DCC System Advice

Just be aware that the NCE wireless remote is on the same frequency as MTH DCS.

Wow, thanks Mointain Mover.

Did not know that one.

Eliot

I'm using a Prodigy Wireless - currently on an HO switching layout, but I've also used it with my Tsunami equipped On30 locos.  I'm quite happy with it.  It's 5A capacity is more than enough for the one or two MMI locos you mention, and a 10A booster is available should you ever need to grow that big.  Don't know what frequency it operates on.

Having worked with quite a few DCC systems over the past couple of years while adding the DCC support in Flyer; IMHO the NCE is the best, easiest to use, and the tech support is outstanding.   The CV programming is by far the most reliable, and NCE was the only DCC controller that did not need an external "booster" to read back the CV's.  As far as the frequency concern, I would contact NCE to determine if this is a problem.

The frequency is only a problem if you want to run MTH DSC in close proximity to the NCE remote.  NCE will work fine and the NCE transmission will interfere with the DCS signal.

Alternatively, you could run either/or system.  Both together are a problem.

NCE is what i use. easy to understand, implement and use.

Jon and everyone,

Many thanks for taking the time to chime in.

I am really "amped" up to get my On3 rolling.

What will become of my Triplex . . . . . ?

Perhaps Dave Hikel can help me design a dual guage track syatem.

Scrappy

NCE will change the frequency if asked. 

I, too, am a happy NCE user to control my Tsunami-equipped locomotives. Mine is the basic unit since I didn't want to invest a lot when I started out in DCC. The can motors in MMI locomotives are very efficient and draw very little amps so NCE's 5-amp system should be able to run a large fleet. I can run three engines on my 1.6 amp system with all the lights and sound operating. I'm more limited by brain-power (concentration) than NCE power.

For programming, the free JMRI program is excellent. The program's interface makes it easy to program all those CV's (control variables) so you can fine-tune the sound effects and performance of those Tsunami decoders. Here's a link:

http://jmri.sourceforge.net

Paul S

I've got the MRC Prodigy 2 with the wireless upgrade and am happy with it on my S Scale railroad.  One nice thing is the instructions for common programming and operations are printed on the back of the handheld controller.

I'm pretty much a basic user and don't do a lot of CV manipulating, it's pretty much set and forget for me. 

MRC does require a bosster to read back on the programming track.

Rusty

Scrapiron, I believe the MRC unit operates on 433 MHz. 

Once again, many thanks for all the great advice.

I notice that the systems need a "Power supply."

The wireless 10 amp system has an available "10 amp booster," but needs a power supply.

???

Does it have to be a dedicated NCE 10 amp + DC supply?

Can I use an AC transformer like my Z-4000?

Thanks in advance.

Eliot

Yes the MRC wireless operates on 433 MHz

Rusty....only the older units had difficulty reading back, but there are software upgrades to give better read back of almost all decoders, [tsunamis are still tough to read back]

The new Prodigy Elite is a 10 amp system [soon to be released] and will read back everything....it can even use all the older type throttles, [ except the AD493's] and the wireless add-on set 

First I agree, that NCE is a very goods system.   I use mostly NCE decoders.    However, I have Digitrax Chief Simplex control system.    It too is very easy to use and very easy to program.    the manuals are not so good and I have been told by NCE friends, neither are theirs.   

One thing I disagree, no external booster is needed to read CVs back with Digitrax either.    I have no problme reading them on my programming track.   

I got the digitrax because at the time, NCE wireless very unreliable - to the point of not working on large operating layouts.    And I got a very good deal on the digitrax system.   I had also used it on a number of layouts.    NCE had improved their wireless to a decent level now.   

As for tech support, I find both NCE and DIgitrax respond promptly with correct technical information.   If anything, the Digitrax support seems to be too technical at times (is that possible with tech support?).

Finally I do find one major advantage for Digitrax if you use the small utility throttles.   These are about the same size as the small original NCE throttle.   You cannot program with them, and I am not sure about accessing functions beyond 10 or so.   But they don't use much power.   They use 9 volt batteries and I have had some in service for 3-4  years on the same battery figuring 10-12 operating sessions a year at 3-4 hours apiece.   The small NCE throttles use AA batteries and we seem to replace them a lot at my buddies layouts.

I am a new guy to DCC. I had a Bachmann EZ command. It worked but had many limitations. I now have the digitrax Zephyr. It is easy to use and for my layout 2.5 amps is plenty. You can add remote throttles and all of  their systems are compatible.

I never had a NCE so I can not compare apples to apples but on another web site DCE and Digitrax  are the ones the "experts" recommend.   All IMO; Don

Lots of advise and comments about this topic. Some of the best advice I've read is to try out each system to see how easy each controller works. Which one is most intuitive for you? Do the buttons/knobs work the way you would expect them to? Do you have to push a combination of buttons to operate a commonly-used function? Fifteen minutes of operation with each throttle will tell you a lot. NCE is very user friendly IMO.

Try to visit a layout(s) using the ones you are considering. Our recommendations are not as important as trying them out for yourself. After you get some "hands-on" time, it will be much easier to make an informed purchase decision. 

Paul S

I agree with Paul S.   Another thing to consider is what systems your friends in the area use.   Or at least some local people in your area use.   That way if you have questions, you can ask someone local and/or perhaps have them over to help over some bumps.

I found getting started was confusing.    Nothing seemed to make sense and I asked a lot of questions for a month or so.   Then it started to click and I was able to go on and enjoy it and solve most questions myself.

So choosing a system common in your area might make sense.  In my area and round robin group, we nearly every system represented, which was nice.

Thanks, Fellas.

I will try to find a group to visit.

eliot