Overview of NMRA DCC systems

To give a better impression of which makes are available and wht they offer you, a table-style overview is given here. Not all manufacturers are listed, but included are most important European and American manufacturers.

Image	Manufacturer	# loco adresses	# of accessory adresses	# of speed steps	Cab bus system	feedback bus	computer interface	notes
	Digitrax	9999	2048	14/27 - 28 - 128	LocoNet	LocoNet	connects to LocoNet, RS-232, USB 2.0, LAN or WLAN by a seperate module.	Leading US manufacturer. Complete range of products, that can even be extended with products made by other manufacturers.
	Lenz	9999	2048 (firmware V 4.0) otherwise 1024	14/27 - 28 - 128	XPressNet / X-Bus	RS- feedback bus, RailCom®	connects to XPressNet, your choice of RS232, USB 2.0 or Ethernet (2010), seperate module.	Leading European manufacturer, nearly all products are NMRA certified. Complete range of products.
	NCE	9999	256?	14/27 - 28 -128	Cab Bus	Cab Bus	built-in in command station, RS-232, USB via seperate module	Manufacturer now seems to concentrate on H0 and larger scales. Some N-scale suitable decoders available. Track circuits and other signalling accessories available.
	Uhlenbrock Intellibox Basic	32 out of 9999	2000	14/27 - 28 -128	LocoNet	LocoNet	built-in in central unit., USB 2.0	Central unit has 2 control knobs, built-in USB 2.0 interface and a built-in 3 Amp booster, can also send the Märklin MM format.
	Uhlenbrock Intellibox II	9999	2048	14/27 - 28 - 128	LocoNet	LocoNet, s88, RailCom®	USB 2.0	Central unit has 2 control knobs, built-in USB 2.0 interface and a built-in 3 Amp booster, can also send the Märklin MM and Selectrix (locos only) formats.
	Uhlenbrock Intellibox II neo	9999 dcc + mfx	2048	14/27 - 28 - 128	LocoNet	LocoNet, s88-N, RailCom®	USB , WLAN	Upgraded version of the Intellibox II, WLAN interface added, new booster stage
	Fleischmann Twin Center	9999	2000	14/27 - 28 - 128	LocoNet	LocoNet, s88	built-in in central unit, RS-232	Central unit has 2 control knobs, built-in RS-232 interface and a built-in 3 Amps booster, can also send Selectrix and the now obsolete FMZ formats. * Production ceased in 2010, successed by Roco 'Multi Maus' system, see Roco section *
	CVP Easy DCC	9999	2048	14/27 - 28 - 128	CVP cab bus	None	built-in in command station, RS-232, special cable needed	System is available in both kit and built-up versions. It was described in a series of articles in 'Model Railroader' in 1997. Kits are no longer available (2005)
	ZTC 511	9999	2047	14/27 - 28 - 128	X-Bus	no feedback bus yet. (under development)	seperate interface module, USB	Central unit has steam loco-style controller, built-in 5 Amps booster. Only system made in the UK.
	ZTC 611	9999	2047	14/27 - 28 -128	X-Bus	no feedback bus yet. (under development)	USB built-in	Successor to ZTC 511, upgraded technology. A long wait...
	Roco MultiMaus	9999	1024	14 - 28 - 128	Roconet, X-Bus	seperate feedback bus	seperate interface RS-232 or USB	Simple system that is easily upgraded to a mid-range system. Best suited for HO-scale, due to the lack of output voltage stabilisation. Also sold under the Fleischmann brand (2010 onwards)
	Zimo MX1	9999	256+	14/27 - 28 - 128	CAN-bus	CAN-bus,	RS-232 built-in in central unit (programming only), CAN-bus dongle with RS-232 or USB 2.0 for layout control.	Central unit consists of command station, 8 Amps booster and has a RS-232 interface. Accessories are controlled by CAN-bus modules or single-device decoders.
	Zimo MX10	9999	2048	14/27 - 28 - 128	CAN-bus, Zigbee wireless (for use with radio handhelds)	CAN-bus, RailCom®	USB 2.0 and Ethernet	Central unit consists of command station, 12 Amps booster and has a USB 2.0 interface. Accessories are controlled by CAN-bus modules or single-device decoders.
	CT-Elektronik	9999	1024	14/27 - 28 - 128	XpressNet	Not yet, RS-bus (Lenz) under development	RS-232 in command station / booster unit	DCC system, handheld features a large backlit LCD-display and click-encoder. Decoders support Zimo signal-brake method.
	Trix	99 ? (not known yet), 9999 with MC 2.	None with Mobile Control 1 (top image), 320 with Mobile Control 2 (bottom image)	14/27 - 28 - 128	Systems Link / CAN (propiatry)	propiatry (same as cab bus)	Built-in in 'Central Station' unit (announced) Ethernet	DCC system offered by Trix, replaces Selectrix equipment. Design based on Märklin equipment.
	Massoth	9999	2048	14/27 - 28 - 128	DiMAX (propiatry)	DiMAX (propiatry)	RS-232 in central unit	System originally intended for use with G-scale layouts, a new central unit (DiMAX 800Z, pictured) has been introduced for use with smaller scales.
	ESU ECoS	over 16,000	1024	14/27 - 28 -128	ECosLink (propiatry)	ECoSLink (propiatry), s88, RailCom® prepared	Ethernet (RJ 45) in base station	New high-end system from Germany, with great connectivity options. Very modern design with 7-inch colour touchscreen.
