Digitrax but switching to NCE

Looking for a lively discussion eh?  After a fair amount of research online I purchased a Digitrax Zephyr about two years ago to power my first layout.  The system works reasonably well, the instructions are clearly written and can be followed without too much fuss but since I was a lonewolf I failed to consider the most important factor when purchasing a system:  I had no idea 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 system to by (I think this is posted 5-10 times a week on the MR forums) but in the end I think they all do 99% of what you do with a DCC system reasonably well - if some have better interfaces than others - but what is most important is what systems the people you operate with regularly with use.  If you plan on operating in a group you should try and purchase the system that the majority of your running mates use as well.  If you break from the crowd on a 4-5 man operating layout you will be spending an extra $500-700 just for controllers whereas if you are all using the same system you can each bring your controller to the op session.  It's a helluva money saver.

For that reason alone I will be selling my Digitrax on eBay in the near future and will be purchasing an NCE power cab.  Everyone I operate with around here seems to use NCE.  In fact I can't think of a layout in the southwest Connecticut area that doesn't use one.  It surprises me because from what I hear everywhere else Digitrax is so much more prevalent.  Personally I think the interface on the NCE is a touch better but then again I think the power/pro cab controller is a touch large so they both have pluses and minuses. 

I know this is a bit of a wishy washy answer but I think it's one of the most important considerations that is never suggested to novices for consideration.  As an aside, I think you should just copy/paste the DCC university topic from the Siskyou forums!  That covers most of these questions right there!

~rb

Good answer ...

Hey rf - that's a good answer for the first post.

The Digitrax Zephyr's jump throttle connections are a pretty cool 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 use at home, and then you can take your hammerhead throttle down to the club and voila! It's an extra throttle and the commands all work virtually identical to how they work back home.

It's hard to haul the Zephyr down to the club and use it as an extra throttle ... the power pack form factor kind of works against you there.

So as you point out, there's no perfect answer - just trade-offs to consider. That's what I'm hoping to come out of this discussion - some sense of the trade-offs you need to consider.

NCE

I chose my system to be NCE for one reason and one reason only - A local "support group". Let me explain. Here in my part of New Jersey, the established layouts, save all but two that we round-robin on, use NCE. So when it came time for me to equip my layout and not knowing ANYTHING about DCC installation, my fellow modelers brow beat me (in a very nice way, mind you) into going with a system that would benefit myself, as well as everyone elses. How, you say? Well, my main concern was not what the system could or could not do, but rather having to worry about the cost of equipping the layout with all the throttles I would need (read: cost). I was one step away from buying MRC's Prodigy system, but my fellow modelers showed me the "error of my ways", and I went with their system. Seriously, it is great because we can all bring out throttles to each others op sessions and use them and not have to worry about ever having not enough for everyone. Until that point, I think I may have used the NCE system once beforhand, but I knew I didn't want to go with Digitrax, so the choice was not nearly as hard to make as it is for others. My layout (which requires about twelve throttles to operate a session) has actually only required me to worry about having four of my own, and I have six other regulars that own at least two or more throttles, so I do not worry about not having enough. Also, the other main reason for choing NCE is that any software or hardware problems are usually troubleshooted with a minimum of blood, sweat and tears, as we have become quite adept at finding soloutions to problems as they come up (most of the time, that is!). Case in point, some of the larger layouts were having radio throttle issues, so we contacted NCE and got a speedy reply with a fix that we could do ourselves, that we shared amongst the group. It doesn't get any better than that for me!

RAH

CVP Products is my choice

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 sound. I have never had any problems with any of the systems. Any question that I had all I had to do was call Al from CVP and he could answer 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 system. We have been running 6 trains, 2 were double headers and 1 was a triple header at the same time. Always have enough power. 2 trains are run from the main control and the rest are run with the 9000 wireless controls. Easy to create or add and subtrate locos from a consist. Never lost control of any locos. They make a nice clean working product.

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 attractive. I played with it for a few months then all my train stuff got boxed up. Fast forward to the un-boxing of my train stuff in 2006. My perspective is primarily as an operator and as a small layout owner.

At first I considered trying to ditch the Digitrax system in favor of NCE but I am glad I didn't. I would have been perfectly happy with NCE, but I am sticking with Digitrax for now and here is why:

1. Most all of my model railroad friends use Digitrax. I can bring a throttle and get support. The two layouts that use NCE I operate on do not need my throttle. My Weekly round-robin group is entirely Digitrax.

