Control Systems....

[Mars]

Eisch.....always the BIG  question - What 'equipment' to install on your/my layout ....In the UK, Europe (and where the yanks live) the folk use systems that we have no knowledge of. So it seems that we S.A Model Railway Nuts use 1 of three, I have no experience with Digitrax which is "probably" mostly used but is very expensive! My 1st Layout had Bachmann E-Z Command module that worked fine ....except for when you select another train's address....sjees, the chozen one is emmediatly at the previous train's speed.....chaos!

Now I'm sure that all of us are biased toward the system that works for you, whichever it is.....share your likes and dislikes please! 

[renegade]

Hi,

for large layouts and clubs, use Digitrax or Lenz

for small layouts use digitrax or roco  (yes I am biased, since I use the roco myself)

[BobB]

My first digital control system was Bachmann's Dynamis (without the 'pro' box add-on or the latest version). The system worked OK but I needed a console type set up so that I had one hand free for the push button controls for the un-couplers.

When EMRIG adopted Digitrax as a standard I switched as well. It's OK but as stated previously I think it is expensive and the jargon that they use is terrible.

My brother in the UK is using Gaugemaster's system. If it were supported here I think many would find it an acceptable alternative but it could cost more than Digitrax stuff. Gaugemaster's lifetime guarantee applies so the absence of a local dealer may not be a problem.

I've also recently tried the Hornby e-link and railmaster. It's OK I suppose and very cheap if you already have a computer or table or 'phone running Windows but it is very frustrating and I for one will not recommend it to anybody who does not have masochistic tendencies. (I now have an e-link and disc for sale if you're interested after these comments..........)

[BigEd]

A friend of mine has the Roco/Fleischmann z21/Z21 (yes, there's a difference between the z and Z).

I just love it! It's expensive, but not much more than Digitrax/Lenz and the other premium systems.

But you can use iPad/iPhones with it. Probably andriod too - don't care for androod...

I will give it a few year to see the shelf life of it and then maybe give it a shot. The European systems tends to die easily...

[capeklr]

I will give it a few year to see the shelf life of it and then maybe give it a shot. The European systems tends to die easily...

With die easily do you mean that it doesn't work anymore or that it becomes outdated quickly?

[BigEd]

I will give it a few year to see the shelf life of it and then maybe give it a shot. The European systems tends to die easily...

With die easily do you mean that it doesn't work anymore or that it becomes outdated quickly?

Outdated. There have been some really nice systems out there but they didn't last. Incompatible with others, etc. Roco's older systems that were not even backward compatible used to piss me off.

What surprised me the most was that Hornby had the first real marketed DCC system - System One!

[renegade]

that is why I like ESU.  They are NOT the quickest out of the blocks, but they DO support their stuff for MANY years.

The ESU ECoS II console is the current model, but they keep the updating to ECoS I and Marklin Mobile station up to date, and with the same features as the ECoS II.  of course the old ECoS and CS1 does not have the color screen, etc, but the software  has the same features, and bugfixes.  I do not think anybody else supports their stuff for as long as ESU does. 

The ECoS also has the wifi connectivity and an android app out for your smartphone and tablet.  they also published their protocol, so anybody can code their own interfaces to the ECOS command station. 

As for backwards compatibility, Roco is not the best, I agree, but their FIRST dcc system (Roco Digital is Cool) was a mess, and I would also pretend it does not exist.  they DID bring out an adapter cable that allowed it to be connected to the later LocMaus system, but I would strongly suggest you do not waste your money.   the current z21/Z21 system IS 100% backwards compatible with every thing else that preceded it, including in descending order the MultiMaus wireless, MultiMaus, LokMaus3 and LokMaus2. also the various versions of the turnout control keyboard is 10% supported.  as for the boosters/command stations, again, just the original Digital is cool is incompatible, the other boosters all work happily together.  the start set command stations actually ALL function very happily as either a command station OR and add on booster.

for me, the biggest problem with the EURO stuff, is support.  there is just not much of it in SA...   as for digitrax... I will reserve comment

[Freightcars]

A friend of mine has the Roco/Fleischmann z21/Z21 (yes, there's a difference between the z and Z).

I just love it! It's expensive, but not much more than Digitrax/Lenz and the other premium systems.

But you can use iPad/iPhones with it. Probably andriod too - don't care for androod...

I will give it a few year to see the shelf life of it and then maybe give it a shot. The European systems tends to die easily...

These days almost any system can be used with tablet and / or smart phones.  All you need is an interface device for your DCC system that connects it to the computer, a Wi-fi router and some free software off the internet (JMRI) to do it.  Sure it's not native support like the Z21 system but it works.

Just saying...

Niel

[BigEd]

True Niel, but you should really give the z21 a spin - you'll be hooked!

[Freightcars]

Yeah.... I know some people who have one.  I'll go bug them to show me what the fuss is all about.

[renegade]

IF ESU did not come up with their solution, I would have gotten the Z21 this year...   it is very impressive.  a little expensive, I feel...  (but hey, I bought the ECoS II, so who am I to judge what expensive is...)

I personally think the 'cab view' part is a little gimmicky, will be fun every now and then, but not something I see I will be using, but the control from your tablet/smartphone, and the simplicity in which it achieves it, is the plus for me.

@Freightcars, yes correct. but JMRI is not for the novice, in my humble opinion.  but I do agree, most manufacturers IS supported to various extents... I have just been a very big Fan of the Roco digital system's simplicity.  you really can be a complete DCC novice, and still get it right... 

[BigEd]

As a programmer myself, I don't want my work and hobby to mix. I need just a little air between them.

I do have a PR3 programmer that I use as I HATE using throttles for programming. But I will never use a computer to run my layout. If I do I might as well go work for the railway...

[renegade]

I agree with you on this one!!!   At a point I REALLY WANTED to get the PC and trains connected.  But as I feel now, I do not mind playing with electronics, but I really want to go to my trains to GET AWAY from programming/computers...

that is quite possibly why am am spending more time building/painting at this stage, than actually running trains...   I started coding a Android app that can be used with the ESU ECoS, but only spend time on that when the mood really strikes me... and it is not often these days!

[Freightcars]

Hi Guys,

Mixing PC's and trains is a whole topic on its own. I was just pointing it out as an option.  Some of the newer systems such as the z21 makes it a bit more of a need than just a nice to do.

@renegade true JMRI is a bit complex for a novice.  The learning curve may be a bit steep but once you know how it works its a powerful tool.

Cheers,

Niel