I’m currently looking for DCC for my older Athearn BB Models and layout in general, Currently looking at Loksound5 and an NCE Power/Procab controller.
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Are the puppies included?
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I would recommend either NCE or Digitrax. I use Digitrax simply because my local train store recommended it 22 years ago. NCE is also very popular.
My first layout started six years ago, and the hobby store recommended NCE. I got it, it was easy to learn, and I have no complaints.
NCE PH Pro, 5 amp wireless. Look no further.
Rich
I have the NCE starter set. It’s easy to install and operate. The issue is the power supply is way too low. I replaced it with a powerful power supply. The volts on the layouts went from 12.5 to 16.5. This is a sizeable jump!
It seems to me that if you’re looking for a wireless system in the 5-amp class the ESU Cabcontrol or the TCS CS-105 systems are worthy of consideration. The main advantage of these systems is that they do wireless operation through wifi out of the box without additional spending, so you have a reduced need to buy extra throttles or system auxiliaries.
As does the NCE 5 amp wireless system.
Rich
I would suggest trying the throttles for both Digitrax and NCE before deciding. I preferred the NCE throttle, so I bought a PowerCab and a ProCab.
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Many operator/hosts in my area use Digitrax
and have no complaints. NCE is often said to be more intuitive but most of us think Digitrax is. One key thing is to buy what your buddies in your area have so that trouble shooting advice is readily at hand. If no buddies around, visiting a local MRR club can help with hands on trials or at least feedback.
The oft heard complaint that you need to be a computer scientist to use Digitrax went away very early on as newer models and manuals came along.
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I have some light experience with the powercab an like it
Most of the people I know, including the club I’m a member of, have Digitrax systems. I have NCE. I went with it because of the ease of use - plain english prompts on the big (hammerhead) throttle. Digitrax throttles are much more confusing (to me).
On Digitrax you need to release (or “dispatch”) a loco when done with it. Otherwise you can (as happens frequently at our club) wind up being unable to acquire a loco because of the “slots” architecture Digitrax uses (when that happens the slots have to be cleared). NCE has no such requirement to release locomotives.
Digitrax has one big advantage over NCE - you can run one plain DC (i.e., no decoder) locomotive using address 00. NCE has no such capability (that I know of).
If you want wireless I strongly recommend going with Wi-Fi. Digitrax has an add-on wifi module. A third party manufacturer, Wifitrax (out of Australia) makes the WFD-30 and WFD-31 wifi modules for NCE. Iron Planet Hobbies import these into the US. I have the WFD-31 and it beats the radio throttles hands-down. During my operating sessions we use it in combination with tethered and radio NCE throttles, my TCS UWT-50 and a variety of smart phones with no hiccups.
The TCS command station (CS-105) is very pricey, but as Section_RR said, it has wifi capability without additional equipment (and outlays of cash) needed. IF the CS-105 is the same level of quality as their decoders, it’s a solid unit.
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I have had my NCE system 20 years now and soon after I got it, I could control many things without having to look at the throttle, kind of like learning an instrument.
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Same here
Rich
Brent, I’ve seen this photo before. What are heir names?
Regards, Chris
So Rich, tell us what you think of the NCE system. 
Regards, Chris
Lol. Don’t get me going.
Rich, doesn’t take much!
Regards, Chris
what additional controllers for other operators are you using with your NCE, Digitrak or TCS systems? or do you have WiFi adaptor and use smartphones?
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