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Post by malcolmcelyn on Feb 20, 2014 16:55:43 GMT -5
Having already spent more than I have, whilst still having a huge list of things to buy, I'm looking to purchase my first DCC system.
I require a system with the following attributes:
1) Cheap. I'll repeat, CHEAP!
2) At least initially, will only be required to run 2-4 locos at any one time (ie, two, 2 engine consists, or a single and triple lash-up).
3) Again initially, will be control only. I hope to go to sound eventually, but not likely unless a blinding deal presents itself.
4) Be expandable. Availability of power boosters, controllers etc.
5) Have computer connectivity.
On that last point, I'm interested in JMRI and it's capabilities. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe it's a collection of software programs that enable the user to use a computer to run a model railway. There are programs that can display (and control) your layout, others that can simulate switch lists etc, yet others that allow the use of smartphones as wireless hand-held throttles. And, of course, one that allows you to program cv's and sound using full screen displays rather than the limited view provided on the controller.
Having looked at different systems, it would seem that the Digitrax DCS51 is probably the most suitable for my use, along with a PR3 unit for connection to the computer and to enable downloading of sound files etc. The NCE and MRC (Gaugemaster in the UK?) "hand-held" units look good, compared with the Digitrax "base" station, but being able to use an iPhone and iPad via a computer network does rather obviate this advantage.
Could anyone confirm my thoughts? Am I thinking along the right lines? Does anyone have any other preferences, experience or advice?
Finally, any good deals on at the moment? Please bear in mind I'm in the UK; US postal costs are absurd, plus I'd need to sort out power supply and plug specifications. It would need to be a really good deal to swing buying from the US. Ooh, and finally, finally, what about second-hand? Would I be ok with E-Bay!
Many Thanks.
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dtinut
Chairman
Modeling the DT&I of the 60's & 70's
Posts: 661
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Post by dtinut on Feb 20, 2014 17:59:33 GMT -5
NCE Powercab - simple, easy to use, expandable. Works well, and less than 200.
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Post by m a y o r 79 on Feb 20, 2014 21:19:12 GMT -5
Ive only ever used the NCE systems, rather large ones at my club layouts. Ill be using one on my home layout some day. The PowerCab is a perfect fit for your needs. Its fully capable of running a small layout, and consists are not a problem. And at I believe $180 for the set it falls on the affordable ( I dont like the word cheap) category.
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Post by lyled1117 on Feb 21, 2014 0:07:46 GMT -5
Either the Digitrax Zephyr or the NCE Power Cab will do you well in your 'requirements'. The major trade off between the two is the Zephyr is a table top system (by itself) where the Power Cab is a (qualified) walk around system. The PR3 makes the Z computer capable, the NCE USB Interface does the same for the PC. Both systems are approximately 3 amp systems. Modern HO and N locos under heavy load draw about 1/2 amp, so either system can power six hard working locos simultaneously.
The Zephyr has a few extra things going for it. It has Loconet connectors which allow it to connect to all other devices Digitrax manufactures. If down the road you expand to radio capability, signaling, etc. the Z can do it. Another feature the Z has is a pair of 'jump' inputs. These allow two standard DC power packs to be connected to the Z and used as throttles as well. With the Z you say Jump1 controls loco 1234, and that DC pack now controls that loco. These DC packs are likely table top as well, so in that respect it's still a stationary add on, not walk around.
The PowerCab also has port connectors to add additional devices should that need arise. If you want to go wireless, you can. NCE doesn't have quite the selection of add on hardware that Digitrax does. That's not a bad thing, just the way things are. I'm a very biased NCE owner, but I have a lot of respect for the Digitrax stuff. The PC itself has to be connected to a specific jack in it's power panel, so it's not quite total walk around. You can move as far as the tether cord allows. However you can add panels and additional throttles for total walk around if that is desired.
What I've said here is a very condensed description of the two starter systems. Neither one is 'basic'. They can be expanded upon, and if you graduate to a larger version of the system you choose originally, the parts of either system can be used with their bigger brothers respectively.
