How to Read a Cv on My Nce Dcc System
Digitrax simply switching to NCE
Looking for a lively discussion eh?
Later on a fair amount of research online I purchased a Digitrax Zephyr about two years agone to power my first layout. The system works reasonably well, the instructions are clearly written and tin can be followed without too much fuss but since I was a lonewolf I failed to consider the nearly important factor when purchasing a system: I had no thought what was popular in my area.
I think for any neophyte in the hobby they are to hear opinions until the cows come home on which DCC organisation to by (I think this is posted 5-10 times a week on the MR forums) simply in the end I recall they all exercise 99% of what yous do with a DCC system reasonably well - if some have better interfaces than others - simply what is most important is what systems the people you operate with regularly with employ. If y'all plan on operating in a grouping yous should try and purchase the system that the majority of your running mates utilise too. If you break from the crowd on a iv-5 man operating layout you will exist spending an extra $500-700 just for controllers whereas if you are all using the same system you tin can each bring your controller to the op session. Information technology'south a helluva money saver.
For that reason alone I will be selling my Digitrax on eBay in the near time to come and will be purchasing an NCE power cab. Anybody I operate with around here seems to utilize NCE. In fact I tin't think of a layout in the southwest Connecticut area that doesn't utilize one. It surprises me because from what I hear everywhere else Digitrax is so much more prevalent. Personally I recollect the interface on the NCE is a touch ameliorate only then again I think the power/pro cab controller is a touch large so they both accept pluses and minuses.
I know this is a bit of a wishy washy answer merely I think information technology's i of the most of import considerations that is never suggested to novices for consideration. Every bit an aside, I think y'all should merely copy/paste the DCC university topic from the Siskyou forums! That covers near of these questions correct there!
~rb
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~Rich
Proto-Freelanced Carfloat Functioning, Brooklyn, NYc.1974
Skillful answer ...
Hey rf - that'southward a skilful answer for the first postal service.
The Digitrax Zephyr's leap throttle connections are a pretty absurd idea - connecting a regular power pack to the system and thereby getting another DCC throttle from your old power pack is pretty handy if you're making the transition from DC to DCC.
The NCE Powercab, however, is pretty cool for club members, especially. You get a very serviceable system for utilise at domicile, and then y'all can take your hammerhead throttle down to the order and voila! It's an extra throttle and the commands all work most identical to how they work dorsum dwelling house.
It's difficult to haul the Zephyr down to the gild and apply it equally an extra throttle ... the power pack form gene kind of works confronting you lot there.
And then as you point out, in that location's no perfect answer - just trade-offs to consider. That'south what I'one thousand hoping to come up out of this give-and-take - some sense of the trade-offs you need to consider.
Joe Fugate
Publisher, Model Railroad Hobbyist mag
Read my blog
NCE
I chose my arrangement to be NCE for one reason and one reason but - A local "back up group". Permit me explain. Here in my part of New Jersey, the established layouts, salvage all merely two that we round-robin on, use NCE. So when it came fourth dimension for me to equip my layout and non knowing ANYTHING almost DCC installation, my fellow modelers brow trounce me (in a very nice mode, mind you) into going with a system that would benefit myself, too as anybody elses. How, you say? Well, my chief concern was not what the system could or could not do, but rather having to worry virtually the cost of equipping the layout with all the throttles I would need (read: toll). I was ane step abroad from buying MRC's Prodigy system, merely my fellow modelers showed me the "error of my ways", and I went with their system. Seriously, it is great because we tin can all bring out throttles to each others op sessions and employ them and not have to worry most ever having not enough for everyone. Until that point, I think I may have used the NCE system once beforhand, just I knew I didn't desire to get with Digitrax, so the choice was not nearly as hard to make every bit information technology is for others. My layout (which requires about twelve throttles to operate a session) has actually but required me to worry about having 4 of my own, and I have six other regulars that own at least two or more throttles, so I practise non worry near not having plenty. Also, the other main reason for choing NCE is that any software or hardware bug are ordinarily troubleshooted with a minimum of blood, sweat and tears, as we have become quite practiced at finding soloutions to issues as they come up (most of the time, that is!). Instance in point, some of the larger layouts were having radio throttle bug, so we contacted NCE and got a speedy reply with a fix that we could exercise ourselves, that we shared amidst the group. Information technology doesn't get any better than that for me!
