ok, this is a two part question .
First off, i am going to buy a DCC system friday and i am unsure of the info i have read about the PE system. Havent really read anything bad about the system itself just the MRC decoders.So, with that said , will this system run other decoders that i either install or locos i buy with decoders already installed ok, or will i have problems?
Sorry for the question but , this system i think might fit my layout being at max four trains i might run at one time .Trainfreak suggested the bachmann ez system but, to me it looks kinda generic? not sure of the quality either being that 90 % of all info i see commonly is about the digitrax .
And let me give info for you if need be ( layout is about 12 feet long and 8 feet wide. No yards, reverse loops ,or turntables. Oh and i have about 6 locos that would need decoders on-hand.
This part is probably funny to some but i have seen on ebay bachmann locos with DCC for about $ 30 - $50 , and was thinking of getting the DCC system and a few of these trains to start out with something to run till i can buy a couple of good sound decoders later down the road. Any input on these trains , and running them with the PE is greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance
C.C.
CC,
First off, the MRC Prodigy Express (PE) will run any decoder available. Limitations? The don’t think the PE will allow you to run any non-DCC (i.e. DC) locomotives. Dave Kelly (davekelly here on the forum) has the PE and can probably give you a good rundown on it.
As far as the Bachmann E-Z Command: It’s a simple, no-frills, inexpensive step into the world of DCC. It is limited, with a total max. output of only 1 amp and no accessibility to adjusting the CVs (configuration variables). I picked one up last year for $53.
Locomotive addresses are assigned to easily accessed rows of buttons rather than having to call one up by punching them onto a key pad. You can store up to 9 DCC locomotive addresses. Button 10 is for running one DC locomotive.
Even though the Bachmann has only 1 amp output, I was still able to run up to 3 locomotives at a given time. Course, this will depend entirely on the age of the locomotive and whether or not it has sound. The quality of the system is quite good for what it does. Right now I’m using the new NCE Power Cab. It’s a very nice starter DCC system and very intuitive to use. Any DCC out there is will have it’s users and it’s pros and cons. You just need to determine what you can live with and what you can’t live without.
CC, if you are interested, here’s a link to a write up I made on my first impression of the Power Cab, plus questions, comments, and issues. I think it’s a pretty fair assessment of the system:
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=59491
Tom
The PE cannot run non decoder equipped locomotives. That said, I’ve had no problems running my BLI decoder equipped Mike and a Proto switcher with a digitrax decoder installed (thanks Randy for the website explaining how to do it!).
A limitation that the PE has which for me is its biggest limitation is its inability to read back CV values. (The PE has other limitations that I can live with or does not affect how I plan to use it - I’ve posted a couple of threads on my reasoning). This, however, can be taken care of by using a PA throttle which, when I decide to do it, will give me a two cab system for less than $200.00.
CC, while I know the urge to take the DCC plunge is great, I would suggest that you spend some time and go through the numerous threads on the forum concerning DCC systems before purchasing one. Yeah, it might mean you can’t get your system this Friday, but I think the wait is worth it. I can’t think of anything worse than getting a system and then finding out it has limitations that you weren’t prepared for and that negatively affect your enjoyment of DCC.
Thanks tstage,
Yeah i remember that post you had i was a avid reader of it. The power cab was my first initial choice; Being that i am running only a few trains ( i want them with sound) am using power loc track , cost issue is in play also , i am at a point where everything kinda seems to run together. You guys on here are my LHS in a sense cause i am so far away from one ( 2hr) .
So, the questions start and my head starts to hurt from the reading this them , something else changes my mind then back ETC.ETC.
I just want a good system , reliable,will work with anything i throw at it, and isnt a bloody fortune to buy.
Well, thanks again tsage for the info , we will just have to see if anyone else has a better idea than mine [:)] LOL
CC.
Absolutley right Dave!!! i have read and read, And will read somemore til the time is right. I am not planning on taking a blind plunge , i have been considering it for months now , have drawn a line on three systems, the NCE ,PA, and PE .
I have nothin fancy to run( reverse loops, yards, etc) pretty basic setup .the track i have used is a issue that i have to consider being that it is power loc track, and the number of train that will be in use at one time is at the max three.
So, my consideration to which unit to purchase is fuzzy but drawn.
I’ll have to buy decoders, and will probably buy a train or two at the start to run ( maybe those bachmann with decoders installed) for now til i can get decoders with sound?
Thanks again Dave
C.C.
CC, either of the systems you are considering would fit the bill.
I would personally keep away from the cheap Bachmann decoder equipped locos. Everything I have read about them suggests you will be dissapointed.
I would also suggest you consider installing a regular non sound decoder as your first installation project. Adding sound to a loco adds a lot to the installation. Finding a place for a speaker and getting it well baffled can significantly increase the complexity of an installation. Aside from the ease of installation, there is also the fact that Digitrax and QSI have not yet come to market with their sound decoders, so the choice will be greater later in the year.
CC
Just noticed that you’re in Del Rio with the closest LHS two hours away. I live in Lubbock (although I’m in Rhode Island right now - was recalled for 6 months) so I know where you’re coming from. Given that. I look for any excuse, at least once a year to get to Dallas where a stop at Discount Trains in Addison is a mandatory stop. I love that place!