swiftbeam

Thank you guys for all your help. So it seems it's not such an easy decision! I don't like a 'cheap feel', I like a quality product that feels good to use. I've looked at the other controllers you have all talked about, some look cheap, some look VERY complicated! I don't like the fact that the ZTC keeps changing hands and supply 'seems' like an issue. If the main selling point of the ZTC is it's 'look' and 'feel', and people are happy to pay double for that, even with other problems, then it would seem the other manufactures are missing a HUGE trick ?? I also note that the ZTC 611 now supports 28 functions, so it should be fine with sound (and everything else) am I correct? It would appear that most people are talking about the older ZTC, but I'd be buying the newer 611 if I bought ZTC. Are we still talking about a restricted controller on the 611 or is this version much closer to the 'norm' now?

It's looking like the case for the NCE is compelling. Having used one before, and liked it, and being £150 (not £460!) Not buying another would be rather silly! I'll just have to dream about controlling my locos wth a leaver! Thanks for your pointers. Is Digitrains the UK importer?

Hummm, not a popular controller then, LOL

Hi Guys, I'm new here (first post) so hello :-) I dabbled for a very short time in 00 DCC some years ago with an NCE Power cab system. I really liked it. However, I saw the ZTC 611 DCC controller at a show and was taken by the control levers, metal case and the general look. It was also nice that the company is based not too far from me and being British made, advice maybe easy to get when I need it? I know the NCE is about £150 and the ZTC is £460 :-O I also know that the power cab has more features. I will not be putting any large demands on my DCC system, I also don't like computers, programming or buttons. I also think trains are best controlled with leavers. I like metal cases and a fixed base unit. All my likes do add up to the 611 (and that is why it caught my eye) BUT the 611 is hugely more expensive than the NCE, and the NCE is probably a better controller. My layout is just a branch line with two sidings and a passing loop. A basic controller will do the job, but DCC seems to make the models run smoother at low speeds, and I like that. Does it just come down to money or would I be losing something much more by not buying the NCE? Thank you.