Litchfield Station - Comparing DCC sets under 5 Amp

Comparing DCC Sets Under 5 Amps

Small Sets Have An Important Place in DCC

They are affordable and optimum for a small layout or as a test setup
Look for the Check Mark , that’s Mr. DCC’s way of showing which set has an advantage, either in his opinion or demonstrably. The total number of check marks is shown for each set.
The Digitrax Zephyr provides an easy way to start your pike. It has a growth path, since all the Digitrax LocoNet products work with it.
While some folks like the Prodigy Advance for its “NCE-like” operation, we find that they are frequently dissatisfied after they spend a bit of time with the unit. Frequently, they trade up to a PowerCab.
The NCE PowerCab is a DCC set by itself, but can be used as a ProCab on other NCE layouts, making it a perfect solution for someone who is a member of an NCE club and wants a DCC set for his smaller home layout. Its pricing and flexibility makes it a VERY attractive set. We even have customers who own layouts operated by other brand systems who have purchased PowerCabs for their workbench, due to its ease of programming and inexpensive USB adaptor.

Manufacturer	Digitrax	NCE
Model	Zephyr	Power Cab
Peak Amps (1)	2.5 amps	2 amps (3)
Amp Meter	No	Yes
Photo
Total Checks	11	17
What Mr. DCC likes about this system	Positive OFF position Accessory decoder operation Can use 2 power packs as additional throttles (2)	Hand-held cab with both button and knob control Works as cab on 5 amp systems World-wide power supply Cab ergonomics & display English prompting Low Price Current meter Program ANY decoder without Programming Track Booster Inexpensive USB adapter
What Mr. DCC dislikes about this system	Programming VERY difficult loco addresses limit dispatching locos	Won't run loco without decoder Won't work with reversers or circuit breakers
Retail Price	$199.99	$189.95
Power Supply (US)	115 volt	115 / 230 volt
Loco Address Range	1 to 9983	0 to 9999
Run a loco without a decoder on 00	Yes, except in Germany	No
Max number of Throttles (1)	10 + 2 jump ports = total of 12 (2)	2 or 4 with Smart Booster
Throttles Supported	LocoNet (3)	NCE
Computer Interface	PR3 or LocoBufferUSB	NCE USB
Loco Roster (1)	10	2
Accessory addresses	999	2044
Turnout Routes	0	16
Software Upgrades	Factory (5)	User
Warranty	1 year	1 year
MU Capabilities without changing decoder values	10	4
MU Capabilities- Decoder Assisted	10 consists with unlimited locos	16 consists with unlimited locos
Layout Feedback	Yes	No
Track Volts	regulated at 12 volts	Power Supply less 1/2 volt
Track Volt Adjust	None	10-15 volts, change power supply
Overload Protection	Yes	Yes
Short Protection	Auto Reset	Auto Reset
Fast Clock	Yes	Yes
Circuit breaker compatibility	DCC Specialties PSx series	NCE CP6 ONLY!
Auto Reverser compatibility	DCC Specialties PSxAR series Digitrax AR1	NONE
Bi-Directional com (may require upgrade)	Transponding	No
Display	Single line few characters	double line many characters
Decoder Programming	Read & Write	Read & Write including Tsunami & QSI
Programming prompts	abbreviations and symbols	English Text
One-Step to Set Address	No	Yes
Throttle Included	Console	Handheld
Type	Single Knob	Single Knob plus buttons
Functions Supported	F0 - F8 on console or whatever ext cab supports	F0 - F28
Functions: Single Button Press	F0 - F8	F0 - F9
Momentary Functions	Default F2 set up any; all locos the same	Horn
WIRELESS OPTIONS	Digitrax	NCE
Infrared Upgrade	UT4 Throttle plus UR90 receiver	Not Available
Recommended Radio Upgrade	UT4D Throttle plus UR92 receiver	Smart Booster plus RB02 plus Radio Throttles

Compare Other DCC Set Options:

NOTE (1): The number of locos which may be RUNNING at any given time is limited by the Track Current capability of the boosters supplying the power district where they are operating. The Loco roster is the maximum number of different loco addresses which the command station will remember at one time. When you DISPATCH a loco, you remove it from this memory. When you SELECT a loco, you add it to this memory.

NOTE (2): Jump ports allow a power pack to function as an additional throttle - providing direction and speed information, but not supplying motive power.

NOTE (3): The two amp rating for the PowerCab is a maximum surge current. Continuous operating current will be less - the power supply provided has a continuous rating of 13.5 volts at 1.1 Amps and operates off 115 or 230 volt mains.

NOTE (4): This data is assembled from many sources and is as accurate as I can make it. Please report any inaccuracies. Much of this data is NOT published by the manufacturers and had to come from personal experience. Litchfield Station will not be liable for errors or omissions.

NOTE: (5) LocoNet is a Digitrax proprietary network not unlike Ethernet. It allows peer-to-peer communication. This communication precludes the need for many command station upgrades when new accessories are released. The accessories can tell the command station what it is and how to deal with it.