Which DCC control system

D

DavidH

Registered
Country flag
I'm a new member on this forum, but I have been busy reading up on DCC. I have been modelling OO for over 50 years and have always used analogue control, I actually quite enjoy the wiring 'challenge'. I am venturing into G scale, and got some track and an Aristocraft analogue controller a few years back to experiment. Now I'm looking to build an outdoor layout and want to go DCC, but the question is which system.
My thinking is must be wireless and I want it to be future proof, so I dont have to start again in a few years. NCE appears to be about the right price point, but should I look at Massoth which seems to be popular in the UK, but about twice the price? I won't be operating too many trains at once, but I plan to have a reasonable size layout, so will split into 2 or 3 power districts.
It's a BIG (and expensive) decision, so everyones experience would be appreciated.
 
I doubt you will need separate power-districts, although the ability to isolate differing parts of the layout (for fault-finding) may be of use..

If your needs are modest, don't write-off the Piko offering.
 
My money is on and has been spent on Massoth. The Radio Range with the extended Aerial is good and probably about as future proof as any system is these days. Though if I were in your position I would be going completely on board Battery. Just look at what ge_rik has been doing on here and in his his blog.
JonD
 
Another here firmly in the pro-Massoth camp..... designed from the outset for large-scale use, not just a "boosted" version of a system originally intended for smaller gauges and indoor use. Well-proven, generally reliable, powerful and will do pretty much anything you're likely to require of it. As Phil says, the Piko system is a possible budget alternative, Massoth-designed and largely cross-compatible.
All the above are just my opinions - others may differ, of course!

Jon.
 
Massoth are good but to give balance... ESU are excellent, great after sales service and as they are bigger than Massoth and making decoders for all scales they have more R&D budgets so they bring out more advanced decoders than Massoth and their control system is a little more modern than Massoths. ESU have a wider range of sound files for European, US and British locos.

There are people who swear by Lenz or Zimo
There are also US sourced systems like NCE and Digitrax

If someone invests in one manufacturer's kit they will know a lot about that kit but can only go on their own experience with the one manufacturer and will probably carry on purchasing that manufacturers output.

As most (and it is most) decoders will work with other manufacturers central stations (with maybe some higher functions (or CVs) not being compatible) you can mix and match, as a possible bargain decoder comes along. Be careful with the new Marklin system as there are some incompatibilities that need workarounds between Marklin decoders and other manufacturer's central stations and controllers.

With all systems, although you can use a generic programmer like SPROG III to make changes to the decoder, you will need to buy the decoder manufacturer's own programmer to download, change and program sound files.
With ESU you can even program a sound decoder with your own created sound files utilising the programmer (but this feature may well be rolled out by other manufacturers)

In UK quite a few folk use Massoth, ESU or Lenz, whilst Stateside it is NCE (no sound decoders), Digitrax, ESU and Zimo, TCS with some Massoth. Europe is a general mix of ESU, Massoth, Uhlenbrock, Lenz etc. Of course there are users of each manufacturer in every area.

No system is bad, some systems are easier to use and to program, some systems have upgraded their range with more user friendly apparatus. Although you will generally have to buy into one manufacturer's central station and their controller (and that specific programmer), you do not have to also then buy into that manufacturers decoders.
For example: If you invest in a Massoth central station, you do not have to then purchase only Massoth decoders.

If my arm was twisted (I have American outline locos) I would say that the Massoth central station and navigator controllers whilst not the most advanced or feature rich, are really generally bullet proof. But ESU decoders have the best balance of performance, features and quality and range of sound files available....but others may argue with that!

(I use a Massoth 1200Z central station, Massoth Navigator controllers, but for decoders/sound decoders, I use mainly ESU with a few Massoth, some TCS, a few Digitrax and one or two Lenz)
 
Probably not a lot of help but I'm of the opinion that the "best" system is the one that your mates use.
Reading manuals is all very well but there's no substitute for a chat whilst operating with others. I suspect most of us have had "so that's how you do it" and "I never knew you could do that" moments.
 
DavidH said:
I'm a new member on this forum, but I have been busy reading up on DCC. I have been modelling OO for over 50 years and have always used analogue control, I actually quite enjoy the wiring 'challenge'. I am venturing into G scale,
Click to expand...

Stick with what you are comfortable with, and stay analogue. Spend the money on track and rolling stock. One day you might weaken, and decide DCC is really what you need. Many of us are still to be convinced that DCC is the answer.
 
Last edited:
As you are very familiar with analog/DC you could stay with that as Gavin says, which would be the cheapest option, although your enjoyment of the wiring challenge might fade a bit when faced with the added factor of being outdoors (length of circuits and climatic conditions)! Wiring doesn't go away with DCC but it is easier. You should consider why you want DCC. Usual reasons are more sound options, better performance on imperfect track, and advanced automation options, as well as being easier to have multiple locos on the same track. If none of these are overwhelming then you could stay with DC until a later date and upgrade if necessary when you have more experience of trains outdoors. Personally I love DCC (I use Lenz infrastructure and Massoth decoders) but everyone will have their favourite. Others have suggested battery, nothing wrong with that but again more expensive than DC and a lot more DIY involved; with DC and DCC there are hundreds of ready to run locos, with battery there are virtually none. The good thing about model railways is there are so many options and suppliers, but you can spend a long time cogitating.
 
As Gavin alluded to, DCC is a personal decision. I consider it to be an alternative part of the hobby (to just running trains), I like messing about with CV's to see how I can improve functions, such a automatic brake squeal when slowing or muting the chuff, chuff when coasting and letting the background coasting sounds come through.
It was the availability of the controllable sounds that really sold it on me.
That said, if you think you want to go this route, starting early is easier than retro fitting lots of decoders later. A great deal of locos are available with decoders ready fitted, both new and secondhand.
As Neil said, it is great if you can find some locals with DCC and use them to better understand the systems - and it is likely you may follow them with your choice of manufacturer.

I use Massoth, largely because people I know use it. The old LGB MTS3 system is getting a bit long in the tooth but is still a reasonable setup if you get the price right, especially if you use the Massoth Navigator controller. The MTS2 is now dated. But you indicated you want to be a bit future proof, so may be not an older set.

Finally, some systems like to use mobile phones as controller, others use there own specialised hand sets, some do both. I would suggest you really think about what you want to use when in the garden - it's a personal choice and personally I hate phones.
 
Last edited:
stockers said:
As Gavin alluded to, DCC is a personal decision.
Finally, some systems like to use mobile phones as controller, others use there own specialised hand sets, some do both. I would suggest you really think about what you want to use when in the garden - it's a personal choice and personally I hate phones.
Click to expand...

I feel that, in the case of mobile phone operation, try before you buy is very important.
I can see the advantages from the manufactures' point of view, but operation in outdoor light conditions is a real problem for some.
 
They are also blinking fragile Neil.
 
Many moons ago I started with a LGB Digital Start set but as the railway grew I soon ditched that and went Massoth and a few years later as the railway grew I added a Massoth booster.

For me the Massoth system works and most of my friends have Massoth systems. Look at some of the G-Scale videos on You-Tube and you'll see that the most frequently used control system is Massoth.

On my indoor OO/HO layout I use the Roco Z21 which is a lot more fiddly to use than the Massoth - but the Z21 does come in useful for calculating CV17 and CV18 when setting up a new LGB mfx-fitted loco on Massoth.
 
Thanks all, some great feedback. I have definitely decided to go DCC as it will be part of the interest in this new project.
So I guess I need to start saving as it looks like Massoth is the way to go.
I’ll split into power districts (with individual circuit breakers?) but feed from one booster. I think the Massoth is 10amp so that’s got to more than enough power.
Now Christmas is coming up and Santa will be coming. I wonder..................
 
The Massoth 1210Z is 12 amp. and you wont need a booster to start with. The output is direct from the 1210Z (base/central station). You will need a power supply - 1200T. and a Navigator with radio and a radio receiver to plug into the 1210Z
That is perfectly sufficient to get you going.
I suggest you talk to Mark on here - Garden Railway Outlet. See the blue advert, bottom left of page
 
Due to the limitations of MTS (none will do 128 speed steps, only the latest does 28 speed steps), it would not be the one I would choose, but I do have a MTS I which cost me $20.00 US, powered by a discarded laptop 19 volt supply for free and a $5.00 mouse to make sure I can be compatible running a serial loco on 14 speed steps. I use this for my holiday setups on a 29 inch diameter loop.

So, any system can work and to start and get experience an older unit does work. My newest system is the Zimo MX10/32.
24 volts at up to 20 amp total!!
 
I'm still using a LGB MTS 2 system I brought from a forum member.

Added MTS PC and a couple of extra controllers, plus the wireless modules.

Works for me.... :rofl:
 
Gizzy said:
I'm still using a LGB MTS 2 system I brought from a forum member.

Added MTS PC and a couple of extra controllers, plus the wireless modules.

Works for me.... :rofl:
Click to expand...

Also use a second hand MTS 2 for DCC operations. The Sprog I originally purchased has been relegated to programming because it is too sensitive to load variations, I.e. Car lighting, smoke on multiple passenger cars, etc.

Very reliable ,so far.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom