What DCC systems are people using for Z

What DCC systems are Z scalers using to start their entry to DCC in this scale.
What are the pluses that lead you to this choice.

cheerz Garth

Garth,
I'm glad you raised this question. I too have been contemplating which system to buy.
I few years ago Jeff Merril asked this question on Trainboard and at that time Digitrax and NCE were about a tie.
When I ask other modelers opinions the most common thing I hear is NCE is easier to set up and program. The local N scalers counter that the older Digitrrax systems were more difficult but the newer generations are a lot easier to set up.

One thing to consider is if you will be running trains with a club/group, what kind of unit do they use. From what I've observed from forums here and other sites the Z clubs I may run trains with use NCE Power Cabs, so that is what I'll probably purchase. I have N scale trains also and unfortunately the local N scale clubs use Digitrax so I may need to purchase a separate throttle so I can run trains with them, but I can have the NCE on my home layout.

Jerry

Hi Jerry;

I am coming to the same conclusions as you have regarding systems and have the same problem with the n-scale side versus the Z-scale side.

Have not heard anything yet about decoders for the engines. I think there are two or three choices for the MTL Geeps. Had one suggestion for the SD70I and nothing for the F7's.

cheerz Garth

Hi Garth,
I use the NCE PowerCab system with a SmartBooster for both Z and N scales. I have had MRC and Digitrax and find the NCE systems far easier to learn and use. TCS decoders are the best if you are running on a home layout and club modules. If the modules are DC, the TCS decoder automatically senses if you are running DCC or DC and switches accordingly without having to program anything.

John

Garth, Out here on the West Coast the NCE seems to be the system of choice. Cheers, Jim CCRR:)

Thanks John

Like the DCC to DC auto sense feature. Looking at MZ4A and connecting up ditch lights on my SD40-2.

cheerz Garth

Thanks Jim

NCE does not seem to be well represented in this part of the Canada, not sure about else where. Will have to look further afield to purchase their systems.

cheerz Garth

Currently I use a digitrax zephyr system. However, I am planning on switching to a lenz system. My reasons are:
Easy voltage adjustment in lenz systems.
Relatively, small decoders.
Rail-com support
Asymmetric block control (important if you model European railroads, at least imho)
There are readers for rail-com signals available which allow you to list all the locomotives present in rail-com blocks.

Konrad