Keeping in mind that I’m just getting back into the hobby after 35 years I’ve got a question on DCC.
As with all things you can get the cheapest or the top of the line. As with all things purchased there is the point of diminishing returns or where the last 5% of excellence may cost as much as the first 95%.
I don’t care to go beyond that point. Many in buying stereo equipment do just that. They pay several hundreds or even thousands more for something they can’t hear!
So what’s the best DCC on the market for the money. I’m starting from scratch so I don’t have anything left over in equipment to consider.
Remember that there’s two components to DCC: The controlling stuff that sends power and signals to your layout, and the decoders that actually sit in the locomotives or under the layout controlling turnouts and lights and such.
The initial DCC system could be a one-time fixed cost. As you add locomotives, you will probably be looking for DCC-already-installed or at least DCC-ready.
With DCC, you take control of a locomotive by using the number programmed into the decoder in that locomotive. A lot of people will set the decoder to be the same as the four-digit number of the locomotive itself. But not all DCC systems have four-digit addressing (so called).
Probably the best advice on DCC is to go to your local hobby shop and ask what they know about using. Lots of manufacturers have different levels of DCC. For example, Digitrax has a sort of all-in-one unit that is throttle, encoder, and power supply, but they also have advanced radio-control throttles and lots of special devices you can get, like signalling systems. So if your hobby shop knows how to use Digitrax, that doesn’t mean you have to buy the top-end system.
A year ago, I looked at a comparison of different DCC systems that Model Railroader published, and decided that Digitrax had the right combination of features for me. You might think otherwise, which is why I’ll point you to your hobby shop. You want someone else who knows how to work with whatever you get, preferably someone local who maybe could give you hands-on experience.
If you want more speculation, I can give that. I can’t find that DCC article on-line right now.
The best thing for you to do is to familiarize yourself with DCC so that you can make the best informed decision for your needs. Here’s a couple of resources for you:
Every DCC system has it’s pluses and minuses. You, Darryl, have to figure out what pluses are important to you and what minuses you can’t live with.
Read, read, read - that’s the best thing for you to do at this time. And, personally trying a DCC system out yourself to see how you like it is the other.
Best advice is to check with local hobby shop as previously stated. Also, find out what DCC systems is used the most in your area so that you have folks to call when help is needed.
Also, as previously stated, decide what are the important attributes for you. Sound and light control is a big thing now. I find for my op. sessions in two different places for past 16 years that most folks don’t care about these during operation. They’re fun and interesting, but moving the freight becomes more important.
I have used RailCommand for 14 years with zero … and I mean zero … problems. Excellent support from CVP. I may switch to EasyDCC when I move to retirement home next year.
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. I am sure your assertion is true in many cases, but in my experience, my LHS owner made two sales to me on DCC that I had to “fix”. First, he sold me an EZ-Command when he had sold me a BLI Hudson previously. QSI decoders are not programmable using a EZ-Command system. So, I purchased a Digitrax SEB with some guidance here, on this forum, but I only realized (as did he) that the unit requires a power pack sold seperately. In each case, these hiccups were showstoppers.
I would call Litchfield Station, Tony’s, or Loy’s Toys, and speak with someone who really does do volume with all things DCC. Your local Mom and Pop will probably sell five or six units a year.
Keep CVP’s Easy DCC open as an option. If you visit LHS’s, they may not mention them as CVP only sells directly to the consumers. If and when I get to that point of layout construction, its the system I will be purchasing. (For whatever thats worth, just my 2 cents).
I looked at converting to DCC as an investment both in time and money and not something I would likely change again in a couple of years. Because of that and features, I went with the Digitrax Super Chief Radio system. I know it’s a little pricy but I’ve had zero compatability problems and I’ve already purchased the Locobuffer II to connect it to a computer to do decoder programming.
I’m gonna weigh in with another vote for don’t necessarily go with the LHS recommendation, unless you’re sure they’re really sharp on DCC. Particularly, I wouldn’t take a LHS recommendation unless they at least sold all the ‘big 3’ systems: Digitrax, NCE and Lenz… otherwise too much chance they’re ‘recommending’ what they got rather than what’s best.
I believe DCC choice boils down to two key factors:
Throttle. This is the interface you’ll use constantly. If you like it, great. If you don’t, it doesn’t matter how great the rest of the system is. I like throttles with buttons that say things like “bell” or “program”… plain english not codes. I also think it’s critical that you go through common sequences of action - acquiring a loco, programming a loco, throwing a turnout, etc. On some you’ll find that action X takes 4 keys, while on another it might take 9 keystrokes… They do vary significantly.
My first system (I’m refraining from naming names except generically to avoid lending my own bias), required many keystrokes to do most things - and most of them were rather arcane, not obvious from the keys or the display. The system I now have is the exact opposite. The keys are clear and the display walks you through the task nicely. I have read the manual but almost never need it now. With the first system, I was constantly having to crack it open to remember how to do things.
Other throttle issues - is the display clear and easy to read? does it have pushbuttons or dials of some kind for speed control - some people strongly prefer one or the other. are the buttons easy to get to and well separated, or are they little teeny-tiny dots that the thick-fingered among us can easily fumble? Etc.
