What is the concensus between Digtrax and NCE

[jdcolombo]

First, don't confuse the DCC control system with the mobile decoders.  Any mobile decoder will work with any NMRA-compatible DCC control system.   I use a Digitrax Chief command system, but my mobile decoders are from TCS, Lenz, ESU LokSound, Zimo, and Soundtraxx.   I haven't used Digitrax decoders in 15 years, but my Chief command system dates back to the late 1990's.  Don't pick a control system because you like or don't like a certain manufacturer's decoders.

As far as command systems go, I think there is much to be said for going with a system that close-by friends in the hobby have.  All DCC systems are complex, and the ability to share information, tips and tricks with other users of your system is simply invaluable.   Not to mention the fact that it can often help with troubleshooting.   I remember once having a problem with my Digitrax system, and I wasn't sure if the problem was with the wiring of my layout or the command station (the central control unit for the DCC system).   Because everyone in my hobby "circle" uses Digitrax, I was able to borrow another command station; when the problem remained, I knew it wasn't the command station causing the issue.   

So I use Digitrax, largely because everyone else nearby uses Digitrax.   If not for that, I think that for 99.9% of modelers, any of the systems available (Digitrax, NCE, MRC, or even the European systems like Lenz, Zimo and ESU) will work just fine.   I happen to personally believe that Digitrax's LocoNet is a more robust data bus implementation than NCE's, but this difference likely would only show up in a large club setting with a lot of accessories (signals, turnout control, etc.) in use alongside a lot of trains running.  I also believe that Digitrax's user interface is a bit less easy to learn than NCE or MRC, but if you're using your system every day, you'll get used to whatever you have.  It's like arguing about Apple's OSX vs. Microsoft Windows vs. Linux.  Whatever you have, if you use it every day, you'll figure it out quickly. 

John C.

[w neal]

Sold my Digitrax system at a show. (It was hilarious watching people's reactions to "I'm getting out of DCC.") Bought NCE. Never looked back. Real happy with NCE and JMRI together.

[JSL]

I agree with John. Whatever you get, you will get comfortable with it. I have moved away from digitrax decoders - mostly to Loksound and Lokpilot thanks to John great sound install threads.

[railnerd]

go try the systems out for yourself... but if all your friends have one system, then that also tends to sway the decision.

that said, it was really hard to say no to the NCE powercab for me.

[Rich_S]

Ask 5 people what automobile is the best and you'll probably get 5 different answers    I'm surprised no one has mentioned CVP's EasyDCC system?

Here is a graph to look over to help in your decision:

http://tonystrains.com/comparison-dcc-systems/

I personally use a Digitrax Empire Builder system that is going on 18 years old without any issues. I've operated on friends layouts who are currently using NCE and MRC Prodigy and both systems seem very well built and they meet their owners needs. Bottom line, compare the various systems and purchase the system you feel best meets your needs.

P.S. My first DCC system was actually the "MRC Command 2000 DCC system" It was a good system to get my feet wet, but I quickly out grew that system. My very first system was the Mann Made CTC16 system, but that's another story 

[peteski]

This type of question have started holy wars! 

I have to deal with Digitrax many times (because of its prevalence in the hobby). But for myself I would never own a Digitrax command station.  I am a computer engineer who deals with technical manuals and with hardware/software troubleshooting and I find Digitrax manuals, programming methods and the human interface extremely awkward and unfriendly to the user.  Sure, if you are forced to use one, you can figure it out, but since DCC should be just an intuitive extension of the model railroad, it should be intuitive right from the beginning.  Digitrax is not!

Digitrax users will disagree, but based on my personal experience I prefer systems where one can get around in plan English without lots of cryptic programming sequences or like someone mentioned: 70's style calculator type interface.

Friend of mine has been using CVP EasyDCC system for more than a decade now and I really like it.  It is easy to use and comprehend. It is great for an average home layout. If I was building a layout, I would go for that system.

Since I have no layout but I had a need for a small and intuitive to use DCC system I went with NCE.  I find its user interface and manuals so much better than Digitrax.  And the PowerCab (all-in-one complete DCC system in a handheld throttle) a perfect fit for my needs.  If needed I can also use it as a regular throttle on friend's NCE-equipped layout.

[Kentuckian]

After trying NCE on a friend's layout I was hooked.  The entry system is great for my HCD layout.  I am not a club member, so that was not a consideration.

[Ken Rice]

I'll echo the advice for the top two considerations:
- See which one you like the feel of and can figure out how to use.
- See which one your friends use.

And whichever system you go with, seriously consider radio.  If you move more than about 6 feet along/around your layout while operating, radio will make the experience nicer.

I've had NCE for a long time, I'm now running an SB5 for my N scale layout with a PowerCab for programming on the workbench.  I have an older NCE (so old it says SystemOne in fact) command station on my O scale layout.  Some people love the big ProCab (hammerhead).  I kinda like it, and it's great when you're programming, but my throttle of choice is the cab04pr.  I just like using a knob with hard stops (a good old potentiometer).

The larger layouts I operate on in the area have NCE, I also have several friends with Digitrax systems.  Personally I prefer the NCE, but I don't see anything wrong with Digitrax, in fact the small knob throttle has one feature I really like - a toggle switch for direction.