Make sense? Hope this helps
Lyle
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Post by malcolmcelyn on Feb 21, 2014 3:57:19 GMT -5
Ive only ever used the NCE systems, rather large ones at my club layouts. Ill be using one on my home layout some day. The PowerCab is a perfect fit for your needs. Its fully capable of running a small layout, and consists are not a problem. And at I believe $180 for the set it falls on the affordable ( I dont like the word cheap) category. NCE Powercab - simple, easy to use, expandable. Works well, and less than 200. So that's two for NCE. Affordable. Cheap. No, I'm definitely the latter! Thanks guys. |
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Post by malcolmcelyn on Feb 21, 2014 4:08:08 GMT -5
Either the Digitrax Zephyr or the NCE Power Cab will do you well in your 'requirements'. The major trade off between the two is the Zephyr is a table top system (by itself) where the Power Cab is a (qualified) walk around system. The PR3 makes the Z computer capable, the NCE USB Interface does the same for the PC. Both systems are approximately 3 amp systems. Modern HO and N locos under heavy load draw about 1/2 amp, so either system can power six hard working locos simultaneously. The Zephyr has a few extra things going for it. It has Loconet connectors which allow it to connect to all other devices Digitrax manufactures. If down the road you expand to radio capability, signaling, etc. the Z can do it. Another feature the Z has is a pair of 'jump' inputs. These allow two standard DC power packs to be connected to the Z and used as throttles as well. With the Z you say Jump1 controls loco 1234, and that DC pack now controls that loco. These DC packs are likely table top as well, so in that respect it's still a stationary add on, not walk around. The PowerCab also has port connectors to add additional devices should that need arise. If you want to go wireless, you can. NCE doesn't have quite the selection of add on hardware that Digitrax does. That's not a bad thing, just the way things are. I'm a very biased NCE owner, but I have a lot of respect for the Digitrax stuff. The PC itself has to be connected to a specific jack in it's power panel, so it's not quite total walk around. You can move as far as the tether cord allows. However you can add panels and additional throttles for total walk around if that is desired. What I've said here is a very condensed description of the two starter systems. Neither one is 'basic'. They can be expanded upon, and if you graduate to a larger version of the system you choose originally, the parts of either system can be used with their bigger brothers respectively. Make sense? Hope this helps Lyle So, half 'n' half. That's 2 1/2 to 1/2. Thanks Lyle, very thorough. Must say I'm surprised. I thought the Digitrax would be more popular, but you may have changed my mind. My main concern now is the USB computer connection. Do you know if it would allow all the JMRI software to work? I suppose it would, but you never know. iPhone throttle (iThrottle) and sound downloading (Decoder Pro) would seem to be the most likely things I'd want to use. |
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Post by Mark R. on Feb 21, 2014 12:30:35 GMT -5
The NCE Powercab would get my vote as well. I've operated on layouts with both NCE and DigiTrax and much prefer the NCE system for ease of use. I have neither myself, so as a "some time" operator on both systems, I find the NCE much easier to figure out. With the DigiTrax systems, I'm constantly asking the owner what to do with my throttle to get it to do what I want.
On a grander scale, I've yet been to an operating session on a DigiTrax layout that has been completely glitch free. Somebody is always having trouble with something. That's just been MY experience, I'm sure others will state otherwise ....
Mark.
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Post by malcolmcelyn on Feb 21, 2014 18:21:35 GMT -5
The NCE Powercab would get my vote as well. I've operated on layouts with both NCE and DigiTrax and much prefer the NCE system for ease of use. I have neither myself, so as a "some time" operator on both systems, I find the NCE much easier to figure out. With the DigiTrax systems, I'm constantly asking the owner what to do with my throttle to get it to do what I want. On a grander scale, I've yet been to an operating session on a DigiTrax layout that has been completely glitch free. Somebody is always having trouble with something. That's just been MY experience, I'm sure others will state otherwise .... Mark. Fair comment Mark. That's exactly the sort of thing I'm interested in. Can't say I've heard particularly bad things about Digitrax, but it looks like another vote for NCE! |
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rjm
Road Foreman
Iron Horses Forever
Posts: 92 
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Post by rjm on Feb 21, 2014 23:27:23 GMT -5
I have a Digitrax zephyr DCS51 with a UT4R Simplex walk around, use PR3 as a standalone programmer. Bought it all last winter and if I had done more research I would have went with the NCE System. Have spent a lot of time with Digitrax tech support on the command station, I have fried the PR3 twice; Digitrax has been very good about their no hassle warranty repair. Bottom line if you are techno savvy then both will get the trains a running. Best suggestion is do all the research with investigation of component parts for each system before you plunk down the dough.
Regrettably I cannot mix and match component parts from one system to the other. Electricity is my worst nemesis, all my life, 6V-12V-18V-110V=220V it does not matter I can and will fry it.
Good Luck
RJ
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Post by lajmdlr on Feb 22, 2014 0:47:58 GMT -5
Malcolm
Best advice is for you to go to your LHS, clubs & home layouts to try them yourself hands on. That way you can feel what's right for you. Also ask alot of questions at those places to get as much info on their likes & dislikes. There's also Yahoo Group forums on each system. Also this subject has come up many many times on this & other forums. Just do searches there.
My friends & me all prefer NCE because it is so easy to learn & use. AND their customer support is great!
