Which DCC System?

[railroaderboy]

The duplex radio is, but the slightly cheaper one is something like I said it did. I wish they would cut out the simplex line and keep the duplex line (Everything that says "duplex" on it is about $10-$20 more. That is what I meant "to dish out some extra cash". But you are correct about the Duplex systems. I think they should take advantage of running on 2.4Ghz. radio (this sounds impressive even to non-nerds). Thank you for your comment though!

 

[CSX Robert]

Nice Information Robert, though I am questioning what you consider a small layout. I use my Powercab for programming, or running a small switching layout at home. The features you are talking about are all ones more at home on a larger layout, aren't they? Unless your idea of a small layout is pretty big...

I would consider a hollow core door size N scale layout or a 4 x 8 HO scale layout a small layout, and, while you are more likely to see operational signaling on a larger layout, there are people doing it on smaller layouts as well.

It will be awhile before I actually buy my DCC system. I am now having second thoughts on NCE. My big concern is the warranty on the NCE stuff (I am kind of a klutz, not good when combined with model railroading). I like the Digitrax stuff and really not to concerned about the radio throttles. I actually don't mind the infrared stuff from digitrax. Since digitrax was my first choice, I think I will go with it, but I'm going to go ahead and get a super empire builder (the Zephyr being stationary is a problem for me due to the around the wall style layout my layout is going to be. Thanks for the info everyone! I will get NCE someday when I'm old and rich (don't we all wish that, or at least the "rich" part). I really like it and won't forget it someday when I can actually afford it.

I don't understand your concern about NCE's warranty, is it not just as good as anybody else's(except Lenz, who has a 10 year warranty)? One nice thing about Digitrax's infrared is you can try it out for no more than the cost of the infrared receiver, about $40, because all of Digitrax's walkaround throttles have infrared built in.

If you do go with Digitrax, you might want to reconsider the Zephyr. The Empire Builder does not have a separate program track output and can not read back CVs, something some people find very important, although others don't. Although the Zephyr's built in throttle is stationary, you can get a Zephyr and a DT402 throttle for less than an Empire Builder, and for four N scale trains, the Zephyr's 2.5 amps should be plenty. If you like the UT4 throttle, you could save even more money by getting it instead of a DT402. You also would not have to spend your money all at once because you could start out with just the Zephyr and then latter add a walkaround throttle. It you went this route, the Zephyr's throttle might come in handy latter(it does make a good yard throttle).

The duplex radio is, but the slightly cheaper one is something like I said it did. I wish they would cut out the simplex line and keep the duplex line (Everything that says "duplex" on it is about $10-$20 more. That is what I meant "to dish out some extra cash". But you are correct about the Duplex systems. I think they should take advantage of running on 2.4Ghz. radio (this sounds impressive even to non-nerds). Thank you for your comment though!

The duplex radio does run on 2.4 Ghz. I think the cost difference between the simplex and duplex radio equipment is quite reasonable. Digitrax still offers simplex equipment because there are a lot of Digitrax users already using it and many of them will want to continue to buy it.

 

[Espeefan]

It will be awhile before I actually buy my DCC system. I am now having second thoughts on NCE. My big concern is the warranty on the NCE stuff (I am kind of a klutz, not good when combined with model railroading). I like the Digitrax stuff and really not to concerned about the radio throttles. I actually don't mind the infrared stuff from digitrax. Since digitrax was my first choice, I think I will go with it, but I'm going to go ahead and get a super empire builder (the Zephyr being stationary is a problem for me due to the around the wall style layout my layout is going to be. Thanks for the info everyone! I will get NCE someday when I'm old and rich (don't we all wish that, or at least the "rich" part). I really like it and won't forget it someday when I can actually afford it.

Um, now I'm a little confused. Where did you get the idea you had to be rich to own NCE?

For the sake of you having accurate information...The PowerPro and SuperChief are within $50.00 of each other at MSRP. You might get even closer if you shop carefully. You save a little on the Super Empire Builder (what I had) but I found I didn't like that it didn't support a separate program track. That's 's worth the extra fifty bucks, at least to me. Additional throttles, which are the big expense you'll have when expanding are cheaper from NCE than those from Digitrax. Radio gear is close to even-steven with NCE slightly cheaper.

Warranties are also straight up. 1 year manufacurers defect for both systems. The Digitrax worry free warranty is just a published list of repair fees. It isn't free.

By all means, get what you want, and can afford. I had Digitrax and it's a good system. I just found that I liked NCE better after using both. The club I belong to has what is probably the largest NCE installation in the country, and we have had no warranty issues since I have been a member (8 years). The system gets used all the time and gets put through the wringer This includes thumb fingered members dropping throttles

Good luck with whatever you pick. DCC is the way to go.

 

[Cjcrescent]

...You save a little on the Super Empire Builder (what I had) but I found I didn't like that it didn't support a separate program track...

Alan;

The Empire Builder, and the Super Empire Builder are both built around the DB150 Booster. Not only does it not have a separate programming track feature, but you can't read back any CVs with it.

That's why I upgraded to the Super Chief, with the DCS100 command station, and attm the DT-400 throttle, which was replaced by the DT-402.

As to extra throttles, the "new" UT-4 is only $79. The only limitations I have found with it, is it cannot throw any decoder turnouts, consist, or turn the power on. It can run consists that were setup on another throttle, but just can't setup its own. Throwing turnouts isn't a problem on my layout as all are manual.

It is also available for $129 with simplex radio or $135 with duplex radio. The basic UT-4 can also be upgraded to either one for $50.

 

[Espeefan]

I didn't miss the "no readback" until more functions and sound came on the scene. I have sold all but a small amount of my Digitrax off. Even got back a fair percentage of my original investment. I was making sure, as you have noted in other threads, that comparisons between the various name brands are done apples to apples. I remember when we bought our first systems. The PowerPro, or the equivalent system from Wangrow cost $850.00 to the Chief's $450.00 +/-. Not the case anymore! The market is the great equalizer!

 

[railroaderboy]

IDEA!!! I'm going with the Zephyr, and I thought of an Idea to fix the Zephyr's immobility. What if I was to mount it in to a wooden cabinet and build a mobile hangar that can go around my stomach (like a marching vest to hold up a marching snare drum). It would be fairly light so it wouldn't hurt my back. There is a few drawbacks:
1. The cord: I need to figure out a way to make this OK or better yet if it was possible to convert the Zephyr to wireless.
2. The holder will be tricky to design and build
3. Battery: I need to figure out which kind of battery to use

It was just a thought, but someday, it might be a good idea.

 

[UP2CSX]

Any idea how you will keep the controller attached to the tracks? I don't think this is an idea with legs.