Exchange for $199.99 (That’s $100 off MSRP)
Here’s the direct link http://www.tonystrains.com/products/mrc_components.htm.
The Bachmann EZ Command System is really only meant for HO, N, and Z gauge.
Tom
Tom, the Lionel Challenger is HO scale.
Dave;
First, check your Challenger’s owner’s manual. Do you really want/need to go past F8 ?
I have a Bachmann EZ system (and a Digitrax Radio Super Empire Builder). My QSI® locomotives (Atlas & BLI, but same decoder as your HO scale Lionel) work fine with the Bachmann system. You can find the Bachmann system for way under $100- new. The Bachmann system will not allow you to program the locomotive. It is a great starter system.
As mentioned above, see Tony’s for other choices, which are more $$$.
Nigel,
Whenever I think Lionel, I just automatically think O gauge. Thanks for the correction. [:I] That makes me 2 for 2 today. [D)] [D)] [D)]
Dave,
Nigel is right. The Bachmann EZ Commander is a great introduction into DCC and can be had for under $100. (I picked mine up from Wholesaletrains.com for $53 .) The EZC is limited so about all you’ll be able to do is assign it an address and turn on the headlights on and off. You might be able to sound the horn. Nigel would know more about that than I.
Tom
Peeshaw! The Bachmann system----and you guys call yourself model railroaders??? What do you use for a handheld throttle???
i thought i was picking the below-the-barrel when i got the Prodigy original DCC system!!!
You might try the Atlas Master DCC system–made by a great German firm LENZ.
handheld Throttles however, are pricey ($99).
Actually, the new Prodigy Advanced is great in features—but you must overlook the quality aspects of the physical pieces (they are made CHEAP! )
My old Prodigy throttle has half the paint off of it, and a short in the cord—with very good care in 6 months of light useage. The new system doesn’t seem to upgrade the materials used. The old Prodigy can program just a few features of most decoders, and you get about 4 functions to control. Programming, however, IS A BREEZE! It is a good system to get you up and running, however limited…I plan to sell mine in about a year and upgrade to a beefier thing
MRC can make a good power supply, but their other pieces aren’t up to par in the materials department. For the price of Prodigy Advanced—I would go WAY better with a Digitrax Empire builder (lower price , street you can get for $260) waaaay more expandable, and believe me—once you get into the DCC you will WANT the expandable stuff! The Empire may not control 20 func yet, but im sure a new feature is on the way and any upgrade just plugs into the unit…nice.
but then agAIN, if you are just starting out—pick mrc, atlas or digitrax system off EBay.com and play with it!
LGBFan123,
The Bachmann EZ Command System is what it is: an inexpensive, introductory into DCC. (I don’t consider it scraping the bottom of the barrel.) And, guess what? It’s also “made” (and designed) “by a great German firm LENZ”. Yeah, it’s limited - but it works reasonably well on my small 4 x 8’ layout and two locomotives.
Would I like to be able to program more CV’s, other than just the headlights? Sure, who wouldn’t! Frankly, I’d rather initially drop $53 on a knowingly “limited” DCC system than $200+ on a full system that has a trottle with “half the paint off of it, and a short in the cord”.
The Bachmann EZC is just a temporary fix. I mainly got it because I wanted to experience the world of DCC but couldn’t yet rationize the expenditure for a more sophisiticated DCC system - e.g. like Digitrax or CVP EasyDCC. So, for about $125, I now have a DCC system for running my two recently user-installed, decoder-equipped locomotives with beautiful new LED headlights. [:)] No real complaints.
Tom
What!? You mean to tell me you can’t program anything with the new Bachmann system? Sheesh, nothing at any price is no deal. I guess I am sticking with my Tech II’s. Heck, I can program QSI in DC.
Virginian,
I think you might be able to toot the horn and a few other “sound thingies” but I am not sure. Bachmann is planning some addtiional accessories to their EZC System sometime later in the year.
Tom
how much wat the Bachmann system after shipping?.. I am thinnking of picking one up for my N scale layout and the $53 price tag is about all I can afford.
Brian,
About $9. It’s coming from NY so getting to CA may be a bit more.
Tom
thank you Tom… This will help in my planning.
I have both the Prodigy Advance and the Lionel Challenger (two of these, actually). For me this is a great combination. I am able to program the four digit road numbers and can access all the functions from my hand held controller. The PA system cost about $190 (or about $200 w/shipping from Tony’s Trains) when I bought it after Christmas. That is about three times the price of the EZ Command system from Bachmann. Having never used the Bachmann system, I can’t compare them. The reason I chose the PA was that it offered the best features (of those that I wanted) for the price. The biggest things for me were the handheld throttle and the four digit addressing. There were other things as well, but those were two of the things I wanted most in my new system, and all the cheaper alternatives I looked at did not offer them. The Lionel Challenger uses F9 through F12 for various sounds, so having these available is nice, although, so far, I’ve used these functions only for trying out the system. The quality of the PA system seems to be about on par with other electronics items I’ve seen recently that were made in China as the PA system is. The handheld throttle has a nice, comfortable feel for me, and has an easy to use built in display panel. The PA system worked as I expected it to, and so far, has not caused me any problems. One thing that is somewhat disappointing is that it only supports 2.5 amps out of the box. It will support 3.5 amps with a different power supply, or you can add the MRC Power Station 8 booster for up to (I believe) ten amps, which for HO is more than enough power for most users.
I have tried to program a BLI 4-6-4 with QSI using a new EZ Command, and was not able to get the programming completed. It won’t even complete an address change!
The controller’s going back.
Most DCC systems need this http://www.dcctrains.com/technews/powerpax.htm to reliably program QSI®.
A Digitrax DT400R, with a Radio Super Empire Builder.
What good is a hand held throttle that requires wires between it and the command station?