DCC controllers any recommendations

[colinjamesporter]

Hi all,

I currently have an original Dynamis with a pro box on my layout but I am looking at changing it in the near future. The current system works OK with the layout and programming track however if I connect more than one controller to the base station the signal goes and you lose all control. I am looking at the gaugemaster prodigy express and the nce powercab as options can anyone recommend which one would be better for multiple operators?

Best wishes

Colin

[Mike Storey]

I have struggled with a Dynamis for some time and have decided to change completely. You might want to consider this as an alternative to the usual suspects, which are beginning to look their age;

 

http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/101990-new-dcc-controller-ace-from-sig-na-trak/

 

It is much better value for money, much more up to date and is British. It should be available later this month. A wireless (radio not infra-red) version is promised later this year.

[Nick G]

The problem with a lot of DCC systems is the lack of Functions. The latest sound loco SLW class 24 has 28 functions so may be something to consider.

[Phil S]

Roco have just announced a new Multimaus - Wifi version  for only 79.95 at Gaugemaster ... it works with their Z21 and offers the same features as the previous Pro wireless version but is Wifi not ZigBee connected. 

 

Knob, Centre Off,  Text and Graphic Display - 5 character name 64 names in library (indiviual to each handset, but copyable between) etc. Point Graphic, 9999 locos 1024 points.   21 functions ... ( Lights,  1-10 and Shift 1-10 )   ... do you really miss the last few ... I don;t have any that use them all.

Read and Write with Z21 ... an alternative to using a SmartPhone.  

 

Z21 or z21 ... read up te differences on their website...   Z21 has variable track voltage. Both have Railcom.

 

But you need to decide for yourself: Console or Walkabout Handset. 

                                                         Knob, Slider Button or Lever,

                                                         Quality of Graphics,  Ease of Use (Multimaus is multilingual and I find very friendly and comfortable to se left or right single handed.)

[Ron Ron Ron]

The problem with a lot of DCC systems is the lack of Functions. The latest sound loco SLW class 24 has 28 functions so may be something to consider.

 

Lenz, Digitrax, NCE, MRC/Gaugemaster, ESU (ECoS), Piko (SmartControl), Hornby (Elite), ZTC 611, Uhlenbrock - all have F0-F28

 

ESU (Navigator & Bachmann Dynamis) and Roco (Z21/z21 & MultiMaus) only have F0-F21.

 

 

(Edited to correct a mistake - see posts below...)

 

 

.

[bigal10]

Oops, sorry Ron, or Ron, or Ron,

 

My ECoS has all 29 functions, from F01 to F28 !

 

How else would I be able to run Paulibangers' excellent latest offerings on Zimo?

 

All we need now, is for ESU to realise that their icon library is woefully out of date!

 

Edit: trying to add photos, but this page falls over at direct pics on iPad, will try later....

 

Regards,

 

Alan.

[JeffP]

Can you get to anywhere that might let you try out various ones?

 

I did, at Digitrains, near Lincoln, (now IN Lincoln), and chose the NCE.

[two tone green]

Yep, my ECoS has all the functions like Alan's and has done for a long time now and can be updated via firmware.

 

Same for the new handheld as well.

[Ron Ron Ron]

Oops, sorry Ron, or Ron, or Ron,

 

My ECoS has all 29 functions, from F01 to F28 !

 

 

 

Yep, my ECoS has all the functions like Alan's and has done for a long time now and can be updated via firmware.

 

Same for the new handheld as well.

 

Thanks Alan and Two Tone.

Offending post duly corrected.

I thought the ECoS had been updated a while back, but when I checked both the ESU and a retailer's websites to confirm, they were still saying 21 functions.

Clearly way out of date!

 

The point being, there are not many DCC systems left that cannot do F0-F28.

 

 

.

.

[Brian]

Hi all,

I currently have an original Dynamis with a pro box on my layout but I am looking at changing it in the near future. The current system works OK with the layout and programming track however if I connect more than one controller to the base station the signal goes and you lose all control. I am looking at the gaugemaster prodigy express and the nce powercab as options can anyone recommend which one would be better for multiple operators?

Best wishes

Colin

From your short list I personally would go with the NCE PowerCab. Does far more than the PE.

[colinjamesporter]

Thanks for the information guys.

