I noticed a similar topic like this by a person with a similar name, however, this is a different person.
I had DCC for a while, Bachmann EZ DCC and all my engines had Lenz decoders, however, I wanted to switch to Digitrax, since I disassembled my Thomas and British layout, to build another layout.
I am thinking of the Digitraz Radio Empire Builder system so I can move around my layout. However, I plan on having more than 22 locos, so…
Should I Consider a Diferent System?
If I get another controller will I be able to run an additional 22 locos?
What do you all recomend. I plan on getting anohter controller for guests to run trains when they visit, so how should I go about a Digitraz system?
If not, then you could have 200 locos on the layout, only 22 of which are under actual control by the system at one time. 22 can be in motion under control, the other 178 can be sitting idle in sidings waiting to be run when you want to. Just de-select one of the 22 under control and select one of the idle ones.
I use the Zephyr which has a limit of 10, however I have 30 odd locos on the layout. I probably only run 5 or 6 at a time. When I am done with one, I dispatch it from the system and can run any of the other locos that I have.
What you are dealing with here is the Diitrax slot limit. Each system can only address a certain number of locos at the same time. There is no real limit to the total number of locos on the layout, just how many you can run physically at once.
Yes, the Super Empire Builder is the oldest of the Digitrax systems, and is unable to read back CVs. Go with the Super Chief instead. If wireless doesn’t really matter, I’d recommend the Zephyr or the Chief, depending on your available funds.
No, the limit that the SEB can address at one time (regardless of number of operators) is 22. I believe that the Chief can address 100 or so individual locomotives and/or consists at a time. As Simon stated, this is the “stack size” of the system and only represents how many locomotives the unit can control at a time, not how many locomotives you can have. Incedentially I think that the systems have 9,000+ available address places.
With my budget it seems as though the Empire is the one for me. However, I might consider the Zepher as I only plan to run maybe 3 or 4 trains at a time. I would like a wireless throttle r 2 though.
Now, I noticed they had smaller throttles, as well as others similar to the one that comes with the Empire. Like I mentioned earlier I’d like to add 1 or 2 more throttles so friends can run trains when they pop over.
DT400R Radio Equipped Super Throttle or the UT4 Utillity Throttle are the ones that are availible and look good to me. I’d like to get the smaller UT4, however, I’d like to get some expertise input on this before I go plunk down $80 for the wrong thing.
Go with the Zephyr and then buy the DT400r and a UR91 (you may also need a UP5 panel or two, and some Loconet cable). If (and when) you get into tweaking decoders, you will be [banghead] if you get the SEB, because it can’t read the CVs back.
I tried them all, and it cost a few extra bucks. The Zepher is less expensive, unless you add the UT4r or the DT 400r. Then you might as well save up and get the Super Chief to start with.
I have Radio and its the best toy in the train room. I like the DT400r because I can run two trains at a time by myself. My Grand kids like the UT4rs because they can each run their our train and walk around like an engineer. I have 3 UT4rs and 2 DT400s. It took a while to get all them, but we can now really run trains.
I tried the Infra red, and it did not work well at all. It ran 90% of the time, but when it did not work, I had acidents.
If money is the big issue, start with the Zepher and add as you go. If you have enough, start with the Super Chief radio, and see how much fun running trains can be.
You will get other opinions of course.
PS, You will want to read CVs and the Empire Builder will not do that. That should be the deciding factor.
I have the Digitrax Radio Empire builder and I am very happy with it but looking back I wish I didnt buy it. If I were you I would spend a little more money and buy the Super Chief Radio set. The Cheif can do more than the empire because of the command station. The Empire comes with a DB150 which is a limited command station and booster only. Works great but it will not read decoder information. The Cheif comes with a DCS100 which is a full command station and booster. This only costs a little more but if you have a problem with a decoder not working, you may be able to correct the issue if you can read what is going on with the decoder and make the proper changes. I have ran into this exact problem with my DB150 but took the loco to a friends house that has a DCS100 on his layout we were able to find the problem and correct it.
Unless you’re already dead set on a Digitrax system, you might also want to download the documentation and study the NCE Pro-Cab radio or CVP Products’ EasyDCC radio control systems.