I like this so far and hope to see more info on this.
Thanks guys [:)]
Purchase what people and clubs around you use, so that you can use their advice and use your components on their layouts (Such as an extra throttle for an ops session).
I am planning to use Lenz, primarily because it is what the Hub Division of the NMRA uses.
I also like the UI, Warranty, and Power. I’m interested in both their Set 90 and Set LI with Loco CE (Joint venture with KAM Industries). The second of the two examples you might really want to consider if you are into wireless. The cost for my layout was actually quite comparable between the two systems (The larger the layout, the more cost effective it can be). Unfortunately, the technology doesn’t currently support Apple Computers.
I would say what is the most expensive and the most expensive DCC system is like you said Digitrax. I’m saying this because I read a 1999 Kalbach publishing book called basics on make your layout or it has to do with the basics and I read that the more expensive stuff works the best. That’s why I would go with Digitrax.
I have used Digitrax as an operator on other layouts and I like the way it works. It usually gets the most popular vote around here. However, when I purchased the system for my new layout (under construction) I decided to give the new MRC Prodigy Advance a try and so far (after 18 months) I love it. It is a highly maligned system, and considering MRC’s other DCC renderings I understand why. I would NOT go with any other MRC DCC product, but the Prodigy Advance works well and I like their throttle better than any other I have used. The primary drawback to the PA is the lack of a computer interface. If that is important to you, go with another system, but if not the PA is a greay buy. Thats my [2c].
Ron
I like MRC products and used two of their MRC-20 power packs, with walk around throttles on my layout. When I converted to DCC I went with Digitrax Super Chief (radio). I selected Digitrax because I was able to 'try before you buy" on other layouts and I liked the features.
I would agree with the above statements that the throttles are a big part of using a DCC system. My Digitrax system started with DT-100 throttles. I have since purchased DT-300, DT-400 and UT-1 throttles. Upgrading the throttles has added features to my system, yet I still have the DCS100 command station that I purchased with the Super Chief. While all of my throttles work very well, I will be replacing most of them with the new UT-4s due to the simplicity in operating these throttles for my guests.
Jim
NCE
Man, that’s a loaded question!! lol. As stated above, pretty much everyone is happy with the system they went with. The key is asking not “what is the better dcc system” but “what is the better dcc system for me.”
While I currently have a MRC PE, it is only because after doing some hard thinking about my current needs and wants, what would be nice to have, what I could do without, what I think I might want in the future and price, it was the best choice for me. I am happy with it - it does what I want it to do and I haven’t been surprised by any unexpected limitations.
I would suggest that you spend some time and review the various threads here. Do some research at retailer and manufacturer web sites. Make a list of your needs/wants current and future. Decide how much you want to spend. Don’t forget decoders! Won’t do any good if you spend your entire DCC budget on the system and then have nothing left for decoders!
The fact that making a decision on a system is a difficult process is something that we really should all be happy for. This makes for some competition in the market, constantly improved/upgraded stuff etc. We also should be thankful for the folks at the NMRA who put not a small amount of time in effort in establishing standards that I think have contributed greatly to the DCC boom.
When you do decide on a system - let us know which one it was, why you picked it (your criteria) and how it works for you.
Have FUN!
It is not my intention to hurt anyone’s feelings but buying the same system others in your neighborhood are using may be the worst advice ever. Even if the chosen system is OK for everyone else, it may not be what you want! Worse, it may be the worst system out there but you would never know because you never took the time to find out what else there is out there!
Besides, getting help is really the responsibility of the manufacturers or its representatives. It is in my opinion much more important to choose a system that offers the features one wants and to investigate what kind of support the manufacturer of that system offers. After all, your friends will only be able to help you with a problem as far as their knowledge allows.
BTW, the upcoming train show in Philadelphia is a perfect time to try all the systems available and ask the manufacturers the questions you always wanted to ask. It helps to keep an open mind when checking out the different systems, otherwise you may not even see the advantages one system may have over another!
Regards,
Art
ZIMO Agency of North America
www.mrsonline.net
True on all counts. However, I don’t think I’ve ever seen, on these forums or anywhere else, advice that said local usage should be the only consideration. I personally believe it should be one of the considerations, and maybe even an important one (more on that later), but certainly not the only one.
When it comes to a new DCC user, I strongly disagree with that point of view. Remember, we’re talking about someone who is relatively new to DCC and choosing their first DCC system. A very high percentage of the time, the type of help those folks are going to need will be the more basic, “How do I set it up?” or “How do I do do this or that?” type of questions.
