The club whaich I joined has a Digitrax system and I’m told I need a Digitrax controller. So this opens a whole can of worms that I had thought I could put off for a while.
I know less about DCC that I knew about locmotives on Dec 24th. I under stand that only a Digitrax contoller will work on this system. Can I also understand then that if I fork out the bucks for two Digitrax controllers–one for me and one for my daughter, I should really be thinking of Digitrax for my 12x12 layout at home.
The only thing I’ve really heard about DCC is that anything with an X in its name stinks.
How do I choose a controller? What is the least ai can pay for one that will work both at the club and at home?
Digitrax is a great system in my opinion. But to the matter at hand. I think a couple of the UT or “utility” throttles would be fine for your needs. At least for now. They dont have all the features of the expensive ones but should be suitable unless you plan on using radio or IR on your throttles. I belive they retail for about $60 apiece. Dont buy off the digitrax site though. You can get a better price at www.firsthobby.com or www.discounttrainsonline.com
Ditto. For the 4x8, consider a Zephyr. Plus two UT4 utility throttles, one for you and one for your daughter, which will work at the club as well as plug in to the Zephyr. Plus the Zephyr has it’s own throttle, which means all three of you can run trains at the same time. Even better - the Zephyr has two “jump ports” to which you can connect your existing DC power pack for yet ANOTHER control, although a jump throttle can only control speed and direction, not the functions for sound.
Oh yeah, since your club is Digitrax, I’m sure you’ll have PLENTY of local help in answering your questions. Plus you have us here. And there is a Digitrax group on Yahoo you can check out.
I know I have been talking about a 4x8 layout, but the main track that eventually will be built is a 12’ x 12’ ring. I figure to put the DCC on the larger track, but the 4x8 is about 20 ft away and I figure it would be no problem to run a line over to that table.
Would the Zephyr accomodate that? It looks like mobile jacks are in the $20 range. Is it possible to run these jacks over at the other table.
Does the Zepher have it’s own power supply? I have a Tech II 1400 with 13AV total.
Yes… you can run them anywhere you can run the loconet cables.
Again, yes… the Zephyr has it’s own power supply. The MRC that you have can
be used as an additional throttle. Just connect it to the jump port. As a matter of
fact, you could add a total of two power packs to the jump ports. Dave
I’m still learning about DCC myself so keep up the good questions.
Another thing to keep in mind. Not only can your “brand new” Tech II transformer be used as an additional throttle with your Zephyr but it will also come in handy as a dedicated auxillary AC power supply for powering your peripherals (i.e. layout lighting, switches, etc.) That’s actually recommended because every little light and switch sucks up current and limit the number of locomotives that you can run on your layout at one time.
Chip, I’ve heard many good things about the Digitrax Zephyr so I don’t think that you’ll go wrong with it. (It’s one of the 2 or 3 systems I’m considering.) A starter set (trottle console, power pack, and booster) from Tony’s Train Exchange will run you about $160. Anouther plus is that it’s expandalble as your layout and needs expand. BIG Plus!!!