2. I consider the UT4 to be the best operator's cab on the market. Its not perfect, but having a toggle switch sticking out the top for changing direction is fantastic. The throttle is large and very comfortable used by hand or operated with a thumb with the forefinger cupping the toggle. This one little thing by itself is my favorite feature of Digitrax systems. Nothing else is as good(Besides NCE, I have also used CVP, Lenz, and, seriously, Dynatrol).

3. Progressive upgrade paths. I can mail 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 only manufacturer to offer that kind of after-purchase upgrade path.

4. It works well. I have read a lot of discussion about issues with Digitrax but I have never encountered them personally. All our stuff works great. Issues that arrive are usually the result of problems with the physical plant or use of third party software (like RR&Co. software) to perform very advanced tasks.

5. Digitrax offers a huge line of accessories like signal and stationary decoders that can be integrated to the their LocoNet throttle bus. While originally something I had planned to use quite a lot.. its less of an issue now that i plan to model turn of the century Maine and am not going to automate my turnouts. Still, it was very nice that they offered such a comprehensive product line and the final price for the whole installation was very competitive.

6. Very nice mechanism for throwing dcc turnouts by address. Why should we care? I have friends who are building large layouts. Not 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 can be.. I don't use it often but its been nice when I have.

7. Extensive documentation on the website. Spiral bound manuals provided which are easy to use. Some would say its a negative I need a manual.. but I wouldn't know. I love manuals and use them anyway. If a broom came with a manual I would read it.

The thing I don't like about Digitrax is the buttons. I really dislike the buttons. They can get jammed down. I find the layout of the button pad on the DT400 to be confusing. I find myself hunting for keys. Its become less of an issue for me over time but 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 as an operator:

- Its very easy to get going with sound. 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 do switching mode.. I would love to try it. I still prefer a large knob like 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 difference is between the NCE hammerhead plastic and the Digirax plastic but if I am operating for a long period of time I find they get slick. Maybe a personal issue? This is only with the hammerheads.

I have no experience programming with NCE. I have heard its easier but I have not seen to many situations where software is not used. Perhaps this is not the issue it used to be? I have not personally found the NCE processes to be easier then Digitrax.. but I am an electronics guy so I am not a good measure. I still found things using NCE for the first time to be confused about.

I think both are excellent systems and we are fortunate to have them as competitors to choose from. I am delighted when I see 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 understand its only 1.7amp out of the box which seems light. To upgrade to a medium layout point you need to spend a bit of money.

I think the Zephyr paired with a UT4 or two provides more scalability... especially in N scale where you will not run up against the 2.5 amp limit on a small or medium layout operating, say, 5-6 modern locomotives. Your cost to get to a full featured command station with walk around control for two or three people seems better with the Zephyr. I see the Zephyr more as a low cost command station and oh, by the way, 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 nice..  I just feel it is a quick start out of the gate that leaves you lagging (and spending money..) when start to expand a little.

However.. I would go with what your friends have regardless.. but with NCE.. try to start with the regular system rather then that PowerCab.

Chris

 PS- guess who has time to kill at work in between data deliveries for the first time since April

When I order a system....

...it will be NCE.  I have operated on different layouts with different DCC and other Command Control systems, and the best, in my opinion is NCE.  With the other systems there were more issues with the command station and throttles loosing "control" of their locomotives compared to NCE.  And now with their new CAB 06R with LED display 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 L.

NCE

I recently transitioned from my old 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 similar 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 use, but lacks an indication of which loco is dialed up, something that is partially cured with the announced Cab06, but possibly at the expense of separate direction buttons for forward and reverse.

One 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 nearly all of them where I had to plug back in to re-acquire control on a radio throttle, something I haven't experienced with NCE.  Their UT-4 throttles are user-friendly however and a nice size, but their bigger cabs drive me nuts to use.  For a larger layout, the throttle "slot" problem is a nuisance because the available throttle assignements can be used up if guys forget to "dispatch" throttles.

I considered CVP's EasyDCC but have used the system on a few layouts and don't care for limitations on radio throttle performance when you exceed 8 cabs, or for the programming interface.  I do like CVP's 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, but 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 it would have been easier for several of my prospective operators to bring throttles to op sessions if I had gone with it instead.

