what system do you run.

[joed2323]

As title says what kind of setup does everyone use to run your layout, if its dc or dcc and what brand and why did you choose that?

Also do you like it. Or would you rather have something different?


It would be nice to hear everyones opinions.

 

[IronBeltKen]

I use an NCE Powerhouse Pro radio dcc system. I like it because the setup instructions are easy to read, and the cab [throttle] is very user-friendly. Also, everybody in my club uses NCE, that was a major factor in my decision - free local tech support if I ever need it.

 

[Motley]

I have the exact same system as you Ken. The NCE Powerhouse Pro wireless.

Why did I chose it? Because it's easy to use and learn for newbies like myself.

It's solid as a rock, never had a single problem the 2 years I've owned it.

I tested out the Digitrax system, and just did not like the throttle, and that stupid dangling cord thing coming out of the top of it. Very annoying.

 

[Pete V]

I have Digitrax and like it a lot. This has been said before but if you are planning to interact with other modelers, see what they use and try it out. It's easier if everyone is on the same page in a club format.

 

[cabledawg]

I've had two systems, the Bachmann EZ COmmand and the Digitrax Zephyr Extra. The EZ Command I got on a good deal with a DCC loco and for a DCC newbie, it wasnt money wasted. The kids really liked it and it gave me time to get used to running muliple trains with one control.

But my interest in DCC soon outgrew the EZ and I looked around for systems that would allow me to do advanced programming and special effects. Digitrax jumped out at me with the ability to expand in so many different directions to include computer control and sound programming. I dont have to worry about compatibitliy amongst components, just how much money I have to spend on the ugrades

 

[Photogdad]

Well seeing as I am returning after 10+ years, I am still planning my layout. However I am going DCC, and will be going with NCE because it is easy to set up, instructions are clear, its a smooth running system and its easy to use.

 

[kjd]

Digitrax because when I got it 14 years ago that was what everyone I knew had. I use lots of NCE decoders though.

 

[35tac]

System

DCC MRC Prodigy Squared Wireless and I like it. Easy to use. I like it better than my Digitrax Super Chief Extra.
Wayne

 

[Selector]

Digitrax Super Empire Builder with twin DT400 throttles. Each of those tethered throttles has two encoder knobs that let you handle one loco each. So, between two throttles within reach, I can control four locomotives.

The Digitrax was recommended by my LHS when I first began to look at DCC six years ago. I will admit that it took some time in the manuals, but once I got my radar locked in, I haven't looked back. My system is very robust and reliable, and there isn't a decoder it won't reprogramme or reset in Ops Mode (programming on the main). The Super Empire Builder's DB150 has no need of a programming track output...it does it all right there on the layout. However, you are advised to set new addresses on a separate track wired with a toggle using Page Mode. So says their manual.

 

[posse]

DC, I like playing with electronics more than running a program.

 

[kbkchooch]

I use an NCE Powerhouse Pro radio dcc system. I like it because the setup instructions are easy to read, and the cab [throttle] is very user-friendly. Also, everybody in my club uses NCE, that was a major factor in my decision - free local tech support if I ever need it.

Is that why you keep hanging around? Tech support?

Me? what he said, just that the club has had an NCE PHP Pro + R 10amp since 1998, I've had my own system since 2000 (PHP Pro +R). Guess you could say I'm an old hat by now!

 

[Selector]

DC, I like playing with electronics more than running a program.

...and trains, apparently.

 

[look4trains]

Digitrax Zephyr Xtra, with a UT4 and DT402 throttle. I have been very happy with this system. Why did I go Digitrax? Because that's what all the "cool kids" (I mean other model railroaders I know) were using.

I have no experience with other systems. I do keep the manuals close at hand for the first few times I do something.

Jim

 

[Larry]

Still running DC & I always use MRC throttles & always will. I've never had any problems w/them in the 50 years I've been in Model Railroading.

 

[Espeefan]

Back in Alabama I was working on a largish layout (half of a two car garage) and used Digitrax. Why? At the time it was more affordable than anything else, half the cost of System One or NCE. I moved up here to Wisconsin and joined a club. They used NCE. I now own a Powercab, as I just have a module or tow at home, plus programming and testing. Of the two, I find NCE easier to use.

 

[TMLW]

I have run Digitrax since it came out when I was a kid because its what my Dad had. He has since switched to an NCE system so I have aquired his Super Cheif system. Radio throttles. I have a Super Chief system for my layout and a Zephyr that I use on my test track and programing track. However, 90% of my locomotives have NCE decoders in them.

 

[Jason K]

Will I got back from a long road trip to try out a Digitrax Zephyr Xtra and a NCE Power cab. I came home with a Digitrax Zephyr Xtra.I don't care if is a little hard to put together.But once I get the hang if it It will be no troubles.I know it don't have remote thottle but I can always add one.The remote thottle I am looking at is the wireless one.I will say it was not a hard choice.Everyone was right you must try each one out too see what one you like the best.

Jason K

 

[joed2323]

It sounds like its just personal preference which one a person likes more the nce power cab or digitrax zephyr, its like trying on a pair of shoes, or if this glove doesnt fit and that one does.

 

[Selector]

If I am the least bit representative of the typical newcomer to DCC, who doesn't necessarily take the time to figure out ahead of time which system would be a good/better fit, the majority of us go to a retailer and explain what we want, and the retailer says, "Why, I just happen to have received Brand SpiffiDCC yesterday....no, today...yesterday...yeah, yesterday. They are supposed to be really good. I can give you a sweet deal. They list for $999.99, but I can give you one of these babies for just $180. Whaddayasay?"

An hour later, excitedly holding the manual upside down and being oblivious to it, our intrepid modeller is hell-bent on running his DCC locomotive by supper time. And you know what....run it does...just as the manual says it should. From that point on, not a single one of us looks back, unless he comes to a realization that he needed the 5 amp model, and not the 1 amp model. Anyone care to guess which ones I am talking about? From personal experience?

 

[Selector]

In case my post above is unclear, the vast majority of us could be given a system for free and learn to like it very much. If we pay for it, we might be a bit more finnicky.