Join the discussion on the following article:
Digitrax Zephyr Xtra Digital Command Control (DCC) System
this article has really motivated me to get into digital as soon as possible.As I understand the article this unit is compatible with any other brand of decoder.If this is incorrect could please advise me by email bobbyceecee@hotmail.com
this article has really motivated me to get into digital as soon as possible.As I understand the article this unit is compatible with any other brand of decoder.If this is incorrect could please advise me by email bobbyceecee@hotmail.com
Hi, Your review says that LocoNet uses Cat-5 cabling (UTP). This contradicts the Zephyr manual, which clearly states, “LocoNet uses flat 6 conductor wire and 6-pin RJ12 connectors.” These are completely different media. Sure, it will work, but it’s a bit of overkill. I don’t recommend someone new to DCC attempting to crimp RJ connectors onto CAT-5 cable. Much easier to use flat cable.
Plus, I’d be concerned that someone new to DCC may not know what ‘Cat-5 Ethernet’ refers to, and be scared off by a review of a product intended to attract new DCC users.
Hi, Your review says that LocoNet uses Cat-5 cabling (UTP). This contradicts the Zephyr manual, which clearly states, “LocoNet uses flat 6 conductor wire and 6-pin RJ12 connectors.” These are completely different media. Sure, it will work, but it’s a bit of overkill. I don’t recommend someone new to DCC attempting to crimp RJ connectors onto CAT-5 cable. Much easier to use flat cable.
Plus, I’d be concerned that someone new to DCC may not know what ‘Cat-5 Ethernet’ refers to, and be scared off by a review of a product intended to attract new DCC users.
This is a winner. The old DCS50 was an excellent DCC system by itself. Now, the additional features, plus 3 amp supply, make this a leader in the command controllers marketed for small to mid size layouts. My N scale layout has 18 locos, and my HO layout has 8. I have a DCS51 for each layout and I’m doing fine.
This is a winner. The old DCS50 was an excellent DCC system by itself. Now, the additional features, plus 3 amp supply, make this a leader in the command controllers marketed for small to mid size layouts. My N scale layout has 18 locos, and my HO layout has 8. I have a DCS51 for each layout and I’m doing fine.
I have been looking at this set up to power my new HO layout. I found this article very helpful and pretty much solitified my decision to purchase this item.
I have been looking at this set up to power my new HO layout. I found this article very helpful and pretty much solitified my decision to purchase this item.
Like other NMRA conforming command stations, the DCS51 programming track output does not generate sufficient current to program some sound decoders, such as Soundtraxx. You can purchase a programming track booster add-on like Tony’s Powerpax or the Soundtraxx PTB-100 that will allow reading and writing of sound decoder CVs, or carefully use the DCS51 “blast” programming procedure in the manual for high-current decoders.
Also note that the DB150 mentioned in the review is primarily a power booster and is not designed to read back CVs on a programming track. For that you would need the Digitrax DCS100 command station/booster, which, however, being NMRA compliant, also needs a programming booster for Soundtraxx and QSI decoders.
Like other NMRA conforming command stations, the DCS51 programming track output does not generate sufficient current to program some sound decoders, such as Soundtraxx. You can purchase a programming track booster add-on like Tony’s Powerpax or the Soundtraxx PTB-100 that will allow reading and writing of sound decoder CVs, or carefully use the DCS51 “blast” programming procedure in the manual for high-current decoders.
Also note that the DB150 mentioned in the review is primarily a power booster and is not designed to read back CVs on a programming track. For that you would need the Digitrax DCS100 command station/booster, which, however, being NMRA compliant, also needs a programming booster for Soundtraxx and QSI decoders.
I am torn between the Zephyr Xtra and the Prodigy Express with the new computer program & 1516 Cable. Has anyone tried the Prodigy Computer Control Progam? I have a small Z layout (2 engines) and a small N scale layout (4 engines). MAJBERT@aol.com Thanks folks…
I am torn between the Zephyr Xtra and the Prodigy Express with the new computer program & 1516 Cable. Has anyone tried the Prodigy Computer Control Progam? I have a small Z layout (2 engines) and a small N scale layout (4 engines). MAJBERT@aol.com Thanks folks…
It has been my experience that even the 5 amp Digitrax systems need a programming booster to program sound decoders. Tony’s Trains sells an excellent one.
It has been my experience that even the 5 amp Digitrax systems need a programming booster to program sound decoders. Tony’s Trains sells an excellent one.
Digitrax Loconet does no use Cat V ethernet cables! Unless you have the proper tools to make your own, you can buy them in various lengths from Tony’s and save yourself some headaches. if you have and existing layout not built to handle DCC (like non-DCC friendly turnouts and thin wiring) you have enough to worry about without building your own Loconet cables.
Digitrax Loconet does no use Cat V ethernet cables! Unless you have the proper tools to make your own, you can buy them in various lengths from Tony’s and save yourself some headaches. if you have and existing layout not built to handle DCC (like non-DCC friendly turnouts and thin wiring) you have enough to worry about without building your own Loconet cables.
I have used the Zephyr and have found the device most suitable for my OO gauge layout. Documentation was detailed and easily understood. In my mind well worth the money.
I have used the Zephyr and have found the device most suitable for my OO gauge layout. Documentation was detailed and easily understood. In my mind well worth the money.
I, enjoy these articles and the feed back