Brinkly said:
..snip... I'm after a DCC system that will be capable to run half a dozen locos around a layout of some 17ft by 10ft, with 4-5 loops in a fiddle yard. I would rather have a handheld unit if possible; point work will be controlled by a traditional panel. Any suggestions?
Hi Nick
Not that this will help much, but I think nearly every DCC system on the market will meet your requirements
It would be slightly easier to answer your original question if you could spare a few mins and jot down some answers to the questions below
Do you want the capacity for two people to be able to work at the same time, or will it just be you?
Do you have a preference for loco speed control to be buttons, knob or slider?
Does the unit need to be small enough to be held and operated in one hand, or do you not mind if one hand holds the unit whilst the other enters loco numbers or speed for example?
Is this to be the start of a bigger system, or something small to start with that will be replaced later?
What systems do other people in your area use or run?
Have you had a play with any systems yet?
How much do you want to spend?
Are you going to use sound decoders etc?
We can then try and come up with some suggestions to help you decide...
I've noted down my DCC experience so far in case it proves of any use
I use an NCE PowerCab. I tried both Digitrax and Lenz and didn't like either the user interface or controllers that much. That is nothing against the functionality of either, it was just personal preference when actually holding and using the things. I also had a preference for easy consisting for my US layout and wanted something cheap and easy to use that could either be upgraded, sold or used as just a programming track controller. The NCE PowerCab met all of those requirements and has worked fantastically over the last four years. I would like to add one of the new intermediate Cab 06 throttles soon, its smaller than the standard throttle unit and has a rotary knob - again personal preference. I also like the idea that the new throttle will hold 6 loco addresses in a stack as opposed to the two of the PowerCab (simply less button pushing when selecting a new loco). I've not yet had to upgrade the power supply, the system seems to be quite happy running a double headed consist (one sound loco, one non sound) and I fully expect it to work OK in the garden....when I get round to it...
(although it will be one engine, running slowly up and down the line so not much of a power requirement
).
The main benefits of DCC to
me are
Slow running speed, although I fully accept that for normal use, it isn't really a huge leap from a good dc system with clean track and wheels.
I like the fact that the lights stay on when the loco has stopped
Sound equipped locos are fun (especially for showing off to friends), but I run mine quietly now as the novelty has worn off. I'd miss it if it wasn't there though...
Double heading and making / breaking consists on the NCE system are really easy
I like the possibilities that having an autoshuttle system can give (just eight diodes and a quick program of a Lenz Gold or Silver decoder required).
Despite buying a starter system, I've not yet
had to upgrade, although wants are exceeding needs from a controller point of view now. If I can avoid needing to upgrade the power supply unit for running my Pannier in the garden I shall.
The best piece of advice I can give you is try before you buy. Given that all systems run trains, it will be ease of use and how it feels which are the determining factors for which one suits
you best.
Steve
:lol:
:laugh: :twisted:
