Search results for:
December 18 2014
Comparison : Digital Train Control (DCC) Systems
(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: