I am ready to get my first DCC system and, after reading up on all makes and models, have pretty much decided on Digitrax’s Super Empire Builder. I have an HO scale layout under construction that is approx 91 square feet. I will be running 2-3 trains mostly by myself, with an occasional grandchild. No club or operating sessions here. According to “Tony’s Train Exchange”, if I plan on doing sound, consisting, and installing my own decoders (which I will), they are telling shoppers to switch up to the Super Chief because the Super Chief has decoder read back ability and allows you to test your decoder installation to make sure you aren’t putting your self installed decoder “at risk”. The Super Empire Builder does not allow you to do this. My question is: Is it really necessary to move up to the next level system for these reasons? Is having the ability to “read” the settings in the decoder that convenient? Can you test your decoders with the LocoNet tester that comes with the system? I am not so sure how valuable this is as Digitrax markets the Empire Builder as a great starter kit that can also do sound and consists and never mentions having to move up to a more expensive system. Also, I have a 20 year old Tech II power pack that has hardly been used. Can I use this for additional power with DCC? Or is it even worth keeping? Thanks for any advice. JRP
I have the Super Empire Builder in N scale and my layout is barely 20 square feet! It’s a great set. The “decoder readback capability” of the Chief is great, but as long as you keep a log of what configuration variables (CVs) you give each decoder, you’ve essentially accomplished the same thing with the Empire Builder. So, take the extra cash you’d have spent for the Super Chief and invest in a pad and pencil so you know what your CVs are set to. Enjoy!
The ability to read back CV’s is good to have, trust me.
I am a fan of the Digitrax products and like many feel that the Super Empire Builder is getting a little long in the tooth. If you are planning to install your own decoders then having a program track is a very useful feature. You are able to test the decoder installation in a “safe” environment where full track current can not destroy the decoder in the event of an error in installation. The read back capability is also very helpful in verifying how the decoder is set and giving you confidence that your settings have taken. The lower cost Zephyr will be more than adequate to run your layout. It has plenty of power for 3 or more locos to run at once. It has a program track and can read CV’s. You can add the excellent DT400 throttle to it and spend a few more bucks than the SEB and have a far more comprehensive system. With the Zephyr, you can also hook up your Tech 2 to the “jump” throttle connection and use it as an additional throttle. There is no way to use it with the SEB unless you use it for accessory power. If you don’t want to spend as much then you can add the lower cost UT4 throttle for about $70.00 IMO the Zephyr is the jewel of the Digitrax range. For a solo operator running 1-5 locos at once it is more than up to the task. It offers features not available on any other DCC system and is fully expandable. The main criticism it gets is the console nature of the throttle. I put mine right by my main yard where I need it and then add walk around throttles. It can support 10 throttles in all, plenty for most layouts. One final thought, the Zephyr console is perfect for kids to operate. My 6 year old has been running trains with it since he was 4. The controls are a good size for small hands and are simple for them to understand and run.
I would second what a couple others have already said. I started with the Super Empire Builder and have now switched to the Super Chief. The old Empire Builder is now used as a booster with the new set up. For what you are doing, the Zepher would be the logical (and less expensive) choice. I would also pick up a UT4 throttle. If you want to spend more, go with the UT4 radio throttle (you will need a UP91 also to run radio). The Super Empire Builder is the oldest and most limited of Digitrax line of equipment and is due for an upgrade. Good luck with whatever you decide to get. You are going to love DCC!
Ditto the others on the SEB. They really need to discontinue or replace that system in the lineup. It does make a nice way to upgrade your system with an extra booster and throttle - the SEB costs less than the individual prices of the DB150 and DT400, plus you get a UP5. TO run 2-3 trains max, with only 1 or two operators, the Zephyr should be plenty sufficient. I’ve been able to run 4 sound locos plus a few non-sound all at the same time on my Zephyr. Add a UT4 throttle for your grandson and you should be in business (if he’s older - say 10 or up, a DT400 would add more versatility, but is not really suited for younger children). --Randy
Dave, Thanks for the advice and information.!
That’s what everyone else said too. Sound advice. Thanks.
Simon, I had just finished talking on the phone with “Tim” with Digistar DCC systems and he said the the same thing. This was good information from you and I have saved your notes along with the ones that followed too. Thanks again. JRP
Thank you.
rrinker, Thanks for this additional information.
Sorry to take so long for this response. I guess I missed this question when reading the BBS earlier. I bought the Zephyre first, as it turnes out It was not enough to run my medium sized layout, so I ended up getting a Super Empire Builder and another to use as a booster on the other side of the layout. The SEB only has 12 slots even though it will use more addresses than anybody I know can use. The slots are used up at the rate of one per locomotive addressed. If you use basic(I think that is what it is called) consisting this only will allow you 4 sets of 3 engines, which may not be enough. You get more slots with the better one, as well as the ability to read back CVs. I use the Zephyre on my workbench to set up the CVs and when wanting to run a DCC equipped piece of equipment for testing purposes.
Another consideration if you are contemplateing the Zephyre is the output voltage levels. The other Digitrax systems are adjustable and the Zephyre isn’t, making using the Zephyre with a SEB or other as a booster is the difference in the track voltage.
So it would seem you must project your future needs, tempered by your available funds, then if you didn’t get a good enough system you have to rationalize what to do with the equipment that wasn’t really sufficient for your future needs. I find it very convient to have the Zephyre at the workbench as my Pike is not in the same room as my layout. One other good thing about Digitrax offerings is that they are all compatable with each other and my DT400 works great with the Zephyre if that is how I want to work it. Hope this does not confuse you as much as it did me.
Paul
Dayton and Mad River RR