New to DCC. will the Prodigy Express and Digitrax Zephyr control lights and sound. Which of the two is the best choice for a beginner?
Both will control lighting and sound - these are known as functions (usually abbreviated to F followed by a number, F0 for example usually controls headlights). I can’t really advise on which is the better system though - I’ve not tried either. What I will say is that to make full use of sound-equipped locos you need to be able to access as many functions as possible - they often have F1-F8 and sometimes more, which can only be activated if your throttle supports those functions.
Pls6 welcome to the forum. You mention you are new to DCC, but are you new to model RR as well? This would likely be important as you consider your DCC options as the size and complexity of your layout and the number of locomotives and operators on the layout would have significant impact on a decision.
If you are starting simple and don’t really have future plans for expansion then you would be fine with either. If you want to get a simple system today that provides good capability with a platform that can be expanded in the future (wireless, more throttles, computer interface etc) then the Digitrax Zephyr is and excellent choice, the choice I made by the way. There is also a new starter set from NCE called the PowerCab that deserves your attention. This is a brand new system that started to ship last week. So in answer to your question, any of these will answer your question, but if I were you, I would dig a little deeper and think in more detail about what you want to do now and in the future with DCC. Good luck and enjoy the search.
im farly new to this but out of those two i would go digitrax zephyr but i did find out that u only have one throdle using the zephyr system so i am buying the digitrax Super Empire Builder wich you cand find for about 250
hope that helps
ray
for less than $250 you can buy a zephyr AND a second throttle
zephyr = $160
UT4 = $65
UTP = $13 (this is an optional panel so you can place the 2nd throttle anywhere on your layout)
the super empire builder comes with the DT400 which has 2 throttles in one hand held unit . very nice but not much use if you have a friend over to operate trains with you
I completely agree with ereimer, but not just because the Zephyr and an additional UT4 throttle are less expensive than the SEB.
The SEB is an older design that lacks the ability to read back CV’s, and I guarantee that you will miss having CV readback as you get more involved with DCC.
Absolutely go with the Zephyr/UT4 combination instead of the SEB!
Steve
I have not seen the new Power Cab from NCE but they are a good DCC manufacturer. I have Digitrax and I know from experience they make a good product. Already suggested is the idea of shopping around for best price.
The zephyr is a great system. I have one on my layout with an additional 3 throttles. The zephyr system costs about $150 online and a UT4 throttle would bring the cost to a little over $200. But if you just have a small layout , you wont need the extra throttle. NCE and Lenz are also worth looking at, but you should stay away from MRC. The MRC DC power packs are good, but the MRC DCC products (command systems and decoders) are nothing but trouble.
Take a look at the NCE PowerCab. Let us know what you think.
pls6,
Indeed! [#welcome] to the forum! Good to have you aboard!
I agree with Jim. Along with the Zephyr, look at the new NCE PowerCab. It was just released last week and Tony’s Train Exchange gave it rave reviews. Here’s the direct link:
http://www.tonystrains.com/technews/powercab.htm
Tom
i like the bachmann one but thats just me.