	ESU CabControl	16384	1024	14/27 - 28 -128	ECosLink (propiatry)	ECosLink (propiatry)	Ethernet (RJ45) in base unit, USB for charching and updating.	Announced for Q3 2022, 7 Amp capacity
	Märklin Central Station (with upgrade by ESU)	9999	2048	14/27 - 28 -128	CAN (propiatry)	CAN (propiatry), s88	Ethernet (RJ 45) in base station	With upgrade 3.0.0 from ESU unit sends MM, DCC, mfx and Selectrix loco formats, 4 Amp power capacity. Unit out of production and replaced by CS2.
	Märklin Central Station 3, Central Station 3 +	9999 (in DCC mode)	2048 (DCC, 320 MM)	14/27-28-128	CAN (propiatry)	CAN (propiatry), s88 (CS3+ only)	Ethernet (RJ45)	Successor to CS1 and CS2 command stations. Supports mfx, mfx+, MM and DCC formats
	Märklin Central Station 2	9999	at least 320	14-28-128	CAN (propiatry)	s88, CAN (propiatry)	Ethernet (RJ45)	Supports mfx, MM and DCC formats.
	MRC Prodigy range	9999	256?	14- 28 -128	propiatry cab bus	no feedback bus	Wireless link with USB-dongle or cabled USB with seperate interface module.	Range of simple to medium-level systems. The Prodigy Advance system is distributed in the UK by Gaugemaster
	Viessmann Commander	9999	254 (MM) or 1024 (DCC)	14 - 28 -128	'High-speed Bus' (HSB) and 'low-speed bus' (LSB, X-press Net, X-Bus, Roco compatible)	s88 + propiatry 'HSB' and 'LSB' - XPressNet, Roco compatible), RailCom®	USB 2.0	New system fitted with colour screen. System connects with a propiatry control panel for points and signals. Production ended late 2016.
	Viessmann Commander 2	9999 dcc + mfx	2048	14-28-128	LocoNet	s88	USB, LAN, HDMI	Successor of the Commander, uses tablet, smartphone or TV/monitor screen to display track diagram. Supports mfx decoders.
	Bachmann Dynamis	9999	80	14- 28 - 128	ECosLink	none	none	New midrange system by Bachmann, 2-way infra-red connection to base station.
	Tams Easy Control	9999 (DCC) or 255 (MM)	1020 (MM) or 2040 (DCC)	14 - 28 - 128 (DCC)	EasyNet (propiatry), uses cat-5 network cables	s88, s88-N (cat-5 cables), RailCom®	RS-232 and USB 2.0	Easy to set up system with more qualities than you might expect at first sight. Regulated output on boosters could be adjusted by fitting differnet zener diodes in the booster units (B-3 type only)
	Tams RedBox	10239 (DCC) or 255 (MM)	2040 (DCC) or 1020 (MM)	14 - 28 -128 (DCC)	EasyNet, XpressNet, DECT cordless phones and old Märklin controllers via adaptors.	s88-N (RJ45 plugs), RailCom®	USB-2, RS-232 (V24) optional	Successor to Easy Control, with more features. Supports the m3 (Märklin Systems) format for loco decoders.
	Tams mc²	DCC: 10239 MM: 255 m3: 16384	2040 (DCC) or 1020 (MM)	14-28-128 (DCC) 14-27 (MM) 128 (m3)	EasyNet, LocoNet (throttles only), CAN (Märklin only), XpressNet, BiDiB for accessory modules	s88-N, BiDiB, RailCom®	LAN network	modern 'base station', has built-in web interface, no special software needed, compatible with all computer and mobile phone operating systems
	Hornby Elite	254 out of 9999	255 out of 9999	14-28-128	XPressNet	RailCom®, via XPressNet (not working yet)	USB 2.0	Modern mid-range system, unstabilised output. Not easily available outside the UK
	Z21	9999	2048	14-28-128	3 X-bus, LocoNet, CAN (one each)	seperate feedback bus (same as Roco MultiMaus), RailCom®	WLAN and LAN	System is controllable from smartphone, tablet, Roco MultiMaus or LocoNet handheld
	TrainModules NaWi Digital Center	9999	unknown	14-28-128	ExpressNet, LocoNet, CAN	s88 (RJ45), LocoNet	USB, Ethernet, WLAN for mobile devices	Modern command station from Hungary, the complete top panel of the unit is a touchscreen.
	Digikeijs DR5000	9999 (DCC)	2048 (DCC)	14-28-128	ExpressNet, LocoNet, RocoNet, X-Bus	s88-N, LocoNet, Roco feedback bus, RailCom®	USB 2.0, LAN, WiFi	Very affordable, lots of connections. Must be configured with a Windows PC.
	Kuehn cOne	9999	unknown	14-28-128	XPressNet			Announced 2016, also suitable as analogue controller, still not available (2022)
	TCS	9999	unknown	14-28-128	WiFi (wireless)	unknown	WiFi, LCC	Handheld wireless controllers (WiFi) already available, will work woth other systems or directly with a PC.
	DCC Concepts Cobalt-α	9999		14-28-128	NCE Cab bus	none	none	Intelligent Booster unit that connects to a number of DCC command stations by an adapter cable. Can be used as a command station to control DCC accessories only.
	DCC Concepts	9999	?	?	?	?	?	New system under development (2020)
	LS Digital Infinity Cube	DCC: 10239 MM: 255 m3: 16384	2040 (DCC) or 1020 (MM)	14-28-128 (DCC) 14-27 (MM) 128 (m3)	EasyNet, LocoNet (throttles only), CAN (Märklin only), XpressNet, BiDiB for accessory modules	s88-N, BiDiB, RailCom®	LAN network	Co-development with Tams Elektronik mc², now offered as a black version of the mc²

