I might be buying my DCC setup this weekend at the SPringfield train show… I amtrying to decide which to buy…Atlas or MRC
any advice???
thanks[:)]
What are your needs?
How many locomotives? How many operators? size of layout etc?
Describe what you want to do and what your expectations for DCC are and perhaps one system will jump out.
Both of the above are fine systems, but one may be better for you, or even a differnt starter set like the Digitrax Zephyr or the Bachmann system would be better for you.
Layout size is 15 X 22
up to maybe 4 operators
locos hmmmm up to 4 or 5 running
Atlas all the way!!!11
The Atlas Commander is a VERY limited system, although it can be expanded with Lenz components.
You might be better off picking something a bit more than a basic starter set, since you mention 4 operators and 4-5 locos running at the same time. Talk to the people from Tony’s Train Exchange, they will be there at the Springfeld show.
–Randy
Grandfunk,
Neither of the two systems you mention will fulfill the needs you mention out of the box. You are going to have to expand the systems with additional throttles to get the number of operators you mention. I don’t beleive that the NRC system has any avaialble expansion right now, though I have heard that MRC are promising this. As mentioned above, the Atlas system can be expanded with components from Lenz. I think if I were in your shoes, i would try and use the show as a good fact finding mission. See if you can get to talk to dealers for the two systems and also look at others. I would consider the Digitra Zephyr for example. See if you can try them out at the show and see which feels right.
Have fun, DCC is well worth it.
I have the MRC Prodigy, the older one with the dial, and I have a 10x12 double deck layout, with 4 operators and 10-14 locos running at one time with no add-ons or upgrades. And I love it. BUT all this is with N scale. Don’t know what scale you have.
- Mike
Just to add a bit of confusion into this post, I will throw in my two cents worth. I had the MRC product, and moved up to Digitrax. It is a much better system. Look into it before you buy either MRC or Atlas.
If CVP has a booth at the show visit with Keith or Al. If not, visit this website:
Http://www.cvpusa.come
Easy DCC with either tethered or wireless walkaround is VERY user friendly and easy to expand. The hardware is, generally speaking, more durable than the hardware for the other systems mentioned above. If you place the command station near a major yard your yard operator(s) can use one or both of the built in throttles while other operators use the walkarounds. That way you only need three walkaround units instead of four or five.
In any event, get the system you’re most comfortable with and ENJOY the freedom that DCC gives you.
Cheers,
Ed
I have the Lenz Compact (cousin to the Atlas commander) which seems to be the best budget DCC system out there - handles 99 addresses, can do some programming, and is really easy to use. My only problems with it are that it doesn’t support extended addressing or programming on the main, though if I’d held out for those there’s no way I could have afforded to go over to DCC now. If you want to operate a large layout with many operators however it may not be for you, although it can be expanded using Lenz components (a walkaround throttle is now high on my list, or maybe the gadget Lenz offer to convert a cordless phone into a wireless throttle). Hope this is of help!