Noel

Hi Kevin I don't think there is a best DCC system. The choice of a DCC system is based on so many different factors, personal preferences, spec requirements and nature of ones layout. For instance, ergonomics of cab units can be a big issue for some users whereas others are less concerned about cabs and more about the system modularity, upgradability, performance, capacity, etc, or both. There are well priced entry level systems from the 'toy' manufacturers market and some are not bad performers for what they are. They can be good value to get started. The 'posse' can however be divided between small low power systems (e.g. 1.5-3amps) and higher power systems or systems that can be upgraded to higher power (>= 5amps). Power effects how many locos you can operate simultaneously which may be determined by layout size and characteristics. After 'power' is decided it seems to be personal choice. Obviously NMRA DCC compatibility is important and most full support this (i.e. anybodies decode should work with anybody else's control system). Some have larger semi-fixed style console type cabs, others purely handheld. My suggestion, visit some stores, clubs or exhibition layouts and try out different systems running trains. You will know in seconds which system/cab is the one for you. Alphabetical Order - Popular DCC vendors Bachmann Dynamis Digitrax Super Chief Xtra 5 Amp ESU eCos 50200 + Navigator Guagemaster/MRC Prodigy Advance + Ultima Hornby Elite + Select Lenz set 90 + set 100 NCE Powercab + Procab Roco multiMaus Zimo MX10 There are also emerging various PC systems (e.g. Hornby elink, JMRI linked to various black boxes such as this thread, etc) Some links below. BUT be cautioned some of these are USA centric, Europe centric, or effected by 'fan boys' favourites rather than purely objective. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Command_Control http://www.dccwiki.com/DCC_Systems_comparison http://tonystrains.com/comparison-dcc-systems/ http://www.dccconcepts.com/index_files/dccbrandecisions.htm http://www.dccbydesign.com/articles/dcc-starter-system.html Lenz and ESU seem to have established significant market share in Europe in the model market, whereas NCE seem a key player is US model market. PS: Apologies Dave, my post crossed with yours. I was probably typing.

True. However NCE's wireless radio station is an $160 add-on, and a wireless pro cab is $250, so that's $410 for ONE wireless pro cab. Compared to $3 to connect an iPhone, iTouch, or iPad running 'WiThrottle' app to an NCE system using an RS232 serial cable. OK, it sucks because it doesn't have tactile feel of physical controls, but its free and wireless! (i.e. as an additional cab). Lenz don't have their own wireless cabs, instead have an interface to the 'TouchCab' app.

I totally agree. Just posted it for info. I prefer to open a box, unpack, switch on and use technology as a mere appliance without complications or barriers. I use plugin NCE cabs on our layout, but occasionally I enjoy walking around the outside of the layout using an iPhone as a wireless cab, and viewing trains on the move from different perspectives. When and only when using WiThrottle on my iPhone a laptop needs to be running JMRI. It would be nice if DCC manufacturers like Lenz, NCE, ESU, MRCC/Guagemaster, etc, produced a low cost black box interface for wireless cab apps (ie had JMRI api over WIFI including rosters for loco naming and sound function labels).

Such techie 'projects' are really only meant for folk with two short antennas sticking out of the back of their heads. Seriously though, it's an option for folks interested in tricking around with technology. It is one of the least expensive methods of having a DCC controller driven by one or more wireless cabs assuming folks can get access to old iPhones or an old iPad (ie running WiThrottle app). The advantage is its a black box solution that does not need to be connected to a running PC. A PC might only be used initially to configure and set it up. My WiThrottle setup needs JMRI running on a laptop connected to the NCE controller. One other point. Touch screen wireless cabs such as WiThrottle have one huge limitation - they lack tactile feel of physical controls or buttons hence cannot be used by feel and require eye contact. A cab with physical controls or buttons can be used single handed without having to look down at a touch screen, and therefore enable the operator to watch the loco leaving the other hand free to do things like operate points, couple/uncouple stock, etc. However an iPhone is a very cost effective wireless cab for walking around a layout and watching trains run from all kinds of vantage points.

Found this very interesting piece on RMWEB posted by 'lyneux' http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/68432-wireless-dcc-system-for-£90-using-sprog-raspberry-pi-and-jmri/

Nice photos. 206 in that livery looks so much better running that cab first which is probably the opposite to the design intentions.

Brilliant, I love it. Great find. Ditto. For 1974 that 125 proved a reliable revenue earner and was an elegant looker for 40 years ago. In model form those BR mk3 coaches redefined track curve radius they were so long.

My apologies guys.

Thanks to all who have made responses so far to the mini-survey.

