Re: Which DCC System?

Nigel Cliffe wrote:
Ben wrote:
Just a slight deviation from the discussion so far - I'm in a similar
position to the original poster at present (in choosing a control
system). One thing I've found most difficult is simply finding
comparrable info on the different systems available - manufacturer's
websites obviously each play up their own system, and people's
opinions are always subjective. Even good model shops only seem to
stock a few systems, so again, full hands-on comparrison is not easy.

Is there a website which has basic comparrisons of the main systems
available, with basic descriptions of function, features, limitations
and compatibility of the various systems? Oh, and using accessible
language!?

Anyone know of such a site?

The two links given are a starter, but both are a bit out of date and lack a few critical things.

There are a handful of DCC specialist dealers around the country with test/demonstration facilities. I think it is worth a day out if contemplating spending a lot. I know of: Digitrains, Bromsgrove Models, DCC Supplies and Sunningwell Command Control. The latter are a bit limited (Digitrax + NCE), but are very knowledgeable on them.

You could ask around for modellers in your area who have a system they are willing to demonstrate (the previously mentioned DCCUK Yahoo forum is a good start). That is likely to give a warts and all view of their system (though most people will defend a £200+ purchase even if it is not really that good).

Another approach is to either spend months reading manuals, support forums, etc, to try to get to the bottom of what each system can do.

Most people I've met seem to end up with a system which is over-specified for their requirements; they have one handset and a handful of turnouts running on a system capable of driving 50+trains and hundreds of turnouts (and the system is way to complicated because it is capable of driving such a huge empire). The best systems I've driven on model railways are simple to use.

I would suggest you start with a sub-£120 system unless you have a compelling reason to spend more.


- Nigel


You could also try MERG and DEMU. The latter's exhibition last had a large number of layouts with DCC and some quite noisy with all the diesels ticking over. Plenty of people showing off with showing how to set up sound on decoders.

Chris
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Hornby Elite and PC control
    ... Nigel Cliffe wrote: ... You could use a SPROG II and PanelPro to control lots of points. ... With the addition of JMRI, can be used to setup the parameters in a DCC loco chip, to run a small layout or to drive the turnouts alone. ... Panel Pro is another part of JMRI, and its purpose is to produce layout control panels on your computer to switch turnouts, observe output of train detection, etc.. ...
    (uk.rec.models.rail)
  • Re: Which DCC System?
    ... stock a few systems, so again, full hands-on comparrison is not easy. ... Supplies and Sunningwell Command Control. ... willing to demonstrate (the previously mentioned DCCUK Yahoo forum is a good ... running on a system capable of driving 50+trains and hundreds of turnouts ...
    (uk.rec.models.rail)
  • Re: Which DCC System?
    ... position to the original poster at present (in choosing a control ... websites obviously each play up their own system, ... stock a few systems, so again, full hands-on comparrison is not easy. ... Is there a website which has basic comparrisons of the main systems ...
    (uk.rec.models.rail)