Massoth, ESU & NCE: compare

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HBBahn

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I've been accumulating stock in a couple of smaller scales, and I'm contemplating a small layout for when it's too miserable outside. I've got a Massoth 1200Z, but it's an early model and doesn't have the option to vary the voltage. To be able to run 00 or H0m locos, I need a lower voltage, and so I'm considering options. I've looked at a few DCC systems, and NCE & ESU stand out for me. So the choice is to either
- buy a completely new DCC system (NCE PowerCab or ESU ECoS) for the small stuff or
- send the 1200Z back to its maker for an upgrade or
- (possibly) buy a Massoth 1203B to run the small stuff.

Now, there are some significant differences in price and implementation between these choices, so I was wondering if anyone has experience of any of these systems, or of running two different scales using the same DCC gear?

I should say that I've just been having a play with a Bachmann Dynamis setup, and it's OK, but the display on the handset is a bit hard to read compared with the Massoth Navigator, and that is a factor in my deliberations.
 
I have a 10 amp NCE ProCab system bought a few years ago for my G stuff. More recently I bought an NCE PowerCab for use with smaller scales (saves me the bother of turning down the voltage) and because I can also use the PowerCab as an additional throttle on the full ProCab system.

I like the NCE throttle design, it seems a friendly implementation. I also have one of their basic cab04 throttles (a knob and buttons, no display) and that's fine for just driving a train around. Of course, you should always have ago of any prospective systems and make sure you like their control interface, it can be a very personal choice.

No problem hooking up a pc to the ProCab base station and using something like JMRI software to control the layout or program decoders. I think this is a bit trickier to do with the PowerCab.

It's a shame that the NCE wireless system isn't legal in the UK, that's one thing that could possibly swing me in the direction of something like Massoth if I didn't already have NCE gear.
 
Thanks for this, Nick. There are definite pros and cons to each system, and the lack of wireless is a con for the NCE, but it is at least on a wire. I'm rather taken with the idea of having a track diagram with the point switches on it, though.

I'd discounted the Lenz option because it looks a bit budget and/or 'messy'. To be frank, cobbled together. They're the originators of DCC as we know it, though, so perhaps I should try and get past first impressions.

Hopefully I'll get some research done at the Warley show.
 
Depends if you want wireless, if you do upgrading the Massoth will probably be cheaper than starting again.
The suggestion of the Lenz is also a good idea if as stated above you can still use the existing handsets as there's little new to learn and Lenz is very good quality. That sounds like a good second option.
NCE powercab is great and intuitive for a wired handset system but only 2 amps.
I've recently upgraded to Z21 which is power switchable and 2.5amps as standard and uses touchscreen throttles which is good if you already have iPhones, iPads or Android devices.

Just for reference I've used MTS, Z21, NCE powercab & Pro.
 
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