  Just like people and

Just like people and layouts every one is going to have their own personal choice. The most important consideration in picking a system is the user interface. This is usually the throttle except for the computer users. How well the throttle fits your hand? Do you like buttons or knobs or both? Is it easy for you to understand and operate? Command stations are pretty much the same. They take 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 use the most is the throttle. That is why I feel it is the most important part of any system.

With that said. I am a user of three brands of systems. The club uses a Lenz based system with CVP wireless throttles. I own an early version 1.1 Power Cab by NCE at home 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 hand with little difficulty. No matter which system you eventually acquire I hope it serves you well.

This thread is going to turn into an NCE vs Digitrax war like every other thread of this subject.

Pete

Digitrax

I started with a Digitrax Chief back on my 1st BC&SJ layout (the 4x8) and it's been with me since then accumulating more boosters, more throttle jack panels, radio receiver, and an assortment of throttles.

I picked Digitrax because the small group of DCC empowered layouts near me were using it and because it was less expensive.

I've kept Digitrax because just as its internals were getting unmanagible, JMRI came along and tamed throttle slot and ops switch programming for me (and because the change over would have cost a non-trivial amount of hobby dollars and time).

No system is perfect. Each system has its adherents. Benefits for my Digitrax Cheif (to me anyway) are: my buddies can bring their radio throttles to an op session without worrying about what their frequencies are - the just work, and because I can run the programming track during an op session should a loco lose its memory and need reprogramming - and I can do it without needing to install a separate controller/boosters).  Others will argue endlessly about the benefits of loco-net, but this is a matter 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. But inertia has now set in and I don't anticipate changes in the near future.

Charlie Comstock - Superintendent of Nearly Everything, the Bear Creek and South Jackson Railroad

Digital Plus by Lenz with the newest up grade chip

5 years ago is when I switched over from DC to DCC and I had no Idea 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 money I had been saving for about 7 years just to build a new model railroad with everything I wanted and was going to to be 90% HOn3 narrow gauge model railroad. I was looking at the NCE and the Lenz as well as some cheaper units at one of my favorite 2 Model Railroad stores.

now because I had decided to go DCC and had nothing DCC I spent 4+ hours drilling the owner as to what did what and what I needed. at the same time I wanted computer interface and all the bells and whistles so to speak.

I finally got the choices down to the final 2 - NCE and Digital/Plus by Lenz. Now I had just bought 2 of the Blackstone K27 2-8-2 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 any model RR with DCC and that NCE was coming out with a similar system but at the time Lenz won out. The other thing is that he had everything Lenz made in stock and would sell me the 2 Blackstone Engines the Lenz LH-100 set, Li101F computer interface,Translation Module LC100 so if friends showed up with an NCE controller they could plug in to the system , LZV 100 Command Station, LV 102 Power station, the XPA cordless phone Module hat you can hook the Home type wireless phone to as a second and third controller.

total cost for all this was $1,400.00 worth of product including the 2 engines. He then said with my discount he'd let me have it all for $1,000.00 out the door. I said Deal!!!

so Now should I ever want to use NCE controllers I just need to buy the controller and everything will work with very little learning curve and the Lenz System sends me free updates via computer and They have an IC plug in up grade but my Command station already has the hardware upgrade and all I needed to do was install the new software.

I think I did the best I could considering I knew nothing about DCC at the time and The store I deal with has become a very good friend and I always get great deals from them.

Dan

NCE PowerCab

 I chose the NCE Powercab for one reason and one 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 also purchased the Cab04E. I'm also considering purchasing the new SB3a Smart Booster.

EasyDCC

I'm running the latest chip (v630) rev of EasyDCC with wireless throttles (one each T9000 and RF1300 with another T9000 that I need to send back for upgrading).

Why did I get it? 

Well... you were running it. In fact, the RF1300 is your old one. I also found a CS2 very, very cheap on Ebay.

If I were to do it now? I'd probably look hard at NCE, but so far EasyDCC is doing what I need it to do. The only thing I'm likely to do at this point is get a Quantum Programmer to program all the QSI decoders I seem to be acquiring.

Digitrax

I started with a Digitrax Radio Super Chief about 12 years ago (DCS100 Command Station) with a DT100R throttle.  Back then the major choices in my area were CVP Rail Command 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 demonstration of the new to be released (several years later) 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 use 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 most of the time.  Several years ago we purchased what will eventually be our retirement home.  The wife 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 Chief Radio and over the years have added two 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 have also purchased a UT4D which is great.  All future throttles will be UT4Ds.