 

From your short list I personally would go with the NCE PowerCab. Does far more than the PE.

can multiple operators run on the nce powercab?

[Ron Ron Ron]

Thanks for the information guys.

 

can multiple operators run on the nce powercab?

 

How many operators do you need to accommodate?

 

The PowerCab is only a starter system, albeit very well featured, but as a stand alone system it can only handle 2 throttles.

That would be the PowerCab handset itself, plus an additional handset (either a ProCab or another PowerrCab handset).

 

If you require accommodation for more than 2 operators, then the PowerCab can be upgraded, either by adding a Smart Booster (£142) or by upgrading to the full NCE system, where the PowerCab can be used as a throttle.

 

e.g.

PowerCab £130

Smart Booster £142

ProCab handset £110

Total = £382

 

The ability to upgrade from the PowerCab starter system, is a handy feature and allows users to grow their system if and when the need arises, without having to ditch their original PowerCab.

 

However, if your requirements at the outset exceed the PowerCab's facilities, then a choosing a different option (DCC system) would probably make more sense, e.g. the full NCE PowerPro system, or a system from a different manufacturer.

 

 

 

 

.

[colinjamesporter]

How many operators do you need to accommodate?

 

The PowerCab is only a starter system, albeit very well featured, but as a stand alone system it can only handle 2 throttles.

That would be the PowerCab handset itself, plus an additional handset (either a ProCab or another PowerrCab handset).

 

If you require accommodation for more than 2 operators, then the PowerCab can be upgraded, either by adding a Smart Booster (£142) or by upgrading to the full NCE system, where the PowerCab can be used as a throttle.

 

e.g.

PowerCab £130

Smart Booster £142

ProCab handset £110

Total = £382

 

The ability to upgrade from the PowerCab starter system, is a handy feature and allows users to grow their system if and when the need arises, without having to ditch their original PowerCab.

 

However, if your requirements at the outset exceed the PowerCab's facilities, then a choosing a different option (DCC system) would probably make more sense, e.g. the full NCE PowerPro system, or a system from a different manufacturer.

 

 

 

 

.

How many operators do you need to accommodate?

 

The PowerCab is only a starter system, albeit very well featured, but as a stand alone system it can only handle 2 throttles.

That would be the PowerCab handset itself, plus an additional handset (either a ProCab or another PowerrCab handset).

 

If you require accommodation for more than 2 operators, then the PowerCab can be upgraded, either by adding a Smart Booster (£142) or by upgrading to the full NCE system, where the PowerCab can be used as a throttle.

 

e.g.

PowerCab £130

Smart Booster £142

ProCab handset £110

Total = £382

 

The ability to upgrade from the PowerCab starter system, is a handy feature and allows users to grow their system if and when the need arises, without having to ditch their original PowerCab.

 

However, if your requirements at the outset exceed the PowerCab's facilities, then a choosing a different option (DCC system) would probably make more sense, e.g. the full NCE PowerPro system, or a system from a different manufacturer.

 

 

 

 

.

Hi RonRonRon,

Fantastic information. There's normally two of us operating on running sessions so it shouldn't be to bad.

Best wishes

Colin

[Mike Storey]

If you are happy with those prices then fine, but I strongly suggest you ;look at the ACE first, which appears to have most of the functionality (with more to come) of the others, but at £142 for the main, touch screen unit, and £21 per extra throttle (if ordered before release in late Jan, slightly more afterwards). No connection, just seems a very good package to me, and I have watched its careful development over the past year or so.

[bgman]

The new Roco Wifi Multimaus is available for those who don't mind shopping in the EU and somewhat cheaper than certain UK suppliers

http://webshop.pijplines.nl/Roco-10813-Wifi-Multimaus-voor-de-Z21

Just thought I'd post it for anyone wishing to consider it, not wishing to confuse the OP !

[Ron Ron Ron]

The new Roco Wifi Multimaus is available for those who don't mind shopping in the EU and somewhat cheaper than certain UK suppliers

http://webshop.pijplines.nl/Roco-10813-Wifi-Multimaus-voor-de-Z21

Just thought I'd post it for anyone wishing to consider it, not wishing to confuse the OP !

 

The new WiFi MultiMaus isn't a separate DCC system.

It appears to be a wireless handset for use with the Z21 and I don't think it can even be used with a regular MultiMaus DCC system.

 

 

 

.

