DCCconcepts ESP Ψ aegis System - An Overview with Howard Smith and Richard Brighton

[@richschaufert7310]

Back in modeling after many years Aegis has arrived very fortuitously. Working on a basic 4x8 now with plans for an expansion to a shelf and a modular yard with roundhouse. Main line laid now to get operational (baby steps).

[@CarlC-pj3wq]

Excellent educational video! I, too, am just coming back into model railroading and this entire system has taken away the "fear" I have had about using DCC. Thanks very much!🙂

[@denniscork8509]

Thank you DCC concepts

[@timkrinsky6736]

Very exciting already pre-ordered .

[@atticterminalcomplexmodelr3186]

Well ive bit the bullet and bought this, a bit shopping about and good saving can be made on RRP,considering cost of modern stay alive sound fitted locos worth investing in this.

[@davidstokes8441]

The worst issue with using your phone to control your layout is that the touch screen does not always respond to your "touch", and trains can run amok until it decides to accept you.

[@jimmore1694]

I am up grading my layout . At presentI use cat5 cabling . Also I use p0werpro as well as powercab can I usee my powerpro as an extra hand set and daisey chain between the alpha panels round my layout.

[@pen-gos7321]

Can the alpha meter be plugged in directly to the aegis to provide current and voltage readings ?

[@JonBanquer]

Is that a foam roadbed from Woodland Scenics that the tracks are mounted on? It doesn't look like cork or like it has been ballasted.

[@dccconceptsyoutube6446]

This is our own trackbed - it is closed-cell EVA foam. Order code DCU-TBH5.

[@JonBanquer]

@@dccconceptsyoutube6446 Thank you!

[@HiFi39]

It looks good will it be able to run the current to run my locos , my station lights will be separate power . By the time I get it my layout should be up and running . Still a lot of work to do.

[@dccconceptsyoutube6446]

Aegis will provide 5 Amps to your layout - depending on the size of your layout and how many trains you'll be running at any time - this is a significant amount of power. If you want advice on the amount of power you'll need - please do get in touch!

[@denniscork8509]

I have purchased a part off you wen you were in Australia in naval Base DCC and I can not buy it here no more iTs for my points and that sucks I can not get them to work with out it

[@richardbrighton7737]

What part are you looking for? We can help!

[@stretchedits]

Hi, An interesting upgrade for a basic NCE Powercab. I also have the PC panel to link my NCE to my laptop and then use JMRI Decoder pro to alter my decoder settings that way, I think it is easier. Would I still be able to do this or something similar with your new aegis system? Look forward to seeing how this system develops. Thanks and all the best Dave.

[@flipvideodemo]

You can use the NCE USB adapter into one of the rear ports if you have a PowerCab connected to CAB MAIN (the NCE USB adapter needs to talk directly to the PowerCab via a cable connection). However, we are working on our own version of this which will operate without having PowerCab connected physically to aegis - watch this space!

[@joeeasterby19]

Hi how does it work having the alpha pannel instead of utp do the wires still plug in the back and on the front is 3 controllers because the website I couldn’t understand it thanks Joe

[@flipvideodemo]

The Alpha Panel will work either as a UTP or a PCP depending on the selection switch on the circuitboard. We will have Alpha Panel back in stock within the next 2 months.

[@joeeasterby19]

@@flipvideodemo hi so i could use a aegis pug 3 alpha panels in and with the alpha panel plug in back and my front 3 ports are for a controller and I could plug another alpha panel thanks Joe

[@HighFell]

I do love the DCC Concepts kit I have but £600 on top of a £250 NCE Cab? Makes my Dynamis Ultra look at £250 look like the bargain of the century!

[@richdoyle6623]

I wish I could get mine to work!

[@dccconceptsyoutube6446]

Hi Richard - I can't see any comms from you about this - have you contacted us?

[@richdoyle6623]

@@dccconceptsyoutube6446 I got immediate response from Iron Planet and the DCC Guy Larry Puckett. I interpreted the connection between the PowerCab and Aegis as only needing the 4 wire since the Aegis power was now driving track power. I was concerned that combining both power sources was too much. Iron Planet was highly responsive with direction that the six wire connector is the proper connection.

[@richdoyle6623]

@@dccconceptsyoutube6446 I found the DCC Concepts website frustrating. It implies that you login once you have ordered a product from you. I tried but my US order info was NOT accepted by your website. The suggestion to stop by your service location in the UK doesn’t work for me in the US. Your website says that a user ID will be created on the first order. That didn’t happen using your US distributor. Your website seemed to only allow me to register for the newsletter. So contacting DCC Concepts was problematic.