RAH
CVP Products is my option
I started out with CTC16, which I built from the Model Railroader, upgraded to RailCommand and now upgraded to EasyDCC because I wanted to add together sound. I have never had any problems with whatever of the systems. Any question that I had all I had to do was call Al from CVP and he could reply them for me or suggestions to help me out. I've been running DCC for about 24 years now and don't see me switching to any our arrangement. We have been running vi trains, ii were double headers and ane was a triple header at the aforementioned time. Ever have plenty ability. 2 trains are run from the main control and the remainder are run with the 9000 wireless controls. Like shooting fish in a barrel to create or add and subtrate locos from a consist. Never lost command of any locos. They make a nice make clean working product.
Ken Jacobsen Yaphank Valley RR & Narrow Gauge Division
Digitrax
I chose Digitrax back around 2000.
At the time cost was an issue and it provided features I wanted at a cost that was bonny. I played with it for a few months then all my train stuff got boxed up. Fast forrard to the un-battle of my train stuff in 2006. My perspective is primarily every bit an operator and as a small layout owner.
At first I considered trying to ditch the Digitrax system in favor of NCE just I am glad I didn't. I would accept been perfectly happy with NCE, merely I am sticking with Digitrax for at present and hither is why:
1. Most all of my model railroad friends utilise Digitrax. I can bring a throttle and get support. The two layouts that utilise NCE I operate on do not demand my throttle. My Weekly round-robin group is entirely Digitrax.
two. I consider the UT4 to exist the best operator's cab on the market. Its not perfect, simply having a toggle switch sticking out the acme for irresolute management is fantastic. The throttle is big and very comfortable used by hand or operated with a pollex with the forefinger cupping the toggle. This one picayune thing by itself is my favorite feature of Digitrax systems. Nothing else is as good(Besides NCE, I have too used CVP, Lenz, and, seriously, Dynatrol).
3. Progressive upgrade paths. I can post in my DT400 I bought 10 years ago when I go duplex and have it upgraded to radio for $60. As far as I know, this is the but manufacturer to offer that kind of after-purchase upgrade path.
four. It works well. I have read a lot of discussion about issues with Digitrax just I have never encountered them personally. All our stuff works great. Bug that go far are usually the result of problems with the physical constitute or use of third party software (like RR&Co. software) to perform very advanced tasks.
five. Digitrax offers a huge line of accessories like signal and stationary decoders that can be integrated to the their LocoNet throttle autobus. While originally something I had planned to use quite a lot.. its less of an issue now that i program to model turn of the century Maine and am not going to automate my turnouts. Still, information technology was very nice that they offered such a comprehensive production line and the last toll for the whole installation was very competitive.
vi. Very nice mechanism for throwing dcc turnouts by accost. Why should we care? I accept friends who are building large layouts. Non all the panels get hooked up in a timely fashion. Sometimes we are working with addresses on sticky notes next to turnouts. The Digitrax system lets you throw turnouts without losing control of your locomotive. Its as painless as address based turnout throwing tin can be.. I don't use information technology often but its been nice when I have.
7. All-encompassing documentation on the website. Screw bound manuals provided which are like shooting fish in a barrel to use. Some would say its a negative I need a transmission.. but I wouldn't know. I beloved manuals and apply them anyhow. If a broom came with a transmission I would read it.
The thing I don't like about Digitrax is the buttons. I really dislike the buttons. They tin can get jammed downward. I detect the layout of the push button pad on the DT400 to be confusing. I detect myself hunting for keys. Its become less of an issue for me over time only I still get annoyed. The rotary selectors on the UT4 are OK.. but one has to be careful when putting it in a throttle pocket not to inadvertently change the address.
In fairness.. I have used NCE and can comment on that briefly too equally an operator:
- Its very like shooting fish in a barrel to get going with audio. Common sound functions are clearly labeled.
