Hi model railroaders I need to know which DCC system works the best. My dad and I are thinking about getting the Atlas DCC syestem but the Digitrax system can run any train from any company. Can Atlas DCC do the same. Which DCC system do you think I should buy.[:D][:D][:)][:)][8D][8D]
Sincerely
Ryan LaPlaca
Boy this topic comes up every couple of weeks. It mostly depends on what you want and the price.
Ah, the most-asked question on the forum again.
The rules of DCC state that any system can run any decoder. Period. If that doesn’t happen, then one or the other isn’t DCC.
However, that’s a bit simplistic. All systems will allow all the engines to go forward and reverse, slow and fast, and they will turn the headlights on and off. Over the last few years, though, decoders have gotten better, which means that some of the older designs of systems don’t support all the features. If you are interested in sound, in particular, then you should make sure that you have an up-to-date system to control it.
Also, there are starter systems and expandable systems. Some “starter systems” are also expandable - the Digitrax Zephyr comes to mind. The one thing not to buy is a starter system that is not expandable, unless you are intentionally buying it as a “throw-away” and you realize that you will need a better system in the future. One of our members mentioned that he was done with his starter system and was upgrading, but he was going to donate the old system to a friend to get him going on DCC. Now there is a noble gesture!
How big is a dog? That is the question you are asking. Any of the ‘systems’ out there should be able to run engines with any DCC decoder. The ‘rub’ is if they support some of the ‘advanced’ features(sound, advanced consisting, computer interface, etc).
Good ‘starter’ system that are expandable are the Digitrax ‘Zephyr’ and the NCE ‘Power Cab’. The Atlas system is pretty ‘basic’ and is really not cost effective when you expand it. That said, both the Atlas(a Lenz ‘clone’) and the MRC system do work fine. The NCE & Digitrax systems can be had for about $150-$160 via mail order. You might want to check out Tony’s Trains - he has a lot of comparison data available on his web site - http://www.tonystrains.com/
Also check out Litchfield Station - http://www.litchfieldstation.com/
Both of these companies know everything about DCC and stand behind their products/services. The sad thing about many local hobby shops is that they will sell you DCC, but really have very little experience with the products they sell(and many time it is only one brand).
Jim
Ryan, there are many choices of DCC system. All of them perform the job they were designed to do well. There really is no one “best” DCC system as everyones needs are different. In addition to the Atlas and Digitrax systems you already mentioned there are DCC systems from MRC, Bachmann, NCE, CVP, Lenz and others. Some of these manufacturers even make several models, so there are lots of systems to choose from.
Things you should consider:
If you can answer these types of questions, then I am sure that you will get some advice pointing you in the direction of particular models of DCC.
Hi how’s it going, well I definently stand behind digitrax, I think they have the best and most reliable system, I belong to a clube in Eugene Oregon and we use digitrax. Also Digitrax has one of the best control throtalls, and if you go with digitrax I would definently get the DH400, the 400 has the most user friendly setup, especially if you are going to use sound or any fancy lighting, its the best in production.
Go digitrax
This is one of those questions that gets the timeless response, “…it depends…”
As many of us have learned, even something as little as how the paddle feels in one’s hand can be important mere weeks after the purchase. How big is the readout display? Does it have backlighting for operations in low light? Does the system support me walking around, following trains along my long main lines using only a radio link, or must I stay plugged into a panel? Do I need to change any batteries…ever? Does this system allow me to configure the locomotive CV’s using a computer? Can I program locos on the main? How many locos with sound can I run at one time, each hauling a full train before the power output of this system if overwhelmed?
Etc., etc., etc.
So, the answer is you have to read up on DCC, visit users nearby, talk to knowledgeable hobby shop staffs, read popular magazines, join the numerous discussion groups on yahoo (under “groups”, then “hobbies”, then “models”, then trains), and keep asking us for our own impressions. The problem is that very very few of us have experience with more than one or two systems, which kinda limits our ability to compare them with others.
-Crandell
Here’s a good one to start out with. It’s called Bachmann E-Z Command DCC. It’s a very good starter set, although it only has three functions. They are speed, direction, and lighting. Compared to the NCE Powercab and the Digitrax systems, it’s good as a beginner system. You can upgrade your DCC system to a Digitrax or another professinal-style system in the future if you desire. The system is not that expensive compared to the NCE or Digitrax systems. No matter what control system you choose, the result is pretty much the same. [8D]
-Brandon
Ryan,
I too am looking to purchase a DCC set in the near future and have been looking at the Lenz Digital Plus (Set 100). I at this point do not even own a layout, but am planning to build one and want to have the flexibility of being able to add onto my setup later if need be. I would get what works for your needs, i.e. running multiple consists, etc. I tend to buy a tool or device that has more than I need up front so that down the road when I get better at using it or grow I do not have to replace it with something else. Atlas makes a fine product and I believe that Digitrax too. I would maybe get one in your hand, see what feels good to you (price, ability to add on, feel, etc.) I have gone to the respective websites and read some of the PDF operating manuals and check out the ease or complexity of programming the different models and what they can and can’t do.
Good Luck!
Brad
Not this thread again… [xx(]
Please use the search feature to find topics already on the forum before posting a new topic. This particular topic has been hashed and rehashed time and time again and a quick search to past threads will give you much information.
Now with that said, go Digitrax!!!
(Uh oh, I must be bored again)
Jeff
Digitrax.
That much I can agree on ,
however, my sig line says it the best,
NCE DCC user since 1998,happy as a clam ever since! [:D][:D][:D][:D][:D]
(yes, I’ve used system D before)
You know along these lines I actually got to play with a NCE Pro system this last weekend, and was very impressed with it! I would recommend it to someone getting started in DCC in a heartbeat!
On a side note, I did miss my DT400 throttle however. There’s just something about running two trains at the same time with analog pots for speed control that I really like… [:D]
Jeff
You will be happy with the Digitrax system
DO some reading up on the subject.
With possibly one exception here, most are opinions from people who have one set, so the question remains “Compared to What?” “THE BEST” of anyrhing is generally the most expen$ive, so the “best” really becomes what you can afford.
One of the advatages of DCC IS MULTIPLE CABS and simpified wiring.
One of the disadvantages of DCC is that additional cabs can cost $100 each, but
you still have simplified wiring.
If you and your Dad are going to run together - you will want two cabs.
I went with the Digitrax Super Chief radio system. A little expensive but I am looking at it as an investment. It was no more expensive than a couple of Atlas Gold or BLI sound locomotives. Loconet is a plus for me and I haven’t had any compatability problems (yet).