Listed are only those manufacturers who offer complete systems. There are quite a few manufacuters around that offer additional equipment. I would like to refer to the manufacturers' websites for more information, just click on the right name. Please note that some sites are in German only.

Any decoder that fits inside an N-scale loco is N-scale suitable. In normal practice you are limited to the smaller-sized loco decoders. The list below gives an overview, but note that it is not complete.

Digitrax has a wide selection of N-scale suitable decoders. For common use ref. DZ-123, DN-121, DN-143 are very suitable. All these are relatively thick (about 4 mm) but have a power output up to 1 Amp! Digitrax also offers decoders that fit a particular model, these decoders have a reference number that ends with a letter, like DN-163K0, which is a decoder that fits quite a number of Kato locos. More information on the Digitrax website.

Lenz offers 4 N-scale suitable decoders. All are very small and may fit many locos. The 'Gold Mini' decoder is their top-performance decoder with built-in 'Rail Com' transponder. The new 'Silver Mini' decoder is similar in performance, but without the transponder. It therefore has a lower price

ESU is the first German manufacturer to offer sound decoders even down to N-scale. Range has now been extended with decoders without sound unit and a few accessories like the radio hand-held controller and now the ECoS DCC system.

NCE mainly offers H0-sized decoders, but new are N-scale suitable decoders. NCE follows the Digitrax way, making replacement circuit boards. Available is one for the Intermountain FT diesel loco. A decoder that fits the Kato 'Genesis', E8, PA and a number of Japanese prototype locos is announced (similar to Digitrax DN-163K0). Other N-scale sized decoders are under development.

