which DCC should i use

Model Railroader Electronics and DCC
21

Okay, I found what I was remembering:

NCE USB Adapter Limitations

The NCE USB Adapter doesn’t support all of the current JMRI features and functions. Some of the restrictions are based on the type of system the USB Adapter is connected to. The USB can’t get information from AIUs, so they can’t be used to get feedback from the layout. The turnout feedback mode MONITORING isn’t available when using a USB, and the Clock functions found in tools are also not available. The USB when connected to a Power Pro system doesn’t support any type of loco programming, and when connected to a SB3 only operation mode (no program track) is available for loco programming. Most functions and features that are not supported by the NCE USB are disabled or grayed out in the JMRI program.

The USB Adapter when connected to a Power Cab or SB3 can only address accessories (turnouts) between 1 and 250. There isn’t a limitation when connected to a Power Pro.

USB Adapter Limitation Summary
All systems:
No AIU support, No Turnout MONITORING, No Clock functions.
Power Cab and SB3:
Can only access accessory addresses between 1 and 250.
SB3:
No programming track support, operation mode only.
Power Pro:
No loco programming

This is from the JMRI site: http://jmri.sourceforge.net/help/en/html/hardware/nce/NCE.shtml

Not sure what these mean to Power Cab users. I suppose with Power Pro it would be best to use the serial connection built into the command station.

22

When I had a ProCab-R, I had a serial interface with my computer and I programmed quite happily.

Is this the only connection available to the Power Cab?

David B

23

Having asked some version of this question in the recent past, and then reading virtually every subsequent post on the subject, two things are clear and certain:

  1. There are posters here who have a big thorn in their jeans at the point where they meet the saddle about certain systems/manufactureres; and

  2. As is true with almost everything we own, no one wants to admit they made a bad decision and bought the wrong system.

Result is that the response to a posters ‘which system?’ query is either an endorsement of the system they use or a shot at the one they have taken a pledge to bash at every opportunity. Neither much help at all.

My suggestion, bold though it may be, is go with your gut, buy SOMETHING, and see what happens. The absolute worst is that you’ll hate it and will have to dump it at some loss. At least you’ll get a personal yardstick to go forward with. No one elses experience will ever be a whole lot of help, and others biases may well direct you away from the one thay is ultimately best for you.

Certainly, my 2 cents only. Hey! I’m still trying get the guts to make the same decision you are, but I do have the benefit of almost 10 years with a very, old-outdated DCC system. It has helped me figure out where to go next, if not which system gets me there.

Mike

24

I would absolutley regaurd this as bad advice. Nothing is worse than spending hard earned money on a system that you hate.

Better advice would be to try systems out at stores, or at clubs or…or if you cant do that, then your next best resource is here on these forums (or other forums).

Yes, everyone will have a favorite. No, not everyone has had experience with every system. Personally, I have owned MRC (2000), NCE (PhPro-R), Lenz (forget which model) and Digitrax (Zephyr and SEB). And I must say that each system appeals to a different user or circumstance.

Look at systems that grow, not dead ends (like Bachmann EZ and Dynamis). Look for systems that are established (Digitrax, Lenz, NCE…). Look for systems with lots of components…options…throttles…signals…computer connections…you WILL want extra features after you grow out of the golly-gee-wiz stage.

Look to see what people are using near to you. That way you have a local support group.

Look to see what the LHS is stocking. Nothing is more frustrating than to have to mail order or special order your componets.

Read books and mags on the subject. Get yourself familiar with myths and facts about DCC.

Budget. Ask lots of questions. Use the search button. Google. Ask more questions.

Do all this before you buy.

Now, in terms of decoders, any Digitrax, NCE, Lenz, Lok, Soundtraxx, QSI…

25

I don’t believe that I saw that much of this in this particular thread. In the original post it appears that the poster was looking for an opinion of the MRC versus the NCE, although that was not exactly stated. It’s pretty hard to have an opinion without making some statement as to why you have that opinion. I guess that qualifies as an endorsement.