- LCD is easier to read.
- Dial throttle is a nice idea. I have never been at a layout where they configured it to practice switching way.. I would love to try it. I nevertheless prefer a large knob similar the UT4 or the NCE cabs but I am open minded...
- I find the plastic gets sweaty in my palm. I don't know what the divergence is between the NCE hammerhead plastic and the Digirax plastic just if I am operating for a long menses of time I find they get slick. Maybe a personal issue? This is only with the hammerheads.
I take no feel programming with NCE. I accept heard its easier but I accept not seen to many situations where software is not used. Perhaps this is not the upshot it used to exist? I have not personally found the NCE processes to exist easier and so Digitrax.. only I am an electronics guy and then I am not a good measure. I still constitute things using NCE for the start fourth dimension to be confused about.
I remember both are splendid systems and we are fortunate to have them as competitors to cull from. I am delighted when I run into either one available at a layout I visit.
About the starter systems
(I have never owned either starter system.. so pretty much ignore me)
I am not a fan of the NCE PowerCab. Not being able to unplug to walk around with it is a big disadvantage when it is used as a command station. From what I sympathize its just 1.7amp out of the box which seems low-cal. To upgrade to a medium layout point you lot need to spend a bit of coin.
I think the Zephyr paired with a UT4 or two provides more scalability... especially in North scale where you will non sew against the 2.5 amp limit on a small or medium layout operating, say, five-half dozen mod locomotives. Your toll to go to a full featured command station with walk around control for two or three people seems better with the Zephyr. I encounter the Zephyr more than equally a low cost control station and oh, by the manner, you can operate a train from it if you can't afford a throttle right off.
Right out of the box the NCE is hand held which is squeamish.. I merely experience it is a quick start out of the gate that leaves you lagging (and spending money..) when start to expand a trivial.
However.. I would go with what your friends have regardless.. just with NCE.. try to start with the regular organisation rather and then that PowerCab.
Chris
PS- guess who has time to kill at work in between data deliveries for the kickoff fourth dimension since April
"If you deport your childhood with you, you never become older." My modest progress Blog
When I lodge a organization....
...it will be NCE. I accept operated on dissimilar layouts with different DCC and other Command Command systems, and the best, in my stance is NCE. With the other systems there were more issues with the control station and throttles loosing "command" of their locomotives compared to NCE. And now with their new CAB 06R with LED brandish and Single BIG KNOB throttle control, i'm definitely sold on NCE.
Not sure if I will stick strictly with NCE, as Digitrax does have some non-cab/throttle accessories that I might find useful, and with the JMRI software, both can be used, but I most certainly would NOT use their cabs/throttles or command station to control the actual locomotive decoders. Just too many bad experiences with them.
FWIW,
Ken 50.
NCE
I recently transitioned from my erstwhile RailCommand (a pre-DCC product from CVP), and test-drove a number of DCC systems before deciding. I ended up choosing the NCE PowerPro-R (R for radio). For me, the user interface with NCE is more intuitive than most, and it seemed more robust and expandable than the MRC Prodigy systems that use like throttles. I like the ease of consisting with NCE and the menus that guide me through everything as I use the throttle for programming. The Cab04 "engineer cab" is decent to employ, but lacks an indication of which loco is dialed up, something that is partially cured with the announced Cab06, but perhaps at the expense of separate direction buttons for forrad and reverse.
1 of the reasons I did not go with Digitrax is the radio throttle response. I've operated a lot of Digitrax layouts, and encountered similar problems with well-nigh all of them where I had to plug back in to re-acquire control on a radio throttle, something I oasis't experienced with NCE. Their UT-iv throttles are user-friendly however and a dainty size, but their bigger cabs bulldoze me basics to use. For a larger layout, the throttle "slot" problem is a nuisance considering the available throttle assignements can be used upwards if guys forget to "dispatch" throttles.
