If you want simple ...

If you want simple, then a computer interface is what you want. You heard right!

Without a computer interface, you have to memorize CVs, at least know something about how to program binary bit settings (if you want the most control of settings), and so on.

With a computer interface and the free DecoderPro software, it's all just mouse clicks on buttons, or typing numbers into fields labeled in plain english terms like "Momentum".

For instance, did you know CV116 in a SoundTraxx diesel decoder has these instructions in the manual for how to set it:

If you're at all serious about making DCC easier, then you WANT a computer interface so you can use DecoderPro! And did I say DecoderPro is free? DCC doesn't get much simpler!

Computer Interface for DCC

Volume 3 of your tape series makes this crystal clear. BY using DecoderPro, you not only have a simple way of setting up your locomotive the way yiou want it without having struggle with either documentation or poor memory.

Unfortunately not everyone has an extra computer or laptop to devote to that. Everyone should though. I'm going to get one eventually for these purposes as well to keep records for both my locomotives and rolling stock so that I can start and maintain a routine inspection and maintenance program on them. It can also be used to generate switch lists, simulated customer orders, etc to supoort any operating scheme I eventually come up with.

Irv

Irv

Another option ...

Irv:

You actually have a couple other options with DecoderPro. If you can't bring Mohammed to the mountain, then bring the mountain to Mohammed, as they say.

In other words, if you don't have a portable computer (aka laptop) in the computer room, then you can get yourself a SPROG ($90) and set up a programming track next to your computer you use to get online, etc. outside the layout room. You can also get a PowerCab ($150) plus a USB computer interface ($40) and set up a programming track right next to your computer that's outside the layout room.

Finally, if you're blessed with a bit more money, go on EBay and get yourself a cheap older PC to use in the layout room for a few hundred dollars.

Computer interface for DCC

Hi Jobfather,

I've been using Decoder Pro with a Sprog 2 interface to my laptop and I wouldn't be without it. It makes programing CV's simple and at my age I need to keep it simple.

Now to get back to your first question, I can't comment on NCE but I've heard good things about it, I have used Digitrax from the start of my DCC career and all I can say is that it does what it says on the box. My present setup is using a Zephyr with a Empire Builder as a booster (no CV readback on the Empire Builder), personally to run 10 trains at once is enough for me, in fact too many. If you have or are planning a "Club" size layout then yes go for the Super Chief, but as I say, what I have works for me.

Pete Williams, Uxbridge, UK

DecoderPro  is all fine and

DecoderPro  is all fine and dandy but to think it releases you from reading the manual, in your dreams. 

Just using the example supplied by Joe,  one must know what 'Exhaust auto notching'  is first off and that it has a direct relation with 'Engine RPM lock'.  A person, new to railroading,  may  not have a clue what that is. DecoderPro does not  help or explain, the help field that usually pops up when you hover the mouse pointer over it is not standardize; some fields have info, some don't.  It depends on who created the decoder definition file.

DecoderPro is a great tool,  I have been using it for quite some time,  but it does not tell you what 'Exhaust notching'  is and it does not tell you what 'Momentum' is either. And in DecoderPro, for the Tsunami diesel, it is known as 'Acceleration rate, 'Breaking rate',  not momentum.  So you can see, there is a learning curve

Some learning is involved.  Just  getting  it up and running might be a frustration to some; load JAVA, load JMRI, configure DecoderPro. 

I'm a Digitrax user. If you have a Zephyr, you can use the Digitrax radio throttle with your Zephyr  or the new Radio throttle that is coming out soon. 

NCE is also a fine product that  has radio capability also.

Marc Fournier

Take my advice with a grain of salt..

If you already have a Digitrax and are comfortable with that, consider just getting their duplex wireless when it comes out later this year and a wireless throttle as Marc suggested. Later you can replace it with the super chief.

If you feel that it is not comfortable for you to use then consider checking out the NCE system. Its a fine system that I have used at the modular club I have participated in. I like aspects of both.

I like how the throttle is laid out on the NCE systems. The Digitrax's forest of buttons make finding important buttons like "enter" and "exit" harder then it should be. They are not in a particularly "special" location to make find these oft wanted buttons easier. Sometimes the "plunger" buttons get stuck down. On the other hand, I like the throttle knob on the Digitrax. The NCE one makes my thumb tired after lots of use. Another minor annoyance on the NCE is I find the throttle gets clammy when held for a long time where for whatever reason the Digitrax stays dry in my hand. Maybe its the texture of the plastic.

I have yet to use the second knob on the digitrax since my layout is small, very small, and the layouts I visit I am only controlling one train.

The biggest bonus to my using Digitrax has been several layouts I have visited to operate use it so I can bring a throttle and improve our operating capabilities. The club has plenty of NCE throttles so its a non issue.

