Which DCC System Should You Buy? (NCE Powercab vs. Digitrax Zephyr Express)

[@johnkinnane547]

G’day and greetings from from Tasmania Australia 🇦🇺 thank you for explaining the difference between the two you were very articulate and easy to understand thank you once again regards John

[@BriansModelTrains]

Digitax also has the USB interface to use with JMRI and other software> With the PowerCab that is an additional 55+ (USD) expense. I like them both.

[@bchobbies]

Good info - I forgot about that.

[@shawn6462]

Great comparison. Thank you. I am going with the Digitrax as well.

[@MarkInLA]

I have the same 4-4--0 . Bmann did a great job on this one and several others... Anyway, to nit pic a tick, a DC controller is a referred to as a 'power pack'. A 'transformer' is a controller for AC trains.. I do understand your sway toward the Digitax unit; the tactile quality of the large knobs..That's excellent for remaining in one place to run the RR. But I'd rather stick with the NCE for the ability to walk up to and along side a train and still run it/them.. Either way, you do an excellent demonstration of the two...

[@phillipg1588]

I'm currently using the NCE Powercab and it works very well, but after reviewing the Digitrax DCS52 Zephyr Express, I must say that it has converted me and I will be swapping over to the Digitrax very soon. BTW great comparison review and greetings from Sydney Australia.

[@railfandryan192]

To be honest at I did not know my dcc digitrax zephyr express has that feature in it thank you for telling me about that feature of the controller I am gonna change my steam locomotive slowing down and speeding up

[@shemp308]

I like your review and your choice! As I have the Zephyr Express and the older version as a second throttle, it works great. I also like to compliment you on the note on dc n scale. I only wish I had seen heard the warning sooner as it cost me two old N scale engines before I realized what had caused the first one to burn out. I also would like to compliment you on the Tardis on the layout. I had to 3d print one as none are available in n scale that I could find.

[@t-rextv3467]

Can you use either model? On all. Gauges. I’m new to the hobby.

[@danshobbies13]

I have the Digitrax system. I think it works fantastic. It also is 3 amps while the NCE is 2 amps. I have the wifi system as well, so my smart phone is now a wireless dual throttle system. The NCE looks so dated with the green screen. It takes me back to the 80s 😂

[@edhodge3567]

I have to do the tracks 52 I'm trying to learn how to program my locomotive do the locomotive number

[@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569]

For me, it's the PowerCab, hands down. ...Roy

[@The_Duggler25]

Should have added the railpro system to compair

[@monmixer]

Today the Zephyr Express Starter kit is only 215.00 on amazon plus tax obviously.

[@isaiahfurrow7414]

Nice comparison of the starters... When I was researching to buy into DCC the older Digitrax stuff didnt appeal to me as much as this newer line of products. I ended up with a Power Cab, Cab 06, and SB5 ... I think the next addition is a Wifitrax panel. I do want to get the Zephyr and/or a current gen Digitrax throttle/system to tinker with someday though... might do that for some modules that i am thinking of building...

[@madbrad6282]

I like the ‘clunky’ controls. The Zephyr it is!

[@richmurphy6043]

CVP Easy DCC is an EXCELLENT joice, have had it since 2007 and highly recommend.

[@bchobbies]

Haven't had a chance to try that one yet! I'd like to at some point though.

[@robertlucido3686]

One if the train controllers I use is the Model Rectifier corporation Tech 6 sound controller, it's a DC controller, but can be used to activate sounds on DCC & sound equipt locomotives

[@ChobertonJunction]

Most interesting. Like you, I originally opted for the NCE Power CAB after some research and to begin with all was good. But after only 6 months it froze up and I am not a heavy user. Just a heads up to others. Should you have issues with your NCE units then NCE policy is for it to be returned to the USA for analysis! I am now without controller which will be weeks if not months and if NCE decide that it is not a device fault but something I have done, which of course I have not, then I am without a controller. I am looking for alternatives now to replace the Power CAB never mind what happens so the Digitrax has caught my attention.

[@uptownphotography]

Great info and very nice website (I checked it out). Question Please: I am looking for a good choice for walk around Radio Wireless control on a large HO home mountain style layout with a projected 350 to 400 feet of track when the main line is completed. I also want to run multiple cabs (with multiple operators) for monthly operations. If you could offer an advice I would appreciate your input. Thanks in advance. Phil NYC / Jersey Shore Area

[@lesliesavage9229]

I burned out an HO Gordon's DC motor on a Bachmann DCC system, and it was just sitting there. Never got a chance to run it. The PowerCab does cost less, and is easier to use, when programing.