Uhlenbrock has indroduced several N-scale suitable decoders, their first was a small sized decoder at only 12.2 x 8.6 x 3.7 mm! It even accepts Märklin's Digital and Trix Selectrix formats. It is also compatible with coreless motors like Faulhaber, Maxon and Escap. Further DCC features are: long addresses, back-EMF motor control. Power output is 500 mAmps. A unique option is the use of F3 and F4. F4 toggles the momentum on or off, whilst F3 halves the speed range. Great for shunting operations!

A Uhlenbrock N-scale suitable DCC decoder. The coin is a 1 Eurocent coin.(photo: Uhlenbrock)

Viessmann now offers loco decoders, to everyone's surprise. An N-scale suitable decoder that is slightly larger than the one offered by Uhlenbrock, at only 9.3 x 14 x 3.4 mm. Two varieties are offered: one with long leads and one with the NEM-651 or NMRA 'S' standard plug. Maximum power output is 500mAmps. The larger size Viessmann decoder may be of interest when you want to convert EMU's or DMU's. It is thinner than the mini-decoder, but has a larger footprint at 13.9 x 21.9 x 2.9 mm. It may be offered at a lower price. Viessmann also offers accessory decoders, 'digital track-circuits' that feed back into Märklin's s88 feedback bus and signals that have a built-in decoder as well as many scenic accessories and a German-style catenary system. A command station was announced at the 2006 Nürnberg Toy Fair and is available from December 2006.

Viessmann 'Commander' DCC command station and 'GBS' modular control panel. (photo: Viessmann)

Zimo offers a number of true N-scale suitable decoders. A full-featured high-end decoder that is finally available. Development of this decoder took a long time. That it is available now shows that Zimo is serious on DCC for N-scale. It is only 14 x 9 x 3 mm at there is a variety that fits the NEM 651 socket.

CT-Elektronik offers Zimo-style decoders, which are fully compatible with Zimo systems, including Zimo's transponding system! The range includes N-scale suitable loco decoders, but also function-only decoders. Latest decoder is an N-scale suitable sound decoder. A command station/booster unit and handheld controller are also on offer.

Kuehn offers loco and function decoders that can be built in cab cars of MUs. Some decoders also operate on the MM signal format.

TCS is a US-based DCC decoder manufacturer. TCS offers a wide range of smaller-sized decoders. TCS has 2-board decoders that may be useful to convert Tomix and other split-frame locomotive models.

Tams Elektronik offers a range of electronic accessories, from blinker circuit to a complete DCC system.

QDecoder from Germany offers new types of signal and accessory decoders. These can be operated by a special electronic module. QDecoder also offers special colour-light signal decoders, with pre-programmed CVs to mimic specific (DB, SBB, NS and ÖBB) prototypes.

DCC Concepts offer a range of DCC accesories, loco decoders, accessory decoders, DCC boosters, control panel components and loads of other bits.

drM drom Taiwan offer a wide range of DCC decoders, many of them are a made to fit Kato locomotives and MUs without any 'chopping' of the bodywork. Coach lighting units and accessory decoders are also on offer.

SNJPN (Nagasue) offers decoders matched for Japanese model trains. Available are: loco decoders, motor-decoders, head / tail light decoders, interior light decoders, a programming unit that connects to your computer's USB port and a special decoder for the Tomix track cleaner.

ZTC now under ownership of Taunton Controls Ltd.offers two small-sized decoders, aimed at the British market. This means that one of the two decoders has no function outputs at all! A variety is available that does not need a complete isolation of the motor brushes, very suitable to convert Graham Farish British N-scale locos. New N-scale suitable decoders are under development.

MAX ambient from Germany offer special accessory decoders, such as a light effect decoder, a freely configurable signal decoder (up to 48 signal lamps), a sound effect decoder which palys sounds froma microSD memory card will follow soon.