I purchased a new laptop and a Digitrax PR3; however I moved my old desktop PC (Windows XP) to the basement and the old MS100 is still in use with Decoder Pro.

What I like about Digitrax is the system is upgradeable which ads a lot of value to my investment.

Digitrax Super Chief radio

I got my Chief setup about 4 years ago as a Christmas gift from my wife (I told her what I wanted).  My layout was fairly new, and was quasi-running on a MRC powerpack.  I had wired the layout from the start in anticipation of getting DCC, so I just had to hook it up and go, right?  Not exactly!  I did a basic hookup and used it a little, 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'm amazed at what DCC can do, but also annoyed at how complex it can be at times to tweak.  JMRI has really helped there.

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, so I couldn't get any advice there.  I bought the "Big Book on DCC" from Digitrax prior to buying my Chief, so that probably influenced me more than anything. 

What I like about my system:  I like the throttles well enough.  I know others have knocked the DT-400, but it seems to suit me fine.  I like the Digital display, and wish the UT-4 had it as well.  The UT-4 is super easy to operate and very egronomic.  The command station and boosters (2) seem to be working fine.  I also Have the PS-2012 power station, that powers the command station and boosters & it is fine.

What I don't like:  I've had some radio reception issues.  It seems to want to be line of sight.  I've also had some consisting issues.  Digitrax consisting (I use universal) works great once it is set up, but sometimes it goes haywire when I try to set up the consist.  I've also had issues running 3 or more locos in a consist and having the boosters shut down.  I use Digitrax PM42's for auto reversing and sub district 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 adequate.  I like to run long trains with as many as 6 powered units, so this is a concern.  One interesting thing happened the other day.  I hadn't run trains in a couple of weeks, and I wanted to run a train or two for a few minutes.  I powered up everything, turned on the track power, and tried to run a train.  There were two 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 respond, but the lead loco's lights were on.  The DT-400 showed they were addressed to the throttle, but no response.  I said the hell with it, and went to work on something else.  It's probably something minor, but these things are irritating.  I don't know if others with different systems have similar issues.  Probably not since they likely operate more than I do, and are more savvy.

To be fair, my layout is still under construction, so I don't operate it regularly, thus I haven't really got to the bottom of some of these issues yet.  I'm sure once I do many of these problems will be resolved.

CVP to NCE

I started out with the mindset that I was going to buy one, and only one DCC system to grow with me. After some research, I went with the CVP Easy DCC system. I found it a robust, easy to use system, and got great service from Al at CVP. I really like the control (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 short years later, I found my circumstances substancially changing, and after some long discussion with Bruce at Litchfield, among others, I ordered a NCE Powercab, and my CVP system was shipped to Australia via eBay.

My primary reason for moving to the Powercab was simple downsizing; one plug in throttle fit my new environment a lot more elegently than the large CVP head 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 have to either run the electronics of the CVP system on a transformer (which is never good for electronics) or buy a whole new set of power supplies.

I also grew to greatly appreciate the fact that I can program 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; simple, clean, and it works. No cable splicing, etc (good grief, it's the 21st century!)  It certainly made JRMI a bigger appeal, right out of the box.

I have no problems recommending the great line of CVP products, but I will admit that I've been just as happy, if not more so, with the NCE.

Digitrax

I knew I was going to go DCC when I got back into the hobby. My layout is a small logging layout, about 7x10 with two tiers, a desk and a door. I had narrowed the choice down to NCE Powercab and the Digitrax Zephyr. Most operation will be sequential by myself, so having multiple jacks, or wireless, was not a requirement.

The clincher was a fellow modeller who has a Digitrax system. Not knowing a lot about DCC, I knew I'd be calling on him, and have done so, over decoder wiring problems, programming, and the like. Even though I don't particularly like a base station throttle, in my "pit" almost everything is within arms reach, so I compromised and bought the Zephyr after playing with my friend's Zephyrs. I do have a UT4 that I'm running off the Zephyr at the moment, but I will be installing a UP5 shortly for easier operation at my staging yard and at the extremity of the upper level.

Cost was a consideration, but only marginally so. I have no regrets. The system has worked perfectly, as long as the nut-behind-the-butt does things right.

