| A DCC controller system will create a major | | | | can connect it using LocoNet in conjunction with |
| advantage for your model train system. Not only will | | | | Locobuffer II. |
| you be able to control it with electricity, you will have | | | | Prodigy: The NCE Lite has a rating of 3.5 amps and |
| complete control of the entire system, which is very | | | | has the ability to connect to another cab bus. Right |
| impressive when you are dealing with model trains. | | | | now though you will only find one handheld controller |
| Honestly, you can have a basic train set that goes | | | | for it. Luckily the system does have a cooling fan, |
| around the track and occasionally switches tracks, but | | | | unlike some. So let's face it, we like building things, but |
| when you have a Digital Command Control system, | | | | needing to build a cooling fan for DCC is just irritating. |
| you can make your scene really come to life! | | | | This device comes with 19 functions keys. |
| You can actually create your own programs, and | | | | To add to the realism it helps to have a DCC sound |
| cause the trains to move realistically. This is great for | | | | system. There are a few different types, some of |
| train shows and public displays, and is a model train | | | | which can include realistic sounds, and of course the |
| operator's dream. There are a few different systems | | | | standard train horn. Many of the sounds are recordings |
| out there, some of them better than others, but since | | | | of trains in the real world, or even museum bound |
| many people are just starting out with their DCC | | | | locomotives from ages past. If you are building a |
| systems, so let's do a DCC controller comparison, | | | | historical scene, there's nothing better than having |
| starting with the lowest end system out there. | | | | sounds reminiscent on a 1900's locomotive barreling |
| Atlas Commander: For those who are novices in DCC | | | | through town. Mind you if you are recreating a mid |
| operation, this will work great. Featuring eight function | | | | twentieth century setting, you may not have sound at |
| keys, this device can deal with seven cabs. You | | | | all because citizens in Florida deemed the train horn to |
| cannot program on the fly however, which will | | | | be a nuisance and without purpose. That however, is |
| disappoint some people. Again though, this is for | | | | another story for another day, and an amusing one at |
| beginners and those who do not want to deal with a | | | | that. |
| highly complicated system. | | | | These are a few DCC systems available including |
| Zephyr: This is also a popular system, and quality is | | | | Atlas Commander, Lenz systems, NCE Power Pro, |
| just what you will find in all Digitrax DCC decoders. It | | | | Digitrax DCC systems, and you no doubt find one that |
| has two jump ports that allow DC power packs to be | | | | suits your needs. Just remember to shop within your |
| connected, which is something that many other DCC | | | | experience level, and of course keep your power |
| decoders lack. If you wish to use a computer, then you | | | | requirements in mind. You can always upgrade later! |