dcc systems

nolatron

Member
Been using Digitrax products (super chief and zephyr) and never had any problems. Never had any problems with either one.
 

TrainNut

Ditat Deus
Digitrax Zephyr command station linked to a UR91 and a DT400R remote handheld controller. The Zephyr was always a little finicky. Finally, I had a reverse loop modulator that refused to work as it should. After narrowing down the problem to the command station, I sent it back and they replaced the mother board. Now it works as it should.
 

MasonJar

It's not rocket surgery
Digitrax Zephyr plus UT-4R (used tethered) for home. www.hotrak.ca modular club uses a mix of Digitrax - Super Chiefs and Empire Builders, plus just about every other accessory you can think of. Very few problems, considering the size of the set-up. ;) :D

Andrew
 
L

lester perry

OK I will be the odball, I have MRCadvance. I love it no problems I have had it for over a year. the reason I got it was I felt it was the most user friendly. I have run with digitrax on a friends layout and felt intimidated by it.
Les
 

rogerw

Active Member
Easy dcc by cvp. They have the most years/experience in dcc. Totally expandable cheap to start. What I did when it was time for me to select what system to by , I went to all of the forums for each system and asked questions. Just my 4 cents(inflation you know) Do not confuse this easy system with bachmann ez system. Totally different animal.



Edit: just read the article in March Model railroader page 86. They did a review on the CVP wireless system:thumb::thumb:. Did not know Kahlmbach publishing used this system on there huge layout.
 

Kevinkrey

Member


Does anybody know if a Bachman EZ command booster will work with other systems, more specifically, NCE powercab, or where the best place to buy a NCE powercab is?​
 

MadHatter

Charging at full tilt.
These days everything is made to NMRA standard, so the Bachmann should work, otherwise it won't sell.
 

MasonJar

It's not rocket surgery
Kevin,

I don't know if the Bachmann unit will work with the NCE system. The NMRA standards only ensure that all decoders work with all systems, but not necessarily that components of different systems work together.

Andrew
 

tetters

Rail Spiking Fool!
Nce Powercab. No problems at all.

Loren


Ditto. Great starter system as far as I can tell. If I do have a small gripe is the thumbwheel in the center. I'm just being picky though as it was super easy to set up and start programming locos right away.

I would eventually like to get my hands on the CAB04p Engineer Cab with potentiometer to use a throttle instead of using the Power Cab itself. Then I would just use the PC itself for programming et al.
 

DeckRoid

Member
I got the Zephyr for xmas after they dropped the prices. Works great. My only issue is that I can't program my decoders with sound. The controller tells me there is not enough power to the track. But for my non-sound decoders, it programs like it should.

When I was wiring my track, I put a power drop every 6 feet. There is no slow downs, no flickering of lights... just smooth running trains. I love it.

** Edit ** I have different decoders in my trains, and they all work. MRC, Bachmann and a couple generic ones from the LHS.
 

Kevinkrey

Member
I have 9x20 layout appx. with a 8' long double track extension. I want something that will work as is, without needing to buy more. What would be a good system without spending more than $200? I want something that has mainline programming, and can be expanded somewhat, MAYBE an additional controller, and something that could maybe be put to use on a future layout. What do you all think?

 
L

lester perry

I have 9x20 layout appx. with a 8' long double track extension. I want something that will work as is, without needing to buy more. What would be a good system without spending more than $200? I want something that has mainline programming, and can be expanded somewhat, MAYBE an additional controller, and something that could maybe be put to use on a future layout. What do you all think?​
Under $200 as far as I know that is not availible unless you go with used but I still say MRC Prodigy advance is best buy out there it will do all you are asking for and I think it is most economical one. I am not for sure but I believe it is going for a little less thn $400 you can go wireless later or to start for more $$
Les
 

KentBy

GN, NP, SP&S
I have been trying to figure out what to buy also.

Trainworld has the Prodigy Advance for $175. I got one 2 months ago and I'm really pleased. I think if you mention cupon code "sweetie" you get another 5 percent, but not sure of that.
MRC MODEL RAILROAD PRODUCTS
Charlie
My layout will be 17x14 and I would like two controls eventually. I think that I would only run 3 to 4 trains at a time, but one or two could be double header. And then what if I add sound. How many amps do I need? 3, 5?

Would the Prodigy Advance work for this?

I won't need all this capability for a year or two as I am just starting on the layout now. But I don't want to buy something that gets discarded latter so that I can upgrade.

Kent
 
OK I will be the odball, I have MRCadvance. I love it no problems I have had it for over a year. the reason I got it was I felt it was the most user friendly. I have run with digitrax on a friends layout and felt intimidated by it.
Les
You are of several people that have said Digitrax is intimidating to them,what is so intimidating¿
 

rogerw

Active Member
What ever system you go with I would make sure it has a computer interface. There is free software that will let you program your decoders CV's on the computer screen then download to the decoder. Much easier than trying to load with the command station. May not be a big deal with one or two locos but when the roster gets bigger it will help. If you have to reset a decoder and clear it out, Its just a matter of reprogramming the settings you saved on the computer.
 

steamhead

Active Member
Of course, I can't offer an opinion on other systems, but I have used the Zephyr for over 4 years now and it is really great. Just read the instructions, and take your time...It is quite user-friendly and does just about anything you might need at this time. It can be expanded as your needs increase, and incorporated into the "higher end" D'trax components.
 

brakie

Active Member
I have used Digitrax so,when the club voted in DCC we decided on Digitrax..Of course there was some prodding to go Digitrax by some of us.

I really like the UT2 and the UT4 throttle.:thumb:
 
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