The only one who can answer that question is you. A good salesman can assist you in making the right choice, as could this website. Most important is to make a decision which fits your ideas and your budget. N-scale suitable decoders get more affordable these days, due to a wider choice offered by the manufacuters, which increases competition. One important thing to note is the output voltage of the boosters (or central unit in some cases). It is best that this output is stabilized. Only Lenz, Digitrax, NCE and Zimo offer systems with stabilized outputs. This also means that you are 'caught' to a style of cab bus and matching controllers. The Arnold system may be a good choice when you want a 'mid-end' system. Everyhting is possible, apart from transponding, with the aid of a few components offered by other manufacturers. Hopefully, the supply problems will be solved soon by Lima, the parent company of Arnold. Roco's system has also evolved from a basic system into a 'mid-end' system, with similar features offered as the Arnold system. High-end systems like the Digitrax Chief and Super Chief, Lenz and Zimo systems offer everthing you can dream of, but at a price! A high-end system is costly, but offers all features, like transponding loco adresses into the feedback bus, computer-control etc. Uhlenbrock, Digitrax and Lenz offer cheaper starter kits with fewer features that can be upgraded into a high-end system if you want.

It is possible to build your own DCC equipment. You need to have some skill in building electronic circuits, but it is not very complicated. Most D-I-Y DCC systems use a PC to generate the DCC commands, a booster sends these to the tracks. Most D-I-Y systems only offer locomotive control, but for many applications this is enough. Links to D-I-Y DCC projects can be found on the Fremo website. EasyDCC by CVP is a kit for a complete DCC system. EasyDCC has no feedback bus and has its own cab bus system. EasyDCC is a good 'mid-end' system, very suitable when you only want loco control and limited accesory control. The British Model Electronic Railway Group (MERG) offer their own design as a kit to their members. PCB layouts, schematics, descriptions, parts lists and programming code is available to anyone on the MERG website.

For more extended systems and larger layouts, computer control may be a good option to replace the control panel. You will need accessory decoders to control the turnouts and signals and feedback modules that sense the status of track-circuits around your layout. With transponding it is possible to read decoder adresses, but as far as I know there is not yet a standard for transponding, so each manufacturer offering this feature is on his own at the moment. At this moment, only Zimo (first!), Digitrax and Lenz offer transponding.

For computer control, you connect your computer via the RS-232 serial port , USB 2.0 or network to the command station of your DCC system. Sometimes, dependent on the system you use, you will have to purchase a seperate interface, other systems may have the interface built-in in the command station. The second part is control software, in which there is a remarkably wide choice. Below are some links to control software suppliers. Please note that not all software is offered for Apple Mac or Linux systems. JMRI and iTrain are Java-based and will run on a Mac or Linux system.

JMRI is an open-source software with modules for decoder programming, control panels, operation sequences etc. etc. It even supports the X10 protocol to control room lighting. It's Java based and available for free and runs on Windows, Mac and Linux systems. JMRI supports many DCC systems, but not all combinations offer full functionality. Best of all, JMRI is offered free of charge. Donations are welcome!

Jürgen Freiwald offers Railroad&Co., which also offers a wide range of control options, and supports a wide range of systems.

Koploper is a computer control package that is offered free! It is only available in the Dutch language and supports Märklin, Selectrix, Lenz and Uhlenbrock systems. Registration at no extra cost is needed for full functionality.

ModellStw stands for Modell Stellwerk, model signal box in English, software simulates German SpDr and Swiss Integra Domino mimic panels or German ESTW or Swiss Iltis computer signal controls. Looks and works like the prototype!

iTrain by Berros Software runs on Windows, Mac or Linux systems, and supports many DCC control systems.

RocRail is an open-source software that upport many DCC systems, and offers control by mobile devices such as iPhones, iPads and Android devices. RocRail operats under Windows, Linux and Mac OS X. RocRail is offered free of charge, donations are welcome however.

STP and PFüSch are two packages that are made especially for use with Zimo systems. STP is only a computer control panel, with timetable and automation options. PFüSch or 'ADaPt' is a decoder programming tool whcih can also be used to control locomotives and accessories. STP takes full adavntage of the address read-out function of the Zimo decoders and feedback modules.

Most of the information on these pages comes from the manufacturer's websites and catalogues. Please click on the links for more information. Quite a few model railway magazines have articles on digital command control in their columns. I would like to refer to N-Bahn Magazin 5-2000, Alba Verlag, Düsseldorf Germany, for a detailed article on N-scale decoders. But things develop fast in modern electronics, so you need to update your knowledge regularly.