The rebuild of my N scale AWRR layout has given me the excuse to go for DCC control. At the Warley show last weekend I saw the new Zephyr control unit. I was able to try it out for myself, and have to say I was mightily impressed! The control knob is soooooooo smooth! I note an earlier thread here about handheld controllers for this system being expensive, but on the Zephyr there is a "jump" option where a normal smooth DC controller can be plugged in and used to operate DCC fitted locomotives. I also tried this out and it worked extremely well. What, therefore would be the advantage of paying big money for a Digitrax hand held throttle? (I suppose there must be an advantage) I will most likely be coming back here to ask questions about DCC as I get into setting it up, as I know nothing about it so far
I'm guessing here, but would their handhelds have more controls so you can do extra DCC-ish things from them directly? It sounds sensible that they have made it accept some of the equipment you already have though!
Alan, I own a Zephyr, and while I love it I certainly won't tell you its the best - that would only open up a debate I won't join. I also use an MRC DC throttle on the jump port and like you said it works just fine. The catch is you can only control the train's speed and direction. If you want to control functions, you have to use the Zephyr control panel. What I will tell you is you can get Digitrax handhelds new for under $70. What I did was hit Ebay and bought a DT100IR handheld for $80, which gives me two throttles and infrared control if I go that way later on. You can pay more, but what you get is full control of the train(s) independent of the control panel, allowing more engineers and more fun. If you get a DT100, DT300 or DT400 you can then control two trains at once, in addition to those controlled by the Zephyr and the DC jump port. That's four throttles, each controlling a single train independent of the others - that's what I've got and I think it's great. I can only suggest you go to the Digitrax site and read up on their handhelds, then search the internet for the best prices on the one you want. Just do it - get one - it's SO worth it. Here are a couple of sites to check out for info and prices: http://www.digitrax.com http://www.loystoys.com http://www.tonystrains.com/ http://www.litchfieldstation.com/ HAVE FUN!! [ 04. December 2002, 22:00: Message edited by: bonkyrail ]
Thanks for the insight. The person I saw last weekend at the show is one of my UK customers, (he works for the company here who import Digitrax products), so I get good advice and demonstrations from him I saw that only speed and direction could be controlled using a DC throttle on the jump port, so may go for a Digitrax throttle in due course. At least this way two trains can be run immediately without high initial cost. My layout is in a small area, so a fixed control panel can almost be reached from the whole operating space! I will probably use the fixed control for the main yard and main line, with a handheld for other areas. It should be fun getting used to a new system
Alan, If your layout is on the smaller side, then when you go to Digitrax hand controls, go infra-red. This is a much cheaper option than radio controlled. About a year and a half ago, I sent an email to Digitrax. Basically I said: "I am willing to go radio control if you at Digitrax feel it will enhance my operating experience. My layout is in a 7 by 13 foot room. I have been toying with going infra-red as it is substantially cheaper to get my feet wet. However, I am open to radio control. Please advise me and give me your reasons." The email back from Digitrax said to go infra-red as it would do everything I needed and in an area that size, one or two detectors is all I would need. [ 05. December 2002, 02:05: Message edited by: rsn48 ]
Alan, Congrats on moving towards "the plunge". I have a Chief II system, which is more than I presently need, but has room for me to grow. Currently, I have 2 300 R (radio) throttles; since our club uses Digitrax at its shows (with very large layouts) infrared was not really an option. Harold
