DCC Systems

I dont have DCC as it don't do anything I need, however those members of our club that have changed over have mainly gone for Lenz so far, though the American modellers use digitrax

Try this yahoo group.

DC Pieman!

The Fleischmann unit is made by Uhlenbrock.

main Fleischmann base unit is an Uhlenbrock Intellibox. No idea if its cheaper from Uhlenbrock suppliers, but there are some additional intersting controllers from them, such as the Daisy and the Fred. It uses a different bus system (LocoNet) to that used by Lenz; so the control systems are not interchangeable.

Lenz is more common in the UK, so you may find UK support a lot easier. You can get a lot of Uhlenbrock DCC advice from the Fremo club in northern Europe, though I'd suggest being able to read/write German would be an advantage.

- Nigel

You should also consider Digitrax and ZTC as the other major vendors in the UK. Note that ZTC/Lenz and Digitrax/Fleishmann use different network interconnects if you are looking at layout feedback, computer interface and additional throttles or controllers as call them in the UK.

You need to consider what you want to do with your layout i.e. the complexity of operations and ease of use. Try getting hold of the DCC book by Stan Ames available from

amongst others and the Digitrax Big Book of DCC available from amongst others. Both retailers will give a partial refund if you subsequently purchase from them.

After you have read either you could more pointed questions about the systems you are considering.

Happy New Year

Chris

"Chris" wrote

ZTC is expensive and does not have the same level of reliability as Lenz. The latter also has a no-quibble exchange policy in the unlikely event of component failure.

This book is NOT recommended in certain circles. I'd suggest joining one of the specialist Yahoo Groups aimed at the DCC user. Try one of:-

or

and fire your questions at those with specialist knowledge.

John.

Thanks for the advice, I will also look at the other systems.

Regards, Mickey

established this then shop around for the system that suits you. The main thing to think about is expansion and facilities available. I use a Lenz Set 100 as there are plenty of expansion opportunities plus I can program loco decoders to suit my needs. If often feel that other than the decoders (which are Lenz LE1014) the Bachmann EZmate runs the risk of people out growing it very quickly once they get the taste for DCC. Once you try DCC you will never wish to return to DC! Steve

I have no trouble with returning decoders to ZTC. Initially there was trouble with Lenz as they tried to say the no quible exchange policy only applied to North America and it took Mackay models a bit of time to get them change their mind.

ZTC are the at more expensive end of market but some may prefer the controls to other makes, depends on budget and what you want to do.

Well it is a bit dated now but it does give you the basics of DCC and overview of the vendors products.

Chris

Doesn't matter what you get, so long as it's NMRA standard compatible, as Lenz is. Don't know about Fleischmann - I do know that Marklin did try to impose its own DCC standard, but has, at least over here, accepted the NMRA specs. German mfrs have a tendency to go their own way WRT wheels, tracks, electrics, making their product incompatible with other mfr's. No doubt trying to create a captive market. So I'd be wary of Fleischmann until I knew that their system is a universal one.

Also look at EasyDCC. Although from the USA it is easy to import yourself, it performs well and is reasonably priced. I have found that their service as also good, although I have not needed it for any problems as I haven't had any.

Mickey wrote:

Its a NMRA compliant system. It uses LocoNet as the bus between controllers (like Digitrax)

The Uhlenbrock Intellibox controller will talk NMRA and Marklin protocols if required. I assume the Fleischmann badged version of the box will do the same.

Err... and Lenz is from which country ? German engineering is very good with standards.

Its NMRA compliant.

- Nigel

Advantage yes, but since the Fremo is a european club with members from nearly all over the world, you will find many people talking and writing more or less english. More infos about the club:

Fremo:

2003/2004: Christian

Its been said before and I shall say it again. If you can, test drive as many systems as possible. For the most part if a system is up to the NMRA specs, things like boosters, loco decoders, and stationary decoders are all interchangable. The biggest difference is in the throttles (controllers) Find the one that best suits you, and that is the DCC system you should choose.

Andrew