After changing the layout per boss request,I am wirring for DCC. The BOSS AND I Like the Power cab. A friend mentioned Digitrax because it also has a wireless throttle,which is a must have because I am tired of stepping on the Control Master 20 telephone cord. Wireless will come later,right now I am trying to get the first section wired and running good on DC. I plan to add switch machines as I can later to be operated by DCC. I do not plan to add sound or off railroad accessories.
Hi TruScaleNut:
I vote for NCE. I looked at both Digitrax and NCE and the NCE throttle layout made the choice easy. Digitrax throttles are basically a box with a bunch of identical buttons. I’m all thumbs! They totally turned me off! NCE’s throttle is much more intuitive. It also has a much nicer display.
This question has been asked many times in various forms. NCE almost never receives negative comments. Digitrax does get a few.
Dave
Both companies make a very good product and both have their advantages. While I chose NCE I understand why others chose Digitrax.
If you like the Power Cab you can always add either the Smart Booster (SB5) or the PH Pro later on. Wireless can also be added to the SB5 but the PH Pro-R would be the most direct route.
Tom
I also went with NCE for a couple of reason:
First I asked here just as you did.
Second The form factor was better for me I can roll around on my layout chair throwing turnouts by hand and have the controller with me on my small layout
Third it is made in upstate NY don’t know about Digitrax but MRC is made in China.
There was a bit of a learning curve graduating from EZ Command to Powercab but it’s nothing that can’t be overcome.
At the risk of getting challenged, I would pick the NCE Power Cab as the better starter system.
Rich
Which is the best brand of car? The answer is different from person to person.
I knew nothing about DCC. I bought Bachmann EZ Command because it was simple, easy to understand, and available locally. It didn’t take me long to realize how inadequate it was. It now lives in the junk box with the Bachmann track.
Determined to not make another blind choice, I downloaded the manuals from the websites of several brands. After reading them all, I chose Digitrax. You might make a different choice. There is no better or worse, there is only number of trains you can run at once, expandbility as you grow, availability of accessories, updatability of firmware, service if it breaks, on line support, etc. Only you know which of those things are important to you.
If you know other modelers in your area or club members, ask them what they use. They can be a great source of support and advise.
I have no experience with Digitrax so I can’t answer your question. The only thing I can say is that I am very happy with the NCE Power Cab.
Hi,
I’ve followed this “Ford vs. Chevy” debate for several years. I chose Digitrax, but could have chosen NCE just as easily. The bottom line is, you really can’t go wrong with either of them…
I knew nothing about DCC. I bought Bachmann EZ Command because it was simple, easy to understand, and available locally. It didn’t take me long to realize how inadequate it was. It now lives in the junk box with the Bachmann track.
Actually I plan I using the EZ Command for the subway layout or possibly just the power supply for something. The EZ track will be used on my static displays and anything left will go to the temples rummage sale.
Way back when, some 14 years now, I researched everything. I knew I would eventually want to have actual block detection and signalling, so I went with Digitrax. There is only one system bus to wire, not a seperate throttle bus and booster bus. The Digitrax system bus, called Loconet, is akin to a low speed Ethernet network and can handle dozens of throttles PLUS block detector inputs PLUS signal controller outputs PLUS accessory decoders for operating turnouts and so forth. Also, the number of third party (not made by Digitrax) add-on devices that are compatible with Loconet is more than tha total for all other systems combined.
Digitrax has recently simplified their product lineup - there are really now only 3 options - Zephyr Xtra, which is a console type controller but fully expandale to add wired and wireless throttles and all the other goodies; the Evolution with wired throttlel and the Evolution with wireless throttle. All can be added on to and expanded, and any existing throttles can be upgraded to wireless as well.
–Randy
If you’ve already tried the powercab and like it, go with that.
