DCC Control Systems & Starter Sets

We excel in the area of top quality DCC systems:

We stock only a few brands, but they are brands chosen with hands on experience because they are the best there is, not because of their margin or other buying benefits. We simply refuse to sell ANY product we wouldn’t use ourselves, which means no trainset brands and no systems that will not do any of the things we see as important in DCC. We will never compromise on this policy.

We import 100% of our systems directly and offer a full backup service on all brands that we sell, with none warranted less than a year & some for much longer.

We are quick, responsive & capable if you need help or service support!

We never sell on price alone, but we do offer good competitive pricing from the start… and we offer far better value than some who might at first glance seem cheaper, as we often add in a bonus decoder or similar item and never charge excessively for post or other services. We understand that hobby budgets are not bottomless, as we are modellers too!

Most importantly, we never simply take orders for DCC systems:

We always take care to ask you about your model railway, how you want to operate, what you’d like to achieve by going DCC and much more… so re really DO know what you need before we start talking about brands and prices, and we will only ever as a result, only offer the correct system for your needs!

We also look after you in a way that is unique: have a horror of over-selling as we so often see from others and so we will always sell you only what you need, as you need it…. We’d much rather see you happy and coming back than overloaded with gear you “might” need one day!

Because our reputation is for good honest advice, we have sold DCC to customers in more than 20 countries including USA, UK and Europe and have even recently advised several clients in USA on their best possible US made system choice.

We have gained a reputation for good advice because we are direct, honest, and frankly, we simply know far more about DCC than ANY of our competitors.

As a result, we can genuinely say we have NEVER had an unhappy DCC customer nor lost a client to another reseller due to poor service or advice.

So… if you are local, drop in, have a cup of tea or coffee with me and talk to me about your modelling…. If you are a little too far away to drop in, call us.

If you are overseas, then email or telephone:

We keep long telephone hours and divert office phones after hours, so as long as you don’t wake us up too early in the morning, we’ll always take your call with a smile (we are at GMT + 8 hours)

Oh.. And by the way, we really DO look after clubs:

If your club needs the best possible impartial advice on system choice and design, call me: I’ll look over your groups plans and aspirations and guarantee you both the right advice AND I’ll make sure that you have a very special “club price” for your DCC system too!

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About these product listings:

Pricing: We like to give good value so we do not list system prices online. We will often change prices to reflect current exchange rates however we make sure we always give excellent value so please email or call to check!

Features: All systems we sell have a huge list of features so we have chosen a limit of 6 features for each one. For those who want to learn more, we invite you to call or email us with specific questions, and provide a link to a PDF file of the FULL MANUAL for every system at the bottom of each product listing.

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DIRECT LINKS: Click on the links here to be taken directly to each brand:

 

Digitrax               ESU ECOS               Lenz

 

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NCE PowerHouse Pro PLUS system (Exclusively from DCCconcepts)

We are very big fans of both the NCE Powerhouse Pro and NCE PowerCab starter system as both have superb features and each has real benefits.

What’s more, whilst modellers often see the need to choose between them, we know that its not necessary to buy one of each to get the best of both worlds, so we have created what we feel is the ultimate NCE DCC system - with the best of both, at a price far less than one of each.

  Here is the ultimate NCE DCC “Starter system” for the serious modeller

 

Text Box: It is in fact really TWO full DCC Systems for only a fraction more than the price of ONE! It contains: A full PowerCab system... Plus a PowerCab power supply, PowerCab layout panel, PowerCab leads and comprehensive manual And…..A full NCE PowerHouse Pro 5 amp system box… plus a Power House Pro UTP or layout panel, a manual and all of the leads needed for connection of

 

Text Box: Need the perfect Power Supply for your DCC system? Our specially designed PS-5 is without doubt the best DCC power supply available and it is perfect for this system.

Click here to learn more about it

 

 Key feature listing of this set (most are common to both systems):

· Two systems in one, a 2 amp (max) small layout & work bench system and a full 5 amp layout system…

· Direct and simple on-screen communication in plain English making this one of the most user friendly systems ever.

· Direct computer interface from PHP Base station via serial port.

· Regularly updated software & Unlimited expansion possibilities

· 28 functions, direct one button operation of all important decoder related functions / sound functions

· Comfortable one handed operation with all key features within reach of your thumb whether you are right or left handed

For a link to the NCE PowerCab manual click here.