I considered CVP's EasyDCC merely accept used the system on a few layouts and don't intendance for limitations on radio throttle functioning when y'all exceed 8 cabs, or for the programming interface. I do like CVP'southward tethered throttles with the phono-jacks, which are essentially identical to the RailCommand plug setup, and stronger than the telephone jacks on most of the other systems.
I also have used Lenz, merely it didn't seem intuitive to me at all.
So... I chose the system that involved the fewest compromises for me, despite the fact that there are relatively fewer NCE users in my local area than Digitrax, and information technology would accept been easier for several of my prospective operators to bring throttles to op sessions if I had gone with information technology instead.
Only like people and
Merely like people and layouts every ane is going to accept their own personal choice. The well-nigh of import consideration in picking a system is the user interface. This is ordinarily the throttle except for the computer users. How well the throttle fits your paw? Practice you lot like buttons or knobs or both? Is it easy for you to understand and operate? Command stations are pretty much the same. They have the inputs from the throttles and other devices and decides what to do with it. Boosters are the same for every system, They boost the available track power and signals. Plain and simple. The thing your going to employ the almost is the throttle. That is why I feel information technology is the most of import part of any organisation.
With that said. I am a user of iii brands of systems. The club uses a Lenz based system with CVP wireless throttles. I own an early on version 1.1 Power Cab past NCE at dwelling house that has served me very well. I occasionally operate on a friends layout that is Digitrax. They each have their good and bad. They each do the job at mitt with petty difficulty. No thing which system you lot eventually acquire I hope it serves you lot well.
This thread is going to plow into an NCE vs Digitrax war like every other thread of this subject.
Pete
Digitrax
I started with a Digitrax Chief dorsum on my 1st BC&SJ layout (the 4x8) and it's been with me since then accumulating more boosters, more than throttle jack panels, radio receiver, and an assortment of throttles.
I picked Digitrax because the small-scale group of DCC empowered layouts well-nigh me were using it and because it was less expensive.
I've kept Digitrax considering only as its internals were getting unmanagible, JMRI came forth and tamed throttle slot and ops switch programming for me (and because the alter over would have cost a non-trivial corporeality of hobby dollars and fourth dimension).
No arrangement is perfect. Each system has its adherents. Benefits for my Digitrax Cheif (to me anyway) are: my buddies tin bring their radio throttles to an op session without worrying most what their frequencies are - the just work, and because I can run the programming runway during an op session should a loco lose its memory and need reprogramming - and I can practice it without needing to install a dissever controller/boosters). Others will argue endlessly about the benefits of loco-internet, but this is a thing of little importance to me. Did I mention that an engineers radio throttle (single big knob) can be had for $100 at the right stores? NCE definitely has it's advantages too. Simply inertia has now set in and I don't anticipate changes in the virtually time to come.
Charlie Comstock - Superintendent of Almost Everything, the Deport Creek and Southward Jackson Railroad
Superintendent of almost everything 
Digital Plus past Lenz with the newest up course chip
v years agone is when I switched over from DC to DCC and I had no Thought which was the best or the worst. In fact I knew nothing about DCC.
Actually the day I bought it I had a lot of coin I had been saving for about vii years just to build a new model railroad with everything I wanted and was going to to be 90% HOn3 narrow approximate model railroad. I was looking at the NCE and the Lenz besides equally some cheaper units at one of my favorite 2 Model Railroad stores.
at present because I had decided to get DCC and had zero DCC I spent 4+ hours drilling the owner as to what did what and what I needed. at the same fourth dimension I wanted computer interface and all the bells and whistles so to speak.
I finally got the choices down to the terminal two - NCE and Digital/Plus by Lenz. Now I had just bought 2 of the Blackstone K27 ii-8-2 Mudhen engines the 455 and the 461 and both were Rio Grande Southern and both had the newest Soundtrax Steam Decoders installed and both were weathered.
