Hi all,
I want to purchase a dcc controller for my layout and as im new to dcc i am looking for a controller
which is not to difficult to operate . My layout size is 8x4ft and at the moment i only have a few
locos. I have done some background reading on different controllers and was thinking along the lines
of NCE powercab ?
Would anyone be able to give me some advice please ? i know that cost probably has a big bearing
on things but i look forward to your replies.
Many thanks for looking,
Dave.
Personally, attend a larger exhibition where a DCC specialist is present
You can then spend some time going through each type
Equally, it comes down to the controller type
The majority are handheld, so take time with each one
Agreed, this is the best way to do it.
Controllers tend to be 'personal' to users, and discussions can get 'active' ! What works for me will probably not work for you, and vice versa.
A shame you didn't ask last week, as there was a big show this week-end gone ...
Mike
Quote from: MikeDunn on February 14, 2013, 12:18:55 PMA shame you didn't ask last week, as there was a big show this week-end gone ...
Depends on where you stay in UK and the items of interest
Model Rail Scotland is coming up next week, however it is useless for N gauge (as they only concentrate on this every few years)
I am attending simply to pickup some items from Shawplan (as they are attending), view one N gauge layout, and one trader that often has some deals on N gauge items
Where about in the country are you Dave..?
Let us know and we will be able to point you in the direction of a DCC dealer where you could try out a few systems.
How much money you are looking at spending will also give us an indication as to what you should be looking at. :thumbsup:
Hi there to you all,
Thanks for your advice and replies. Very much appreciated.
Im in Swindon, Wilts.
I do tend to keep an eye out for the exhibitions and dont mind travelling a bit.
Cheers
Dave.
Hi mate,
Good advice to go and see a dealer as you will be able to test systems out. Additionally this weekend my local club are having their annual show - Syston Model Railway Club's Show, Sileby, Leicestershire.
Anyway as for what I have experienced, it all depends on the number of loco's you are running, physically capable of running/keeping track of and the budget. I have both the NCE Power Cab and Gaugemasters re-badged Prodigy Advance (MRC Product from the US). In essence the NCE is a good unit, however the simple base model does not have the power output to really do the models that I have justice. Therefore I tend to lean towards the Gaugemaster unit, which is more powerful in output to the track.
Interestingly some of sound models don't run as well as they could with the NCE as they do with the Gaugemaster unit. :no: Also you can download some free software from the MRC website so that you can use a laptop to act as a controller. This makes CV reading, changing etc far easier.
The German Stuff (Zimo, Lenz, Ullenbrock, ESu) are all very good but very pricey.
Finally, if you have a Tablet, the Roco Z21 system is brilliant, but it maybe all look and no substance. Have a look at it though as all you do is take a picture of the layout using the Ipad Camera, click to tell the system the point locations, add the point controller, and use the ipad as the controller for the layout. .... get the picture I like it... :thumbsup:
Dil
I can only agree with what's already been said, you need to try them for yourself ;)
When I was deciding I took a pre-arranged trip to Digitrains (http://www.digitrains.co.uk/) in Lincolnshire, where they let me try all the various systems for myself on their test track. No pressure, they just left me for 15-20 mins at a time with each one then came back and gave me another one to try. I actually went with the notion I was going to buy a Lenz Start Set 90, but after my visit I'd narrowed the choice down to the NCE and the Gaugemaster Prodigy - I eventually went for the Prodigy simply because I found the display on the handset more user-friendly! :D They've also recently introduced the Prodigy Express starter set to compete with the NCE Powercab as an entry-level system :thumbsup:
Paul
I am not an expert but I went for a Digitrax DCS51 simply because it has a reversing lever and throttle just like real DMU's used to have. Since then I have added two handheld UT40 throttles so that three people can control their own trains or I can control a double header with unmatched locos controlled seperately. I find this particularly useful when using the Tomix Track Cleaner. As has been said previously, it is personal preference, so go with what feels right for you.
Ron
Hi to you all,
Thanks for all your replies and valuable information.
I would like to add some sound to my locos eventually so i'll have to be careful there in which choice of controller.
I would like to spend in the region of £200 but i guess it could be more.
I have thought about going to digitrains for a dayout , it could definately be worth my while and i'll be able to test out some controllers.
Also thanks dil for letting me know that your local show is on this weekend, i might well make a trip up to leicester. I think its about 2 hrs from me.
Cheers
Dave.
I'll second all of the advice to get some 'hands on' feelings for a DCC Controller. I can also recommend Digitrains. They were extremely helpful when I bought my ESU ECoS and they have a demonstration layout hooked up to various controllers so that you can try them out for yourself.
Hi chinahand,
Thanks very much for that, i'll be giving digitrains a call incase you need to book an appointment.
Do you need my email or can i pm you ?
Kind regards,
Dave.