For a link to the NCE PowerHouse Pro Manual click here.

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NCE PowerCab 2 amp starter set    ($ Ask us)

PowerCab is the ideal way to start in DCC: It has almost ALL of the very many features of the full 5 amp NCE DCC system and can comfortably expand to form the core of the largest DCC system you can imagine with no loss of benefits or cost penalty during the upgrade process.

Apart from a smaller direct access loco stack (2 vs 6) and of course less power handling, PowerCab really does have almost 100% of the features of its big brother.

It has some really good value bonus features too—like the ability to show the current draw if each locomotive right on screen, making it the prefect workbench system for those who like to install decoders or kit/scratchbuild, tune or customise their locomotives.

PowerCab provides all of the capability and ease of use of the Power Pro system at an entry level price.

This is our personal favourite and most easily recommended and popular entry level DCC system for one very, very good reason… It is the best available!

 

NCE PowerCab Has everything you need to get started with DCC !

As an added bonus to get you started DCCconcepts even give you a high quality Back EMF DCC decoder worth $45.00 free when you buy PowerCab!

Installation & operation are instinctive &  easy for modellers of all ages…

Just connect the power-pack to the layout panel, hook two wires to your track, plug in the cab and you’re up and running! Its as easy as that!

For a link to the NCE PowerCab manual click here.

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NCE PowerHouse Pro 5 amp full system ($ Ask us)

NCE has grown to be the current leader in hand held DCC systems for very good reason. It is simply as good as it gets if enjoying driving your trains realistically really matters to you!

The NCE PowerHouse pro system is perhaps the ideal DCC system - regularly updated and always 100% NMRA compliant, full & direct 28 function access from the handset, easy to learn and easy to get on with, full read-back of all CV’s, both rotary and button control and much, much more.

Its no wonder many existing DCC owners and many of the clubs who really want the best for their members most often change up to NCE!

 

Text Box: Need a perfect Power Supply for your DCC system? Our top quality PS-5 really is the best DCC power supply available and it is perfectly matched to this system. Text Box: Click here to learn more about it

 

The NCE PowerHouse Pro has almost limitless expansion possibilities and some VERY desirable features:

· Up to 63 cabs can be connected

· Run up to 250 trains at once

· 127 advanced consists each with any number of locomotives PLUS at the same time, up to 250 old style consists of up to 4 loco’s

· Up to 2044 point /turnouts and signals can be controller

· Clock and scalable fast clock are included in the handset

· All programming modes supported, with separate programming track.

 

For a link to the NCE PowerHouse Pro Manual click here.

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NCE PowerHouse Pro system With Radio ($ Ask us)

The Power Pro R is a full Bi-directional radio equipped Power Pro system.

The Power Pro-R has all the features of the PowerHouse Pro system PLUS It has fully bi-directional radio and is the only fully featured radio product with this ability (all others are one way only).

With NCE Radio system, you NEVER need to plug in, even to acquire loco’s or to programme - and with the newest version of NCE radio software it is so quick and responsive. The Power Pro - R is also supplied with cab cabling and can be plugged in if you wish, but in normal use it eliminates the need for any wire between you and the layout. All features of the Pro Cab are usable while in radio mode and up to 60 additional radio and tethered cabs can be used simultaneously.

Text Box: Need a perfect Power Supply for your DCC system? Our PS-5 is without doubt the best DCC power supply available and it is perfectly matched to this system. Text Box: Click here to learn more about it

 

The NCE PowerHouse Pro radio system is incredibly efficient & has almost limitless expansion possibilities and some VERY desirable features:

· Up to 63 cabs can be connected

· Run up to 250 trains at once

· 127 advanced consists each with any number of locomotives PLUS at the same time, up to 250 old style consists of up to 4 loco’s

· Up to 2044 point /turnouts and signals can be controller

· Clock and scalable fast clock are included in the handset

· All programming modes supported, with separate programming track.

 

 The Manual for this product is the same as for The PowerHouse Pro.

For a link to the manual for the Radio system please click here

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 NCE PH-10 PowerHouse Pro 10 amp system made especially for large scale modellers ($ Ask us)

Text Box: The PH-10 has all the same operating features as the PowerHouse Pro 5 Amp systems described previously. However it has a totally separated command station and a whopping 10 Amps of power from its booster for O-Scale and Large Scale (G) layouts. (This system is available to order only—typical availability within 3 weeks of order)

The Manual for this product is the same as for The PowerHouse Pro.