[bgman]

The new WiFi MultiMaus isn't a separate DCC system.

It appears to be a wireless handset for use with the Z21 and I don't think it can even be used with a regular MultiMaus DCC system.

 

 

 

.

 

Thank you I do realise that hence my last sentence "not wishing to confuse "

[tractor_37260]

Hi all,

I currently have an original Dynamis with a pro box on my layout but I am looking at changing it in the near future. The current system works OK with the layout and programming track however if I connect more than one controller to the base station the signal goes and you lose all control. I am looking at the gaugemaster prodigy express and the nce powercab as options can anyone recommend which one would be better for multiple operators?

Best wishes

Colin

 

 I would not overlook a Lenz Set 100 (V3.6) with a TR150 (5amp) transformer.  You could pick up an "earlier version" second hand for a reasonable price and get it updated to V3.6 spec.  Many large layouts use this system with multi operators very successfully. 

[Matt]

I suspect you will find them all a good bit better than dynamis. I battled with mine for years then bit the bullet and went NCE Procab. Wish i had done sooner and spent less money / wasted less time adding to / replacing bits of my dynamis. Only disadvantage is being back to being tethered rather than wireless but I always found dynamis wasn't really wireless as you had to be so careful when you stood (and I went as far as installing 4 infrared recievers around the room!). I think there is a wireless NCE option now too but not used myself. M

[amdaley]

I suspect you will find them all a good bit better than dynamis. I battled with mine for years then bit the bullet and went NCE Procab. Wish i had done sooner and spent less money / wasted less time adding to / replacing bits of my dynamis. Only disadvantage is being back to being tethered rather than wireless but I always found dynamis wasn't really wireless as you had to be so careful when you stood (and I went as far as installing 4 infrared recievers around the room!). I think there is a wireless NCE option now too but not used myself. M

 

NCE wireless is available in the UK now.

I've used one for a few years now & found it to be a great piece of kit.

[Ron Ron Ron]

Thank you I do realise that hence my last sentence "not wishing to confuse "

 

Understood.

Maybe it would have been more appropriate to post that in the Z21 thread then, or in a new topic, as it has no relevance to this topic?

 

Best Regards

Ron

 

 

.

[Ron Ron Ron]

NCE wireless is available in the UK now.

 

That must be a quite recent change then?

Only Digitrains are advertsing it at the moment.

 

 

Good news for NCE users.

An EU legal version is long overdue, seeing as the wireless version has been out for around 8- 10 years or so.

 

 

 

.

[amdaley]

That must be a quite recent change then?

Only Digitrains are advertsing it at the moment.

 

 

Good news for NCE users.

An EU legal version is long overdue, seeing as the wireless version has been out for around 8- 10 years or so.

 

 

 

.

I only found out about it recently.

Something about the frequency band that NCE uses being freed up in the UK without the need for a licence.

As I said I've being using a wireless system for a few years now.

 

Digitrains was the company I had in mind.

Another company I contacted said they wouldn't be stocking the wireless system because it would have to be ce certified or something like that which would cost thousands. Not my words, theirs ?

All kind of confusing.

[Matt]

I only found out about it recently.

Something about the frequency band that NCE uses being freed up in the UK without the need for a licence.

As I said I've being using a wireless system for a few years now.

 

Digitrains was the company I had in mind.

Another company I contacted said they wouldn't be stocking the wireless system because it would have to be ce certified or something like that which would cost thousands. Not my words, theirs ?

All kind of confusing.

Yeah I asked one of the dcc specialists about NCE wireless at Warley and was told that is kind of available in uk. Frequency licensing sorted but other issues remain which meant they wouldn't sell to me. Can't remember which vendor now... If I recall correctly some vendors would sell previously as long as not to a uk address and not to be used in uk... So if a ce issue there may be ways around... M

[Butler Henderson]

I would not overlook a Lenz Set 100 (V3.6) with a TR150 (5amp) transformer. You could pick up an "earlier version" second hand for a reasonable price and get it updated to V3.6 spec. Many large layouts use this system with multi operators very successfully.

 

I would try one first and see if you can get on with it okay, too much MS FlightSim like for me with having to remember all the keyboard functions. Can't beat a Multimaus in my opinion for ease of operating a layout which probably explains why most people I know with a Lenz system exhibit usually using a Multimaus.