Roy

Why I bought my NCE...

Dear MRH team,

I'll start by saying that I'm an avowed analog throttle guy, so when it came to buying a DCC rig, I wanted a "New one that looked, felt, and operated like my Old One". I also didn't want to have to constantly relocate whatever DCC rig I ended up with from one show layout to another (I do 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 as the "operator's throttle" system
(with a 4-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 work,
but for the moment the SB3 + Cab04 combination gives me the ability to drive 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 30 sec,
on any one of my layouts).

Now, if only I could get the DCC system to do a "dumb timer shuttle" like my analog throttles can,
with only a diode needed at each end 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 route mid-move,...

Oh, and can do it for the same 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_ conditions).

Whatever control system you 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 problem should be as complex as it needs to be, but 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 most of the layouts in this area that I would get a chance to operate on had DIgitrax systems - understandable because Digitrax' original plant was just a couple miles away.  So far, my Zephys does what I need it to do, but 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 group is from Detroit, though, and he swears by NCE (and swears at my Zephyr), saying the NCE interface is so much simpler.  And he has enough 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 always ask him if I got confused!  But there's one NCE idiosyncrasy that I personally don't like, and that's having to scroll through numerous digital pages every time you program something.  Sort of sequential access rather than random access.  But that's my problem, not NCE's.

Paul

Difficult Decision but went with Digitrax

My approach in deciding my DCC system was that in the end, I likely couldn't go 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 ever joined, it would just be simpler.  The other nice thing about the Zephyr, as has been mentioned, is that I get two throttles right out of the box simply by hooking up two wires from my DC throttle.  Finally, I plan to add duplex radio at some point in the not-so-distant future and I really liked the UT4 controller.  But I'm sure I would still have been happy with NCE or even CVP.   

From Digitrax to NCE

I first bought a Digitrax Chief infrared system in the summer of 2000, because I knew a local Digitrax guru who could answer any questions I might have.  But due to unforseen circumstances I didn't get my layout built until 5 years later, and was content with just running it in block-controlled DC mode. 

2 years later I finally got around to installing decoders in the 'modern' half of my loco fleet.  Only problem was that, during the intervening 7-year period, my Digitrax guru friend had moved to a retirement home many miles away, so I had to depend mostly on the yahoo DIGITRAX group to learn about it.  I upgraded my infrared Chief system to a Super Chief Radio system and became reasonably proficient at using it in lone-wolf mode.

Eventually I befriended a group of modelers from the FCSME, and they came over regularly for operating sessions.  However, they were all ardent NCE users; at first I stayed with my Super Chief, but when I joined the club a year later I decided it made more sense to use what the rest 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 control of my locos the way I did with the Super Chief. [In fairness to Digitrax, that's not an issue anymore since they're now using duplex radio as well.] 

Digitrax Chief

I've been using DCC since the mid-80's. When Digitrax came out with the Chief around 2000 I jumped on it immediately.  I think is very user friendly, but the number one reason I like Digitrax is the service. No matter how old the system they will service it and do it well.

Digitrax SuperChief Radio

 I got back into Railroading about a year ago and went N-Scale. I was really happy in my startup investigating to find how far control had advanced with DCC. I looked at Lenz and MRC but on the advice of the hobby shop that I am dealing with, went Digitrax. What they indicated to me about the different systems made sense to me and my strong desire to be able to interface my layout with computer controlled systems, like JMRI, make me happy to be with Digitrax. I plan to build up the computer interface system to eventually have the computer controlling some main line through trains as I do local switching and short line runs in manual mode.

When Digitrax switched over to the new 402 throttles, the hobby shop had some great 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 get to walk around cab control and a great price deal was offered on the Super Chief Radio version that I could not let go by. 

I am still in the beginning stages with only 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 use the 400 throttle of my Digitrax to also control my switches. 

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 system, do like the interchange that's possible, run the powercab on my program track aka "diorama" when needed or use it as a cab on the layout.

cheers, Leo.

Digitrax

Went with Digitrax simply because several others at the club already had this system. I went with the Empire Builder, at the time the Zephyr wasn't available. The only drawback I found 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 keen on it myself though I have also seen and operated with the NCE system and rather liked it but would have been in a minority at the club. However, I have also downloaded the WiThrottle to the iPod so can use that too!

Brian