What are your likes and dislikes.
I use a fairly heavily expanded Digitrax Zephyr.
I started some years ago with the basic Zephyr and used if for a while with a pair of jump throttles (Old DC packs connected) so that my boys could play along. 3 more throttles, duplex wireless, a booster, PC interface with Decoder pro and continue to have one jump throttle for really small kids to use. In all now the Z lets me and 4 to 5 others run trains at the same time. It is this incredible expandability that I really like about the Zephyr, it continues to run everything several years after I purchased it, I simply have not outgrown its capabilities.
Now having said that, I rarely use the Zephyr throttle at all. It sits by a yard and gets used to run a switcher or two, but what I really like is the DT402 throttle. It does a lot, but is compact enough to allow single handed operation. But, most of the time I run 2 different trains with it, which is very easy with the dual knob control.
Frankly, I really don’t have a dislike, the system has done everything I have asked of it. It is easy to use, and very flexible. I am not sure that there is anything I would change, other than increased battery life in the radio throttle.
BTW, the vast majority of users like the DCC systems that they have regardless of brand. If you are looking to select a system, I would not give too much weight to what you read in a thread like this. What really matters is that you get a good handle on the capabilities that are important to you so you can select a system that best meets your needs. The fact that I like my Digitrax system should have zero influence on your decision.
…the same one I bought nearly 4-1/2 years ago: NCE Power Cab.
I use my Power Cab in conjunction with the first generation NCE Smart Booster (SB3). It allows me to unplug and plug my Power Cab into an available UTP panel without shutting down the layout. One of these days I’ll upgrade to the new SB3a.
I’ve been very happy with the Power Cab so far. Even without the SB3, it’s been a great system for me.
Tom
Digitrax Zephyr plus a DT100 and DT400 throttle. And a Hans DeLoof Locobuffer to interface to my computers.
Likes: simple yet fully featured, powerful - I’ve run up to 4 sound and 4 non-sound locos at the ame time, unlimited expansion capability of Loconet - there are dozens of third party products that work with it, makign for many options when it comes to detection, signalling, and accessory control.
Dislikes: none at all. I’m actually on my second one, but the first one didn’t break or anything, I lost nearly all of my train stuff. However I recently got some of it back so now I have two Zephyrs.
–Randy
Digitrax Super Chief.
Likes: Everything.
Dislikes: None.
I’m using a Digitrax Super Empire Builder, DT400r and a UT4r on my home N scale layout. At my club we have a Super Empire Builder for our N layout and a Super Cheif on the HO layout. All my decoders are Digitrax with the exception of a POS MRC sound decoder in one loco.
Super Empire Builder with twin DT400 throttles and Digitrax’s own 5 amp power supply. I don’t want anything more as this suits my needs quite nicely. Very reliable, too, if a bit quirky at times. I’ll turn on the power and the DT400 throttle shows cab numbers I’ve never had. I just power down, flick the toggle back up, and it seems to excuse itself and show the last numbers I used…no excuse given, but it’s a minor inconvenience.
-Crandell
I use 3 different systems. The club has a Lenz system with CVP wireless throttles. I am an operator of a large home layout that uses a Digitrax system. At my home you will find an NCE Power Cab. When my layout is finished it will be incorporated into a PH pro system and the PC panel will be mounted by the work bench for programming.
In my opinion no system is better then the others. They each have their great points and they each have their quirks. I liked the way the NCE throttle fit my hand and the large easy to see display the second I touched it. If it was not for that I would have bought a Lenz system for home. Digitrax burned me a couple times on warranty claims for decoders so I shy away from spending my hard earned money on them. That was a good 7 or 8 years ago and from what I have heard they are much better in customer service.
Pete
NCE Power Cab here. So far so good with no problems. [swg]
Super Chief with two DT400’s, four DS64’s, two DS54’s, two Team Digital SRC8’s, some UP5’s, a PR3, and a (retired) MS100. More to come as the layout progresses…
Likes:
LocoNet - You can’t beat the flexibility and expandability of LocoNet. Heck, even some guys using NCE are setting up stand-alone LocoNets on their layouts, for signaling and/or turnout control!
Future proof - Playable F2 before anyone even had playable decoders is one example. The ability to upgrade firmware on newer products (eg, the DT402’s) via the PR3, rather than either having to send it back or be charged $35 for an EPROM, is another. And the fact that the DCS100 command station has NOT needed a firmware upgrade since back when the NMRA changed the DCC standard from 8 to 12 functions (that same firmware handled the change to 28 functions) is a third.
Ergonomics - Direct (NOT recall stack) control of two locos at the same time from a single, easy to hold DT40x throttle that has FEWER buttons than NCE’s big ol’ hammerhead.
Dislikes:
It hasn’t given me any winning lottery numbers yet.
Digitrax Super Chief which was purchased more than ten years a go and still going strong. I started with a DT100R simplex radio throttle but have recently upgraded to duplex radio. The DT100R (two of them) are still in service.
NCE phpro 5 amp with radio. I also have a power cab that I use for the 2nd throttle and for the program track.
Likes: Easy to use and great menu system
Dislikes: Still looking for one but no luckf
I use a NCE Power Cab with the older SB3 smart booster.
Likes: most user friendly system out there.
Dislikes: NONE
You know, I’m trying to ignore all this my system is better than yours nonsense. I think there’s one of these posts every other day. That said, I think this is the second time in about a week where someone has made the fewer button statement.
Yes, you are technically correct if all you are doing is counting “buttons”. If I counted right, the DT current update handset number whatever has 32, and the PowerCab has 34. However, 4 of the PowerCab buttons are related to speed step control and supplement the thumbwheel. You don’t have to use them. So if we subtract those 4, then the PowerCab only has 30. So hows about a little truth in advertising?
Been using the NCE Pro system since 1999. Have four power districts and boosters, use wireless and cable, have the T bone cabs and the cabo4p cabs, like the system very much.
Bob
Well…maybe you should have gotten the one with more buttons then…[swg]
Tom
NCE Pro, Love it!
No problems!
TheK4Kid
Now that my friend is a new definition of “Truth in advertising” Something only counts if you have to use it.
Do you really think NCE would advertise their throttle as having “Only 30 buttons” and then in very small type “actually 34, but you don’t have to use 4 of them”
Well with that logic, subtract two from the Digitrax count too, because they are the direction buttons for the left and right knob which only supplant the functionality of clicking the knob.
Or if you really want to be sneaky, consider that button count for Digitrax is for TWO throttles, not one! And a flashlight. Does anyone else have a flashlight in their throttle? [:D]
–Randy
Randy,
I’ve used the backlit LCD screen of the Power Cab as a flashlight before. Does that count?
Tom