Which DCC system would best suit my needs?

[shanks522]

Hello, I'm sure this question has been asked a thousand times and i know some will say its each to there own taste's but i could do with a friendly point in the right direction. I have a little knowledge on how DCC works and my small 00 layout is wired ready for it, what i don't quite understand is which system is best for sound, I plan to have about 10 locos/EMU's sound fitted and would like some advice on which system would suit this kind of set up. I would rather spend a little extra money and get a better system that could maybe used on future larger layouts. From what i have researched already Lenz would seem like a good system but this is where i am a complete novice and don't really know what i need.

 

Thanks in advance

 

Graham.

[beast66606]

Whatever advice may be forthcoming you cannot beat getting hands on experience, go to the local club, a show, a shop and try the systems, most will do what you want but the ergonomics of some might not be to your liking.

 

I use Digitrax.

[Oldddudders]

Whatever advice may be forthcoming you cannot beat getting hands on experience, go to the local club, a show, a shop and try the systems, most will do what you want but the ergonomics of some might not be to your liking.

 

I use Digitrax.

So do I. But I absolutely endorse Beast's recommendation. What suits some of us is rubbish to others, and vice versa. Hopefully your DCC system will last for many years, so getting the right one is really important.

[brossard]

Yes, you really need to shop around. I bought a Digitrax system a few years ago for my exhibition layout. The lads in the club had ample opportunity to use it at shows. Their verdict was that it was too complicated, had a dated interface and was generally annoying to use (esp. the sticky buttons).

 

When we built our latest layout, a study was carried out and NCE chosen.

 

I sold my Digitrax stuff a few weeks ago.

 

John

[ian]

Try them out. As reported in MI2 there is no consensus on the best system - it comes down to individual preference. If you are a left hander look at the NCE with it's thumbweel rather than a system with knobs. For sound you want as many easily accessed functions as you can get - so the Lenz 90 is a no-no for a start.

[pauliebanger]

Graham,

 

Yes the question is asked quite frequently, but it's just as valid each time. Your choice is important now and mayhave implications if you wish to expand later or go to full or partial computer control. (Not all systems, even 'well known brands' can connnect to computers).

 

Most of the brands will work equally well with sound as non-sound. But the ergonomics can be quite a bit different. There is usually a lot more button pushing with sound, so their action becomes more important, in my view.

 

Generally speaking, the European systems will allow you to assign 'momentary' or 'latching' action to each of the Function keys, the American brands do not. (There are some exceptions to this, though)

 

Momentary = push for on, release for off, Latching = push for on then push again for off. M is perfect for horns, whistles and other sounds you wish to just play then stop. L is better for longer lasting sounds, say, the blower in steam locos or compressor in diesels. Pressing the 'horn' F key once is more intuitive than having to remember to switch it off again with a second press.

 

Whilst this alone should not decide the issue, it is something to bear in mind, especially as you wish to run sound locos.

 

Just one more tip. As a newcomer to DCC you will not necessarilly know what features will be important to you further down the line. Hand books and manuals generally do not tell you what that system cannot do, just what it can do. (So you have to find out any shortcomings yourself, and decide if they are important to you).

 

Take the advice given above; visit clubs, expos and other users locally. But, try to formulate a clear idea what you wish to do with your layour and locos, and talk to some specialist DCC dealers, even if you can't visit their premises.

 

However, you can't beat hands-on experience,and the best is when you can try several systems back to back. Any DCC specialist worth their salt will have a wide selection that you can test. Expect to see between 5 and 10 different systems at top notch establishments.

 

Good luck,

 

Paul

[shanks522]

Thanks for the replys gents, seems like i need a system with many buttons for DCC Sound, I didn't even think about that. As for what i like the feel of, i've only tried a lenz system and the Bachmann dynamis. I like the feel of the Lenz controllers, the Digitrax looks like a new remote for the telly. Time for testing then.

 

Thanks again

 

Graham.

[shanks522]

Evening all, After a fair bit of searching the internet looking at video reviews etc i think i may go for Digitrax.

Can anyone recommend a good starter system as there seem to be quite a few to choose from.

 

Cheers

 

Graham.

[Oldddudders]

Anything but the Empire Builder! That cannot read back CVs. The Zephyr (latest version uses the DCS51) is a sort of miniature version of the DCS100 which is found in all the top sets, so is more than adequate for a modest size layout - and you only need to add a booster if you discover you need more amps later. The Zephyr is a traditional fixed controller with a handle. You can plug in a walkaround throttle, and add IR and Radio links - the latter being a bit costly, the former a lot less so. Some US modellers run whole N gauge empires from a Zephyr!

 

One of the myths of DCC is that you can control dozens of locos at once. With sufficient boosters you can run many locos at once, but unless you have three brains, controlling many more than one loco at any one time takes some doing - unless each loco is on a separate loop of track and cannot meet anything else. Your OP suggests 10 sound-equipped locos, but you say the layout is small? Will all 10 be simmering or running at any one time? If so, then look for a Chief set with DCS100, which will give twice the power of the Zephyr, and will come with a walkaround throttle. With Digitrax, as with many of the better systems, expandability is very much a feature, and adding a booster will give you even more power, should that turn out to be necessary. Thus neither Zephyr nor Chief sets is a blind alley. Just ignore that Empire Builder as a starter set!

[shibushe]

Do get hands on experiance, as previous comments what others like and others dont. I actually bought NCE Power Cab, hated it, it was on ebay in a week. And please stay away from low end of the market nothing but trouble for the serious DCC modeller. If you can get to some big shows, find out who is there in the digital world and go and play.

[shanks522]

Thanks to everyone for the usefull reply's, and many thanks to Ian on your advice on what not to get, Just in case anyone is interested i've gone for the Digitrax zephr with some Lenz silver decoders to see how i get on.

 

Graham.

[Guest]

Thanks to everyone for the usefull reply's, and many thanks to Ian on your advice on what not to get, Just in case anyone is interested i've gone for the Digitrax zephr with some Lenz silver decoders to see how i get on.

 

Graham.

 

How are you getting on with this Graham, any good?

[shanks522]

Hi Oli,

 

I find the Digitrax zephr really easy to use, It works fine on my 00 layout, i can have three or four trains moving at any time with no problems, the sound controls are nice and simple and its fairly straight forward to program etc, haven't quite got to grips with changing CV's etc but that will come with more experience. All in all very happy with it.

 

Graham.

[Oldddudders]

I find the Digitrax zephr really easy to use, It works fine on my 00 layout, i can have three or four trains moving at any time with no problems, the sound controls are nice and simple and its fairly straight forward to program etc, haven't quite got to grips with changing CV's etc but that will come with more experience. All in all very happy with it.

Delighted that the Zephyr is delivering what you need. It will allow expansion if or when you feel you need it, which may be never.

[EddScott]

I recently picked up the Roco Multimaus Pro - I changed from NCE as it was a cheaper way of having wireless and PC control.

 

If I'm completely honest I find the Roco is awkward to use having come from the NCE. Although I'm going to press on with the Roco I wouldn't be surprised if I went back to NCE eventually.