DCC control Bachmann v Hornby

[CallySleeperKid]

I am currently running the basic Hornby Select DCC controller and will be upgrading soon, but unsure if I should go with the Hornby Elite or the Bachmann Dynamis system?

Its a long way off yet but I intend to wire all the points up, why is the most cost effective system to use for that?

Also, I know you can set up double/triple headers with the Hornby unit, but can you do this with the Bachmann?

I am leaning towards the Bachmann because I like how it looks and the hands free controller is a big plus for me as I will have quite a large layout which will be better if I can walk around to control, rather than stay in the same place.

Any views or personal experiences would be great, cheers.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
RE the Dynamis, just read "Allows 40 consists of up to 5 locomotives each"

 

[hairyhandedfool]

You can have atleast triple headers with the Dynamis (I had a 156 and two 153 running together with it) however the consist counts towards the 40 loco memory limit. The Dynamis costs less than the Elite IIRC, but then the NCE Powercab is considered by many to be better than both and around the cost of the Elite, but without the wireless feature.

Some have noted that it is easy to lose the IR signal with the Dynamis, I have only ever noticed this once (on turning the unit on) and turning the unit off for a few minutes seemed to cure it. Apparently it is something to do with fluorescent lighting.

You do also have to be careful of the connecting pins on the bottom of the base unit, not a problem I have had myself, but they are exposed and might get damaged.

 

[bangor-toad]

Its a long way off yet but I intend to wire all the points up, why is the most cost effective system to use for that?

Hi there,
If I can ask a question about the points: Why wire them for DCC operation?


OK, let me provide a bit a reasoning for that rather negative comment. I'm a great DCC fan - I've got both Roco and Lenz systems and they work great for programming, control and generally just playing trains.

Where I have struggled is to justify using DCC to control the points.
Using DCC means you have to have a DCC controller rather than a more straightforward and understandable On/Off/On switch (or whatever system you choose). You also need to buy accessory decoders to get the correct voltage outputs from the DCC system.
Setting routes by throwing multiple points seem complex with DCC whereass with analogue systems you can do it reasonably simply with a diode matrix.

Also I've never really liked the idea of the high current draw point motors taking thier feed from the DCC bus. In the new layout I'm building (I'll get there eventually! ) I will have three power systems.
The first will be the DCC bus providing power to the track
The second will be for the scenery lighting
The third will be for the points

The disadvantage of using a non-dcc system is that I'll need to feed three wires from the the control panel to each set of points. It does mean far more wire than just using a DCC bus but personally I think it's better this way.

If you do find a DCC point controller system that you like and that is simple to use then please post more - I'm always interested to find out if there are new products / options out there I don't know about.

Cheers!
Jason

 

[CallySleeperKid]

Cheers apx068.

I am a total novice when it comes to having powered points, so have not done any research into them at all, and they will more than likely be a long way off, but your input has given me something to think about.

As for the DCC upgrade, I really am liking the Bachmann one, am I right in thinking that the one that comes with the Class 150 set is a basic version of the DCC unite, and ill need to upgrade, or buy more parts, to have it fully wireless?

UPDATE.

After looking at the picture it does seem its fully set up and wireless, so I may well go for the DCC Class 150 set.

 

[142094]

Is the Lenz system still around?