dcc opions

wrote

Forget ZTC. Lenz has a first class reputation for quality and sensible pricing. I don't know anything about Intellbox.

John.

The one Intellibox layout I've driven was superb - both control and ease of use. However, the layout owner was using Fremo Fred controllers for the actual driving (a commercial variation of the Fred is available from Uhlenbrock along with the Intellibox), the Intellibox was just used as the master unit for the network of Freds, for decoder programming and other basic setup.

Build quality of the Intellibox seemed excellent. I think for support, ability to read German is necessary.

Of the three, and assuming purchasing and use in the UK, I'd go with Lenz (and the push-button 100 set to start). My reasoning being: more experience in the UK (so help from fellow modellers and shops is likely to be better), a decently supported product (from what I read), most of the newest features present (or software upgradeable), and a reasonable price.

- Nigel

Phil: While John may say 'forget ZTC', they do make an easy to use controller - with LCD display which is firendlier to use than short error codes!. Buyong the ZTC controller does not mean you have to use their chips (but you may choose to do so, or at least thry their 'plug and play' as an experiment to get to going (albeit at higher cost, than diy, of course) - At Warley, a cheaper version of the controller will be launched (perhaps without the Zero-1 compatibility???? / possibly a slightly lower current rating (3A), for 199ukp

USEABILITY of the controller shoulf be your prime concern - do you prefer a/ Knobs - centre-off or 'click reverse' styles??? b/ Levers - moving through a quadrant c/ Push button - for precise incremental changes ?? ...... choose this interdace FIRST, and then look who makes a suitable controller to go with it.

BUS: There are 2 main 'rival' control busses, giving you 2 families of optional equipment. MY PREFERENCE (and it is a personal preference) is for the LENZ open interface currently on level/version 3 'ExpressNet' This means I can use LENZ controllers and interfaces with my ZTC controllers since both use the same control bus. My LGB MTS uses an earlier version.

Note that on the TRACK - ALL THE COMPATIBLE (NMRA DCC) CONTROLLERS are the SAME - That is where the standard is defined. So Loco and Accessory Decoders (Mobile and Stationary decoders respectively) are / should be interchangeable and interoparable.

I have ZTC, LENZ and MERG accessory decoders I have ZTC, Lenz, ESU, (Roco (ESU), ZTC(Soundtrax?) and LGB MTS loco modules

MIX AND MATCH what you find works best FOR YOU!

rgds Phil

In message , Nigel Cliffe writes

Having used the push-button 100 set for some time now, and having used the push-button Aristocraft Train Engineer before that, I'd never go back to knobs on controllers. And, yes, I do have a controller with knobs to compare those two with: the old Hammand & Morgan Duette.

Try them all and make up your own opinion.

"Phil" wrote

Agreed, mix a Lenz command centre with Lenz decoders, then you'll have what works best - it'll save you wasting money finding out what works best! :-)

John.

Thanks very much for all the advice..............

Join DCCUK on Yahoo groups and ask if someone in your area can give you a demo.

MBQ

This seems a very sensible bit of advice.

I doubt anyone can make a serious appraisal of a DCC system from a quick demonstration on a trade stand. Probably fine to rule a maker out of contention (hand doesn't fit controller shape, or model lacks a specific feature you require), but not really possible to get at the details of why model-X is better than model-Y for your intended use.

A session or two with a layout owner to discuss the ins and outs of their particular system is much more likely to answer questions.

- Nigel