[@colinmorrisondavies3709]

Can this be used with the likes of the Gaugemaster Prodigy 2

[@richardbrighton7737]

In order to get wire free operation with Gaugemaster prodigy, you will need to use their own Wireless Module. Due to the way Prodigy works with it's base-station, this version of aegis cannot be made compatible. Hope this helps :)

[@paredding]

Big bucks but I guess the fundamental is whether you have a need for wireless application, horses for courses and all that. Personally I never understood why NCE was so popular without a graphics screen and so many keys to press ie on the ECoS I bought, you can do all the track layout design, pictorial loco selection and turnout switching without going between multiple menus, has Main and additional Programming Track feeds and recognises other controller inputs eg Roco Z21. It also has a reasonable 6 Amps output and twin controllers

[@dccconceptsyoutube6446]

The ECoS is a fantastic system - but not if you want to walk around whilst controlling your locos. If you do, then you can connect a glass screen device - or get the cab throttle - which is also glass-screen with a motorised dial. If you want a "walk about" handset with push button control, then NCE is a great option. We even have Alpha and ESP accessory control options with push-button operation, so no multiple button-pressing!

[@paredding]

@@gppsoftware Both replies have valid comments which is why my comment re application is key ie whether you have a small, med or large (multi-user) layout and thus your spend.

[@Gaz3801]

The Ecos DCC System is sold in Australia for $1350.00 (£704.50 or $885.75 USD), whereas the NCE Power Cab can be purchased for $400.00.... More money will buy you a more fancy control system.

[@andieshaw134]

Is it able to connect to JMRI?

[@JohnSTL68]

I have the Aegis system installed and cannot get it to work with JMRI. Larry Puckett “The DCC Guy” said he got it to work programming on the main, but I couldn’t get it to work. I’m a big JMRI user and it’s disappointing the system isn’t compatible, but otherwise the Aegis system is great so far.

[@Gaz3801]

Or you can purchase the Iowa Scaled Engineering ProtoThrottle, which is wireless, with much more realistic operating abilities than the NCE PowerCab for less than the Aegis panel. The ProtoThrottle is also compatable with Lenz, ESU CabControl, JMRI WiFi Throttle, MRC Prodigy (via wifi module), Digikeijs DR5000, and Digitrax (via an LNWI module). 😉

[@richardbrighton7737]

Hi Gaz, ESP aegis is a PowerCab upgrade product. It is for modellers who already have, and enjoy using, their NCE PowerCab handset. There are other pathways available, but not whilst maintaining their (very simple to understand and use) PowerCab handset. The ProtoThrottle handset also costs over $400, with the receiver costing another $99 - which is considerably more expensive than ESP aegis!

[@Blue_Dingo]

I have a Powercab now, and see the advantages of the Aegis, as a next step. After that is there a way to use a Protothrottle with Aegis?

[@richardbrighton7737]

@@Blue_Dingo we have not tested Protothrottle with aegis - however, as this operates through the ProtoThrottle receiver for NCE Cab Bus - this should connect to the EXT ports on the back of aegis and operate in the same was as an NCE handset. Bear in mind that you will need both the ProtoThrottle and the NCE Cab Bus Receiver for this - aegis is not natively compatible with ProtoThrottle handsets.

[@Gaz3801]

@@richardbrighton7737 From what I see on the DCC Concepts page, the ESP Aegis is £416.63... That equates to $798.30 AUD or $523.65 USD... I have used the Proto Throttle numerous times and it is very easy to use.

[@andrewdonald2770]

@richardbrighton7737 - Hello Richard, I hope you are still monitoring comments posted to this video. I currently use an Alpha Box booster (with the Alpha power supply) together with my NCE Powercab and I am very pleased with it. I am expanding my layout and looking to add a second booster. I could of course simply replicate my system as it stands now, but I am wondering if it is possible integrate the new Aegis system with my Alpha Box and Alpha power supply system? Thanks, Andrew

[@richardbrighton7737]

Hello Andrew - yes, you can! You can use ESP aegis as the master system, with your PowerCab. You can then use Alpha Box to boost a second power district, connected to ESP aegis using an RJ12 cable to one of the EXT ports on the rear. Hope this helps! Richard.

[@andrewdonald2770]

@@richardbrighton7737 Thanks Richard. A few days back your colleague Chris sent me a copy of the user manual that shows exactly how to cable things up. Thanks again for following up

[@denniscork8509]

I was told it is a Snupper if that the right way to say it it for changeing my points form the Snifer it’s fit in a match box it’s not that big it has two white little things on it and two little black round thing 220 volts on top off the white little things two wires in and I put the two wires from the Sniffer to it I can send pictures if possible thank you DCC

[@dccconceptsyoutube6446]

We have these available free of charge - please email to [e-mail] with your details and we can send out to you.