When our family had to make the same decision several months ago, we went the with Digitrax Zepher Xtra, because it had the same form/functon as the DC power pack(s) our youngster was already use to. With a few months of use under his belt, he can change from 1 loco to another, operate all the sound and light functions, throw switches and various other things with the system. The other day, he was running two trains and the same time by himself (one with the base station, one with the tethered throttle) BTW, he’s 5…
A couple of older threads…
I recently upgraded to DCC, and went with NCE (Powercab). I was looking for the least difficult transition, with easy programming and operation. NCE won in large part because I liked the ‘remote’ form factor and display-driven programming it offers. There’s also a huge user base online to help troubleshoot any issues. I’d be lying if the low cost of entry didn’t influence my decision as well. My only complaint is that the included setup looks ‘unfinished’, with an exposed PCB board and wiring, if (like me) you don’t have a finished layout fascia in which to mount it.
Although all my DC power packs are/were MRC, I didn’t go with their Prodigy starter system since it offered a little less power, I read of some programming problems w/ sound decoders (half my reason for finally pulling the trigger on DCC), and they have a corporate history of orphaning their previous DCC systems after just a few years. That sounds very negative, but in actuality I was very close to choosing the Prodigy system because I also liked their throttle, the system is a very ‘clean’ form factor, and it looked dead simple to use.
I’ll admit, Digitrax lost out almost immediately. The 1980s ‘kit electronics’ aesthetic at comparably higher prices, and reputation for programming difficulty just had me looking in other directions basically from the start. It very well might be the most ‘powerful’ and comprehensive system once you go all-in, but that wasn’t my goal at this time. No intent to malign their systems, they just weren’t right for me.
I’ll grant you an 80’s electronic esthetic, but higher prices? Feature for feature, Digitrax is cheaper or the same as NCE. You can;t directly compare the Zephyr Xtra and PowerCab on price, the Zephyr is a command station capable of addressing up to 20 locos and the booster is 1 amp more than the PowerCab. The Zephyr has a dedicated program track connection as well as the main rails, and like all Digitrax systems (and no NCE systems), allows you to program AND run trains at the same time.
–Randy
Listen to Randy.
Just sayin’.
I’ve heard good things about both. When researching I was leaning slightly to NCE. Then a factor mentioned by the dealer pretty much finished my leaning. Are there other layouts in the area using DCC, if so what do they run? I have visited one (before going DCC) and they used NCE and the fellows coming in could bring their own throttles.
The one thing to be sure of is to have enough power for the number of locomotives you are going to be running, not the size of your layout. NCE starter set will run 3 sound locos without problems. Not sure how many non-sound it can handle, though I’ve seen it somewhere in the literature. I don’t know about Digitrax, but the NCE starter set and SB5 purchased seperately cost less than the upgraded set. The hand throttle can be used on other layouts and can be made to work with radio control. Not sure of the overall pricing of all the pieces need together, whether there is a package for less than the parts.
The idea of having the same type as those in your area not only means you can operate on their layouts (and visa versa), but it’s much easier to ask questions and learn the specifics of your system from those right close to you.
Good luck,
Richard
It’s a personal preference and all depends on what you are after.
NCE is more user friendly. NCE has a handheld powercab with easy to read directions.
But Digitrax has a larger user base, is more bulletproof, and more accessories. The Zephyr Xtra has a stationary throttle command station. The digitrax system also uses standard phone wire for a bus. And the back of the Zephyr has more connection options.
I personally like the feel of a large throttle you can roll. But I can’t argue the NCE is a lot easier to user for things like a consist. Like I said, it’s a personal preference.
THANK YOU Hon30critter, I have not tried either throttle but the NCE looks more user friendly to someone who has run CNC Machines in a machine shop.
MIKE
I was looking at entry level DCC sets because my layout had progressed to the point where I was ready to run some trains, but it was (and still is) some years away from entertaining multiple operators.
Another aspect of this was, that I was reluctant to purchase a top-of-line model in a technology that is evolving rapidly; concerned that it would be outdated by the time I was ready to fully utilize it.
The selling point for me about the NCE Power Cab was the “nothing wasted” path to adding additional power and wireless control.
One thing I do like on the Digitrax throttle is the twin control knobs. This is easier to use when running two trains or a train with an independent helper. With the NCE, you switch back and forth with the recall button.
Jim
Thank you, TSTAGE
I have a lot of Athern blue box engines that I would like to see on the layout, adding the booster will be a must. Affordability on my allowance is first concern. The Power-cab has a thirty foot cord, right? LOL!
MIKE
Thanks for your help!