Hey guys, been slowly collecting DCC decoders for my N scale locomotives is anticipation of getting my small 6X3 foot layout to run on DCC. I bought a Digitrax Zephyr set back in 2008 and have never used it, never opened it save for reading the manual. After getting out the other day and looking for decoders, I noticed the Zephyr has been updated. My question is, should I sell my Zephyr now while it is still new in the box and get the newer Zephyr, or should I just use what I have and be blissfully unaware of the new features the newer Zephyr has? Thanks in advance.
Here are the two main differences between the Original Zephyr and the Zephyr Xtra: The Xtra is 3 amps instead 2.5 amps The Xtra gives you access to decoder functions up to 28 from the built in throttle, whereas the original only gives you access to functions up to 8 from the built in throttle; however, either one will access up to 28 from an external throttle that has that capability. With a 3' x 6 ' N-scale layout layout, there is virtually no chance that you will need more than 2.5 amps, so I would not upgrade for that difference. If you need functions above 8, and you do not intend to buy an additional throttle, then I would upgrade for that. If you do intend you get an additional throttle, a DT402, as well as an onscreen throttle or iPod/iPhone/android throttle running through JMRI, would give you access to functions above 8, so there would really be no reason to upgrade to the Zephyr Xtra unless you really want the access to the additional functions from the Zephyr's throttle.
Robert, thank you for that concise answer! Sounds like I'm all set then. I plan to get a walk around throttle latter on and if I do, it will let me do a bit more than the functions on the Zephyr console. All of my locomotives on this layout are four axle first and second generation diesels that do not have ditch lights or any other strobes so the original Zephyr I have sounds like it will work just fine. Thank you again!
I have the original Zephyr and a small layout.( 38" x 60") The original takes the same loco net expansion throttles as the newer ones do. I am able to run 2 N scale and 2 HO at the same time with no problems. ( well maybe operator difficulty ) I am using the 2 jump ports but nothing in the loco net ports yet. Don
I've had my Zephyr for about 6 years and have not felt the need to upgrade. I have run up to 10 locomotives at one time. The only time I needed the extra buttons was for locomotives with sound and as Robert pointed out, a JMRI or smart phone based throttle will provide the access. I also use the Loconet and both jump throttles. Overall, the Zephyr has handled all that I've asked of it.