Now I was told that the Lenx controllers could be used on whatsoever model RR with DCC and that NCE was coming out with a like system merely at the time Lenz won out. The other thing is that he had everything Lenz made in stock and would sell me the ii Blackstone Engines the Lenz LH-100 prepare, Li101F figurer interface,Translation Module LC100 and so if friends showed up with an NCE controller they could plug in to the system , LZV 100 Command Station, LV 102 Ability station, the XPA cordless phone Module hat you can claw the Home type wireless phone to as a second and tertiary controller.
total price for all this was $ane,400.00 worth of product including the two engines. He then said with my discount he'd permit me accept it all for $ane,000.00 out the door. I said Deal!!!
so Now should I ever want to use NCE controllers I simply need to buy the controller and everything volition work with very little learning bend and the Lenz System sends me complimentary updates via computer and They accept an IC plug in upwardly class merely my Command station already has the hardware upgrade and all I needed to do was install the new software.
I think I did the all-time I could considering I knew zippo nearly DCC at the time and The store I deal with has get a very expert friend and I always get groovy deals from them.
Dan
Rio Grande Dan
NCE PowerCab
I chose the NCE Powercab for one reason and ane reason only. It offered walk around capability. The Zephyr did not. Although the Zephyr power pack's train throttle looked cool. I've been very happy with the NCE Powercab and besides purchased the Cab04E. I'chiliad also considering purchasing the new SB3a Smart Booster.
MODERATOR NOTE: We deleted your signature paradigm because it was the Photobucket bribe epitome.
EasyDCC
I'thousand running the latest scrap (v630) rev of EasyDCC with wireless throttles (i each T9000 and RF1300 with some other T9000 that I need to send back for upgrading).
Why did I get information technology?
Well... you lot were running information technology. In fact, the RF1300 is your erstwhile one. I also constitute a CS2 very, very cheap on Ebay.
If I were to do information technology at present? I'd probably look difficult at NCE, but so far EasyDCC is doing what I need it to do. The only thing I'one thousand likely to exercise at this point is get a Quantum Programmer to program all the QSI decoders I seem to be acquiring.
Modeling a fictional GWI shortline combining three separate areas into one freelance-ish railroad.
Jeff Shultz - My weblog index
MRH Technical Assistant
If y'all feel the need to stem me: https://forum.mrhmag.com/profile/8778093
Digitrax
I started with a Digitrax Radio Super Main well-nigh 12 years ago (DCS100 Command Station) with a DT100R throttle. Back and then the major choices in my area were CVP Rails Control and Digitrax. I liked the ability of Digitrax to program decoders versus cutting traces in the Rail Command Decoders. I also attended a Digitrax presentation at a NMRA regional convention with a sit-in of the new to be released (several years subsequently) sound decoders. I disliked punching CVs on the throttles and early on purchased an MS100 and a PR1. JMRI was a big improvement as I rarely punch CVs on the throttles. I apply Decoder Pro to make and break consists.
Several times I have attempted to build a large basemnt layout, but job changes have kept the trains in boxes virtually of the time. Several years ago we purchased what will eventually exist our retirement home. The married woman got her dream home and I got an 1800 sq ft basement for the empire. My construction is "dominoes" so I have started small and I am expanding the layout by adding dominoes.
I have expanded my Digitrax Super Master Radio and over the years have added 2 DB150 boosters for layout expansion. I have two DT100R throttles, two DT300R throttles. I recently upgraded the system to duplex radio by purchasing a UR92 and upgrading my DT400R and DT400 to DT402D. I accept likewise purchased a UT4D which is great. All time to come throttles will be UT4Ds.
I purchased a new laptop and a Digitrax PR3; however I moved my former desktop PC (Windows XP) to the basement and the sometime MS100 is still in use with Decoder Pro.
What I similar most Digitrax is the arrangement is upgradeable which ads a lot of value to my investment.
Jim
Modeling the Kansas Urban center Southern (autumn 1981 - spring 1982) HO calibration
Digitrax Super Main radio
I got my Chief setup virtually 4 years ago as a Christmas gift from my wife (I told her what I wanted). My layout was adequately new, and was quasi-running on a MRC powerpack. I had wired the layout from the beginning in apprehension of getting DCC, so I just had to hook information technology up and go, right? Not exactly! I did a basic hookup and used it a little, and then decided I needed to divide the layout up into more sub-districts. This spring I finally got everything hooked up and worked all the bugs out. It works pretty well, but honestly I need to keep familiarizing myself with it, and learning. I'chiliad amazed at what DCC can exercise, just also annoyed at how complex it tin be at times to tweak. JMRI has really helped in that location.