[@denniswilson2690]

Only works with NCE? and any other DCC controllers in the future?

[@richardbrighton7737]

Hi Dennis - yes, this is only for NCE PowerCab handsets, being the most commonly purchased DCC starter system. This type of system wouldn't work for DCC systems which have a base-station such as MRC/Gaugemaster systems etc... which system did you have in mind?

[@denniswilson2690]

@@richardbrighton7737 Was wondering about Digitrax products

[@flipvideodemo]

@@denniswilson2690 Digitrax works through a base-station, so it would be challenging to make a similar system for a Digitrax handset. The reason this works for PowerCab is that the entire DCC system is embedded in the handset. Never say never - but this would need a fair amount of R&D!

[@denniswilson2690]

@@flipvideodemo OK thanks for the prompt replies.

[@anthonywaitzman4632]

I’m a big fan of dcc concepts I have the power cab but this is just to expensive these prices are through the roof 499 out of my league sorry to say

[@richardbrighton7737]

The price is very good value for the features on offer. To obtain the same features with NCE equipment would cost over £700, plus the PowerCab. We also offer the ability to split payment, with 50% paid on order and 50% paid on dispatch to help spread the cost.

[@theeventhorizon-valebridge9512]

Looks a really good bit of kit but it is a bit pricey guys! I appreciate it's a comprehensively thought-out product but times are economically hard for us long suffering, mainly over charged hobbyists! Perhaps an RRP of £369.95 would be more reasonable, considering you also need a separate Power Cab too to be used in combination with this unit! Don't take advantage of your customers with obscene prices as Bachmann and Hornby have done with their RRPs or you'll ruin your all important reputation!

[@richardbrighton7737]

We would love to be able to charge less for the product if this was possible. Due to increased production costs and the need to provide a reasonable margin for our dealers as well as payiing HMRC their customary amount, this is not possible. The retail cost of the product is actually good value for the features on offer when compared to the alternative collection of products which would need to be obtained from NCE (as an example). We do offer the ability to split the payment into 2 interest-free payments if you wish.

[@theeventhorizon-valebridge9512]

@@richardbrighton7737 Thank you for taking the time to reply. I appreciate your product's super innovation, your explanation/reasoning on the price, but the fact remains that the combination/compounding end-user costs in total are going to be too high and prohibitive for most, including me. I do hope you find a way to bring the price into people's financial orbits. Regards Julian.

[@shauntaylor9251]

Still got that horrible curly lead on the handset though :(

[@flipvideodemo]

You can use a flat RJ12 cable to connect to the transmitter if you prefer.

[@scottishsteamproductions2014]

Did you say 500 smackaroos !!! 😱😱😱😱 it better be able to order me some KFC too 😂😂😂

[@richardbrighton7737]

It's a pretty awesome bit of kit - we will be showing it off at Warley next month (November 2023) and we have it installed here in the showroom - drop by if you want a full demonstration! To put this in context, to order the kit from NCE to do the same job as Aegis would be nearly £800 (assuming you already have a PowerCab). You can also split your payment into two, interest free payments if you wish :)

[@IronHorseRailways]

Andy mate, I've been lucky enough to play with this new system and it's ace! The boosted power, the reliability, the ease of use, it's bloody mega! Especially if you've already got a Powercab! Don't let the price scare you, I know it looks a bit "whoa" but think about it, the components involved, the price is actually very reasonable ❤❤

[@chadglenn2123]

Will this be available in the U.S.?

[@richardbrighton7737]

@@chadglenn2123 yes indeed - these will be available either direct from dccconcepts or from Iron Planet Hobbies in the US. More details will follow in the US - keep an eye on the railroad magazines!

[@timstrainvideos142]

what can you suggest for overload protection please? I'm not really too bothered about wireless tbh but interesting kit nonetheless.

[@davidhill3724]

its nice to see people getting away from nce. NCE is so outdated and basic and overrated. I wish you the best of luck

[@richardbrighton7737]

NCE PowerCab is the most popular starter system on the planet. We love handset control rather than "glass screen" control. ESP aegis offers PowerCab users some amazing benefits without having to switch to "glass screen" or computer control.

[@kiwibjg]

@davidhill3724 does not know what he is talking about! NCE is not outdated. Stupid comment. There are numerous systems where I live and most of them are ProCabs with additional boosters running large layouts with radio throttles and wifi connectivity too along with links to JMRI in real-time. I wouldn’t call that outdated. Moron!