I've got a good sized collection of N scale stuff now, including 7 locomotives, all of which are DCC equipped. I've been running on our club layout, but I'm going to try and setup a small switching layout (get some Unitrack, put together a Timesaver, play for a few hours, and take it apart). I haven't yet purchased any track or DCC equipment (asides from the decoders that are in the locomotives). I'm interested in being able to run my trains via a computer interface (preferably through OS X, although I can do Windows). I'd also like to setup the speed tables so I can consist any of my locomotives. Would it make the most sense to go with the Zephyr or the DB150? I know either will require a separate computer interface. Are the read/write capabilities of the Zephyr necessary for what I want to do, or would it be alright to go with a more robust DB150 that will, I assume, be better suited for when I get a real layout? Is it difficult to operate a switching layout using only a computer interface? Thanks in advance...
I would definitely advise that you go with the Zephyr. For what you are wanting to do, the Zephyr is plenty capable, and you will want to have the read-back capability. It's also nice having a seperate porgramming track output. If you are any good with soldering circuits and if you have a computer with a hardware serial port, there is a circuit you can try for the PC interface at the bottom of this page:http://teamdigital1.com/support_tools.html. I have a Zephyr and I use this circuit it interface to a Dell laptop and it works like a champ and cost less than $5. This circuit almost certainly would not work with a USB to RS-232 interface, and I don't know if it would work on an Apple or not.
I second the advice to get a Zephyr. If you want to control using a Mac get a tiny box called a LocoBuffer. It has USB for the computer side and a phone jack for "Loconet" that digitrax uses. As for software, I know of 2 options, both free. First is JMRI and the second is Mac n Trax. Note that I've only used either program to move an engine back and forth and not to operate a full blown layout. But they're free so try em out! Post back when you get something going. I'm very interested in the Macintosh aspect of this project.
zephyr/locobuffer USB/and JMRI would be my three votes. 5 amps of power is an awful lot for a switching layout, and adding a dt400 throttle via the loconet will give you an excellent setup. add radio if you can afford it (need a UR91 and a dt400r) but this is well worth the extra dineros when you expand the layout in the future IMHO jmri is one of the best programs out there, and you just can't beat the price LOL
Excellent. Thanks for the advice guys. Now all I have to do is save enough for the Zephyr. And the Locobuffer. And Unitrack... Is anyone aware of any scholarship programs for college students who are model railroaders? :teeth:
yeah, it's called a minimum wage do everything gopher job ;-) I had a few of them before finishing college!!!!
I am also interested in the Mac application of this idea. I have a Zephyr, and you will not need the dt400/dt400r as the Zephyr has a full keyboard and can do all the programming you need as a "base station". The computer interface with teh JMRI software may render even this unnecessary, as the programming can be done from teh computer via the interface (although I am not sure that the Mac version is at the same point as the Windows app). Please keep us up to date with this project! Andrew
I am interested in the Mac application, too, since I use pretty much all Macs at home. If you find a model railroading scholarship, let me know. I have long felt that I need a patron so that I can engage in all my various interests and still get paid.