I Chose Digitrax because I was uninformed. I don't operate on anyone else's layout, and I only recently started lurking on this and other forums, and then I couldn't get whatever advice at that place. I bought the "Big Book on DCC" from Digitrax prior to buying my Principal, so that probably influenced me more than anything.
What I like about my system: I similar the throttles well enough. I know others have knocked the DT-400, but it seems to suit me fine. I like the Digital brandish, and wish the UT-four had information technology as well. The UT-4 is super easy to operate and very egronomic. The command station and boosters (2) seem to exist working fine. I besides Have the PS-2012 ability station, that powers the command station and boosters & information technology is fine.
What I don't similar: I've had some radio reception issues. It seems to want to be line of sight. I've also had some consisting bug. Digitrax consisting (I use universal) works slap-up in one case information technology is set upward, but sometimes information technology goes haywire when I endeavour to set up the consist. I've also had issues running 3 or more locos in a consist and having the boosters shut downwardly. I apply Digitrax PM42'due south for auto reversing and sub commune management, and have had to jack up their amp settings to 6, which seems to have solved the problem. According to their literature the default settings should have been acceptable. I like to run long trains with as many as half dozen powered units, and so this is a concern. I interesting matter happened the other twenty-four hour period. I hadn't run trains in a couple of weeks, and I wanted to run a railroad train or two for a few minutes. I powered upwardly everything, turned on the rail power, and tried to run a train. There were ii trains parked in two seperate sidings from my last op sesion, and when I parked them there everything was fine. This time neither train would reply, but the atomic number 82 loco's lights were on. The DT-400 showed they were addressed to the throttle, just no response. I said the hell with it, and went to work on something else. Information technology's probably something minor, only these things are irritating. I don't know if others with different systems have similar issues. Probably non since they probable operate more than I do, and are more than savvy.
To be fair, my layout is still under structure, and then I don't operate information technology regularly, thus I haven't really got to the bottom of some of these bug still. I'm sure once I do many of these issues will be resolved.
Mike Lozensky
Moder Railroader Railroad Modeler
CVP to NCE
I started out with the mindset that I was going to buy 1, and merely ane DCC system to grow with me. After some inquiry, I went with the CVP Easy DCC system. I found information technology a robust, like shooting fish in a barrel to employ system, and got great service from Al at CVP. I really like the command (knob) interface, and the fact the head unit came with two cabs built in let me explore running multiple units in DCC right out of the get go.
A couple of curt years later, I constitute my circumstances substancially irresolute, and later some long discussion with Bruce at Litchfield, amongst others, I ordered a NCE Powercab, and my CVP arrangement was shipped to Australia via eBay.
My primary reason for moving to the Powercab was elementary downsizing; one plug in throttle fit my new environment a lot more elegently than the large CVP caput unit, throttle extender, and zone master, all with their own power supplies. This latter point was key for me, as the Powercab supply was already 220v compatabile, meaning I could unpack it an run, and not accept to either run the electronics of the CVP system on a transformer (which is never good for electronics) or purchase a whole new set of power supplies.
I besides grew to greatly appreciate the fact that I tin plan Tsunami's with the powercab without a booster; I was happy to throw in the PCB-100 programming booster in with the shipment to australia.
I was also very happy with the simple USB interface that NCE has for computer control; unproblematic, make clean, and it works. No cablevision splicing, etc (good grief, information technology's the 21st century!) It certainly made JRMI a bigger appeal, correct out of the box.
I have no problems recommending the great line of CVP products, but I will admit that I've been simply every bit happy, if not more and then, with the NCE.
Digitrax
I knew I was going to go DCC when I got dorsum into the hobby. My layout is a modest logging layout, almost 7x10 with 2 tiers, a desk-bound and a door. I had narrowed the pick down to NCE Powercab and the Digitrax Zephyr. Most performance will be sequential by myself, so having multiple jacks, or wireless, was not a requirement.
