When I decided to go with DCC from the start I did a lot of research and went with the Zephyr. The reason why is because of it being expandable. I now have the Super Chief and the Zephyr is used as a throttle in my yard. I still use it to program my new loco’s as well. If you plan on buying another throtlle and believe me you will then the Zephyr is the better choice because of it being expandable. Its a very simple system to use and is very easy to learn how to use, even though some people disagree.
My LHS simply put them side by side. The Power Cab Sat in a cradle on the side of his layout, The Zephyr sat on a shelf. You can move around holding the Cab to about 6 feet either way without unplugging. When you upgrade, the cab is still a full function walk around throttle. To each his own. As said earlier it all depends on what your club or potential club uses. As far as learning curve the NCE is definitely better in my opinion but that was my first exposure after having a bachmann, and seeign a demonstration against the Digitrax 400 throttle.
I’ve tried both the NCE Power Cab and Digitrax DT400 throttles. For me, the Power Cab was much more user-friendly and intuitive. However, you should try both systems (Power Cab and Zephyr) to determine which one will best fit your needs and preferences.
Tom
It seems to me that “user-friendly and intuitive” are only relevant the first few times you use something. I have also used the Power Cab and DT400 and much, much prefer the DT400. It didn’t take me long to learn it and really appeciate its design. I guess it just shows how different we all are. What appeals to one doesn’t appeal to another.
I sold my Power Cab and now use a Zephyr with the DT400. In my opinion this is a great combination for many home users. I also have a Prodigy Advance Wireless, which I also prefer over the Power Cab, but not over the Z/DT combo, even though it’s wireless. When Digitrax comes out with their duplex radio it will be unbeatable for my particular use.
Also, I have had absolutely no problem with Digitrax manuals. After you perform the more common tasks a few times you no longer even need the manuals. For the seldom used tasks I do refer to the manuals, but I think that would generally be true for most systems. I must admit that I am a manual reader, so maybe that makes Digitrax more user friendly to me than to some.
I really appreciate the size of the DT400 compared to the “huge” Power Cab. It’s just so much easier for me to handle and use, and its ability to run two trains at once without button pushing is so convenient. Also the speed control knobs compared to a thumb wheel works better for me.
Now, with all that being said, I want to take nothing away from NCE. It’s a fine company with excellent products and many happy users. I think my main point is that each individual must research and try both be
It didn’t take me but a couple of minutes to learn my way around the Zephyr’s control pad. Everything is right there in one cluster and I don’t have to go up and down a panel looking for it.
Absolutely. It’s sorta like shopping for a car. My preferences and likes in and for a vehicle may be much different than someone else. Size, price, amenities, horsepower, reliability, fuel-economy, style, safety, color, etc: ALL are factors that go into our decision-making process for a new or used vehicle.
In the long run, we can equally enjoy the riding experience of our chosen vehicles because we’ve spent the time to determine that IT is the best fit for OUR needs, wants, and budget.
Tom
The exact reason I like the NCE Power Cab. [:)] Everything is right there on one interface and - for me - logically arranged and labeled for quick and easy identification and execution of commands.
I will add that I do like the twin knob control on the DT400. That’s a nice feature. [tup]
Tom
Two knobs, twice the fun. Add a DT400 to the Zephyr and you have live control over THREE locos at the same time. Two on the DT400 and one on the Zephyr. That’s beforer you start messing with recall stacks and the like.
–Randy
this has been an informative read for me since I to am looking at starter systems ,but for a little over 100. you could get the empire builder @ 5amp & it comes with the 400 thottle . now Im not saying anything ,but isnt that a better value …my only concern about the other two zepher & powercab is the 2.5 amps ,but I dont no .maybe thats plenty? 2.5 that would run how many loccos …5 ?, just wondering what people think who know about this stuff think heck Im not running anything right now,but when I do I would think 5 moter units is what Id might run… any thoughts cause I just dont know
Two things, the Supe Empire Builder does not include a transforme, add another $40. Also, the Super Empire Builder does not have a seperate program track and cannot read back CV values. I would not recommend the Super Empire Builder as your only DCC system. It’s a lot easier to configure decoders if you can read the values, computer hookup or not. And with a dedicated program track you are less likely to accidently program every loco on your layout
If you are running newer locos in HO scale, 2.5 amps is actually quite a bit. I’ve run as many as 8 locos with the Zephyr, all newer P2K and Stewart plus a Broadway with sound and a pair of PCM with sound. You shouldn’t have a problem running 5 powered units with a Zephyr. If you need more power later, you can buy the Super Empire Builder and add that, keeping the Zephyr as a command station. You’d be limited to a max of 10 locos at once, but have the extra 5 amps of power plus a DT400 throttle and still have the dedicated program track and CV readback capability.
–Randy
yep ,thanks Randy,just left the tonys dcc site and read that you cannot read cvs and not recomended for progamming (the empire bulder)so I think Ill go with the zepher