[Santa Fe Guy]

I was in a quandary about which DCC system to choose some years ago. I liked Easy DCC however all of my friends had gone Digitrax. So I chose Digitrax but I waited till we could go Duplex (it needed to be approved for use here in Australia). Now several years later we have all moved to duplex and take our throttles to friend layouts. Cuts the cost for layout owners. I have also install a full CTC system using all of the Digitrax systems available and love it. The support we all give one another is immense and should not be overlooked.
Rod.

[Scottl]

NCE has been an excellent system for me and the interface is excellent.  Documentation is also excellent.  Digitrax units look like they were cobbled together with spare parts from 1985 calculators.  I know they are the preference of many, but you need to decide what your priorities are. 

[C855B]

... Digitrax units look like they were cobbled together with spare parts from 1985 calculators. ...

No disagreement here. User interfaces are expensive to design and manufacture; NCE just made better decisions under similar limitations. It does seem that Digitrax is reluctant to do a v2.0 of their throttle design. However, I did understand that they were moving towards a plug'n'play WiFi system with a smart phone app, but the WiFi box project was scuttled for either technical or regulatory reasons. I'd consider that a setback.

I have to admit that my preference for Digitrax is entirely from a system integrator's point of view. Like Pete, even with the techie background I don't have much patience for the obtuse throttles nor the grim documentation. I do, however, like their components as "black box" building blocks for building a complex system. Throw JMRI at it and the Digitrax penchant for the arcane becomes a lot more palatable.

[Randij]

There is nothing wrong with any of the systems! And I'm sorry I left out MRC, that is my ignorance.
I can't go try anything because I live far from any town or city using DCC
In fact I'll have to drive 2 hours to see, touch or experience anything DCC.
But I would like to try it and at $500.00 minimum a pop, I would like to start and grow only once (wirelessly).
I'm not rich! I fact I will only get one crack at the tack. And clubs should not influence my decision.
That is why: if the world of DCC started to day, what would you consider irregardless of club support.
There is alway internet support.
This forum is perfect, IF we all just look at the product and compare what can be done.
No club influence, just versatility, ease, and of course fun. This is not a completion.
It's about learning independently and only with web support!

[kalbert]

The club influence isn't for making the "right" choice, to imply that the club knows best use what they use, and is maybe only 20% about support. It's mostly about getting a system that is compatible. Even if two guys like to get together and run trains, it only makes sense that they have the same system. Even if you have no desire to join a club today, there's still good value in using the same system as them because you never know when they might sell off some used stuff cheap, you want to upgrade and sell off some old stuff to them, or your tastes may change and you'll decide to join.

Sounds like you don't have any local club or shops to try things out, and in that case you can't go wrong with any system. They're all essentially the same. Buttons are arranged differently, menus are arranged differently, but they're the same thing. All you really need to know is how many operators, how many trains, and do want wire or wireless.

[newt749]

Okay here's my take on the whole thing. When I was trying to decide, I looked at the NCE and Digitrax systems. Our club runs NCE for the HO and Digitrax for the N scale. When I examined the entry level units, PowerCab and Zephyr, I decided to go with NCE. I liked the throttle and ease of use of NCE. Although the two entry level units were about the same price, I decided that if I bought a PowerCab, I could upgrade to a Power House and use the PowerCab throttle as another wired throttle in a PH5 system. The only "extra" bit I would have is the power supply wall wart. Even then I could always take the PowerCab throttle, power supply and power panel, and have a small portable system to use elsewhere or as a programming unit. Essentially I had very little wasted in upgrading to a PH5Amp Radio. Purchasing a USB interface for the PowerCab made it really easy to add JMRI and then have an even more versatile system for programming with my netbook. My goal is to take this when we have a show in order to program decoders on new purchases or reprogram decoders that are acting up. I have been very happy with the decision. My home layout is the NCE PowerHouse Pro 5A Radio now with the PowerCab as an additional throttle. I've interfaced the system to a netbook so I can run JMRI and any extra throttle is courtesy of WiThrottle. Anyone coming over can either bring their smart phone or I have a couple they can use.

Could I have done this all with Digitrax, yes but this has worked for me. Even though the rest of the N-scale Division uses Digitrax, I haven't found it a problem. As others have said, the decoders in the trains don't care what system you use so taking stuff to run on the club's modular layout is never a problem.

Just my thoughts on the subject and why I went NCE.

Rob

[peteski]

The club influence isn't for making the "right" choice, to imply that the club knows best use what they use, and is maybe only 20% about support. It's mostly about getting a system that is compatible.

It was also mentioned that clubs get a discount with Digitrax.  While Digitrax is awkward to use and understand (the programming sequences and manuals), it is also the most flexible and expandable system. It works very well for large clubs which have huge layouts and want to use all sorts of fancy features.

But if an individual is a lone-wolf modeler who really doesn't care about all sorts of fancy and complicated features and who prefers a an easy to understand (in plain English language, not technobable) system then they would benefit from another brand system.   For me DCC control should not become a hobby in itself - it should be as simple and transparent to the modeler as possible. It should be as close to a simple old DC throttle as possible. To me CVP EasyDCC or NCE systems come pretty close to that requirement.

The basic EasyDCC system for example comes with a dual throttle build into the control panel.  Yet it can be expanded with a throttle bus which supports multiple remote (wired and wireless) throttles.  To me that system is closest in ease of operation to a DC throttle, yet it is still quite expandable.