Good day to everyone on the board. I have been poking around this site for many months and decided to come out of the shadows. So why not get started out, right? I have been researching entering the realm of DCC for months and have read many articles, posts here and on other sites. I have narrowed my field down to Digitrax and Lenz for my needs. My questions are, 1) Does anyone here have experience with Digitrax plug-n-play signaling system? 2)If so, is this signaling system only compatiable with Digitrax systems or is it compatible with Lenz and other manf.? 3) Does it drive signals from Integrated Signal Systems? Thank you for any assistance in these matters.
Welcome to the TB! I'm not sure about your questions, as I don't use the signaling aspect of DCC - sorry
Welcome to TrainBoard I'm sure some of the DCC folks here will respond to your question soon... [ 20. December 2004, 16:03: Message edited by: Stourbridge Lion ]
Arrow: Welcome to the forum.. I use the Lenz 100 system and to my knowledge the Digitrax signaling system isn't compatible with the Lenz system. This seems to be a uniform problem with DCC systems. Many component add-ons aren't compatible with other sytems. I use Searchlight signal boards from Logic Rail Technologies to power and run my Sunrise Bi-polar leds ( R-Y-G) Stay cool and run steam.....
Yes, you can use the Digitrax signaling with Lenz but it will be somewhat of a pain. You will be using the Lenz network (I believe it is called XpressNet) for running your trains and you will have to use LocoNet to run your detection and signaling. You will need to use a BDL16x detectors and set one of them up as LocoNet master. You will then need to use the SE8c and/or DS-54. The SE8c will control 8 turnouts in addition to driving you ISS signals. Yes, the SE8c will drive ISS signals. You will also need a computer, software, and a LocoBuffer to connect your computer to the LocoNet. The SE8c requires a computer/software to tell it what to do. If this hasn't scared you away, post again and I will provide you with additional information. David
Thanks for the welcome everyone. David, I appreciate your initial input into what it takes to get those two systems to operate together. I do have an old computer I have been hanging onto with the intention of utilizing for model railroading purposes somehow. Do you own the Digitrax signaling system? If so, do you like it and is it fairly easy to understand and install? I ask because I was also thinking about just purchasing signal drivers and occupancy detetors from ISS. Any experience with these? I have read the other post regarding this topic and see that everyone says it is a preference thing. I will pose it again though, which system do you use? Have you used others and if so any thoughts? If you have additional information on the two systems, Digitrax and Lenz, working together I'll gladly review it. May help me make up my mind on a final DCC system purchase I hope to make soon.
RE: signaling Is this your first layout? If so, I would strongly recommend against it - just get the basics down then move onto bigger and better! I'm sure some of my fellow newbie/first layout TB members will concur! I had the same thoughts initially, but after much research and discussion, I decided against it - FWIW As for systems - it is preferance. My Digitrax Zephyr, for my small 6' x 4.5' layout with basically two loops works just great!
Mike, Actually this will be my third layout. Although it will be my first in about 6 years due to the fact that I was in college, then the job hunt and getting adjusted to the full-time work world. I have settled in with my new career and decided it was time to get back into things. This will be my first layout of any substantial size, 28'x13' in HO. I have modeled in N scale and HO previously. I will have to relearn a few things I'm sure but I think it will come back farily quickly once I'm into it. What is new to me is DCC and signaling that is why I thought I would take a stab at it. I don't have any huge plans for signaling, I would just like to place a couple of signals more for learning and the visual fun for now. Since I will be entering DCC with the purchase of my first system in the coming weeks I would like to try the singaling as well. Thanks for the help and insight.
If you don't already have a DCC system AND you want signaling, I would go with a Digitrax System totally. Their BDL16x is the most cost effective detection system and the SE8c is the least expensive signal driver I have found. I personally use a Digitrax Chief Radio with DS54 stationary decoders and BDL16's for my signaled territory. For my signal drivers I have both CTI Signalman and Digitrax SE8c. I originally bought the CTI boards because Digitrax did not offer a signal driver board. I recently purchased an SE8c to drive a wigwag signal and 7 turnouts. The SE8c is a great value for what it will do. Its only problem is that it requires a computer and software to control the signal output logic. One nice thing is that the SE8c not only gives you the standard red, yellow, and green outputs but also a fourth aspect. This fourth aspect can be a flashing green, flashing yellow, flashing red (think crossing signal), or not illuminated (dark). For the $99 retail that I bought it for, you get control of 8 turnouts plus 32 signal heads. You can also attach 2 BD4's to the SE8 directly to add 8 additional detection blocks. Each BD4 provides 4 blocks of detection. A great cost saver if you don't need detection in 16 blocks like the BDL16x provides. I can't speak to ISS's signaling system. I purchased some of their signals a few years back but returned them for a refund. They were oversized and rather crude. I went with Sunrise Enterprises signals instead. David
What would I need as far as a computer and software to make the Digitrax signaling system work? Where do I get the necessary software and components? How much do you guess that a basic signaling system would cost to get up and running with the components suggested thus far? This may actually persuade me to lean towards Digitrax if I can get a good idea of what all is necessary to get what I am looking for. I do appreciate everyone's input regarding this and find it creating some new analization in DCC systems. I had moved away from Digitrax because of price when compared to the Lenz 100 and the extended warranty with Lenz. I had been looking at the Digitrax Super Chief with radio but I just don't know if I can afford one right now. I do like the CVP wireless controllers that are compatiable with the Lenz, guess getting that with the Lenz would make the price comparable.
