I’ve been told by many that DCC is the way to go. I know that DCC is standardized, so any decoder will work with any system, but what setups do you guys prefer? I’ve heard good things about the Digitrax and Atlas systems, personally, but I’d rather get some professional opinions before I make any sort of decision.
You’ve got to be kidding. Fastest way to start a flame war is to ask which DCC system do you like. I think if you search the archive you’ll find a few discussions on this.
They are all good, all do as they advertise. Which one is best for you only you can decide. Best advice is to shop around, compare features and if possible, try them (test drive on someone else layout). What exactly are you looking for a system to do?
Because I got it offered second hand at a fair price I chose LENZ digital plus ( I am European ) once I had questions like yours, LENZ - DIGITRAX both are good, so I let my wallet decide
for DCC info:
check:
http://www.dcctrains.com/tonystips/dccprimer/index.htm
I’d like to run two trains on a layout like this:
I’m leaning towards the Atlas system at the moment, since my track will be all Atlas products as well, with possibly one or two Atlas locos.
The Atlas system is made by LENZ, as is the forth coming Bachmann system. They can be upgraded with LENZ accessories.
Liquidcross, The layout you show has some shortcomings. There is only one passing siding/runaround. This makes it difficult for running two trains at the same time on the main. Also, there is no drill track for the main yard. This would mean the switcher would need to clear the main for any train out on the main as it is attempting to switch cars in the yard. John Armstrongs book on Track design is a great book for ideas on how to design a layout.
The layout you show could certainly work and has possibilities for future add ons.
I have used the EASY DCC system for a few years and find it to be one of the simpler
systems to use. It also is easily upgraded (Remove one chip and plug in another). It
also programs flawlessly and has excellent documentation. It initially cost more, but
it has many more features then many of the “starter systems”.
Jack Bogus
Yeah, I’d keep secondary trains in the yard, and switch them off as necessary. I know the single main line design is rather limiting, but it oughta look cool due to the up-and-over layout. That’s what I’m hoping, anyway. [;)]
My other idea was this one:
The dual-lines concept is cool, but it seems like it might be a bit boring and generic.
if you want to use 4 digits DO NOT use MRC or atlas. i have digitrax but i like it becuase that is what my club uses and i find it is very easy
Converting from DC I chose the Zephyr - “winner for beginner”.
Is 4 digits really necessary? I’d only be running two, maybe three trains at the absolute maximum.
I just purchased the atlas system duo pack for $110 shipped. For the money, It seems like it will be good enough for me. My layout is rather small (11X4) so I wont be running more than two or three trains at a time. Also, as stated earlier, Lenz accessories are available for this system if you want to upgrade. Atlas seems to be on the ball, as they are coming out with new features to add on to the system. I guess I will see how well it works in about a week or so!
Dave
That was you?! I was watching the same eBay auction. I didn’t have any plans to buy it, though…I’m saving it in my watched items to see if the seller ever offers them again.
11x4’s monstrous compared to the layout I’ll be building…
It’s not neccessary, but nice to have. With 4-digit addressing you can match the address directly to the locomotive number, making it a snap to know what address any given engine has. With the 2-digit addressing of my Atlas system, I use the last 2 digits of the locomotive number. Since I don’t have many engines, this works fine, but with a larger roster you might hit problems figuring out what to do with engines 2410 and 2610, for example. That isn’t a problem for me, since I paint and decal all my locomotives anyway. I just make sure not to duplicate. [:)]
I’d say that 4-digit addressing is the least of the reasons to buy a more advanced system, though it is a valid one. When and if I upgrade from Atlas to Lenz, I’d do it for increased power output, easier access to advanced programming (including PC based programming), and additional function controls, more than to get 4-digit addressing. That said, It’ll be a nice inclusion.
NCE should have been listed separately. Most of my friends use it.
John Slean
I have CVP’s Rail Command. Personal preference. Works great. Paul
Hey ClinchValley,
Not necessarily! We all know how to conduct ourselves and respect each other’s opinions.
After reading about various systems and seeing a few in action, I’ve decided to go with the Digitrax Zephyr. A close friend of mine owns one . [8D]
And like most of DCC, it’s not “PROPRIETARY”. One can install Lenz, NCE, or TCS decoders in their locomotives. I like the “Dither” feature offered by TCS as well as the “no questions asked” warranty on their decoders. What more can you ask for?
As a guy that’s an electronic “Klutz”, I’ve found my friend’s Zephyr system very user friendly and easy to operate, and having just read up on the new UT-4, I’ll be able to operate the F8 and up functions on locomotives equipped with Soundtraxx decoders.
I’m very much looking forward to it! [:D][;)]
I have the Digitrax Zephyr system and really like it. Its very simple and very easy to use.
NCE all the way!!!
I did some research and digitrax seems to be the most popular system. I think it offers a few more “perks” and is easier for some to use.
However after some careful research I found Lenz OEM’ed to other manufactures including Atlas and Bachmann. Several other manufacturers also make compatible Cabs and extension sets.
They are also the only one approved by NRMA for DCC across the board. And I think the XpressNet command protocol for computer control is the easiest to understand so far. This is vitally important for me as I am writing my own control code to use with a wireless gamepad for throttle/turnout control.
~Don
~D