I want to upgrade from an Atlas Commander in order to get more functions, and for other possible benefits. I’m considering Digitrax Zepher, NCE Power Cab and MRC Prodigy Express. I really like the Zepher but note that it only has 10 functions, whereas newer locos have 12 functions, and maybe more in the future. Is this a problem? Can the Zepher be expanded to more functions? I plan to run no more than 6 HO locos at one time, althought that could change in time. I just don’t want to buy a system that will become obsolete like the Commander when newer developments come along in the future. DCC really intrigues me and I may want to get into more hi-tech stuff in the future.
You can upgrade your commander with other Atlas or Lenz controllers. I have used my Lenz compact (same as your commander) for another throttle in a yard. I added a Lenz Set 100 and a LH90 throttle as well.
Ken.
You can access 12 functions with the Zephyr by using UT4 and/or DT400 throttles with it. The throttle in the base unit only has buttons to support 10 functions, but the Zephyr can support 12 functions when you connect throttles that support them.
One thing to keep in mind is that the DCC manufacturers want you to believe you need all those functions and whiz bang features when it’s not really important.
Here’s a post on my Siskiyou Line forum made recently by Gerry Leone, MMR that addresses whether or not you really need all those function keys:
As Gerry points out, even trying to remember what all those functions do during an op session can be a challenge, so don’t be swayed into thinking you need that many functions. I see it mostly as feature creep to sell more DCC systems and not a real need. [swg]
To my way of thinking, the main feature you want in a DCC system that will keep it from going obsolete any time soon is a computer interface – which rules out MRC, Atlas, and Bachmann.
Spot on Joe. I have a Zephyr with the aforementioned UT4 and DT400 plus several DCC sound locos. I can honestly say I have never once tried to press F10, 11 or 12 while running a loco. The whistle/horn and bell plus lighting functions are the ones I use the most as would be the case with most operators I expect.
Very good point. Even I can’t remember what all the functions do - and at most I might use F0 to turn the lights on and off, F1 for the bell, and F2 to blow the whistle. If I had a Tsunami steamer I might have to use the water fill, that sounds too cool. Sometimes I use the brake, especially on those locos where it actually works liek a brake. I think it’s more impressive in a diesel - they dynamics start howling and it slows down. Mute sometimes comes in handy. So that’s what, 5 functions? On QSI decoders, out of the 12 functions, at least three are for startup/shutdown/mute functions. Not really required. It’s neat on the diesles where they’ve implemented an actual startu sequence, and might amuse your hostler, but that’s about it. If you want to keept he roundhouse full of sound locos from all chuffing away when you power up your DCC system, jus isolate each track - that’s my plan, anyway, even with non-sound locos, it will prevent someone from grabbing the wrong address and trying to bash down the roundhouse wall or dumping the loco in the turntable pit. It was common with DC turntable wiring to wire it such that only the active track, the one the turntable is lined for, gets power. Why not the same with DCC?
And they keep adding MORE functions. Hmm, I don’t need to hear my engineer radio the dispatcher, especially as how my railroad in my era didn’t USE radios - that was a waste of a perfectly good function on the Loksound decoder in my T-1.
The sounds are certianly fun to play with - but after a while, you settle into a more routine method of operating instead of just playing with allt he neat toys, and that’s when you stop needing a dozn functions. It’s nice to know they’re there, but how many do you NEED?
–Randy
I just upgraded from Atlas to Lenz, primarily for the same reason. I went with Lenz because I had a CVP wireless throttle already for my Atlas and the same throttle is compatible with Lenz. All I had to do was change a setting on the receiver. I am not positive about this but I believe I read somewhere that the Atlas system is actually manufactured by Lenz which might expain the compatibility.
That would be true. The Atlas Commander is actually the Lenz Compact with the Atlas named applied. Lenz also designed the Bachmann system, and the Bachmann decoders are Lenz value line decoders.
–Randy