The clincher was a young man modeller who has a Digitrax system. Not knowing a lot about DCC, I knew I'd be calling on him, and accept washed so, over decoder wiring problems, programming, and the like. Even though I don't particularly like a base station throttle, in my "pit" most everything is within arms attain, then I compromised and bought the Zephyr afterwards playing with my friend's Zephyrs. I practice accept a UT4 that I'm running off the Zephyr at the moment, but I will be installing a UP5 soon for easier operation at my staging one thousand and at the extremity of the upper level.
Cost was a consideration, just just marginally then. I have no regrets. The system has worked perfectly, every bit long equally the nut-behind-the-butt does things right.
Roy
Roy
Geared is the fashion to tight radii and steep grades. Ghost River Rwy. "The Wet Coast Loggers"
Why I bought my NCE...
Dear MRH team,
I'll kickoff by saying that I'm an avowed analog throttle guy, then when it came to buying a DCC rig, I wanted a "New one that looked, felt, and operated like my Old I". I also didn't want to take to constantly relocate whatever DCC rig I ended up with from ane show layout to another (I exercise a lot of exhibition layouts).
The solution for me ended up being
- a NCE Powercab with the Powercab baseplate and plugpack PSU for programming at the workbench
- and a SB3 + Cab04 every bit the "operator's throttle" system
(with a iv-pin interconnect which matches the type I already wire all of my layouts with for the analog throttle,
16VAC --> Throttle
Track buss/feed < -- Throttle)
I've considered rackmounting the SB03 into a 1RU box for "Road rugged" touring piece of work,
merely for the moment the SB3 + Cab04 combination gives me the ability to bulldoze a DCC train,
while still giving the familiar "knob and reversing switch" interface of my long-serving homebruise analog walkaround throttles.
(and with the common interconnect, to switch between DCC and analog control system in under xxx sec,
on any one of my layouts).
At present, if only I could become the DCC system to do a "dumb timer shuttle" similar my analog throttles can,
with only a diode needed at each stop to reliably stop the loco,
no need to pfaff around with addresses or macros if I have to change the loco that's on the shuttle road mid-movement,...
Oh, and can do it for the aforementioned AUD$40 as it costs to build and deploy the equivalent bulletproof, 100% compatible analog solution...
(Right hand rail = Positive Volts = Forward,
Makes auto-shuttle systems a doddle to setup and run under _all_ weather condition).
Whatever control system you lot use to drive your trains,
"The solution should fit the problem..."
Happy Modelling,
Aim to Improve,
Prof Klyzlr
"William Occum was onto something..."
Anon
"The solution to a trouble should be as complex as information technology needs to be, just no more..."
Digitrax
I started with Digitrax about 6 months ago for my own layout, once I started running trains. However, I had purchased a UT4R a year earlier because almost of the layouts in this area that I would become a hazard to operate on had DIgitrax systems - understandable because Digitrax' original plant was merely a couple miles away. And so far, my Zephys does what I demand it to exercise, only eventually I'll upgrade to some version of the Chief, relegating my Zephyr to a local throttle for a steel mill.
One of the members of my operating grouping is from Detroit, though, and he swears by NCE (and swears at my Zephyr), saying the NCE interface is and then much simpler. And he has plenty extra throttles and cabs that we can operate on his layout using his throttles, and I have a couple extra throttles if he operates on mine. I considered going with NCE because of his expertise with the system - I could ever ask him if I got confused! But at that place'south one NCE idiosyncrasy that I personally don't like, and that's having to roll through numerous digital pages every time you program something. Sort of sequential admission rather than random admission. But that'due south my problem, not NCE's.
Paul
Difficult Decision but went with Digitrax
My approach in deciding my DCC organisation was that in the end, I likely couldn't get wrong with NCE or Digitrax and likely several others. There were three key points that swung me to Digitrax and that was that the two main clubs in my area were Digitrax and if I e'er joined, it would just be simpler. The other nice thing about the Zephyr, equally has been mentioned, is that I get 2 throttles right out of the box simply by hooking up ii wires from my DC throttle. Finally, I program to add duplex radio at some point in the not-so-distant future and I actually liked the UT4 controller. Merely I'm sure I would still have been happy with NCE or even CVP.
