hi all
does anybody have any idear which dcc controllers are the best ive had a bachmann dynams and was not very happy with the infer red system.as i found that if the hand held unit was not pointing at base unit it would stop and resetting.it is good but not as good as i thought it would be,so i sold mine.so any thoughts or idears wellcome :Class31: :toot:
There are numerous opinions on this throughout the forum - use the search function to find them. It's a very common question. All of us have our own preferences/favourites.
Best advice is to try to get to a show/Exhibition or your local model shop and try to have a play with the different types.
Don't know of anyone in the area particularly but I'm sure someone here will know where to try.
Quote from: trainsdownunder on January 09, 2013, 03:15:44 AM
Don't know of anyone in the area particularly but I'm sure someone here will know where to try.
I would say your best bet would be a trip over to Digitrains in Lincoln which is about 55/60 miles from Pontefract.Very knowledgeable staff and you could have a look at a few different systems there.... :thumbsup:
http://www.digitrains.co.uk/ (http://www.digitrains.co.uk/)
Agree with the above.
Was a bit further for me but still WELL worth the trip. No sales pressure, excellent advice, and they let me try as many systems as I wanted for 15-20 mins at a time on their test track. Best to ring them and pre-arrange your visit so they can be sure to accommodate you :thumbsup:
Paul
Quote from: ewsclass66 on January 09, 2013, 12:22:12 AM
as i found that if the hand held unit was not pointing at base unit it would stop and resetting.
Sounds like you didn't RTFM, as this is a user-changable setting ...
I'm not surprised at that comment TBH.... unfortunately a lot of people buy these fancy systems and only use 1/10th of the controls within them, get them out the box read the first manual page of how to programme and set a CV and off they go.... I read the sprog II manual back to back about three times and found so much you can do that just by turning it on and playing you wouldn't find.
I'd now say I'm pretty clued up on all the CV settings and what they do and have even now managed to start to implement working modified back EMF settings on my locos to achieve regulated speed across gradients and also introducing creep on my 4 CT Electronik decoders which is blooming phenomenal to watch sleeper to sleeper movements with no jumping or stalling anymore :D
I use nce power cab and realy like the layout of the controller,
As said above. I went to digitrains and tried all their dcc controllors 1st.
As its each to their own and what suits your requirments.
I have a Lenz LH 90 hand set and a roco multimas .The roco is so much easier to use. The point setting button is so much easier to use for route setting 8)
Quote from: swisstony on January 09, 2013, 01:12:25 PM
I'm not surprised at that comment TBH.... unfortunately a lot of people buy these fancy systems and only use 1/10th of the controls within them, get them out the box read the first manual page of how to programme and set a CV and off they go.... I read the sprog II manual back to back about three times and found so much you can do that just by turning it on and playing you wouldn't find.
I'd now say I'm pretty clued up on all the CV settings and what they do and have even now managed to start to implement working modified back EMF settings on my locos to achieve regulated speed across gradients and also introducing creep on my 4 CT Electronik decoders which is blooming phenomenal to watch sleeper to sleeper movements with no jumping or stalling anymore :D
I'm with you on this one. Digital control isn't just about running more than one train with one controller and simplified wiring.
I accept for some that it is a quick, easy alternative to "cab control", however a short time spent just looking at what is possible can be beneficial in understanding the Digital concept. The SPROG is a classic example. Only by reading the manual do you get full appreciation of a loco's capability and how to set it up.
I used to be a out of the box, watch it run type, but now see the benefits in good slow control, how to have a function key that changes the resonse for shunting duties and real speed limitation.
No-one is going to learn it overnight, but increased knowledge of this "dark side" has helped make the running of my layout easier.
If you're thinking of doing more than basic DCC control of a loco then look at the Digitrax range, it is one of the most easy and affordable systems for expansion. I started with the Digitrax Zephyr which has a nice feature that lets you use 2 of your old DC throttles as DCC throttles and my layout just grew from there once I knew what was possible with DCC. I now have a fully automated layout that is a pleasure to use but still gives me the opportunity to drive everything manually if needed.
Like others I would definitely recommend trying to have a go with a few different systems. The other useful thing to try and work out is what you DCC to do - you don't have to do everything at once, but if you want something more than just basic train control then it helps to think about what you might want in the future as that might lead you down a particular path.
*Personally* I like the Digitrax system if you want a "normal" command station approach or something like JMRI + Sprog + smartphone if you are comfortable with computers, but it is very much a personal choice!
Cheers, Mike