I could use a little help with finding the best for the money DCC system for converting from the old D.C. cab system that I am currently using. Its time to get out of the 70’s and go with something of this century. I have a extended 4X8 layout with 12X3 by 8X2 “L” extention on it now with 2 more expantions in progress. Help would be greatly needed.[%-)]
I’m partial to Digitrax because:
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I can continue running my analog (DC) locomotives at the same time as my DCC engines.
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Digitrax is very popular, hence lots of products, lots of expertise around, and it’s pretty compatable with just about everything else.
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It’s readily expandable and modular.
It may not be the cheapest system for your dollar, but I believe it’s the best value for it.
I like Digitrax, too. I’ve had my Zephyr for about two years and I couldn’t imagine anything simpler. I think Digitrax has about the best bang for the buck when it comes to expandability, too. Since the Zephyr can be upgraded to do most anything the largest system can do, it’s a great way to build a system that can handle your layout needs as they grow and expand, instead of laying out a small fortune for a system that might be overkill for your layout for some time to come.
I also am a Digitrax fan. I eventually added their radio unit, and wish I would have started with it and saved a lot. I love the little UT4r throttles. They are easy to carry and my grand kids can’t hit the wrong button and reprogram anything.
The ability fot several people, at once, to walk around, each with his own train is wonderful.
Warning, I was advised away from the Empire Builder because it would not read CVs and that turned out to be very good advice.
Digitrax is the way to go IMO. I have upgraded my zephyr with a booster, 2 throttle panels and 3 extra throttles. And that is the best part about Digitrax, upgrading is so easy. All digitrax gear is compatible so you just plug it in and it works, nothing difficult about that.
Plus the Zephyr is pretty much full featured, It has great features that other systems in its price range dont:
Ability to readback CVs: Very important, you may not know what to do with it yet, but it is very important especially if you get into sound.
Option of computer interface: you can program decoders with software like DecoderPro, it really simplifies things, like instead of your speed tables being 128 seperate CVs you can just move some sliders to the curve you want.
Loconet: Loconet allows you to hook up other Digitrax products, anything the zephyr doesnt have you can add via loconet if you need it.
OK, there’s got to be a dissent from the Digitrax craze!! My choice was MRC Prodigy Advance. I run it with 2 cabs (1 for the grandson) and the cost with 2 cabs was only about $275 or so. As far as the conversion goes, all I did was wire a DPDT center off switch between the track buss & the 2 power supplies, a simple throw of that switch gets you from DC to DCC. You could go further and add the switches to each power block & run both DC & DCC locos at the same time. No changes to my existing wiring was necessary. Good luck! P.S. No disrespect meant to the Digitrax guys!
I’m sure Digitrax is an excellent system but it might not be the best system for your situation. You really have to look at what you need to run your layout. With a 4x8, you probably aren’t going to have a large fleet of locos or more than a couple throttles working simultaneously, so one of the lower end systems such as MRC Prodigy or Atlas might suit your needs. Are you going to want to use advanced features such as sound? Do you want wireless remote throttles? Are you going use stationary decoders to control things like turnouts and other accessories? If you answered no to these questions, paying for a system with all the bells and whistles might be overkill. On the other hand, if you think you might be interested in using advanced features you might want to start with a system that will be upgradeable if you decide to expand. Most of the systems adhere to NMRA standards so components are interchangeable. I have a Lenz system but I use decoders from several manufacturers, some which were factory installed and others that were retrofits. Get what you need to fit your system but don’t spend money for features you won’t use.
You dont want to go for Atlas or Prodigy becuase they were basic for thier time and are now pretty outdated, both are dead-end systems and not a good choice. If you must spend under $100 then the Bachmann system is a much better choice. The Bachmann system is really a stepping stone into DCC, it works well but its bare bones and doesnt take advantage off all the capability built into the DCC standards. Digitrax, Lenz and NCE are all good systems, I went with Digitrax originally because I liked all the features and expandability it offered at a low price.
