Time to go to DCC. Decided Digitrax Empire Builder with Radio Control. Then learned that this system does not read CVs. Is that really a problem? If so, what are the options? Thanks in advance.
Moving up to Super Chief.
Its not that much of a problem, if you are really careful. I’ve used the Empire Builder a little bit. They call it “programming in the dark.” You won’t be able to see the CV’s value, before or after you change it.
I think alot of Digitrax users spent the extra bucks and went with Super Chief. I think I would, especially if you are going to program sound decoders. I like playing with decoders on a programming track circuit.
Greg
ART Being able to check the value in a CV is nice to have. Can’t speak on the Empire.
I have the Digitrax DCS100 Super Chief. However ( Suggestions: )
If you have reversing sections you can wire the DB150 for automatic control of
the reverse section or use the Empire DB150 as a second Command Station Booster.
The Radio Part of your system will work with the DCS100 Super Chief.
To Read Back CV Values Programmed, You’ll need both the DCS100 Super Chief and the DT400 or DT400R Throttle.
Art,
As others have mentioned, you get no feedback from the EB when programming. For me, that is a ‘show stopper’. The EB is sort of the last of the Digitrax systems that are older technology. The ‘Chief’ series and the even the ‘Zephyr’ system have this feedback feature. If you do not have a large layout, the Zephyr is a ‘full function’ system with more ‘bells & whistles’ than the EB. That said, I have a DCS100(Chief) and am very happy with it. I bought it in 1996 and there was no Zephyr available. If was was to start over today, the Zephyr(DCS050) would be my choice for a starter system. The Zephyr ‘limit’ of 10 engines ‘dispatched’ at the same time is not a real problem for me…
Jim
I myself have the Super Chief and am very pleased with it. I am about to buy a Zephyr to run my large yard from. It will free up another throttle and I can use the Zephyr to power the yard. I would certainly spring for the extra if possible and go with the Chief.
Terry[8D]
Is it the DB150 that limits the readback? I have the SEB with DT400 throttle. The manual for the DT400 clearly states that it will readback CV settings in Page Mode. It does not go on to state that the DB150 precludes this capability.
-Crandell
The DB150 only has a broadcast progammer. Only the new DCS50 command station (Zephyr set) and the DCS100 and DCS200 command stations of the (Super Chief sets) have the separate progamming track connections and have read and write capabilities.
Thanks for all your help. I have decided to go with the superchief. Now to see if I can make it work.
Making it work is pretty easy, Art. I’m running a DCS100 and DB150 as an autoreversing booster.
The SEB is sort of a good alternative for someone who needs a DB150 as a booster since it comes with the DT400 and the UP5. If you can use another throttle, it is a good buy. UP3s and 5s are always handy.
Having a separate programming track is a plus. If you have a computer near your layout, hooking up a LocoBuffer and running DecoderPro makes playing with CVs and speed tables pretty simple stuff.
ART,
Information:
If you come upon another Digitrax Thorttle You can send it to Digitrax and they will make it into a Radio Throttle and mail it back to you for $50 Bucks.
Hello- another solution. get a LocoBuffer-USB and download the FREE DecoderPro from JMRI.com jc5729
I myself have the Zephyr but upgrading tot he Sup Chief. I was originally going to buy the Empire builder set but when I read it doesnt read the CV’s well pardon my language but crap on that. So I decided to go Super Chief. Now personally I need the more amps thatn the zephyr can gimme I am gonna have a 2 layer layout. Plus we are sick of crawling under the layout unwiring the Zephyr taking it upstairs dueing th eholiday season for out christmas layout then unwire it and take it downstairs crawl under the layout and rewire ont he bigger layout.
First problem - I bought a used Spectrum Mountain that has a decoder in it, but I can’t get it to run in DCC. Works fine in DC. Have not found the page yet to tell me what to do Let the fun begin???
I bought a used loco of Ebay awhile ago and couldn’t get it to work on DCC as well. After about a week or so it dawned on me to check the decoders address that was programed into it before I start ripping it a part. All my loco’s have a 4 digit address to match the loco’s road number, this one was programmed for a two digit address and wasn’t even close to its road number. I typed in the address programmed into it and it fired right up, literally, the thing had sound in it, lol. I didn’t know it had sound and the Ebay listing never mentioned it. Maybe thats your problem?
How do I find out he existing code number? I have not found that in the book.
It will likely be a comination, in order, of the cab number of that loco. So, if the cab number says 2345, it may be 23, 234, 2345, 34, 345, or 45. Try each of them. If no joy, do a factory reset for that decoder, and start fresh from the address 03 that a reset designates for all decoders.