What's the best/easiest starter DCC control set out there? I've been building an N Scale layout (while planning for my O scale layout) that has Kato Unitrack/Controller and wanted to add DCC to it. Appreciate any advice on this.
Original Post
"HONGZ" stands for HO scale, N scale, G scale, and Z scale.
Post your non-O scale stuff here!
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Great question. I would love to know as well. Hopefully someone will chime in with advice.
I've used several different DCC systems, and my personal favorite starter system is the NCE ProCab system. It can handle both two and four digit address, and by using a leading zero (0) in the address you can make long addresses for cab numbers below 128 (Engine number 65 can be programmed as 065), thus avoiding conflicts with advanced consist addresses, which must be between 1 and 127. It easily can create advanced consists. It can program all the various CVs. It can be interfaced with a PC using the optional USB connection. The power output can be increased by adding a NCE SB5 booster. The throttle/control system can be used as a regular throttle if you upgrade to the NCE ProCab system. Most important, the system is very easy to learn how to use, and the throttle is ambidextrous, and can be operated with one hand.
Stuart
For a simple N layout, you might want to consider this newly revised DCC controller from Bachmann... they upgraded their previous model ...now its called EZ Commander "Plus"
Train World sells it for $159...
Here is well made Bachmann video about their DCC System...
I'll second the NCE PowerCab starter set and also recommend the MRC Prodigy Express 2 (squared). Both work very well and are reliable.
If you are really ambitious and want WiFi only you can inexpensively build a DCC++EX command station.
John
If you have a train buddy locally that uses DCC, it is a good idea to get the same company's system, that way you have someone to ask questions about things as you learn.
@Craftech posted:If you are really ambitious and want WiFi only you can inexpensively build a DCC++EX command station.
John
If you have any experience with Arduino, the DCC-EX build is easy.
You don't even need the WiFi, if you want to hook up a computer and use JMRI to program decoders and control trains. JMRI can be a little intimidating for novices though.
Thank you all for the guidance here! Appreciate the insight. I use both mth dcs and lionel legacy for my o gauge layouts and find them both easy to use
I see people above saying "NCE ProCab system". I think they mean NCE "Power Cab" -- which is NCE's starter system.
- NCE is made in Rochester NY, considered by most railroaders to be one of the most reliable brands.
- The telephone Help line is answered by a smart guy named Ed Wilson who speaks perfect English.
- Although NCE doesn't recommend it, you can use the NCE "Power Cab" to run MTH Proto 3 locos.
- They don't recommend it, because it's amperage is limited to about 2 amps, and MTH locos can pull more than2 amps if heavily loaded.
An additional Plus is that you can add an NCE "Mini-Panel" which is a simple programmable automatic train controller, to do some fun automatic train control experiments.
My TrainProgramming.com video ( https://vimeo.com/654736533 ) shows the NCE "Mini-Panel" automatically controlling MTH O gauge locos, and also Kato N gauge locos.
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If you are looking for a 5amp option for DCC-EX as well as Digitax DCC integration plus many other cool features check out
IoTT - The Internet of Toy Trains.
https://myiott.org/
https://www.youtube.com/@IoTT
My vote is for the NCE PowerCab as well. I've been using it for 6 plus years and still love it.
Be advised that the NCE Power Cab starter set is out of stock at NCE so be careful who you order from and make sure they actually have a new one in stock. Same goes for the MRC Prodigy Express². Out of stock at MRC.
John
