What Dcc system

[Dave Dawes]

Hi all. I am looking to buy a new Dcc system, it will need to be able to run 2 Soundlocos at the same time. I have tried a few since 2003 on different layouts but wondered what everyone was using, I dont have a max cost. Also does anyone use computer software like the Railmaster?

[Noel]

2 hours ago, Dave Dawes said:

Hi all. I am looking to buy a new Dcc system, it will need to be able to run 2 Soundlocos at the same time. I have tried a few since 2003 on different layouts but wondered what everyone was using, I dont have a max cost. Also does anyone use computer software like the Railmaster?

Personally I’d recommend the ‘NCE power cab’ as an excellent starter set in DCC.  Alternatively the Roco z21 white set if you would like to use wireless smartphones as touch screen cabs. Good for custom labelling sound buttons but poor for tactile feedback of throttle control or one handed blind shunting operations. Personally I love the ergonomics of the NCE dog bone cab with its throttle control and all the function buttons, dead easy to set up too.  Horses for courses, try as many as you can before buying. There are other systems like Zimo (expensive), ESU (very expensive games console cab), Lenz, MRC/Guagemaster prodigy, Digitrax, etc. The Roco z21 white set are usually supplied only with train sets but regularly sold separately on eBay, etc (ie separated from Roco train sets). If you are into shunting style of operating and/or using a shunting layout you may prefer a system with physical throttle controls or buttons to touchscreen throttle slider that requires eyes on.

https://www.ebay.ie/itm/303272292648?ul_ref=https%3A%2F%2Frover.ebay.com%2Frover%2F1%2F5282-53468-19255-0%2F1%3Ficep_ff3%3D2%26pub%3D5575403800%26toolid%3D10001%26campid%3D5338374302%26customid%3D303272292648%26icep_item%3D303272292648%26ipn%3Dpsmain%26icep_vectorid%3D229543%26kwid%3D902099%26mtid%3D824%26kw%3Dlg%26srcrot%3D5282-53468-19255-0%26rvr_id%3D2226965775782%26rvr_ts%3D1ab8dd7d16f0ac3d36476d56fff362cb&ul_noapp=true

 

https://www.ebay.ie/itm/362793203467?ul_ref=https%3A%2F%2Frover.ebay.com%2Frover%2F1%2F5282-53468-19255-0%2F1%3Fff3%3D2%26toolid%3D10039%26campid%3D5338471094%26customid%3D101_194_235%26item%3D362793203467%26vectorid%3D229543%26lgeo%3D1%26srcrot%3D5282-53468-19255-0%26rvr_id%3D2227148179707%26rvr_ts%3D1aba51b316f0a4d12ab74067ffda3089&ul_noapp=true

 

[murrayec]

Hi Dave Dawes

Noel forgot to mention that the z21 takes a Multi-Maus handset for your ' shunting style of operating and/or using a shunting layout'

Eoin

[Joe Keegan]

3 hours ago, Noel said:

 

https://www.ebay.ie/itm/362793203467?ul_ref=https%3A%2F%2Frover.ebay.com%2Frover%2F1%2F5282-53468-19255-0%2F1%3Fff3%3D2%26toolid%3D10039%26campid%3D5338471094%26customid%3D101_194_235%26item%3D362793203467%26vectorid%3D229543%26lgeo%3D1%26srcrot%3D5282-53468-19255-0%26rvr_id%3D2227148179707%26rvr_ts%3D1aba51b316f0a4d12ab74067ffda3089&ul_noapp=true

 

On the Roco set you are missing the WiFi modem to communicate with your phone/tablet.

[Dave Dawes]

7 hours ago, Noel said:

Personally I’d recommend the ‘NCE power cab’ as an excellent starter set in DCC.  Alternatively the Roco z21 white set if you would like to use wireless smartphones as touch screen cabs. Good for custom labelling sound buttons but poor for tactile feedback of throttle control or one handed blind shunting operations. Personally I love the ergonomics of the NCE dog bone cab with its throttle control and all the function buttons, dead easy to set up too.  Horses for courses, try as many as you can before buying. There are other systems like Zimo (expensive), ESU (very expensive games console cab), Lenz, MRC/Guagemaster prodigy, Digitrax, etc. The Roco z21 white set are usually supplied only with train sets but regularly sold separately on eBay, etc (ie separated from Roco train sets). If you are into shunting style of operating and/or using a shunting layout you may prefer a system with physical throttle controls or buttons to touchscreen throttle slider that requires eyes on.

https://www.ebay.ie/itm/303272292648?ul_ref=https%3A%2F%2Frover.ebay.com%2Frover%2F1%2F5282-53468-19255-0%2F1%3Ficep_ff3%3D2%26pub%3D5575403800%26toolid%3D10001%26campid%3D5338374302%26customid%3D303272292648%26icep_item%3D303272292648%26ipn%3Dpsmain%26icep_vectorid%3D229543%26kwid%3D902099%26mtid%3D824%26kw%3Dlg%26srcrot%3D5282-53468-19255-0%26rvr_id%3D2226965775782%26rvr_ts%3D1ab8dd7d16f0ac3d36476d56fff362cb&ul_noapp=true

 

https://www.ebay.ie/itm/362793203467?ul_ref=https%3A%2F%2Frover.ebay.com%2Frover%2F1%2F5282-53468-19255-0%2F1%3Fff3%3D2%26toolid%3D10039%26campid%3D5338471094%26customid%3D101_194_235%26item%3D362793203467%26vectorid%3D229543%26lgeo%3D1%26srcrot%3D5282-53468-19255-0%26rvr_id%3D2227148179707%26rvr_ts%3D1aba51b316f0a4d12ab74067ffda3089&ul_noapp=true

 

I used an NCE powercab on my Lincoln Rock Island layout when they first came out and liked its style and simplicity. Have just tried the Piko/Esu smart control bluetooth and that's super nice, expensive though

Edited December 19, 2019 by Dave Dawes

[Mike 84C]

HI Dave, if you are at an exhibition where the MERG group have a stand , look at their handsets; very neat but you do have to build it. That puts me into the not enough lifetime slot. 

[Dave Dawes]

55 minutes ago, Mike 84C said:

HI Dave, if you are at an exhibition where the MERG group have a stand , look at their handsets; very neat but you do have to build it. That puts me into the not enough lifetime slot. 

Looked at them a while back, not my thing I'm afraid, prefer the off the shelf and plug in