So if we throw out the posts, or parts thereof, that don’t address the question, it seems to me that the majority of those responding had a similar opinion as to which of the two systems they would prefer.

26

While I can say that I’ve never met a DCC system that I didn’t like, I can also say that there is most likely one particular system that will absolutely be best for ones specific situation. For that reason I think that the advice given by David B. is excellent for anyone looking for a system.

As for the original poster, it would seem that the Power Cab would be the best choice between the two mentioned but further study, per David’s thoughts, might help solidify the decision.

27

And don’t just be fooled by a low introductory price. Unless you have absolutely no intentions of ever goign further and buildign a bigger layout. For example, while the MRC might be cheaper up front for the basic system, their plug in panels for additional cabs around the layout cost twice as much as the ones for Digitrax and NCE. Look at the availability of additional accessories - more cabs, adding boosters for more power to run more trains, accessory decoders to operate your switch motors, etc.

–Randy

28

I have had experience with both systems. I first purchased my MRC Prodigy Advance2 system because I remember the good ol days when MRC was the throttle to have. After using the system for awhile I began to experience total shutdowns for no apparent reason. I began to research other systems much in the same way you are now and found the most recommended one was NCE by 2 of 3 LHS stores close to me, one of which is Litchfield Station. I purchased the Pro Cab system and have not regrettted it at all.The shutdown issue is a thing of the past and now I can also hook up my computer to the serial port and use decoder pro to do my programming, something that was not possible with MRC. The MRC system sits in the box as a backup but probably will find it’s way to E-bay.

Joe

29

Special thanks to rrinker and davidmbedard, there advice and suggestions was the most helpful, although I will say all did help. As for the Ford/Chevy, well the only Ford was ever good for was recycling them into tin cans, and as we all know most cans now-a-days are of aluminum. I wouldn’t even use a Ford product as a 2 ton paperweight to hold down the forms as I sign the lease of a new foreign car, but that’s a whole 'nother story for a whole 'nother forum.

As per the suggestions giving, some are easy some are hard. The model RR scene around here could be called the “Undergound Rail Road”. Heck, the train shop I go to is one of the more popular ones and is just down the road from me. Took me over two years to find that one out, and I actually found out about it by looking at the back of the MR issues I was buying and saw the listing (this was before I subscribed). There was one person I met, but he seemed a little goofy, and more so he ran a mix match of equipment he would buy off of e-bay. Now I did look into it at the train shop and got a wealth of info. A majority or modelers in the area running DCC have gone with Digitrax. In fact the train shop used to even have an NCE dealer sticker on the door. As far as I could tell all they carried was Digitrax, but they can either order other systems or have them stored in the back. The man, now I wish I caugh this name, didn’t say that NCE was crap, and in fact admitted that it wasn’t too bad of a system, although he did have a story of two customers buying NCE and later on coming back and buying Digitrax to replace the other system. The main deal with me is cost. The less costly the items are, the less time it will take to save up the money and the sooner I can get it. The somewhat larger price tag of the Digitrax Super Cheif, around $350 I do believe, would take me a while to get.

But I’ve run into a snaffoo. The shop supports Digitrax, so

30

Just an update, but I’ve decided to join the ranks of DCC, and use Digitrax willst I’m at it. After some looking around I’ve chosen on the Digitrax Zephyr starter set, with an additional UT4 throttle. I basically decided it would be best to make my layout around the walls, a little over 9 1/2 feet on one leg and 11 1/2 feet on the other. This would call for the use of two throttle points. I was pretty sold on the Zephyr but wasn’t sure because of the need for a second throttle position, but it turns out I can do that with the Zephyr. Thought I’d let everyone know.

31

I applaud your research-style buying techniques. Well done, and you will be happy with your first steps into DCC.

Remember to read the manual all the way through(I tell all my customers that they dont get help until they read the manual).

David B

32

And check the Digitrax web site. The manuals they have there might be newer than the one that came in your box.

Have fun, and remember that no matter what you do in the future, if your layout grows by ten times, you will never have to get rid of theat Zephyr. It works just fine as a booster in a larger system, and even the throttle part is still usable.

–Randy