[@robw7158]

I've had nothing but problems with Digitrax. Had one Zephyr Express arrive dead in the box and the replacement lasted a week. Was gifted an Evolution Express and it crapped out after an hour. I wouldn't touch another Digitrax product if you paid me. Hope others have better luck with it than I did.

[@bchobbies]

That's a shame - seems you had quite a streak of bad luck with Digitrax. Thankfully, mine has given me no trouble at all and still works perfectly (fingers crossed).

[@caedmon2behrens186]

I have the Zephyr Express and I can personally say I have no idea what you're talking about

[@DrDiff952]

You should buy DCC-EX

[@canadianlocomotivelogistics]

Did mention any this about NCE easy upgrade?

[@duhrailed]

I bought the 5 amp nce Im staying Matter of fact, i could use 2 more controllers since i now tripled my layout size

[@mj41374]

What about TCS?

[@riogrande5761]

I went with neither, and rather chose Train Control Systems DCC system. Having had a Digitrax system, I've never found them easy to use or MU diesels.

[@modelrailroader5619]

Great review, thanks for sharing!

[@RonStanek]

Here's a thought for the future. Get a used Cattron wireless paddle, train controller and convert it into a DCC model train controlor. Or let's all petition NCE and Digitrax to make a harness, waist height, hands free, walk-around DCC assimilation of the real deal controlors, like the CATTRON harness controller. Wouldn't that be nice!? Next: RC Model railroading!?😄😆 I know you could put you smartphone on a harness and call it a train controller, whatever!?

[@schmidklaus8267]

Thanks for making this video! Doing research as I'm debating between these two exact controllers. From what I read on zendesk, the power cab is capable of programming sound decoders while the zephyr express may need a booster like the PTB-100? If this is true, it will be a decisive factor as a booster will be an additional cost, not to speak of additional wiring etc.

[@bchobbies]

The Zephyr Express comes with a higher amperage power supply than the PowerCab (3 amps vs 1.8 amps), so I don't think programming sound decoders should be a problem.

[@cascadesouthernmodeltrains7547]

There is a CV in the Zephyr that will enable “blast mode” programming which will send higher current to the programming track for sound decoders. I want to say it’s CV3 to closed, but I can’t remember off hand.

[@mrodtoo]

I have the Zephyr Express and programmed my Atlas N Scale Loksound equipped Loco's with no issues. The additional benefit is the USB port to connect to JMRI. Makes programming easier in my opinion. If you are new to DCC go with the system that your fellow model RR use so you can get support. No one around then there are Groups, Forums, and YT to help. Running trains on both systems are easy. The NCE seems to be easier to use in my experience, but I own a Digitrax with several throttles and I am happy.

[@SteveH-TN]

Thanks for this excellent video and information. local clubs use Digitrax as do many friends.

[@HeikoAZ]

Get ESU

[@SD45-ET44AC]

Would you consider adding a DT602D to your DCS52?

[@ADPeguero]

Hi. Does the locomotive have to support programming on the main? I tried Ops Programming but every time I do I get an error that the Programming Track is Empty.

[@bchobbies]

If you're using the Digitrax, there is a separate set of electrical terminals for the programming track. I had the same issue until I figured that out.

[@rougehunter954]

Love both

[@andrewlaverghetta715]

You know, I was totally thinking about the Digitrax, but a big clunky box that’s not easy to move around makes me not want that at this price point. Now, I think there are Digitrax systems that DO have handheld devices, but I’m not really sure which is the first model up from this that uses a handheld, and what the difference in cost is.

[@bchobbies]

That is one advantage of the PowerCab. The box isn't a problem if you're converting an older layout from DC, but if you're building a new one around it, it is nice not to have a stationary control box. My layout was designed for the PowerCab, and I had to put up a temporary shelf to use the Digitrax system. (When I eventually switch, I will be installing a permanent shelf there.)

[@railroadsdownunder8200]

Which one would you recommend for someone starting out with dcc? The zephyr seems a bit more confusing to me.

[@bchobbies]

Both are good options, so I'd go with whichever one you find more intuitive.

[@Eleven10]

Really appreciate this comparison. I currently just have a temporary N Scale layout but I’m wanting to get at least one or two locos (for now) with esu loksound decoders. These two are definitely my top two choices as of now. I know the NCE usually works seamlessly with esu but I’ve seen some folks have problems with the older Digitrax (DCS50) and Esu decoders. Does the Zephyr integrate well with loksound? Thanks again!

[@bchobbies]

I used the Zephyr to run a LokSound-equipped Atlas S-4 during our review of the loco, and everything worked as it should.

