the MRH Forum

DCC controllers Track and electrical/DCC
Reply
Active Member 47 posts Steve Klein Active Member 47 posts
Steve Klein

Hello Fellow Modelers, 

I'm a rather older individual that is NOT as much as I would like, to be, computer wise. I  can do a few things well but I'm lost as far as as the new technology is concerned. ( IE. JMRI  etc.)

Is there not a user friendly DCC system that has just has the basic system covered to make a hobby less complicated and expensive? I do not need to change my locos sound on the main line or listen to coupler clank.

 I have watch a lots of videos on this issue and that said, I have brass locos with sound that came with the chip with sound already installed. ( works well )  Do I now need to learn more to upgrade to a second generation controller? My system is older and I just need to get better controller. (N.C. E. or ESU. )

Please, I'm not putting  down those who very well adapted to do this kind of programming and here's to them but I'm not there. 

I love this hobby and the advancements but I would like to keep the controls simple and easy. 

Thanx for your time, Steve
Reply 0
Prof_Klyzlr Moderator 7,956 posts
Prof_Klyzlr

Foundation questions

Dear Steve, There are a number of solutions at various pricepoints and "user interface complexity" levels. However, before making any reccomendation, I'd want to ask the following : - What is your current DCC control system? You mention that it's "old", but what about it is prompting your search for something new? What limitation/frustration has pushed you to this point? Pls NB ; JMRI is a cool and very useful tool for DCC missions , but is not Mandatory to "just run a DCC train" (assuming you already have some form of functional DCC control system). - You mention that you already have some "sound equipped" brass locos. Can you confirm exactly what models (brand and model) of locos you are referring to? I can't recall any "common brass" locos (OMI, PFM, etc), which came with DCC+sound factory installed, so would want to confirm that we're actually talking DCC before blindly firing options at you. - Do you have a preference for the kind of throttle / "human user interface" you'd like to "just run the trains" with? Are you a tactile speed-knob + hardware-button kinda guy, a touch-button + speed-encoder/knob guy, or are touch-buttons + touch-slider controls your style? - Are you keen for some kind of walkaround throttle, or would you wish to suit and command your empire from a central stationary position? - How large is the layout you're running, and how many locos would you have simultaneously in-motion at any given time? (adjunct question, how many locos on the layout, in-motion or otherwise, at any given time?) - Do you expect to need additional throttles for additional simultaneous himan-operators, or will it just-be-you at any given session? The answers to the above will help guide which of the myriad possible options available are best-used to your needs and preferences... Happy modelling, Aim to Improve, Prof Klyzlr
Reply 0
Nick Santo amsnick MRH Advertiser and MRH Author 2,814 posts
Nick Santo amsnick

Best recommendation given to me.

I was given the recommendation by a local hobby shop owner to go with NCE.  Power Cab or PRO-CAB are essentially the same in front.  The Power Cab has less amps to push multiple locomotives.  The PRO-CAB has more power to push around more locomotives at the same time.

NCE has superb response times as well as superb customer service ratings.  I’ve found the throttles (I own three) impeccable.  Their decoders and switch controllers also very reliable.

i don’t know about their DCC controller that looks like a dual “power pack”  but I bet it’s very good also.  No buttons!

I’ve never looked back or considered changing.

NCE is also very versatile and can offer many if not all of the configurations Prof. K has listed.  They have excellent instructions.  

Good luck with your decision.

Nick

Nick

https://nixtrainz.com/ Home of the Decoder Buddy

Full disclosure: I am the inventor of the Decoder Buddy and I sell it via the link above.
Reply 0
Ken Rice Super User 5,930 posts
Ken Rice

For NCE, the cab04pr

For NCE, the cab04pr (potentiometer, radio cab) is my favorite throttle.  You can hold it in one hand down by your side and not look at it while running.  The pro cab is great for setting things up, but I don’t like running with it.

There is also a very nice form factor throttle for digitrax (knob on a potentiometer and a toggle switch for direction), I don’t remember what the model number is but a couple friends have them.

I’m highly biased towards NCE, I think it’s easy to set up and use.  It just makes sense to me.

A consideration if you think you might need help with whatever system you get is are there folks around who can help, and if so what system(s) do they have?

My blogspot blog: http://rices-rails.blogspot.com/
My MRH blog index
Reply 0
mgilger Active Member 94 posts
mgilger

BACHMANN E-Z Command

The Bachmann E-Z Command system might be what you're looking for. It's about as simple as they get, although somewhat limited in scope. 

https://shop.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=264_274&products_id=6593

There are a couple of Youtube videos available. Here are a couple.

Mark

M. Gilger - President and Chief Engineer MM&G
Reply 0
peter-f Prolific poster 1,534 posts
peter-f

I think the Prof has it right

What is the (perceived) problem that needs a solution?

Recommending a brand before that's answered is like buying a computer before the software (and limitations) have been determined.

Mind you, I have my preference... it's just not right to name it now!   Also, do you 'play' with others, and what brand do they use?   It helps if you can share this type of hardware if sharing (op sessions) is your goal.

There are 2 or 3 superb brands.. and if you want to get in to the esoteric customization, review the capabilities of JMRI... you may want to know if your brand is easy to link to that. 

FYI, I'd think of JMRI as a means to simplify the "bookkeeping" on decoders and CV modifications... I, myself, Do Not use it (yet).  With it, much of the 'skill set' you feel you're lacking becomes easier to manage.

Also is there a local hobby shop with a talent pool to hold your hand if needed?  What brand(s) are they familiar with?  Or, are you OK with a day's wait for answers?

Again, where is your current disappointment... what Else do you want?  List that, then compare.
- regards

Peter
Reply 0
Reply