What manufacturers system would you reccomend to a newcomer to DCC building a new N gauge layout with KATO track from the ground up.

I have extensive experience in electronics (particularly broadcast related)and would like to have as much future flexibility as possible...including automated routing and tracking.

Thanks for any words of wisdom you can offer. -J

-- Jeff Detweiler (detweiler@ibiquity.com), February 06, 2003

Answers

I recommend the Digitrax Zephyr. A low cost system to get started with that is full featured. It supports the Digitrax loconet so can be expanded later with the full line of Digitrax throttles, boosters and other devices from Digitrax and other manufacturers that provide loconet based devices. You don't end up with equipment you can no longer use when you upgrade and expand.

Dale.

-- Dale Gloer (dale.gloer@sympatico.ca), February 08, 2003.

I would definitly look at Lenz, they are still upgrading ten year old Systems. I have Lenz 01 and am completly satisfied woth it

-- Hank Meyer (tows@ejourney.com), February 08, 2003.

I too am interested in building an N gauge incorporating a new DCC system. If you wish to run more than two locos at the same time (ex. continuous operating consist while simutaneously operating a yard switcher) and easily setting throttles for each one, MRC is the way to go. From my understanding Digitrax and Lenz require more than a simple operation. I could change my mind, but so far MRC appears to be the easiest to "relearn" if you get away from it for awhile. RJ

-- Rusty Jeter (rustyj@ezwv.com), February 27, 2003.

All things considered, the only 2 'really' full featured systems from what I can see are Digitrax and Lenz. Others are good, for sure, but if you want as close to unlimited flexibility then those 2 are the only ones worth considering seriously (at this stage). The biggest single thing that would influence my purchase, at this stage, is Lenz's 10 year warranty versus the others 1 year. BIG bonus if your an electronics imbecile like me (which you obviously arent).

-- Roger Bruce (roger.bruce@bendigobank.com.au), October 20, 2003.