[@nickedens3358]

Is there a way to turn off the power cab or do u just haft to unplug it? the zephyr has a power bottlon but I didn't see one on the power cab

[@bchobbies]

Neither system has a proper on/off switch. I have mine plugged into a power strip that I use as an on/off switch for the whole layout (the same setup I used with the PowerCab). The Zephyr Express does have a power button, but it only shuts off power to the track - the actual system remains on unless it's unplugged.

[@edhodge3567]

If you program a locomotive on the power cab with a program still hold when you hook up a zephyr

[@bchobbies]

Yes - the DCC programming is a universal standard, so it will function the same across all systems, and the decoder will remember its programmed settings indefinitely unless you specifically change them (or do a factory reset on it).

[@ingor.522]

Hey Michael, I am fascinated by the NCE Power Cab and for my little shunting layout would it be very nice, but NCE provides power packs for USA, Canada and Great Britain only and forgot the the European Continent with their 230 V AC Power System for most of the EU Countries. Her in central europe the NCE Systems are nowhere available... My question is, would your hobby shop sell the NCE Power Cab to Germany? Between Canada and Germany a free trading agreement is allready existing, that makes it much more easier to import model railroad Items from Canada than from the USA. With friendly greetings, Ingo R.

[@bchobbies]

Thanks for your interest. Unfortunately, we are only able to ship within Canada at the moment. Sorry!

[@neilcrawford8303]

For Europe try a supplier in the UK (Hattons, Rails, Digitrains, Coastal DCC, for example). Our power is the same as Europe at 230/240vac 50hz. Just get a travel adapter. We have the same situation with the Gaugemaster (re-branded MRC) Prodigee Express. It's supplied with a foreign power supply and a plug adapter. Works fine.

[@adriangeary9628]

Can you plug the power cab into the zephyr as an additional throttle

[@bchobbies]

I don't believe so, unfortunately.

[@NitroAddictionPulling]

And I'm sure you can expand the zephyr also

[@bchobbies]

Yep - Digitrax sells additional throttles for it.

[@jnnmlchr91]

Hey Michael how did you make your layout to run on DC and DCC

[@bchobbies]

I have a large DPDT toggle switch hooked up to switch the entire layout between two separate inputs. The track is connected to the center poles of the switch, and the DCC system and DC transformer are connected to the outer pairs of poles.

[@Mr6017]

It’s a no brainer, nce power cab.

[@dwhite6213]

It would be nice if you provided reasons instead of just making a blanket statement.

[@ericb.davenport9762]

Very good

[@cprtrain]

NCE all the way.

[@rdrhouse]

None of the above...........................Hornby HM7000 running on batteries inboard, is the future.

[@DrDiff952]

You shouldn't buy a DCC station you should build a DCCEX base station and use your phone as remote

[@michaelw23wong3]

am very new to this hobby and trying to read out all about DCC before getting one. I like your review 👍of the digitrax DCS52. On the DCS52, you mentioned that there are 2 additional ports Jump1/Jump 2. Does this mean that 3 trains can be run\control simultaneously on the same track layout ?. i have an idea in my mind, want to build up a track layout in the form of the Olympic ring, not round, but the idea is to have them intersected. i will control one train and leave the 2 other trains to their business on a set speed and also watch out for any collisions. lol

[@bchobbies]

The purpose of the jump ports is to allow analog throttles to be used as control inputs for the Zephyr. In that case, yes, you are limited to two of those plus the Zephyr's own controls. However, if you have additional handheld Digitrax throttles, you can hook those up through the LocoNet system and use a large number of them simultaneously if needed, without using the jump ports at all (or in addition to the jump ports). Of course, you don't technically need additional throttles (analog or otherwise) to run multiple trains. You can simply start one train, enter the address of another, and control that one with the Zephyr while the first train continues running. However, it quickly gets very chaotic to have multiple trains running and only one throttle. In attempting this, I've often found myself scrambling to punch in address numbers so I can stop the trains before they collide with each other. For that reason, multiple throttles are very handy to have if you like to run several trains at once.

[@philkyle8919]

Buy the ESU Ecos

[@frankbean7823]

I NEED HELP. WILL NCE REGULATE POWER AND EVERY THING LIKE THAT SO I DONT NEED TO WORRY ABOUT MY TRAIN BEING DAMAGED OR DECODER BEING DAMAGED IN ANY WAY SORRY FOR CAPS LOCK.

[@bchobbies]

The NCE's power supply is less than 14 volts, which is safe for all HO engines.