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Post by malcolmcelyn on Feb 22, 2014 3:37:55 GMT -5
I have a Digitrax zephyr DCS51 with a UT4R Simplex walk around, use PR3 as a standalone programmer. Bought it all last winter and if I had done more research I would have went with the NCE System. Have spent a lot of time with Digitrax tech support on the command station, I have fried the PR3 twice; Digitrax has been very good about their no hassle warranty repair. Bottom line if you are techno savvy then both will get the trains a running. Best suggestion is do all the research with investigation of component parts for each system before you plunk down the dough. Regrettably I cannot mix and match component parts from one system to the other. Electricity is my worst nemesis, all my life, 6V-12V-18V-110V=220V it does not matter I can and will fry it. Good Luck RJ I could tell you some horror stories about electricity and me, including electrocution by 240V! Strangely, I actually understand the basic principles. They just never seem to translate to reality! Thanks for your input RJ. One more for NCE it seems. |
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Post by malcolmcelyn on Feb 22, 2014 4:00:05 GMT -5
Malcolm Best advice is for you to go to your LHS, clubs & home layouts to try them yourself hands on. That way you can feel what's right for you. Also ask alot of questions at those places to get as much info on their likes & dislikes. There's also Yahoo Group forums on each system. Also this subject has come up many many times on this & other forums. Just do searches there. My friends & me all prefer NCE because it is so easy to learn & use. AND their customer support is great! Went to my LHS a few weeks back and asked for Flux for soldering. The guy asked what flux was! Idiot! Knew a lot about RC aircraft, but not much else! Going to have to look for a NSLHS (Not So Local Hobby Store!). Had bad experiences of clubs years ago, so I'm not a member anywhere. Similarly, I don't know of any local home layouts (let alone a local US prototype modeler!). I really would be ploughing a lonely furrow if it wasn't for this forum! Guess I need to pull my finger out and start looking. Sound advice there. I'm not a complete numpty when it comes to technology, but your comment about ease of use rings a bell. I'd rather "play trains" than read an users manual! NCE is looking more and more like the way to go. Think I need to look for either a UK dealer or a US one and sort out power supply requirements. |
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Post by emd16645 on Feb 22, 2014 8:30:46 GMT -5
I think many of the systems come without power supplies, it's up to the user to provide. Look at the company websites and it should tell you what the power requirements are.
Also, my experience is only with NCE, which I've found easy to use. I have never used a digitrax setup.
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Post by lajmdlr on Feb 22, 2014 11:23:47 GMT -5
Went to my LHS a few weeks back and asked for Flux for soldering. The guy asked what flux was! Idiot! Knew a lot about RC aircraft, but not much else! Going to have to look for a NSLHS (Not So Local Hobby Store!). Had bad experiences of clubs years ago, so I'm not a member anywhere. Similarly, I don't know of any local home layouts (let alone a local US prototype modeler!). I really would be ploughing a lonely furrow if it wasn't for this forum! Guess I need to pull my finger out and start looking. Sound advice there. I'm not a complete numpty when it comes to technology, but your comment about ease of use rings a bell. I'd rather "play trains" than read an users manual! NCE is looking more and more like the way to go. Think I need to look for either a UK dealer or a US one and sort out power supply requirements. You need to go to an electronics or hardware store to get flux. Pretty sad a hobby shop selling MR items doesn't know what flux is. LOL |
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Post by mdtraindrvr on Feb 22, 2014 17:41:10 GMT -5
All I've used is Digitrax. I have the Zephyr at home, and my club has a Digitrax layout. I don't know of anyone at the club who uses NCE, either at the club or at home. I use the DT402D throttle at the club.
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Post by malcolmcelyn on Feb 23, 2014 6:21:52 GMT -5
I think many of the systems come without power supplies, it's up to the user to provide. Look at the company websites and it should tell you what the power requirements are. Also, my experience is only with NCE, which I've found easy to use. I have never used a digitrax setup. Thanks Chris. Yet again, I'm amazed at how many people are using NCE. |
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Post by malcolmcelyn on Feb 23, 2014 6:25:09 GMT -5
All I've used is Digitrax. I have the Zephyr at home, and my club has a Digitrax layout. I don't know of anyone at the club who uses NCE, either at the club or at home. I use the DT402D throttle at the club. Thanks Dan. How do you find Digitrax? Does anyone use JMRI? Any system, just interested in the computer-powered aspects of JMRI. |
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Post by Canadian Atlantic Railway on Feb 23, 2014 7:52:04 GMT -5
I bought a used NCE Power Cab for $100 and am very pleased with it. I like the walk around capability and the controller is easy to use.
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Post by malcolmcelyn on Feb 23, 2014 7:59:51 GMT -5
I bought a used NCE Power Cab for $100 and am very pleased with it. I like the walk around capability and the controller is easy to use. $100? You lucky so and so! Better start scouring eBay! Lol |
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Post by m a y o r 79 on Feb 23, 2014 8:00:53 GMT -5
Where did you find an NCE PowerCab system for $100?!?! The best Ive ever been able to find one was about $160.
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