There is no substitute for playing with throttles yourself. Ideally find someone who has them set up to play with - LHS, club, etc. But it’s still useful to ‘get physical’ with the different throttles even if they’re not hooked up! IF you’re going to pay LHS
Best advice I EVER GOT on DCC go to a TRAIN SHOW not an LHS and see what is going on with the systems. I found out that the LHS was all wet with what they said since that is what they sold. The best advise is to answer these 3 quations honestly
Do you like learing high tech things (DCC is FAR from plug and run to get it correct)
Are you willing to upgrade or learn the skills of soldering, MINOR programing (CV’s) and basic electronics (to enjoy the full benefits of DCC).
Can your budget for your railroad handle the expense. (Nasty but fact, Transformer $125.00 DCC $649.95)
As I say DCC is DEPLETED CREDIT CARD.
This is not sour grapes at all I have more in my return to model railroads than in my Porsche.
Take Care
George P.
With all due respect to George’s comments (and I agree with most of them), you DON’T have to spend an arm and a leg to get into DCC. There are some good starter sets (e.g. Digitrax Zephyr and NCE PowerCab) that can get you going and well on your way for ~$150*. It will ultimately depend on how big your layout is, how many locomotives you will be converting to DCC, and what you want to accomplish with your layout.
I started out with the Bachmann E-Z Command for ~$60 and ran it for a year. Was I limited to what I could do? Yes. But, I could still do quite a bit with the little 1-amp system. I now have a NCE PowerCab and can do even more.
Was my time and money well spent with the Bachmann? For me personally, I think so. It allowed me to play around with DCC, at the same time learn more about what kind of DCC system I was eventually looking to get. I don’t consider that time or money wasted.
Tom
*Both the Zephyr and PowerCab are expandable. As your layout grows, so can your system. Nothing is wasted as you expand or upgrade.
Don’t go with DCC!!! Makes operating so much fun that layout construction comes to a halt!!
To add to what was already posted. Go through the past several months of threads and you’ll find dozens of threads concerning DCC. Keep in mind that what is best for one person may be totally inappropriate for another.
I have to say that Tom’s way of doing things is something to consider. The Bachmann, although limited, is very inexpensive, allowing a person to spend money on decoders, building the layout etc. and spend time in learning what is important and what isn’t to you.
I’ll sure agree with Dave’s assessment about the “fun” aspect of DCC. This has it all over anti-oxidants and Vitamin E for making you feel like a kid again. If you look at forum posts about DCC, you’ll find that just about everyone is happy with the system they have. They are all good, and the choice is really up to the individual.
Be aware of some of the older systems, though. Many of them can not access the “higher order” function codes. When they were designed, decoder manufacturers weren’t using these functions yet, but as decoders get more complex (particularly with sound) then the higher numbers start to get more important. Also, sound decoders are more power-hungry than “quiet” decoders, so for any given system, you can run more non-sound locos than sound ones.
If possible, try a few throttles, or at least talk to people who use them. A train show is a good idea, because you will likely find real users with a variety of throttles, and they may even let you play with them. For example, I have both the Lenz-100 and Lenz-90 throttles. I thought I would like the large analog speed dial on the Lenz-90 because it seemed more intuitive, but after using it for a while I didn’t really care for the awkward command sequences on that throttle. By contrast, the Lenz-100 does all the “other stuff” like consisting very smoothly, and I now operate that one “by touch” because it’s so comfortable.
I had a small layout for a couple years, L shaped, 15 feet long at its longest. It had everything I thought I needed, lots of local switching, staging and mainline frieght action and it was block wired and I was happy. One day my LHS introduced me to the NCE Power Pro system. He allowed me to run trains with it and I was hooked. I bought one, eventually tore down my layout and am currently building a layout with longer mainline runs because I can use a better signaling system, sound and other enhanced features.
I can’t say one is better than the other because I’ve only operated one system. All I know is I’ve established a relationship with my LHS and have come to trust his judgement. I guess I’m parroting everyone else here, study hard, make the purchase once, when you buy the big system. The smaller ones, The Bachman and others may be good starters, but that’s all they are, starters. If you progress to the more advanced operations, you will have to replace or upgrade them.
With the Bachmann - yes, this is true. However, with the Zephyr or PowerCab - even though they are considered “starter systems” - you won’t need to replace them but can use most or all of the components if you upgrade. It’s a great way to start and not plunk down a lot of money right up front.
All the DCC systems are great and do what they say. Only way to choose is to go out and try them and pick the one that fits your needs (at your price). Only you know what you want and what you need.
Not to knock this forum’s host too much, but I’d really take that guide with a grain of salt.
Much of what is stated there is "gee-whiz " stuff that has no real bearing on one systems’ advantages or disadvantages as compared to another. On the other hand, lots of useful information is completely absent.
For example, under 2 or 4 digit addressing it just says “N/A” for the Bachmann. What it doesn’t say is that the Bachmann has it’s own, limited scheme for selecting loco addresses.
Also, they leave out the Digitrax Super Chief, but the include the Super Empire Builder, which is so outdated I’m surprised Digitrax still even offers it as a set.
Nor does it make any mention of whether each set allows for a computer interface or not. While some folks say that’s not important, they are usually the ones who have never experienced the added dimension it brings to DCC.
I could go on, but you get the idea. The best advice is what has already been presented by the other posters in this thread: Think seriously about your present and future needs, objectively examine which system will meet those needs, and try them out at a train show or local club/user.