Resqnu
Member
Anyone have input?
Newbie with DCC questions
- Thread starter Resqnu
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Anyone have input?
what the person at NCE told you about adding a booster to make the Power Cab a throttle is true. It costs less than the full-blown Pro Cab set, though it has a lot less capacity, as far as amperage, than the Pro Cab. I remember the Power Cab being only 1.5 amps. The NCE is more ergonomic and user friendly than the DT402 that comes with the Empire Builder, though the Empire builder is much easier to access some "extras" than the Pro Cab/Power Cab. For a second throttle, you can use the Twin for NCE, or you can get a UT4 for the Digitrax.
NCE uses "advanced consisting" almost exclusively, with a single provision for an "old" consist. What that means in English is, some decoders don't like advanced consisting, and won't play nice on your layout while using it. You would have to use the "old" consist on the NCE, in order to use those engines/decoders.
Digitrax uses "universal consisting", and almost everything I have will MU together nicely. As a result, I had many engines with some brands of decoders I had to replace decoders or sell/trade them for others that would work on our club's NCE-equipped layout.
As for the MRC Prodigy, I have used it a couple of times, and it was really easy to pick up and get used to. The directions to use it are printed on the back of the handset, so you won't need a cheat sheet.
Great info. Do you prefer 1 system over the other, or think one is suited better for my needs? I'm sure with my OCD, I am overthinking which system to go with. I'm just trying to gather as much info as I can. I am hoping to make a system purchase on Monday.
I currently have no dcc engines. I have 3 Bachamnns purchased new in kits 3 weeks ago from LHS and plan to by a nice dcc/sound engine after the dcc system is up and running. I would like the option of consisting as he likes to see 2 engines just like he sees on the tracks. Would you recommend getting the decoders that match the system? Are certain non-sound decodes better priced and offer better compatibility, then others? From what I've seen my options are :
Well, I really don't know if I will need to unplug either, was just going on what I've read. I could actually start with 1 controller, just want to be easily expandable. With 2- 4x8 tables shaped in an L, I should be able to see everything, I would think. I agree about NCE customer service, I called them on Thursday and they were very helpful, which I do like. From all the info gathered the past 2 weeks, I feel that either of the 3 dcc systems would work for me. I've read there is pluses and minuses of either, Just looking for that user friendly and easy to expand system that guys seem to love.
Better priced I like the NCE DASR and D13SRJ. One can get them in 10 packs which reduces the cost.
A point you didn't ask about was quality. Some decoder brands are better quality than others. For a long time MRC decoders had a bad reputation for poor quality. I don't know if they have worked on the reliability issue or not, so I would be skeptical of those and probably recommend avoiding them. Opposite end is are the German engineered Lenz decoders (Lenz is the company that invented DCC). They have a "gold" line of decoders that are pricey, but supposedly outstanding. I think I've only got 4-5 Lenz decoder equipped locos.
Thanks. I agree with customer service. Compatibility is big as well.
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Thanks, I will look into the Lenz. Quality is something I want, but relative to what I'm using. I think I'm leaning going with NCE or Digitrax controllers and decoders for now.
Here is were I am currently on my layout using Bachmann kits until track arrives this week. Son is loving it.
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The NCE powercab is 2amps and procab ones in 5 & 10 amps. From their website
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Anyone have input?
Resqnu
Member
Went to the LHS yesterday to look at dcc systems. Their layout with 3 tracks uses the Digitrax Empire 5 amp system. An outer and inner loop ho scale and an scale with lots of automated stuff and lights. Nice layout. They also sell other systems but couldn't see them in action. The salesman gave me a demo and was very helpful. The Digitrax handheld looks a little busy and I would need a cheat sheet in the beginning to learn the buttons. Not crazy about the LCD read out, as it is busy too. I did like the fact that it has 2 throttles on the top to quickly control 2 locos. Am feel sure after using a little, it would become easy. They sale the NCE and MRC and had nothing bad to say about either. He said the .3/4 amp NCE powercab would not have enough power to support my 2-4x8 table layout. Don't think he knew the powercab is currently 2 amps. Is the powercab enough power to support my layout? I like the simplicity look of the powercab, I have watched in videos. But feel I could use either system. The MRC looks simple as well, probably won't be able to see it in use either.
I use the NCE Pro Cab Wireless at our club layout, and a Digitrax Empire Builder at home.
what the person at NCE told you about adding a booster to make the Power Cab a throttle is true. It costs less than the full-blown Pro Cab set, though it has a lot less capacity, as far as amperage, than the Pro Cab. I remember the Power Cab being only 1.5 amps. The NCE is more ergonomic and user friendly than the DT402 that comes with the Empire Builder, though the Empire builder is much easier to access some "extras" than the Pro Cab/Power Cab. For a second throttle, you can use the Twin for NCE, or you can get a UT4 for the Digitrax.
NCE uses "advanced consisting" almost exclusively, with a single provision for an "old" consist. What that means in English is, some decoders don't like advanced consisting, and won't play nice on your layout while using it. You would have to use the "old" consist on the NCE, in order to use those engines/decoders.
Digitrax uses "universal consisting", and almost everything I have will MU together nicely. As a result, I had many engines with some brands of decoders I had to replace decoders or sell/trade them for others that would work on our club's NCE-equipped layout.
As for the MRC Prodigy, I have used it a couple of times, and it was really easy to pick up and get used to. The directions to use it are printed on the back of the handset, so you won't need a cheat sheet.
Bruette
Well-Known Member
I don't have any experience with unplugging my ProCab Deluxe. My HO track is small and there is no need to unplug.
I do have experience with the NCE customer support and I have every confidence they would know what they are talking about. They impressed me as a very knowledgeable bunch and answered every question I had, even if it was not specific to NCE. A very professional and courteous staff they have for sure!
Power consumption is not an area of expertise for me, but I have seen Bachmann DCC Sound locomotives draw less then .2 amps. I can't speak of others, but I am sure an expert will come along and fill in the gaps for us.
The Bachman EZ command system has only a 1 amp out put and comes with a set that has 2 locomotives. I would expect 1amp is enough to run 2 locomotives no problem.
One good thing in your case is your local hobby shop could help you with the Digitrax system. On the other hand NCE is only a phone call away. If you choose one of the others you can find answers to your questions on here or else where.
35tac, AKA Wayne B gave us some good information about the MRC system too.
I honestly believe any NMRA compliant DCC system is going to do what it claims to do. Some have different features and benefits tailored to meet individual needs.
I do have experience with the NCE customer support and I have every confidence they would know what they are talking about. They impressed me as a very knowledgeable bunch and answered every question I had, even if it was not specific to NCE. A very professional and courteous staff they have for sure!
Power consumption is not an area of expertise for me, but I have seen Bachmann DCC Sound locomotives draw less then .2 amps. I can't speak of others, but I am sure an expert will come along and fill in the gaps for us.
The Bachman EZ command system has only a 1 amp out put and comes with a set that has 2 locomotives. I would expect 1amp is enough to run 2 locomotives no problem.
One good thing in your case is your local hobby shop could help you with the Digitrax system. On the other hand NCE is only a phone call away. If you choose one of the others you can find answers to your questions on here or else where.
35tac, AKA Wayne B gave us some good information about the MRC system too.
I honestly believe any NMRA compliant DCC system is going to do what it claims to do. Some have different features and benefits tailored to meet individual needs.
Resqnu
Member
Great info. Do you prefer 1 system over the other, or think one is suited better for my needs? I'm sure with my OCD, I am overthinking which system to go with. I'm just trying to gather as much info as I can. I am hoping to make a system purchase on Monday.