An experienced local club or individual user of the same DCC system is more often than not going to be able to answer that type of question up close and personal, during off-hours, possibly even visiting the new user’s layout to help work something out. While “the manufacturers or its representatives” can certainly also answer those questions, they may not be able to do it at the same level of personal accomodation:
Me: Art, I bought a ZIMO system and I’m not sure about some of the wiring. Can you stop over tomorrow afternoon
My favorite and the one I use is Digitrax. I think loconet is great plus the backward/forward compatibility takes the guesswork out of buying throttles or boosters.
My club uses Easy DCC with a bunch of wireless throttles. Its a great system but it is more expensive and probably more than you need.
Lenz is also a fine system. I would take a Lenz over and Atlas. They are made by the same company but the Atlas system is lacking in features.
MRC, ohhh, MRC is one to stay away from in the DCC field. MRC DC power packs are great but I have nothing good to say about the old prodigy I used or any of the 3 PA systems the modular club tried to use. Also the decoders are, umm, interesting… The sound decoders are the worst. I bought 3 because of thier low price. They all ran extremely hot and all were dead within 2 months.
So my money would go to Digitrax. But you should be happy as long as you steer clear of MRC.
[quote]
QUOTE: Originally posted by Stevert
Steve,
I give my customers a little more credit than that. They are usually intelligent enough to write down their questions on paper so that I’ll be able to help them without leaving my office [8D]
Regards,
Art
ZIMO Agency of North America
www.mrsonline.net
You missed my humor, but unfortunately you also missed my entire point:
Are you always in your office, so that you can be reached during what are usually considered off-hours? And if that’s the case, how can you look over someone’s shoulder while they punch keys on a throttle, or look at their wiring under their layout? Sometimes it’s very difficult to capture and write down everything you do, and the results of each individual action. That’s especially true if you’re new at something. It gets very frustrating, very quickly.
So, my point stands: As good as a dealer or manufacturer may be, they most often just aren’t going to be as accessable as the local DCC guru. And, for the types of issues a DCC noob is generally going to have, that local guru is going to be intelligent enough to give the proper help (or he wouldn’t be the local guru, now would he?).
Steve
And besides, there are a lot of advantages in having the same system as all your buddies. You can share throttles, share how-to information, and so on.
I don’t think the DCC systems available (among the big 4* or big 5 if you throw in Zimo) are so different that one system is really bad. They’re all very good and so close to similar that a lot of the “bad” points come down to personal taste, not lowsey design or construction.
Zimo’s big claim to fame is it’s PC-like under-the-hood architecture, which makes constant improvements and feature enhancement a case of getting new software releases. Very cool! But Zimo’s downside is price. The Zimo system is way more expensive compared to the other systems out there.
If you want a totally open DCC system and price is no object, the Zimo’s the one. Think of how much a nice PC costs you and you’ll understand why Zimo costs more. But you get what you pay for, as they say. [swg]
But if you are a “dirt poor” modeler, one of the other starter systems for less than $150 (NCE or Digitrax) are a fine choice too, and they don’t hinder your future expansion.
But it is true over time, your one-and-only Zimo system will be able to adapt and add new DCC improvements where the others may require some new hardware purchases. So the long view (5-10 years) may see you spend about the same on Zimo as any other system.
As to the user-friendliness of Zimo’s interface, I find it’s typically European in feel (reminds me of Lenz), and you’ll need to keep the cheat sheets handy – and be ready to study the manuals if you want to do anything fancy. NCE still holds the title of the most intuitive system with little need for cheat sheets after you learn the basics from a quick read of the manual.
P.S. The big 4 are: Digitrax, Lenz, NCE, EasyDCC. MRC, Bachmann, and Atlas systems are too limited to be considered “full featured” DCC systems, and are more intended for the “power pack” crowd. Zimo is the newest
Thank you for all of the feedback. One piece of advice that was written or typed, was that I should wait for the next train show. Some of you said use what the clubs around you use, thats good advice. some even advized that I should go with what’s in my dcc budget. I’m willing to wait for the next train show to see what is the right dcc for me. Right now I’m down to two choices, Digitrax is one, I really like the reports and reviews I’ ve read about this amazing system. Particularly the super chief, Then theirs Nce. I’ m still a little in the dark about that one. But I will continue to read on about it. Thank you!