Last weekend i purchased a Bachmann DCC system. I then realised you could only run 10 locos with it[:(!] I want to have more then 10 locos on my N scale layout. So i decided to buy a better DCC sytem to use on the N scale. And then build a Ho layout (after the N scale is complete) I am wondering what DCC system to pick for the N scale I want 1 that i can set a train to run on the main while i use the swicther in the yard to swicth[:p] I dont want anything like Super Cheif but a good sytem. I want 1 that the MRC synchro sound box will work well with. I was considering these sytem.
1.Digitrac Zepher
2.Atlas DCC system
3.MRC prodigy express.
4.NCE power cab (or is it pro cab[:)])
So what sytem would be best for me? Thanxs Tim
Tim,
Either the Digitrax Zephyr or the NCE PowerCab would be good choices:
Both will store way more than 10 locomotive addresses. The limiting factor will be the power: The Zephyr has 2.5A (amps) max. output; the PowerCab, 1.7A. To increase that aspect, you can add power boosters to either system.
The Zephyr has the console-type of command station/booster; the PowerCab is a handheld system with the command station/booster/throttle rolled up into one.
The PowerCab, although a handheld, is tethered and has to always be plugged in to work. You can add another throttle to it. The Zephyr has 2 ports so that you can plug in up to 2 DC power packs and use them as additional throttles.
The Zephyr will allow you to run one (1) DC locomotive on address 00. The PowerCab, unfortunately, does not come with that feature.
Both are upgradeable.
Tom
BTW: The PowerCab is NCE’s NEW starter DCC system, as described above. The ProCab is the more powerful (pricier) upgrade to the PowebCab. The throttles for both are exactly the same. The PowerCab can be used as an extra throttle on the ProCab system.
You forgot a 5th choice - All of the above. They are all good for what you want to do. You should find people that have the systems and try them out (test drive?) to see which you like best. Best practice - don’t buy without trying first.
I"m assuming that you do not yet have 10 locomotives on your (assuming again) yet to be built layout. Why not just stick with the Bachmann for now and use the time and funds to equip what you have with decoders, get track, turnouts etc?
Tim,
Dave makes a valid point. Save you $$$ for decoders and your next upgrade and enjoy the Bachmann in the meantime. It’s limited but it’s STILL DCC…
Tom
I’m also thinking that the 12 months may be quite interesting in the DCC “starter system” arena. Will Digitrax come up with a Zephyr-like system with a walkaround? Will Lenz attempt a starter system at a lower price point than the two they have? How will NCE’s new system be met by the market? It’s amazing the choices that have popped up in the past several years.
Right now i am tracklaying on the first section of my 4x11 layout with a 3x3extension. I am almost finished work on the mainline. I have to take the insulating rail joiners out of my sidings. Right now i have 7 N scale locos. Gonna do some research on these systems and then ask more questions[:D] Thanxs Tim
By “starter system”, do you mean the introductory sets like the Zephyr, PowerCab, and PE/PA? I think we’ve already seen the flurry of activity there. But I do think that DCC in general will continue to be interesting.
I don’t think so. Digitrax already makes a number of throttles that simply plug into the Zephyr. You can get basic or full featured in tethered, IR, or radio, not to mention it’s jump ports. So in essence, that walk-around system is already available in the Zephyr’s current form.
My guess would be the retirement of the SEB. But I don’t know if it’s replacement would fit between the Zephyr and the SC, or if Digitrax will come out with a new high-end system that would effectively make the SC their mid-range offering.
I don’t have a real good handle on Lenz’s philosophy (not knocking them, it’s just that I haven’t followed them too much). The European manufacturers seem to have a different focus, where the DCC gizmo with it’s screens and geegaws and dodads apparently is more important than the layout it’s running. On the other hand, the Atlas Commander, which is really basic, is made by Lenz. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
My opinion is that it will be well-received. NCE has a good reputation, and the PowerCab seems to be up to that reputation with one exception: Unplugging the handheld
Any body no the advantages over 1 system or another?? Nodbody has touched on The Atlas DCC quality is it good?? One thing about the NCE powercab that may annoy me is that it has push button speed control do they work better then the traditional knob??? Thanks for all the help. Tim
hey Tim,
Give this a scan. I know it’s nine pages, but you’ll have most of your questions answered and then some when you’re done.
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=1&TOPIC_ID=49375
Now get a cup of coffee and a comfortable chair…
The Atlas DCC system is the same as the Lenz system just a different colour.
The Basic Atlas commander is still better then the basic Bachmann ( sorry Bachmann owners) , it has CV programming etc.
The Atlas system can be expanded with Lenz equipment.
Ken.
Tim, this is one of the things that falls under user preference. I think “work better” is really “Do I like it better”, and of course the answer depends on just what it is that you like. If you think the NCE throttle buttons may annoy you, find a hobby shop or club that has them and see if you can try one for a while.
If you want my personal opinion, I like the Digitrax DT400. It’s smaller than the NCE “dogbones”, it can control two locos at the same time, and I like the encoders (knobs) better than the push buttons. But your preferences may be completely different…
HTH,
Steve
Stevert,
Interesting predictions on your post. I agree, the SEB needs to be retired. But then there would a “gap” in the their product line. I’m still thinking that we’ll see something like the Zephyr, but perhaps with a single throttle version of the DT400 (something with alot more capabilities than a utility throttle). Given the popularity of the Zephyr, though, Digitrax might just leave that winner in place.
I agree with your view of the European manufacturers. I always thought the two Lenz starter systems were a little high in price when compared to the others. This is not a saying that the Lenz systems are over priced, but rather I think they need to bring in a system at the $130-$150 price point. But then they are a successful operations so they must know what they are doing!
I think we will see some intersting things in the decoder arena also. The expected digitrax sound decoders will be exciting to watch. Low price, downloadable sounds (which should help retailers as they will not have to stock a bunch of different boards). If quality is there, then look out!
Being selfish, my predictions will be that MRC will continue to expand the PA/PE with perhaps a two throttle cab unit, some sort of wireless and perhaps a computer interface.