I am thinking of getting some sound decoders for my HO steam engines. Is the Zephor powerful enough to run and program these decoders or do I need something different ? I was thinking of getting soundtrax decoders maybe even a tsunami. I currently have the Zephor. I could upgrade if neccary but that is going to realy cut into the buget. Small to mid size layout 5 to 6 engines running at a time max. Thanks for the help in advance.
My Zephyr system has no problem programming BLI sound, or Soundtraxx sound. I have not tried a Tsunami at this point. I have 4 BLI units and 3 Soundtraxx equipped units and have had all of them running at once.
I have a Zephyr and some BLI as well as a new PCM loco with sound. I have had no problems programming any of them, both in Ops Mode on the main and on the program track - no booster needed. I also had 2 PCM’s, one BLI, a Soundtraxx decoder that wasn’t installed yet (older DSD, not a Tsunami) and two non-sound P2K locos all running at the same time - so there’s plenty of running power int he Zephyr as well.
–Randy
Sounds good (pun intended). I will beable to get a throttle and sound decoders then instead of upgrading the DCC system. Once again thanks for the help.
Should be no problem, only trouble I had was programming my BLI Hudson, but it was one of the first ones made and there were some issues with it that it seems was later taken care of, my later BLI engines programmed fine. I have a couple engines with Soundtraxx, works great and no problem with set-up of CV’s.
Some newer sound decoders go up to function F10 or F12, the Zephyr only goes up to F8 but you can add a UT-4 walkaround unit, that goes up to F12.
The ut4 throttle was the one I was thinking of . Thanks
We’re running a Zephyr system on our layout, and we love it. It was really economical to get into, compared to the cost of other systems and their features. The expandability has been nice for us, too, adding additional throttles.
We were contemplating a Super Chief system for our next layout, but after Randy’s comments, I think we’ll actually go with another Zephyr system.
I’ve found that the Digitrax Zephyr Throttle will run the average home model railroad just fine, and that it has just about all the function control that I will ever need. Don’t fall into the bigger is better trap if your making your first purchase, because you can spend hundreds of dollars needlessly. I’ve found that the Digitrax system is totally expandable when and if you need more, so the Zephyr throttle will never be wasted. Bottom line is, do your homework before you jump in. Personally, I think the Zephyr system is by far the best buy for the money.
I agree with the Zephor being great, I have been using for almost 2 years. I had heard about some sound decoders needing a stronger programming mode to work right. and that was the question, but it seams that the Zephor is strong enough to do the job. Earlier I meant to say that the DT 400 throttle was the one I am thinking of. Or is the ut4 all that is needed, keeping in mind I am adding sound possibly a tsunami. I was thinking the DT400 because of programing capabilities. Thanks once again
The DT 400 is a great throttle. I don’t use it for programming as I have added a Locobuffer2 interface to my Zephyr setup and do all my decoder programming with the DEcoder Pro application. However, the DT400 is 2 throttles in one. It is really neat to have the 2 knobs and have instant control over 2 trains at once.
I added a DT400 to my Zephyr. I much prefer the encoder knobs that take multiple turns to reach maximum over the 300-320 degree potentiometer types. It is easier to program from the DT400 than the Zephyr console, although a Locobuffer and DecoderPro makes it even easier than that. ANd of course with two knobs to control - really control - two trains at once, it makes things more fun. If you’re going to install some Tsunami decoders - the DT400 is needed to support the playable whistle feature, if you want that.
–Randy
We added a DT400 a few months ago, and have really enjoyed it. If it fits in your budget, I would highly recommend one.