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NCE PH-10 PowerHouse Pro 10 amp system WITH RADIO for large scale modellers ($ Ask us)

Text Box: The PH-10 has all the same operating features as the PowerHouse Pro 5 Amp systems described previously. However it has a totally separated command station and a whopping 10 Amps of power from its booster for O-Scale and Large Scale (G) layouts. (This system is available to order only—typical availability within 3 weeks of order)

The Manual for this product is the same as for The PowerHouse Pro.

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NCE ProCab Deluxe Throttle ($ Ask us)

Text Box: NCE’s premier handset. This handset may look complicated but it is so simple to use, you will be amazed! It is a delight to use as every one of the commonly needed controls is within easy range of your thumb, whether you are left or right handed! The ProCab is very full featured with access to 28 functions and it has an easily understood on-screen display plus complete operating/programming ability. Both rotary and button control are available on every NCE ProCab. Absolutely the best high performance cab available!  

For a link to the manual for the NCE Procab, please click here

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NCE Cab 04P, Cab 04E and Cab 05 ($ Ask us)

 

Text Box: NCE’s “Engineers Throttles”. When a crew gets together for an operating session, all the programming has been done and what is needed are throttles that will allow all the important things to be done without the complication of a full feature handset. Acknowledging the importance of feel and feature in a real train drivers controller, NCE has created three different models in this important category.   Text Box: CAB 04P, Cab 04E and Cab 05 are all available with NCE’s excellent full duplex radio system.  

Text Box: CAB 04P: This cab features an analog type knob. This potentiometer type speed control has the typical 270 degree turn from stop to full, with a definite start and finish to the controls rotation. There are two setting for this control. Standard where it acts as a conventional speed control, and “yard mode” where it will have stop at the centre position, and change direction of the locomotive depending on the direction of knob rotation. Cab 04E: This cab looks like just a Cab o4P but utilizes a rotary encoder for speed control. This control has no specific start and stop but does allow you to preset the rate of speed change during cab set-up, ensuring the finest control possible should you need it. The cab 04E is actually TWO controllers in one, as you can swap directly between two different locomotives just by changing the toggle on top! Cab 05: In place of the traditional Knob, the Cab o5 has two sets of speed buttons which surprise many who thought they preferred knob control by the precision they bring to loco control! You not only have a “fast and slow” option… you can also recalibrate the action to suit yourself! Like the Cab04E, the Cab 05 is actually TWO controllers in one, letting you swap directly between two different locomotives just by changing the toggle on top! ALL of these “engineers cabs” can be supplied with Radio!

 

To see the manuals please click on the model number

Cab 04P Manual          Cab 04E Manual          Cab 05 Manual

 

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DIGITRAX PRODUCTS

Digitrax was there at the beginning and has evolved some excellent products. We choose to stock only part of their range, picking the best.

However please note that we do NOT stock the Digitrax Empire builder, as this system fails to allow for CV read-back from decoders and so does not meet our very strict requirements for a DCC system!

Digitrax Super Chief 5 & 8  amp system ($ Ask us)

 

Text Box: This is Digitrax’s very full featured Premium system, and we stock it in two power classes. The Super Chief is a very complete system capable of controlling and running up to 120 throttles at one time. It has a full 5 amps of system power (8 amp optional to special order). It offers 4 digit loco addressing, Dual rotary control on the DT400 Handset. It has flexible programming ability including both programming on the main and programming track modes. It supports all currently available consist modes. Expandable for the largest railways, it is totally NMRA DCC compatible in all operating modes and is of course equipped for interactive control of many accessories via Digitrax Loco-Net Bidirectional communication. The Super Chief Includes DCS100, DT400 throttle, Layout UTP Panel, decoder tester & manuals Available in Digitrax Radio version too!

