Although cryptic, notation continues to sneak-in trying to suggest that Digitrax is a difficult system to learn.
SNIP
I do wish that someone would be more specific on "difficult". This opinion has been used in hundreds of threads, but never with any concrete evidence and I would like to be enlightened enough to have a better understanding of the comparisons being used. I am not suggesting that one system is better than another, but saying that many "favorites" are simply based more on design of cab or familiarity of a particular system used in an area or club, and not where it should be: capabilities to meet your today and future needs.
Well, first let's remember that these are opinions, and I think that many giving them are single system users who are happy with what they bought.
Few have noted that they use or have learned more than one system. Some may have tried Digitrax with early systems when things were really complicated, and their opinions are based on outdated facts. I learned DCC down in your neck of the woods where Digitrax was the only choice unless you wanted to mail order something or shop online, and with DCC, people like to touch things. I had an early Empire Builder system. Then I moved up here and joined a club that was using Wangrow's System One (since upgraded to NCE) I didn't like it at first, but that was mostly beause of the difference in the operator interface. One thing I did like right away was the ease of programming from NCE's handset. They were far ahead of Digitrax at the time when it came to this (they were also twice as costly back then
). The introduction of the DT-400 series of cabs pretty much leveled the playing field there, and NCE's cost came down to within a few bucks of Digitrax, so both are fairly even these days. The capabilities of both for home layout use are comparable. The only reason I can think of why people might think Digitrax is harder to learn is that you must learn somewhere how to do these simple tasks from the cab, and that somewhere for many is usually the manual. The NCE manual is much easier to read than the Digitrax manual, and, the NCE cab will prompt you through the process of programming or consisting, or whatever with a series of YES/NO questions. The system essentially gives you step by step instructions. Having taught new members to use both systems, I have found it is easier to teach newbs NCE than Digitrax. That's just my experience. YMMV
There are also CJ's often stated points of what you're exposed to and learn on, what your buddies use, and your dealer support network. All three are important in forming a good first impression and maintaining satisfaction.
Not promoting either system over the other. Just my observations.