So.. to sum..

- If you are happy in digitrax and are invested.. then stay with it.

- If you are not, be sure to check out the ergonomics of the throttle and how comfortable it is for you. I give similar advice to people buying cameras.

- Put strong weight on what other layouts in your areas may be using if that is a consideration.

Good luck!

edit - one bonus to staying with your zephyr for now (besides that its paid for) is that you can take some time to get familiar with the needs of your new layout as it grows.. other aspects of DCC like signaling and such may not be obvious to you now but may be later.

Chris

Ease of programming

Hi, Jobfather:

I have an NCE PowerPro system and can attest to how easy it is to program using this system.  I have heard stories from those using other systems, including Digitrax, that their programming can be less than intuitive.  Let me warn you that this is just hearsay on my part.  I really only know the NCE system, and I like it a lot.

Joe, sounds like a potential article to compare programming using the different systems, dontcha think?

It is all just a matter of

It is all just a matter of playing with the system.  You learned to program a VCR, your Ipod, your car radio, the microwave oven, you can learn to program with Digitrax or NCE.   I learned to program with the Zephyr,  then the Chief  but I'm a computer junky so I got my hands on JMRI and DecoderPro.  I understand the programming with the Digitrax hardware and this helps me get the most out of DecoderPro.   

A free tool like DecoderPro levels out the programming playing field.  You  have to learn to program a decoder to reap  the  benefits of DCC. You can learn with the throttle, NCE or Digitrax,  or you can start with a tool like DecoderPro.  it does not save you from having to read a little but it does make life easier.

So any system will do fine.  Best thing is to try them at someones layout or the  LHS  and see which one suits your taste.

Marc

Marc's right

Marc's really right - the great leveler is DecoderPro.

The trick is getting people to realize a computer interface is an essential part of a DCC system if you want to be super-simple to use.

We are planning to compare DCC starter systems in a future issue of MRH, complete with some video clips of using the various systems for some basic tasks. So it's coming ...

Who's using what in your area?

Another important factor is what are modellers and clubs using in your area, both NCE and Digitrax are powerful systems, but as Joe says, when it comes to programming a computer is not only a good idea it is a necessity.

Today you can buy a decent portable computer that can do the job for under $400.00 (CDN even!), ask me how I know!

Decoder Pro and computerizing your layout

Back before I left the hobby for what I thought would be a short period of time (21 years ago as of last June) I was buolding Bruce Chubb's CMRI system. It was cool to think that I could get my layput to run itself back then, but that was DC world and running with blocks just wasn't the same as running with DCC as discovered first hand starting last July when I got my first decoder equiped locomotive. For the first time I was able to follow my train without having to plug in to various sockets on the layout.

Now that I have seen Joe's video on DecoderPro I am going to get that software. The only thing holding me back is the interface with the programing track which (at least initially until I get a portable computer for my train room) is going to be in my office locate don the upper story of my home (2 levels above the basement.) Now I haven't looked into what that interface needs to be yet nor do I know where to get it. I am running a Digitrax Zephyr with a DT400R  with a UR91at this point. That'll probably change at some point in 2009 when more of my layout is available for operation. In the meantime I would like the ability to play with some of my decoder settings such as speed tables and matching speeds of certain locomotives so I can run them in consists. Sure I can do it on the layout but I really like seeing what the speed tables look like on the screen.

Irv

You'll never look back ...

Irv:

Once you start using DecoderPro, you'll never look back ... I almost never program decoders the old fashioned way these days. It's just too darn easy to copy the settings from another similar loco and in a couple minutes - voila! Now the new loco is all programmed!

The time savings alone adds up quickly! I'd recommend people go on eBay and get themselves a nice used laptop for the price of a few locos - download a copy of DecoderPro - and then hook the laptop up to your DCC system.

For those with a Digitrax system, the latest and greatest computer interface you can get is the Locobuffer II USB.

Also PR3

For those like me that own a DB150 (empire builder set) rather then the super chief, the Digitrax version of the USB interface, the PR3, allows programming on a seperate track and provides read-back. Kind of handy since the DB150 doesnt have a seperate programming track output or read-back capabilities of the chief..

http://www.digitrax.com/prd_compint_pr3.php

The PR3 does not have the "opto isolation" feature of the Locobuffer.

Chris

Thread bounced forward

I've decided to quit kicking and screaming and advance into the DCC age.  So I'm in the process of reading through some of the older posts on the topic.  This one seemed like a good one to bring forward a year or so for those in a similar position as myself:  newly involved in DCC.

My investigation has me squarely pointed towards NCE:  local club uses it and I like the intuitive layout.

Since I'm doing signalling, I'm also jumping in to JMRI-decoder pro & panel pro,  and  CMRI:   the S-MINI boards are just perfect for my size layout..