 

To see the manual click below

Digitrax Super Chief Manual

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Digitrax DCS-50 Zephyr Starter system ($ Ask us)

Text Box: This is Digitrax’s very successful and full featured “Starter system”. It is a consoled style unit which allows full 4 digit addressing, has a wide expansion flexibility via Loco Net and offers a full complement of features and programming abilities, including of course CV read-back. The Zephyr is easy to use and understand and in fact many clubs which operate with the Super Chief keep a zephyr permanently connected to a programming track as it’s a system that every member can understand and use to programme prior to putting their locos on the cub railroad!   Text Box:  

To read the Digitrax DCS-50 Zephyr manual, please click here

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Digitrax DT-400 & DT-400 R Throttle ($ Ask us)

Text Box: Digitrax’s premium DT-400 Throttle can control two locomotives at once! The DT-400 is exceptionally full featured but remains simple to use with any Digitrax LocoNet System including the DCS-50 Zephyr starter set! It has a user friendly multi-line backlit display with easy to read icons, Dual throttle controls for running two trains at a time. Rotary encoder for speed control give extra fine speed and direction control. Full numeric keypad, direct access to functions 0-12 with DCS50 or DCS100 command stations. DT-400 allows single key access to most common throttle tasks. All DT-400 are Infra-Red ready and even have a built in flash-light for reading paperwork and loco/car numbers in darkened layout rooms. DT-400 is also available with radio… radio part number is DT-400R  Text Box:  Model numbers are: DT-400 (IR + plug in type) DT 400 R (Radio version) You will find a detailed set of instructions for both versions in the Super Chief Manuals.

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Digitrax UT4 and UT4-R Throttle ($ Ask us)

Text Box: Digitrax’s “Utility Throttles” are engineer or train driving controllers with less complication…. Yet they still have excellent feel and features! The new Digitrax UT-4 Utility Throttle was designed based on the feedback of many Digitrax owners. It is very compact but has an excellent range of features. It has full direct 4-Digit Addressing. Is Infra-red as standard and it is also available in a radio version (UT4-R) It offers direct access for functions F0-F12 for sound decoder operation, and has a direction switch with center brake position and a Large knob for very precise throttle control This compact controller is a useful addition for layouts with operating crews who need access to everything for loco driving, but don’t want the complexity of a DT-400.  Text Box:   Model number UT4 and UT4-R To read a full copy of the manual for this throttle, please click here

To read a full copy of the manual for this throttle, please click here

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LENZ PRODUCTS

Lenz were one of the companies which contributed to the creation of the NMRA DCC standards, and as a result, all Lenz product has always been designed to the standards and properly certified as compliant, making Lenz almost unique among manufacturers of DCC.

Lenz systems are extremely popular in Europe and have a very wide support base among third party accessory and computer software suppliers because of this.  Lenz product is well made and we enjoy selling their Set 100 and other selected Lenz items but we do not stock them all.

We do not sell the Set 90 as we do not think it is a very good starter set. (modelers find it frustrating as the LH90 handset is really not a good programming controller and the LH100 handset is needed for best results).

We avoid Lenz decoders:

We know this will surprise some modellers however we always follow our own policies, and reliability is a key aspect of that. We dropped Lenz decoders when to our surprise, we found that their reliability had been less than we regard as acceptable in a premium priced product.

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Lenz Set 100 full feature 5  amp system ($ 499)

Text Box: The Lenz Set-100 includes an elegant and sophisticated LH100 Dispatchers throttle, the LZV100 combination Command and Power Station as well as all relevant manuals. The Set 100 command station supports 31 handhelds, 4 digit address, all forms of programming, layout control feedback, advanced consisting, control of 256 locomotives & 1024 turnouts plus with the latest Lenz software versions, 28 NMRA DCC functions. The LH100 handset can also create momentary functions on a per function per locomotive basis. XpressNet devices can therefore take advantage of any available momentary functions once set up by a LH100. The Set-100 is ideal for those who enjoy the precision of push button control.

Click here to read both of the Lenz Set 100 Manuals

LENZ LH100 Manual

LENZ LSV100 Manual

—————————————————————————————————————————Recommendation: Power Supply for LENZ:Text Box: Lenz do make their own power supply... While it is high quality it is designed for European 220 volt mains supply. However, Australias mains system is 240 volt and because the lenz TR100 is a simple AC transformer, the output voltage is affected, resulting in a track voltage which is a bit too high. We therefore strongly recommend that you use our PS-5 with your Lenz system, as it guarantees a better and more stable track voltage level and as a result, you will gain greater layout stability.   

