Comparing Sets Over 5 Amps
These are the "Big Dogs" of DCC
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They provide the necessary power for large "O" and Garden layouts, where they may be used directly. The Surge Amp rating may preclude their use on smaller scales - this amount of current can be transmitted faster than an external circuit breaker can operate and damage locos, wiring and track work in smaller scales.
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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.
| Manufacturer | Lenz | Digitrax | NCE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Set 01/10 | Super Chief 8 amp Xtra | Power House Pro |
| Amp rating (1) | 10 amps | 8 amps | 10 amps |
| Continuous Amps | 8 amps | less than 8 amps | 12 amps |
| Surge Amps | 10 amps | 8 amps | 60 amps |
| Photo |  |
 |
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| Number of Checks |
13 | 9 | 12 |
| What Mr. DCC likes about this system |
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| What Mr. DCC dislikes about this system |
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| Retail Price | $599.95 CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR PRICE |
$475 CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR PRICE |
$649.95 CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR PRICE |
| Power Supply for 110 VAC | Crest | MF615 | PS1812 |
| List Price with Power Supply | $778.95 | $527.95 |
$749.90 |
| Loco Addresses | 1 to 9999 | 1 to 9983 | 0 to 9999 |
| Run a Loco without a decoder | Yes |
Yes, except in Germany | No |
| Max # of Throttles | 31 | 120 |
63 |
| Throttles Supported | XpressNET | LocoNet (3) |
CabBus |
| Computer Interface | LI101F or LI101USB | PS3 or LocoBufferUSB | RS232 Included |
| Loco Roster * | 127 short + 128 long |
120 | 250 |
| MU Capabilities without changing decoder values | 2 locos (Double Heading) |
Limited only by Loco Roster |
Limited only |
| Accessory addresses | 1024 |
999 | 999 |
| Turnout Routes | 0 | 32 | 200 |
| Software Upgrades | User |
Factory (3) | User |
| Warranty | 10 Years |
1 Year | 1 Year |
| Internal Battery | No |
Yes | Yes |
| NMRA Compliance | 2003-03 |
Not Tested | |
| Track Volts | 11 to 22 1/2 volt steps |
N=12, HO=15, O/G=18 | 9.5 to 18 volts up to 22 volts special order |
| Track Volt Adjust | Throttle |
Front Panel switch | Internal control |
| Overload Protection | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Short Protection | Key Reset | Beep with Auto Reset |
Auto Reset |
| Fast Clock | No | Yes |
Yes |
| Bi-Directional Communications | NMRA Standard |
Transponding |
Coming Soon |
| Common Rail Wiring | Yes |
Special Order | Yes |
| Direct Home Wiring | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Decoder Programming | Read & Write | Read & Write | Read & Write |
| One-Step to Set long Address |
Yes |
No | Yes |
| Bit Programming | Yes |
No | On the Main |
| Throttle Included | Push Button LH100 | Dual Knob & Push Button DT400 |
Knob & Push Button ProCab; Ergonomics rate |
| Functions Supported | F0 - F28 | F0 - F28 | F0 - F28 |
| Functions Single Button Press |
F0 - F8 | F0 - F12 |
F0 - F9 |
| Momentary Functions | Set up Individual locos for
any |
Default F2 set up any; all locos the same |
horn button = F2 + set up any; all locos the same |
Wireless Options |
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| Infrared Upgrade | Not Available | Add UR90 Receiver | Not Available |
| Minimum recommended Radio Upgrade |
XPA plus your cordless telephone. Works well for outdoor use, inexpensive to replace if damaged. SOON TO BE PHASED OUT |
UT4D throttle
plus UR92 receiver |
Cab04pr Throttle Plus RB01 Receiver |
| Radio Throttle Upgrade | Not Available | Factory | Litchfield Station |
| Radio Set | Not Available |
Super Chief Duplex Radio 8 amps |
Power House Pro Radio 10 amps |
| Photo | |
 |
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| Retail Price | $685 CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR PRICE |
$849.95 CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR PRICE |
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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) 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: (3) 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.