NCE vs. Digitrax comparo

[Kentuckian]

This month's Model Railroad Hobbyist has an interesting article about DCC systems.

[ryan_wilkerson]

Yeah, that was an interesting article. I actually changed from digitrax to NCE also. As they stated, the point of the article isn't to bash one over the other, it's to point out that converting isn't that big a deal.

[reinhardtjh]

One of the layouts I regularly operate on just switched from Lenz to Digitrax.  Mostly because the Lenz support in the US has been becoming less and less useful.  Plus the Lenz computer interface was so unreliable we couldn't us JMRI and WiThrottle for more than 5 minutes before the interface hung.  Now he's got a DCS200 (bought used) and a USB Locobuffer and things work much better.

[sp org div]

Yeah, that was an interesting article. I actually changed from digitrax to NCE also. As they stated, the point of the article isn't to bash one over the other, it's to point out that converting isn't that big a deal.

I have many issues with Dgtrx methodology, but have gotten to the point where it is now mostly just turn it on and run the trains.
Why did you dump Dgtrx for NCE (I understand everyone has their own preferences, but to actually reinvest says there was a major unresolved issue...).
Are you an active user of JMRI to interface?
Jeff

[Greg Elmassian]

I preferred NCE over Digi a lot because of the nicer menus, that really help other operators walk through operation. I also like the button layout.

I started some time ago, and at that time Digi only had half duplex radios and required you to plug the throttle in to acquire a loco... also my G scale is outdoors, and LEDs are no good outdoors.

I've since converted to Zimo for the outdoor layout, since I can get a 20 amp booster. Still NCE on the Z scale.

Greg

[John]

This month's Model Railroad Hobbyist has an interesting article about DCC systems.

thats not a comparison .. thats an article about "I dont like my current system anymore, and here is how I switched to the new one while using what I could and selling the rest"

[mmyers]

thats not a comparison .. thats an article about "I dont like my current system anymore, and here is how I switched to the new one while using what I could and selling the rest"

Agreed. My Digitrax system does everything he "needs" in his new requirements and I didn't have to spend a bunch of money on a new system. Still trying to figure out the blue wire on the right thing. That's how I make all of my loconet cables. At least a thousand feet of them so far.

Martin Myers

[John]

some resources

http://www.modelrailwayvideos.com/dcc-system-comparison-digtrax-nce/

[Kentuckian]

The article is admittedly one guys experience. However, he is very experienced. I think the level of customer support provided by Digitrax played a significant role in his decision to change systems. This kind of information can only be gained by experience, not by point by point product comparison. Any negative statements published anywhere in the model railroading press is rare.

Several years ago Nuts & Volts magazine did a comparison between the newest PC at the time and a toaster. One of the tests was the gunshot test: the toaster still worked after being shot while the PC didn't. The toaster ended up winning the comparison.

[ryan_wilkerson]

I have many issues with Dgtrx methodology, but have gotten to the point where it is now mostly just turn it on and run the trains.
Why did you dump Dgtrx for NCE (I understand everyone has their own preferences, but to actually reinvest says there was a major unresolved issue...).
Are you an active user of JMRI to interface?
Jeff

I started with Digitrax and admittedly didn't invest a ton of time learning it all. A couple years after purchase, I joined a FreeMo-N group that runs using NCE. These guys are very helpful and knowledgeable so it made sense to move to NCE. I do use JMRI, best thing since sliced bread, and have it interfaced to my layout and programming track. One other factor...I've had two less-than-ideal warranty repairs by Digitrax. I've slowly moved away from Digitrax decoders also in favor of the USA made TCS with their absolutely great customer support and decoder warranties.

[sp org div]

I understand it is frustrating to have a system/layout down due to component failure, and have to wait for factory repairs to be coordinated, but we have encountered device failures in the system here that are not manufacturer specific (network devices, I/O cards etc). We have had component failures with the Digitrax system also, but I would hesitate to trash a system entirely as a solution. 
I think one of the biggest issues with a DCC system, is an unfamiliar operator struggling to acquire locomotives during an operating session. To mitigate this, we have added additional throttles to the layout here, so that every loco power set during a session utilizes a dedicated radio throttle. Throttles are preset with addressing so that operators dont have to. There is no operator interface other than speed, direction, and function control (horn, bell, etc).
I suppose everyone has their own expectations out of a system, but having a thorough understanding of the system should be the first step to realizing its full potential... and everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
Jeff

[MichaelWinicki]

Too bad MRC doesn't get a lot of luv in discussions like this.

I've had the wireless system for close to a decade and it's a gem in my book.

Greatly appreciate the simplicity of the throttle (especially after using Digitrax trottles on other layouts).  The shape of the MRC throttle is comfortable... Being able to turn a knob to control speed is great... And being able to program a loco on the main has turned out to be very handy. 

I'd heartily recommend the system for anyone considering a small to medium sized pike.

[John]

Michael --- my only experience with the MRC system was years ago -- and it's biggest drawback I saw was lack of expandability .. and some other limitations that i cant remember now ..

[MichaelWinicki]

Michael --- my only experience with the MRC system was years ago -- and it's biggest drawback I saw was lack of expandability .. and some other limitations that i cant remember now ..

True... For a while that's how it was. 

Over the recent past MRC has added a 10 amp booster to the lineup and their systems are now computer interface adaptable.

Even before those additions I was (and continue to use) the 5 amp booster and 5 wireless controllers.  And the system has worked great for me!

[John]

And the system has worked great for me!

Ultimately, thats the most important thing