Click here to learn more about it

 

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Lenz LH 100 full feature Handset/Throttle ($ 249)

Text Box: The LH100 is a fully featured controller with very precise speed control that is compatible with all Digital plus and XpressNET based systems. You can easily control and programme  loco and accessory decoders, throw turnouts, activate uncoupling ramps or set signals, programme properties or check the status of feedback encoders and accessory decoders with feedback  An easy to read LCD display provides very clear indication of status for both the locomotive you are operating in relation to direction, speed and function status. LH100 is NMRA conformant.  

Click here to read the Manual

LENZ LH100 Manual

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Lenz LH 90 Engineers Handset/Throttle ($ 159)

Text Box: LH90 V3.5 has a luminescent, 4-digit LED display and it is able to display numbers 0 to 9 and other appropriate symbols. The LH90 hand held controller has a 256 step potentiometer, fast access up to 8 locomotive addresses, the new Version 3.5 can now operate functions (F0-F13) . The New Menu shortcuts help for quicker access to the most commonly used menus: Address Enter, Switch Control, and Function Control. Please note that some advanced features, for example, 12 functions and Momentary Function Output are not supported

Click here to read the Manual

LENZ LH90 Manual

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The ESU ECOS System

(Price varies with exchange rates - please $Ask us)

ESU are perhaps the current technology leaders in DCC, and with the combination of ECOS, the very sophisticated Marklin MFX system, LokPilot DCC & LokSound Decoders plus their excellent ECOS Control systems and accessories, they are now the world’s largest specialised DCC Company.

Text Box: ECOS is a new Hi-Tech DCC control system: Based on a full computer operating system built into a dedicated DCC controller, it contains the best of all new DCC technology, cleverly combining it with the things favoured by the more traditional modeller like rotary knob controls, making it a delight to use. Whilst it looks to be initially a little more expensive than other systems, it is supplied 100% complete. Everything is in the box: Power supply, Two fully independent controllers, direct

Text Box: The Stylish ESU ECOS motorized knobs & touch screen operation! The image below shows the rear connections of the ECOS console

ECOS is constantly updated by ESU, with system updates available from ESU’s website via their ECOS user forum.

For a copy of the ECOS user manuals that were current at the time we wrote this

Please click here

 

ECOS System layout - A very versatile console type system

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ESU ECOS & Lenz compatible mobile control ($ 299)

Text Box: ESU have a new mobile control but we REALLY liked the stylish original. It is an elegant, easy to use radio throttle that fits the hand well & is delightful to use. Whilst the base station is now almost impossible to obtain, we did manage to snap up a quantity of these lovely handsets so can offer additional mobile control handsets for owners of existing ESU mobile control. (several usable on one system) Approved within Australia by DCCconcepts, this handset has a range up to 100 metres. We have stock configured for use with both ECOS & Lenz DCC systems (base station required)

 

Click here for the ESU Mobile Control manual

50100 Mobile Control

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New ESU ECOS full feature mobile control ($ TBC)

Text Box: To quote ESU on their new mobile control…. The new ECOS Control Radio hand held throttle is equipped with ultra-modern radio technology. The radio receiver is simply plugged into the ECOS slot terminal of your ECOS command station and the ECOS powers it. This modern, fast, duplex radio technology achieves a range that allows a reliable operation of your layout under normal circumstances at any time. You do not necessarily need visibility between the handheld and the radio receiver. The radio waves penetrate walls and there is no interference by sun or florescent light, whether outside or in the basement. Due to its ergonomically engineering you can reach all function keys very easily, the arrangement and marking of the buttons is logical and easy to follow. The handheld is to handle as easy as your mobile phone. The thumb joystick is unique... The more it is pushed up, the more acceleration the loco gets. This kind of innovative operation, developed by ESU, can even be controlled blind: You can concentrate your attention to your layout and locos. Fantastic possibilities come apparent when you use the ECOS Control Radio handheld in combination with ECOS: Since both devices synchronize their data you have to put in the name and symbol of the loco only once and it remains up to date with all units. The ECOS Control Radio is also able to switch accessories and routes whose names, addresses and symbols are indicated correctly on the display. You can use up to 4 ECS Control Radio handhelds per receiver module. In this way every operator is able to control his or her locos independently.

 

 

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  No-Nonsense advice and the best in tools and equipment from modelling experts

Showrooms & Office:

 3/13 Lionel St. Naval Base

WA 6165 AUSTRALIA

Phone   +61 8 9437 2470

Fax        +61 8 9437 2471

sales@DCCconcepts.com

Time Zone GMT + 8hrs