Dave
Playing effectually in HO and Northward scale since 1976
From Digitrax to NCE
I first bought a Digitrax Primary infrared system in the summer of 2000, because I knew a local Digitrax guru who could respond any questions I might have. But due to unforseen circumstances I didn't get my layout congenital until 5 years subsequently, and was content with just running it in cake-controlled DC mode.
two years after I finally got around to installing decoders in the 'mod' one-half of my loco armada. Only problem was that, during the intervening vii-twelvemonth period, my Digitrax guru friend had moved to a retirement dwelling many miles abroad, so I had to depend mostly on the yahoo DIGITRAX group to learn about information technology. I upgraded my infrared Principal system to a Super Chief Radio organization and became reasonably adept at using it in lone-wolf fashion.
Somewhen I befriended a grouping of modelers from the FCSME, and they came over regularly for operating sessions. However, they were all ardent NCE users; at kickoff I stayed with my Super Chief, but when I joined the gild a year later I decided it fabricated more than sense to use what the residuum of the members were using. So I sold my Digitrax stuff for 75% of what I paid for it, and got an NCE PH-Pro R (radio) starter set. It is much easier [for me] to use, plus I liked the fact that with their duplex radio system I didn't keep losing command of my locos the way I did with the Super Chief. [In fairness to Digitrax, that'southward not an issue anymore since they're at present using duplex radio as well.]
Ken Larsen
Digitrax Master
I've been using DCC since the mid-lxxx'due south. When Digitrax came out with the Master around 2000 I jumped on it immediately. I think is very user friendly, just the number one reason I like Digitrax is the service. No matter how old the system they volition service it and do it well.
Nick Biangel
USMC
Digitrax SuperChief Radio
I got back into Railroading about a year agone and went Due north-Scale. I was actually happy in my startup investigating to find how far control had advanced with DCC. I looked at Lenz and MRC just on the communication of the hobby shop that I am dealing with, went Digitrax. What they indicated to me about the dissimilar systems made sense to me and my stiff want to be able to interface my layout with estimator controlled systems, like JMRI, make me happy to be with Digitrax. I programme to build upwards the computer interface system to eventually have the reckoner controlling some main line through trains every bit I practise local switching and curt line runs in transmission mode.
When Digitrax switched over to the new 402 throttles, the hobby shop had some neat deals on older systems they had in stock. I had early decided that the Zephyr was not the system I needed as I would very early become to walk around cab command and a smashing price bargain was offered on the Super Primary Radio version that I could not permit become past.
I am still in the kickoff stages with but about 100 feet of track and 21 Fast Track switches. I use Tam Valley Depot servo controlled switch boards, both the Quad and Singleton and it is very handy to utilise the 400 throttle of my Digitrax to likewise command my switches.
Canada
NCE, got multiple
NCE, got multiple recommendations from fellow On30 railroaders. Had no previous experience but it does everything I want. Started out with the powercab and upgraded to the 10A arrangement, practise like the interchange that's possible, run the powercab on my programme rails aka "diorama" when needed or utilize it as a cab on the layout.
thank you, Leo.
Farmers & Bluestone Railroad, a small On30 layout located in Holland
Digitrax
Went with Digitrax simply considering several others at the gild already had this system. I went with the Empire Builder, at the fourth dimension the Zephyr wasn't available. The but drawback I institute was that the DB150 is not compatible with LocoBuffer so having to obtain something more suitable (was recommended the LocoBuffer!). A friend has the Lenz system, not so peachy on information technology myself though I accept also seen and operated with the NCE organization and rather liked it but would take been in a minority at the society. Still, I accept also downloaded the WiThrottle to the iPod so tin apply that as well!
Brian
Source: https://forum.mrhmag.com/post/what-dcc-system-do-you-use-and-why-12186486
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