I am thinking about building my first N layout (a small 4x8 with about 4 or 5 engines). All my previous layouts, HO, have been DC. I plan to go with DCC for the first time but I need more info. I am looking at the Zephyr Digitrax Command Control system. My first question is how to I run 2 trains at the same time with this unit? I would want two people with two cabs to run the trains. Do I need another cab controller with the Zephyr and if so how does it connect to the base unit? How much does it cost and what is it called? Regarding decoders, I have no N scale engines but plan to buy some CSX Atlas Dash 8 and the like. If I buy the Atlas locos DCC ready, where do I buy the CORRECT decoder for them? Looking at a few sites that sell decoders they don't say what brand and model they fit. Plus are decoders easy to install in an N scale Atlas Dash or GP unit? Thanks. Joe
DCC Digitrax Zephyr Joe, Welcome to TrainBoard. I got to see the Digitrax unit work on my layout. A very impressive experiment. You can access that discussion here: DPDT, 22 Gauge Wire, Cab A, Cab B. It's worth the read but I will warn you somewhat repetitive and redundant. Hidden in the discussion are some excellent points made not just by myself but other experienced DigiCC'rs. Here is a resource that may be helpful to answering your questions: Digitrax.com: Zephyr Basic Set The Digitrax Zephyr is the DCC power supply that Terry, brought with him to demonstrate on my layout. It had a hand held tethered unit that plugged into the unit with a telephone plug. I've heard pro's and con's with regard to this unit. A search here might reveal some insight. I feel safe enough, still in shock and awe, to give it a thumbs up. It was awesome and handled trains on my layout, multiple trains, with no problems. It actually improved the overall performance of my equipment. Here's some additional information: Digitrax DCC System | Tony's Tips at Tony's Train Exchange. I hope this helps.
Joe. The Zephyr is a console unit. You may add cabs as you would need them. You can use a DT402 or a UT4. The DT402 is a hand held throttle that has a display. The UT4 is a hand held throttle that just has a knob and keys to operate the functions. You might also want to look at the NCE Power Cab system. It is a hand held throttle with a display. You can add a second hand held throttle to this system also. As for decoders for your locomotives. Some will be what is called a drop in decoder. Some may not. It will depend on who’s locomotive it is and when it was built. If they are all new, there are several different manufactures that can be used. I am going to list a link for a site that will be of some help for you. Visit the DCC university. There is some very good information there. There is also a Comparing DCC Sets section. Here is the link. http://www.litchfieldstation.com/DCC-University/index.htm
To answer your question about the multiple cabs with a Zephyr, there are two plug-in connectors on the back for Loconet cables or throttles. On a layout the size you are contemplating, a UP5 panel or two with Loconet cables (they are pretty much 6 conductor phone cables with plugs, but one end is reversed) and a UT4 or UT4R would be all you would need.
Joe - I have the Zephyr and really like it. To control more than one train by more than one operator you'll need additional throttles. A simple UT4 will work fine for you. You will want to decide if you want plug in or radio (UT4R or UT4D then). http://www.digitrax.com/prd_ut4.php You can also build a UT4 like throttle like this http://www.tonystrains.com/technews/zephyr-cab.htm You'll also want a at least one UP5 http://www.digitrax.com/prd_up5.php This will allow you to plug in your throttle someplace other than the Zephyr - say the other side of the layout. You can always add more UP5s as needed. If you really want a fancy throttle you can look at the DT400 or DT402 (DT400R or DT402D for radio). It is basically two throttles in one body that allows you to control 2 trains at once. Search around the web and read the various stuff out there. There is plenty on the Zephyr. Some like it; some like something else. All seem to be good. Get what is best for you. Look at what others in your area are using and what your local stores sell and know. I hope this helps ratled
Although aditional throttles are the most convenient way to run more than one train, it can be done with the basic Zephyr right out of the box. Zephyr will run up to ten address' at once. Each address can be a train. You select one train and run it. Select another and you have control of the new train plus the first oine will keep running at the speed and direction you left it. This can be done up to the limit of ten. To switch back to the other train, key its address in, press loco, and you are back in control of that address. Like I said first, it's bulky but possible right out of the box. Have a look at the Digitrax web site. Digitrax.com: DCC Products for all Scales and all sizes of Model Railroad Layouts! You'll want to read through the Zephyr manual. http://www.digitrax.com/ftp/zephyrmanual.pdf And the decoder selection guide: Digitrax.com: Applications Note: Decoder Selection Guide
WOW! Thanks, guys. You are great and fast! I decided to go with the Zephyr because I like that it is a console and not a handheld. Also, my local train store sells it. And thanks for the schematic info, I will build the second cab myself and use some of those old op-amps that have been sitting in my junk box for years. If you read my thread about buying N scale locos you'll see that today I bought my first N loco, an Atlas CSX GP38-2 with decoder, got from my local train store and it was the only CSX he had. I don't have the DCC yet so I ran the loco on a piece of flextrack with DC. Seems to be running fine. Now that I have the info above I can buy my next Atlas loco w/o DCC and add the decoder myself. Joe
Note that while the Zephyr has one built-in throttle, it can control more than one train alternately as Martin describes. In addition, the Zephyr has a unique feature in that it also supports two "jump ports" which allow you to connect your old DC powerpack or a simple battery and pot to provide variable DC which can control two additional trains simultaneously (for a total of 3 - main throttle, Jump1 and Jump2). Using LocoNet hrottles such as the UT4 or DT402 or their wireless equivalents is more elegant, but (significantly) more expensive as well.
I have a Zephyr as well, and am very happy with it. My suggestion would be to start by running one train at a time, and then add the capability for a second train as you gain confidence with the system. As several people have pointed out, there is more than one way to run a second train. Working with the Zephyr, you may get a clearer idea of which way you want to go. One of the first things to do is set up a programming track, and develop your skills programming locomotives, although this isn't absolutely necessary to begin running a train.
Oh, those loose-leaf books that came in the box with your Zephyr are your friends. Don't lose them. Many questions are answered within their pages. If you get stuck more than the books can help, give Digitrax a call, they can talk you through many things.
Joe there is 2 terminals on the back of the Zepher where you can plug in your old DC power packs you can run 2 extra trains in this configuration ~Alan C.
I second the use of the jump ports with a DC powerpack. They work well and are an easy way to control two or three locomotives simultaneously.
