I haven’t seen this particular poll in a while and a couple new systems have come out that might have swayed the balance of things so I just had to do one.
Yes I know Rail Lynxx is not DCC but I wanted a head to head comparison. I tried to get them all in but if I missed one I apologize. Thanks for participating.
Jesse
I use the Digitrax Chief 8 amp and would recommend all Digitrax systems.
REX
I’m still planning on purchasing the Digitrax Zephyr. Will add a UT4 afterwards to enjoy all of the extra features offered by sound equipped units.
Super Empire Builder, an oldie but goodie. Takes some learning, but what doesn’t in the modern age?
MRC Prodigy Advance…because when it comes to DCC, I’m no prodigy. For my little layout, it does what I need it to do.
For a small to medium layout, my Zephyr does everything I need - at a reasonable price.
And I have YET to need any DCC book to run it !!!
NCE at home, Digitrax at the club.
I prefer NCE myself…
Tim
Fleischmann Twin Centre if you are buying it in a start set is the best.
Otherwise you are better off with the Uhlenbrock Intelibox, which incidently make the Twin Centre (so in essence they are the same)
xirix, I’m sorry i didn’t remember to add those to the list. Thanks.
Jesse
I have a Digitrax Zephyr with MRC Railpower 1300s attached to the ‘jump ports’. I added a DT400 throttle about a year ago. I’ve never had a problem. Pictures of my installation on my website, link is in my signature. Just pu***he Layout button once on site.
I updated my website today. Lots of new pictures.
I started with a digitrax big boy in 1985,then a couple of years later ,i upgraded to a chief.I’ve never had a major problem with thier system.then again,I have no experience with any other system.
I’ve always wondered what systems people used, good question. Personally I use a Digitrax Empire Builder and plan on getting a UT4 for when visitors drop in. I might even be able to get my kids interested.
Fergie
You missed a biggie: EasyDCC.
However, without doing the poll, I could have told you which system always wins: Digitrax. That’s because they know how to market and price their product, and Digitrax has sold the most systems, hands down.
Doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best system, but it has sold the most. One key consideration when looking to buy a system is what system is used by others in your area. If you buy that, you can count on lots of local support.
Each system has its strengths and weaknesses, depending on what you want. If you select one of the big four (Digitrax, Lenz, NCE, EasyDCC) you can’t really go wrong.
As to RailLynx, I’ve operated many times on RailLynx and it’s IR transmission approach is line-of-sight, so you end up having to think about pointing things at your loco. With my EasyDCC wireless, you don’t have to worry about that.
Plus RailLynx means you are limited to just their decoder offerings, like it or lump it. Finally, there are no RailLynx sound decoders, so if you like sound, you’re on your own.
It’s not DCC but I used the Classic Dynatrol and still think it’s great. The majority of the group I belong to are still very much involved with it, yeah I know it has limits and is analog, but it sure is easy to use.
I use MRC Prodigy. I will someday upgrade to the Prodigy Advanced, but for now I am completly satisfied!!
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"One key consideration when looking to buy a system is what system is used by others in your area. If you buy that, you can count on lots of local support.
Each system has its strengths and weaknesses, depending on what you want. "
People say this all the time and it is true only to a certain point. Everyone in my round robin group that is DCC uses EasyDCC. I went with NCE, it fit my needs the best.
The important statement is the second one, buy what is best for you and the heck with everyone else.
Larry
I use Digitrax, ultimately there will be a DCS-100 as the command station and 3 DB-150 boosters (maybe 2 and another DCS-100).
But, this discussion is a little like computer software. You read up and do the research, make an educated decision, and as long as it meets your needs you stick with it. Barring some major breakthrough that you really need or want, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
I bought a Digitrax Zephyr only because when I first got into the hobby everybody in my area and in my club used Digitrax equipment. I have since added a booster and 2 400 throttles.