I could watch video's of trains operating on this layout all day. I just love watching it. The Park Royals look great. I really like the Green snail and Black'n'Tan era you are modelling. Fabulous layout. Happy days - enjoy. PS: I was doodling today with some video clips of recent A class arrival on her maiden run, but after watching this I don't think I'll dare post a video so boring.

I've fond memories of that little railway many many summers ago when we used to bring our children to see it and travel the short run. On the southerly coast of the Dingle bay ria there is another track bed which I had always thought was a narrow gauge line, formerly operated by GS&WR but I think it must have been 5'3". From the road the mountain side trackbed is clearly visible for miles with many small bridges still intact. The scenery down there is awesome, what it must have been like travelling by train on some of those lines.

Hi garfieldsghost Apologies! Well it was a fair bit wider than just 121s and A's. Was interested folks general modelling interests, era, liveries, preferences for specs, as well as some specifics in existing stock, possible 're-runs' of locos and coaches, as well as possible future locos and coaching stock. I unfortunately could not include anything on freight stock as I was limited to only 10 questions. As I said this was for fun rather than being a comprehensive scientific survey. Noel

Thanks Alan & Dave. I will put the results up here in a few weeks or when 100 responses have been completed. I don't really want to comment on any aspect of it till then in case it influences spontaneity of answers. Noel

Very impressive.

Hi Folks. Just for fun and information a very simple survey. Some of it is hypothetical. Answers are anonymous. I was limited for space so I am sure I have left some obvious things out, so please forgive. SURVEY: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/B239JG8 I'll post statistical results in a month or so. Cheers Noel MODS: If I have put this in the wrong forum please feel free to move it.

"shopping centre"? Well a row of shops but I believe it had been called a shopping centre, back in a time when small things in Ireland easily impressed us all. But yes it was a cracking good model shop, the best I can ever remember anywhere in Ireland. The layouts, space and in store displays seemed second to none, but might just be my 'rose tinted glasses'. It was the first time I had ever seen a Z gauge layout.

I have vague but fond memories of an amazing model railway shop in Rathfarnham over 40 years ago that had an N, Z and OO gauge layout on display in store.

Hi Fran. No I didn't think anybody would want to buy 60 models of anything. 121 or 'A' in the next five years would be equally welcome. Anyway back on topic, the video of the 141/181 with the Zimo 'real drive' sound chip sounded great. I haven't heard a bass reflex speaker close up yet so I don't know if and how much difference they make. Ballybeg however does make a perfect backdrop for testing any sound loco. Nite all. Noel

Prototype Numbers. Could be wrong though. In their day the 60 A class locos were the backbone of the network and I'm guessing more folks have 'nostalgia' memory of seeing and traveling on trains hauled by A class than the small 121 fleet. Also from a modelling perspective is it possible folk may buy only a pair of 121s to run nose to nose in double header pairs, but over time buy a stable of A classes due to their operational diversity. Fleet size: 60 x MV A class 15 x GM 121 class

Hi IRM. Well I guess a 121 could be even tighter for space than a 141/181 body. The 4ohm speakers fitted into the 071/201s are not bass reflex but sound ok with the higher pitched engines. I suspect the quieter revving baby GMs could benefit from a little more bass especially at idle and lower RPMs. I know most folk seem to be longing for 121s as the next MM product but 001 (A) class could perhaps outsell 121s by 3:1 as well as having a slightly lower production cost due to simpler body form (i.e. one piece upper body mould and no hand rails to stick on), as well as having oceans of internal space for weight and larger speakers. Whatever new locos MM decide to produce in the next 5 years or so I will be happy with. Their locos are superb. Cheers. Noel

I thought the TCS decoders I used had a DC function once enabled in CV29. Will double check later in case I'm getting mixed up. I've been mucking around with so many different decoders these past few months a bit of 'doughalitis' may have set in. Noel

Hi Kevin. A function only decoder has no power output to drive a motor. Noel

It used to be an Airfix kit in the 70s. I still have one painted green on the layout. It came with optional extension pieces in case it was mounted at track level rather than on a platform when less air draft clearance would be needed. Its funny how the moulds and tooling for many popular long standing kits have moved from one company to another over the years.

Alan I just tried a Lenz Silver+ 21 in an MM 071 and it operated the lights, but only the one of the cab lights. Hadn't time to map functions, but will try tomorrow. It correctly ran the white and red directional running lights F0+F1 together, plus F2 for the directional head beam. F5 turned one of the cab lights on but not directional. I will read up on the Lenz decoder tomorrow to see if this function can be mapped. Btw, it ran the loco super quiet and smoothly in terms of drive/acceleration. Noel

It is not the same decoder, the 'Fx' is a function only decoder lacking motor drive.