Have a small u shaped layout 15 feet on the long side of the U, typically run two trains at a time, occasionally three want to upgrade DCC System to allow more function programming etc.
Whats a good flexible system walk around control would be nice. I have looked at the low end digitrax and NCE systems - any advice or warnings appreciated
Merry Christmas
Keith
Take 'em home & try 'em!
I’m a big fan of Digitrax, though I have never owned a Zephyr. It’s a safe bet that either of the systems you mentioned will be a giant step up from the EZCommand.
I have a smaller layout than you do but I will hopefully be upgrading to the new Digitrax Zephyer Xtra 3 Amp System {spelled correctly} next xmas for my layout.
HEre:
http://www.traintekllc.com/Digitrax-Zephyr-Xtra-3-Amp-Starter-Set/productinfo/DTX-ZEPX/
or here from Digitrax info :
http://www.digitrax.com/prd_zep_xtra.php
I have/do enjoy my EZ COmmand, but I have mroe locos than ten adn don;t wnat to have to keep programming on/off locos to run, and I don;t use spot #3 as it is factory default and the default I set to when I take a loco off the controller.
How much are you looking to pay for it?
The powercab and Zephyr are both good starters. The powercab allows some moving around without adding a second throttle. It’s also very easy to use.
I have a 6.5 by 9.5 around the walls 2 ovals with a double crossover and small service yard off the inner oval --crossover is insulated and only for show
I have 2 power supplies one for the inner and one for the outer and only run 2 trains at a time --one on each oval
I have 4 sound equipped steamers --Bachmann 2-6-6-2—4-8-2—2-8-0 and a BLI 2-8-2
I am going to upgrade the DCC on board Bachmann 2-8-4 to Soundtrax sound
I also have a Bachmann -4-4-0 and 4-6-0 as well as IHC 2-6-0 and 2 Old time 4-4-0s
These run in DC only
While the DCC sound equipped run alright in DC mode I want to upgrade to DCC and like the poster am thinking the
Digitrax ZEPHYR XTRA Complete DCC Starter System with 3.0 Amp Power Supply
will be more than adequate
My layout will not expand
Any comments
Keith,
Basically both systems would serve you very well. I have the NCE Power Cab with the upgraded Smart Booster (SB3a), which gives me a full 5A of power. The Power Cab by itself is only 1.7A but would still handle 4-6 locomotives at a time.
The Power Cab throttle is nice because it does give you walk around capability, albeit tethered. However, with the Power Cab being the command station, booster, and throttle all rolled-up-into-one: Should you disconnect it from the PCP panel, you cut power to your layout.
That’s why I like the Smart Booster (SB3a) combination because it allows me the ability to move the Power Cab around my layout without shutting it down. This is done by using UTP panels, which can be daisy-chained to one another and placed anywhere you choose it be be.
I’ve been using the Power Cab for nearly 5 years now and have been very happy with it. I migrated to it from the E-Z Command.
Keith, if you’re interested you can find a review of the Power Cab at this link. It was written back in February 2006 and is my first impressions of the Power Cab. There’s also a review of the CAB-04p throttle and the original Smart Booster (SB3) on the same page.
Hope that helps…
Tom
Find a picture of the Zepher and then decide if you want to carry it around while switching.
I think the NCE system is a better option.
Zephyr gives you up to THREE throttles out of the box - the Zephyr unit plus up to 2 old DC power packs that you might have. And supports up to TEN throttles, or 20 with the new Zephyr Xtra with is essentially selling for the same price as the old one - with 3 amps and 20 simultaneous loco capability. Powercab only allows one extra throttle OR the computer interface.
The real choice comes down to where you see yourself int eh hobby. If you don;t ever plan to go about a layout with only 1 person runnign trains, the the Powercab gives you the walkaround (although tethered) capability out of the box. If you think eventually you might build that basement empire with a dozen operators, you’re already almost there with the Zephyr Xtra. Just add throttles for your friends - wired or wireless.
Or if you plan to add signals.If you’re going to wire a control bus for the throttles, why run TWO of them? One Loconet does it all. This is the ‘killer app’ of Digitrax, none of the other systems can do nearly what Loconet can. Nor fdo any of the others have the level of third party support that there is for Loconet.
–Randy
Actually, the Zephyr (both versions) are about 50% larger than a Powercab throttle. Zephyr is lighter. Although not the best practice to get into, Zephyr will run an analog loco, Powercab will not.