I currently have no dcc engines. I have 3 Bachamnns purchased new in kits 3 weeks ago from LHS and plan to by a nice dcc/sound engine after the dcc system is up and running. I would like the option of consisting as he likes to see 2 engines just like he sees on the tracks. Would you recommend getting the decoders that match the system? Are certain non-sound decodes better priced and offer better compatibility, then others? From what I've seen my options are :
Resqnu
Member
Well, I really don't know if I will need to unplug either, was just going on what I've read. I could actually start with 1 controller, just want to be easily expandable. With 2- 4x8 tables shaped in an L, I should be able to see everything, I would think. I agree about NCE customer service, I called them on Thursday and they were very helpful, which I do like. From all the info gathered the past 2 weeks, I feel that either of the 3 dcc systems would work for me. I've read there is pluses and minuses of either, Just looking for that user friendly and easy to expand system that guys seem to love.
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Bruette
Well-Known Member
The way I see it if I am going to drop down hundreds of dollars for sophisticated electronics customer service is a must.
Here is the cheapest place I have found for NCE decoders http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Deco...ng=Y&sort=3&cat=2320&show=30&page=1&brand=NCE
I am lucky they are my local hobby shop but they are maybe 20 minutes drive from my house and if I don't feel like driving they ship to me and they are very fair with shipping prices.
I have over a dozen DC locomotives I want to upgrade and I wrote to NCE and they recommended a decoder for each of them and told me if I had any further questions or need any help just call or email them.
Now all I have to do is get off my butt and get to work on them!
I wish you well and don't forget to have fun with your trains!
Here is the cheapest place I have found for NCE decoders http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Deco...ng=Y&sort=3&cat=2320&show=30&page=1&brand=NCE
I am lucky they are my local hobby shop but they are maybe 20 minutes drive from my house and if I don't feel like driving they ship to me and they are very fair with shipping prices.
I have over a dozen DC locomotives I want to upgrade and I wrote to NCE and they recommended a decoder for each of them and told me if I had any further questions or need any help just call or email them.
Now all I have to do is get off my butt and get to work on them!
I wish you well and don't forget to have fun with your trains!
Iron Horseman
Well-Known Member
No, that is the wonder and purpose of having a standard. Any decoder will work with any control unit.
better priced yes, better compatibility no. A decoder is either NMRA DCC compliant or it is not.
Better priced I like the NCE DASR and D13SRJ. One can get them in 10 packs which reduces the cost.
A point you didn't ask about was quality. Some decoder brands are better quality than others. For a long time MRC decoders had a bad reputation for poor quality. I don't know if they have worked on the reliability issue or not, so I would be skeptical of those and probably recommend avoiding them. Opposite end is are the German engineered Lenz decoders (Lenz is the company that invented DCC). They have a "gold" line of decoders that are pricey, but supposedly outstanding. I think I've only got 4-5 Lenz decoder equipped locos.
Resqnu
Member
Thanks. I agree with customer service. Compatibility is big as well.
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Resqnu
Member
Thanks, I will look into the Lenz. Quality is something I want, but relative to what I'm using. I think I'm leaning going with NCE or Digitrax controllers and decoders for now.
Here is were I am currently on my layout using Bachmann kits until track arrives this week. Son is loving it.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
When looking at initial cost for a DCC starter set keep in mind that a Digitrax Super Chief does not come with a power supply.
Digittrax only offers 2 power supplies.
A 70watt wall wart and a monster for up to 5 units.
So you will need some type of power supply if you go Digitrax other than the Zephyr.
I think the NCE DCC systems come with a power supply however, I don't know the wattage.
Digittrax only offers 2 power supplies.
A 70watt wall wart and a monster for up to 5 units.
So you will need some type of power supply if you go Digitrax other than the Zephyr.
I think the NCE DCC systems come with a power supply however, I don't know the wattage.
Digitrax does offer a 3 amp power supply, as well as the one that doesn't have much oomph.
Resqnu
Member
The NCE powercab is 2amps and procab ones in 5 & 10 amps. From their website
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Resqnu
Member
It is the same amperage as the Zephyr, DCS51. The original Zephyr, DCS50, was 2.5 amps.
Iron Horseman
Well-Known Member
The PS514 is a 5 amp supply. I don't know why the 70W is in the part number as it is very confusing.
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