For the last couple of years I have had the MRC basic prodigy. So far I operate only a few HO locos at any one time, the locos don’t have sound and very few features, but I have found myself wanting to upgrade. As I figure what my needs are I can’t avoid wishing I had a wireless system. This would make operating trains anywhere around the layout much more enjoyable.
Here is what I think I need.
one cab that is radio wireless only, not IR.
The cab would need to be able to aquire locos. (read somewhere that some can’t)
My questions:
Is the NCE powerhouse my only option?
Does the system come wireless as standard or does it come as an extra upgrade?
What are all the components that are needed to get the system operating, so I can figure a true price?
I am glad that I started with an entry level system, got my feet wet with with DCC at an affordable price. Now my budget has improved some. To think that yesterday I was so darn agravated over a blown decoder.
Thanks for your help.
Martin.
NCE is not your only option, but seems to be the best currently on the market. I recently went through the same drill, comparing available systems for a club layout. My primary consideration was easy upgradeability to keep up with changes in technology, the ability to control all 12 currently-used sound decoder functions, and being able to have at least 8 wireless cabs.
The 3 systems I compared were NCE, Digitrax, and CVP’s EasyDCC. NCE and CVP are user-upgradeable by replacing a microchip; Digitrax apparently has to be sent back to the factory for upgrade. NCE and Digitrax can control the 12 functions, but EasyDCC can’t. In my opinion, NCE and EasyDCC have better wireless controllers because they both use speed control knobs instead of pushbuttons.
My suggestion is that you go to the individual web sites of these 3 companies and download their documentation.
I just did this this past weekend. I researched the 3 mentioned products above and even called some stores. I went to a loca ltrain show and that is where I got the best information. I was able to talk with one of the engineers of a layout for some time and even tried out the throttles and system a bit.
I currently have the Digitrax and upgraded to the Super Chief. Far more than i will ever need, but I plan on computerizing some functions as well as inventory control. I found Digitrax service to be better from the factory and willing to answer questions.
NCE was great too. Not enough for me to convert totally from one manufacturer to the next.
I guess the bottom line was comfort with the system, article reviews, and actually being able to try or at least watch the functions in action.
I would highly recommned attending a trian show, meet, or local club event. The engineers are usually a wealth of information an great to talk to. Not that I would ever be close to doing what they do, but it is good to know the capability is there.
I currently use the Digitrax Super Empire Builder and I love it, but there are a few things I have learned about it since I bought it.
with the command module that comes with the SEB (DB150) you cant read your CVs which can sometimes make troubleshooting a pain.
the manual is not clear on what the programing variables really do. I had to search online for some further explaination.
If you want to have the flexability and the extra power needed to program your trains and see what you are doing get the Super Cheif set. That comes with a command station that will allow you to read your loco’s CVs. It does cost a little more but it is worth the extra cost.
As for wireless all the mid to upper Digitrax can be converted to wireless with the addition of a wireless throttle and a UR91 interface. No special chip or anything to add just plug it into your loconet and give it its own 5v power supply and you are wireless.
I am not saying here that the digitrax is the better set, they all have their good and bad points I just wanted to let you know what I learned after my research as you are doing now. I would recommend talking to your LHS and finding out what the train guys around your area are buying and also talk to the local clubs. I was going to go with the NCE system from my research I did but found that there was no retailer that stocked NCE products and all the local clubs were using the digitrax system. I found alot of suport for my questions right here amd I am happy with my decission
Hi Martin,
I have Digitrax, so that’s all I can comment on. It will not meet the second of your two requirements (cab that acquires a loco) if you want to do that wireless. With Digitrax you must plug in the throttle to change locos. The Digitrax radio control works great, but to me this huge flaw eliminates Digitrax if you want truly wireless operation.
Plugging in is not a big deal if you have enough panels to plug into around your layout. I highly recommend Digitrax radio equipment, its all we ever use at shows and has never let us down. If Digitrax could come up with a system that you didn’t need to plug your throttle into to get a loco I would be first in line.
Your experience sounds a lot like mine. I started with a plain vanilla Atlas system and added the CVP wireless because that is the only one compatible with Atlas (at least as far as I know). It works beautfiully. Simply to operate. Good speed control with the knob. I can’t access the advanced CVs but I think that is a limitation of my Atlas system, not the CVP wireless system. Their manual has instructions for using the more advanced functions but my system as is meets my current needs. Eventually I am going to upgrade to a Lenz system which will allow me to use all the CVs on my BLI locos. Lenz is compatible with Atlas and CVP (I’m not sure but I thought I read somewhere that Lenz actually makes the Atlas components). If you go with CVP wireless, you’ll probably want to get either their EasyDCC or Lenz to go with it.
I too, use Digitrax and have been VERY happy with it so far.
Having to “plug in” to acquire a loco isn’t so bad, and I’m told is a safety feature…You really do have to make an effort to get a loco to the throttle.
I have one UR91 and two UT4R’s (BTW the UT4R’s do have a knob to control speed, the buttons mentioned by cacole must be on another throttle that I am not familiar with), along with a tethered DT 200 running my “now old” Digitrax BigBoy system.
Again, I have to say I’m happy with it!
I hear good things about CVP’s throttle, though I haven’t used one.
The Atlas Commander - which was made by Lenz, and sold outside North America as the Lenz Compact - is also compatible with Lenz’s XPA “Xpressnet Phone Adapter”. This simple plug-in module lets you use a cordless telephone into a wireless throttle. I’ve had one for about three years and love it. It’s a pushbutton device, but it doesn’t take long to become accustomed to and works very well. It’s also economical - I paid $CAD 80 for the adapter and $20 for a phone to use with it, for a total cost of $CAD 100 - hands down the lowest-cost wireless option for Lenz and Atlas.
I have an NCE wireless system and have used Digitrax and EasyDCC wireless systems. I prefer the NCE system. The Digitrax system has a lag in sending commands that doesn’t seem to bother the digitrax users but I found irritating as an NCE user. It was also much easier to learn to acquire and engine with NCE, one lesson and my kids could operate an NCE throttle. With written instructions I had trouble acquiring an engine with a Digitrax throttle. Plus the sequence to acquire and engine appears to be different with each throttle while its the same with each NCE throttle.
EasyDCC is also easy but I only have used a 2 digit addressing system so its not quite apples to apples.