Arrow: I've been using the Lenz systems for 4+ plus years. I have a Lenz 100 system and use my old Lenz 01 Professional for a booster in my Turntable/engine facility and yard area. It's easy to use and has many outstanding features. I have three LH 100 handhelds and one wireless phone using an XPA adapter. Stay cool and run steam.....
PSG1790, Have you any experience with the CVP handheld radio wireless throttles? I have seen several reviews of them in MR and most recently the April 2004 issue. I really like the look of the CVP handhelds compared to Digitrax radio controller. MR and the CVP site state that the wireless throttles are compatible with Lenz systems, so was just wondering if you ever used them? Have you ever used any of the Digitrax systems? If so are they comparable to the Lenz or is that the system for you hands down? I do realize it is a preference thing for the most part but everyone's input is proving very helpful in finalizing my thoughts on a DCC system. Thanks
Nate: I haven't used any of the CVP handheld wireless throttles. The JJJ&E isn't large enough to require a wireless throttle. The Digitrax systems never appealed to me. Most of the layouts that use DCC in my area use the Lenz system. Most of these layouts BTW are HO layouts. The learning curve on the Lenz system is easier and more user friendly. Don't let the price fool you. The Lenz 100 system is equal to or superior to any of the higher priced Digitrax systems. I particularly enjoy using the Lenz LH 100 handheld. It's comfortable in my hand and very easy to use. Just remember, there is a learning curve with any system. Within one week, you'll have learned the basics of the system. After 4+ years, I'm still learning and refining certains aspects of locomotive control and speed adjustments. Stay cool and run steam on DCC..... This my opinion FWIW.
I don't have time right now to cover signaling in detail but you can check prices for Digitrax, Lenz, etc at Tony's Train Exchange: http://www.tonystrains.com/ Let me start by saying, signaling is not cheap. Minimum to start: BDL168 Block Detection (16 Blocks) $120 SE8c Signal Driver (32 Signals, 8 Turnouts) $100 LocoBuffer - Several Models Software - Free all the way up to $219 Computer - $0-$5000 The free software is an open source program available from the LocoNet Hackers group on Yahoo. They also have IO boards. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/loconet_hackers/ I don't have a desire to argue about a comparison between Digitrax and Lenz. Try both and you decide. I did and decided that Digitrax offered more at a better price in the long run. The newer DT300, DT400, and UT4 throttles are very easy to use and are offered in tethered or radio version. Radio is the best thing for running a railroad. David
ncng Thanks for the info and other resources. I have been to Tony's Trains several times and read all the reviews there but I was just looking for a little input from a few people here. I figure I'll probably pick up one of the two systems I am looking at from there. Sorry wasn't trying to argue about any comparison I was just looking for a little insight from users of those two systems. By no means am I looking to begin a flame war over DCC systems. The discussion here has really helped me to examine both of my final two choices a little more before I go with one or the other. I live in an area where there is no place for me to go and see either system functioning and that is why I'm asking these questions. The quick break down on singal requirements is helpful, thanks. At least I have an old computer that I kept with such a purpose in my mind. thanks again
The direction to Tony's wasn't for the reading the reviews, it was to look up prices. I recently had an article published in the Railway Signaling Technical & Historical Society's quarterly publication on the basics of signaling a model railroad. If you would like a copy of the article, I can email it to you. Where in Ohio do you live? There are a lot of Digitrax users and other DCC manufactures' users all over Ohio. I used to live near Dayton. Anyway, go to Yahoo and join each of the groups for the DCC manufactures you are interested in. Then post a message stating where you live and asking if anyone would like to open up their layout for a demonstation of their system. I see this done all the time and there are usually several offers. David