You might be interested in this thread…I am sure it will have some relevance.
Jpm335 must have mis-read my reply - I use MRC Prodigy Advance! I did start with Prodigy but the nice folks at MRC exchanged it at a reasonable cost when I e-mailed them about the almost total lack of sound features. I’ve spoken to several people who had the Bachmann system & traded up!!
Digitrax is not the only good system, just The one I went with. BUT- Once you have walked around the layout, following your train, blowing the whistle as you pass another train or get ready to catch up with a train run by your grandson, you will know why radio is the way to go. Once you walk around with two trains as the same time, maybe going in different directions, you will know why having two radio throttles is more fun than you can imagine. Loconet makes this easy. Make sure the other systems have those features. If you save too much money all you will have is an expensive frustrating version of DC.
My layout is small, but I had four people running four trains the other night, tooting the whistles and ringing the bells, and avoiding collisions - It was a blast, and none of them had ever run a train set before.
I recommend Digitrax as well. I use the Bachmann EZ Command, which is fine for a small layout and basic funcioning of 3 or 4 trains. A layout larger than your standard 4x8 needs something bigger that can handle more power and functions. Go with the Digitrax system.
I agree. Having started ‘tethered’ and gone radio, I’d never be ‘wired’ again.
The different wireless systems have some subtle, but very important differences. Look into it carefully and make your own choice. My preference for a wireless setup is (in order), NCE, Lenz with EasyDCC wireless throttle, Digitrax radio (not IR). The order is my own, based on my own needs/requirements. The main point is that all three are valid choices.
I bought a Lenz system about a year and a half ago. One thing I liked was that it was a 5-amp system right out of the box, while others are 2 1/2 o 3 1/2. This is increasingly important as higher-power sound units are hitting the market. I’m still very happy with it. I run it off of an ancient transformer that was probably manufactured (by Lionel) when Harry Truman was in office. Yeah, they made things right back then.
Look around where you live. Are there clubs you might want to join? What kind of system do they use? While all DCC decoders are compatable, the rest of the system components are not. So, if a friend has a Digitrax system and you have an MRC throttle, you can’t plug them together. You and a friend might want to run trains together, but to do that, you will need the same system so you can bring throttles over as well as locomotives.
The short answer - there is more to “bang for the buck” than meets the eye.
The good thing, though, is that pretty much all of the systems are really very good, and you will probably be happy with whatever choice you make.
Sorry if I wasnt clear, I was reffering to the original Prodigy which was mentioned along with Atlas system in a different post.
This thread was very helpful to me in making my decision on which DCC system to go with.
http://www.trains.com/TRC/CS/forums/626056/ShowPost.aspx
-George
NCE
Ditto on the Digitrax. I got the Super Chief in 1998 & haven’t had a minutes troble with it in 8 years, a pretty impressive record if you ask me. I also have the DT-400R radio throttle which is the best way to go for programming locos and such. I’d recommend getting this system if you can afford it. If not, the Zephyr is supposed to be a good set at a lower cost. I have not had to contact AJ Ireland or his staff, but all the feedback I’ve read about them has been positive. I do know they are a good wwll-established company that is here to stay. Tweet
It looks like a majority of you use the Digitrak system and it seems tobe the more popular unit. I like the option of running some of my old loco’s that would not be cost effected to switch in DC. Where as my newer Athreans and Proto 2000’s are basicly pulg it in.
Thanks For the info.[:D]
I figured I’d ask this question here even though I don’t suppose I’ll get much help, but anyway:
Does anyone have any experience with European DCC systems, like Fleischmann or Roco? The latter, at least, is available reasonably cheaply where I’m from. There’s a complete technical documentation on the manufacturer’s home page, but I can’t really understand all the technobabble. I swear, it’s like watching Star Trek.
Edit: Here’s the link to the aforementioned teknobabble, if anyone’s interested: http://www.roco.cc/content.php?id=1917