(updated June 2011)

Detailed breakdown and comparison of the model train industry's top digital command control (DCC) systems from Tony's Trains Exchange.

Also available in PDF format.
Complete Guide to Consisting
Tony's Off The Cuff Comments

DCC At A Glance

Zephyr Xtra
Super Chief Xtra
SET-90
SET-100
Prodigy Advance 2
PowerPro
PowerCab
Max number of cabs
20
120
31
31
TBD
63
2/4
Number of Locos per Consist
20
120
256
256
Unlimited
Unlimited
Unlimited
Max number of loco addresses
4 digit
4 digit
4 digit
4 digit
4 digit
4 digit
4 digit
MU capabilities
20
120
256
256
128
506
136
Speed Controls
1 knob
2 knobs or keypad
Knob
Keypad
Knob or Keypad
Thumb Wheel or Keypad
Thumb Wheel or Keypad
Total Functions
29
29
28
28
28
28
28
Feedback
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Max. current (Amp)
3.5
5.0
5.0
5.0
3.3
5.0
2.0+
Software Upgrades
no
no
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
Operates Stationary Decoder
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Read/Write Programming
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
Ops Mode Programming
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Direct Mode Programming
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Wireless Option
IR/Duplex Radio
IR/Duplex Radio
Yes
Yes
No
Duplex radio
Duplex radio
Mfg Warranty
1 yr
1 yr
10 yrs
10 yrs
1 yr
1 yr
1 yr
NMRA Conformance
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Pending
Sound Support
Full
Full
Full
Full
Full
Full
Full
Positioning Reporting
Xponding
Xponding
NMRA
NMRA
No
Pending
Pending
Basic System Cost (MSRP)
$225.00
$455.00
$442.50
$497.50
$429.98
$529.95
$199.95
Tony's Price

Ironically, the complex appearance of the North Coast, System One throttles ultimately provides for an easier, intuitive operating format than the DT100. Digitrax's release now of the more user friendly DT400 closes the gap.

More details about each system: