Comparing Sets Over 5 Amps
These are the "Big Dogs" of DCC
- They provide the necessary power for large "O" and
Garden layouts, where they may be used directly.
- When used with a power manager (PM42 or OGCB) to break them up into
smaller units, they can power even the smallest Z scale layout. Frequently
this is the least expensive solution for a medium to large HO or N layout.
- 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 | Power House Pro |
| Amps (1) | 10 amps | 8 amps | 10 amps |
| Amp Meter | No | No | No |
| Photo |  |
 |
 |
| Number of Checks |
16 | 10 | 12 |
| Retail Price | $599.95 | $469.99 | $649.95 |
| Power Supply USA | Crest | MF615 | PS1812 |
| Loco Addresses | 1 to 9999 | 1 to 9000 + | 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 |
CabBus |
| Computer Interface | LI101F or LI101USB | MS100 or LocoBuffer-II | Included |
| Loco Roster * | 128 2-digit + 128 4 digit |
120 | 250 |
| MU Capabilities Command Station | 2 locos | Limited by Loco Roster |
Limited by Loco Roster |
| Number of Turnouts | 1024 |
999 | 999 |
| Turnout Routes | 0 | 32 | 200 |
| Software Upgrades | User |
Factory | User |
| Warranty | 10 Years |
1 Year | 1 Year |
| Speed Steps | 14, 28, 128 | 14, 28, 128 | 14, 28, 128 |
| Internal Battery | No |
Yes |
Yes |
| NMRA Compliance | NMRA
Conformance Warrant |
Not Tested | NMRA Conformance Warrant Expired |
| Layout Feedback | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Track Volts | 11 to 22, 1/2 volt steps |
N=12, HO=15, O/G=18 | 9.5 to 18 volts |
| Track Volt Adjust | Throttle |
Front Panel switch | Internal control |
| Volt Meter | No | No | No |
| 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 | Digitrax Transponding | Coming Soon |
| Common Rail Wiring | Yes |
Optional - Factory Order | Yes |
| Direct Home Wiring | Yes |
Optional - Factory Order | Yes |
| Decoder Programming | Read & Write | Read & Write | Read & Write |
| Regsister Mode | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| One-Step to Set Address | Yes |
No | Yes |
| Bit Programming | Yes |
No | No |
| Programming on Main | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Page Mode | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Direct Mode | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Throttle Included | Push Button LH100 | Dual Knob & Push Button DT400 |
Knob & Push Button ProCab |
| Functions Supported | F0 - F12 | F0 - F12 | F0 - F28 |
| Functions Single Button Press |
F0 - F8 | F0 - F12 |
F0 - F9 |
| Momentary Functions | Any or all by Loco |
All Locos the Same | F2 "horn" + any or all - All locos the same |
Wireless Options
| Manufacturer | Lenz | Digitrax | NCE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infrared Upgrade | Not Available | Add UR90 Receiver |
Not Available |
| Radio Upgrade - Minimum Radio Throttle Shown | XPA plus your cordless telephone. Works well for outdoor use, inexpensive to replace if damaged. |
UT4R throttle plus UR91 receiver throttle
upgrade available at factory |
Cab04pr Throttle Plus RB01 Receiver. Throttle Upgrade Available at Factory |
| Radio Set & Amps * | Not Available as a Set, upgrade as above only. |
Radio Equipped Super Chief, 8 amps | Power House Pro Radio - 10 amps |
| Photo | NA | |
Not Available |
| Retail Price | NA | $659.99 | $869.95 |
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.