Digitrax Zephyr - of the three, this is the most versitile and expandible. Has 2 jump ports for using DC powers as extra throttles. Computer port is extra but will allow you to hook up a computer to the Zephyr for easier configuration and storing of CVs (configuration variables) and signal systems, using JMRI’s Decoder Pro software (FREE)
MRC Prodigy Advance - handheld throttle, NO DC option to run trains. Nice LCD display.
Bachmann E-Z Command - Most limited of the three. Major limitation: 1-amp total output and you can NOT adjust CVs. Despite what others may say, it’s still a good, decent, inexpensive DCC system. Even with only 1-amp output, I could still run 2-3 locomotives. It is limited in expandibility. Bachmann has released a 5-amp booster for this unit.
Cheese, if you haven’t dismissed it yet, consider the NCE Power Cab. You can read a review on it from my web site link below. Just click on Reviews on the left side of the page.
I think you meant lcd but anyways what upgrades besides a different throttle and booster for the express system? Are there wireless throttles for the zyphyr? And what exactly are cv’s? If they are important to get the best performance/operation? if they are bachmann is out.
Yes, there are wireless options for the Zephyr. I believe the new Progidy Advance 2(?) has wireless upgradability, too.
Configuration variables (CVs) are inputs that allow you to tweak your locomotive so that can run better or add features that are built into the decoder - e.g. like lighting effects (Mars lights, ditch lights, scrobes, etc.) It depends on whether that is important to you or essential to your layout operations.
CV’s are “Configuration Variables”. They are adjustable on many decoders. The Bachmann DCC system does not have an option to make changes to the CV’s.
tstage you got in just before I posted.
I think being able to change the CV’s is important. I have gotten several decoders that have not been reset to factory settings. Making that change may be necessary.
One instance I can think of is an Atlas N scale Diesel I bought on Ebay. It was advertised as needing a new decoder because it would not run in DC or DCC. When I received it all I did was reset the decoder to factory spects and it ran fine after that.
So having the ability to change the settings is necessary in my book.
There are a couple of places where you can find the Power Cab for $139.
The Power cab is a 1.7A DCC system that is expandible and has wireless capability. Like the MRC Progidy Advance, you don’t have the capability to run DC locomotives with any of the NCE DCC systems. (That’s the choice that NCE made.)
With the Power Cab, the throttle, command station, and booster are rolled-up-into-one handheld unit. It does come with a 7’ cable so it’s considered a tethered* walk-around system. (*The Power Cab has to stay connected to the PCP panel in order to be powered. Otherwise, the layout shuts down.) By adding the Smart Booster, the Power Cab increase to 3A of total output and becomes a true walk-around system. Like the Zephyr, you can adjust CVs by either programming on the main (OPS mode) and using the programming track.
At present, the Power Cab does not have a computer port (yet!) to hook up to a PC. NCE is “working” on a USB port for it but it hasn’t materialized yet. [sigh] The NCE Powerhouse Pro system does have a computer port.
The Power Cab is also limited in the amount of locomotives in it’s recall stack (2). The Powerhouse Pro can recall or keep track of 6. The Zephyr can recall at least 10, if not more.
Storing locomotive addresses and recalling addresses are two entirely different things. The recall stack is the number of most recently used locomotive addresses that you can access by pressing the RECALL button. You can always manually select a locomotive’s address be pressing the SELECT button. The RECALL button is just a faster and more convenient method.
Again, Cheese, you can read more details on the Power Cab and Smart Booster from the review links on my web site. There’s also pictures added to give you a better idea of what the system looks like.
According to the MRC web site, the Prodigy Advance 2 “Squared” is “wireless ready”. There is a wireless conversion set for the Prodigy Advance but it hasn’t been released yet. (See bottom of page in 2nd link.) It doesn’t look like the Prodigy Express has wireless capability.
You can add a wireless throttle/system to the Power Cab and Zephyr.
I see in the time I started reading to the time I posted (about 5 mins) you dropped the MRC unit.
I was sitting on this same fence when I was trying to decide what unit to buy myself.
IMHO I would go with the Digitrax Zyphyr. Here is why. Digitrax has done a wonderful job about making everything in their lineup compatable with one and another. When and if your railroad grows you wont need to replace the whole unit. The Zyphyr command station can be used as a booster, it uses the same loconet that the other digitrax command stations use, It will interface with the UR91 (wireless throttle jack) and all the currently available throttles that Digitrax offers, plus the unit itself is a throttle. Another BIG plus is having the ability to use a locobuffer and JMRI on your computer to set the command station, throttles, accessories like a PM42, or AR1, and also program decoders.
The NCE offerings are pretty nice and I have used the ProCab wireless on a friends layout Nice system all and all but he didnt like it as well as the digitrax setup that the others in my train club used. I dont know alot about the compatabilit
Massey makes a good point. Find out what system is most supported around your area - that includes train clubs, as well as LHSes. It’s important that you find someone that is knowledgeable about the system you use/are interested in so that you have someone you can go to with any questions that will come up.
Digitrax makes a very good product and it is very flexible system, with a number of pluses. It still comes down to preference and what system is best going to work for you and your layout needs.
I have the Z and like it very much. The Power Cab was not around when I selected my system. If I were looking now I would give serious consideration to the Power Cab. Both are very good and I can’t imagine you would be disappointed with either. If I were you I would decide what I want to do with my system now. Then I would consider what I would like to do in the future. If both systems can meet these current and future needs then consider the form factor of the devices. Does a tethered hand-held appeal to you more than a console? You will find aficionados of both systems here. The Z has been around for a few years longer so has more users, but also does not have all the features of the PC. Both D and NCE are promising new things this year like PC interface (NCE) and up to F28 control (digitrax).
Yes and no. The Zephyr itself is a completely self-contained DCC command station/booster/throttle (like the NCE system). So, no you cannot have a wireless throttle in the Zephyr. What you can do though is buy a DT400r and the UR91 (wireless throttle and reciever, respectively) you may also need an additional UP5 panel or two and some loconet cables. You plug the UR91 into the Loconet, and then after acquiring the loco, you are able to unplug the DT400r from the system and use it wirelessly.
Someone’s been doin’ their homework. [:D] Dan, if and when that day comes for you to pick out a DCC system, you’re going to be well-prepared to make that decision.
When is decided → after I figure out if I can fit more than a 3’x3’ module in my room next year, and then pay for the module… and the new toys from Walthers… [:-^]
What system depends on what the club gets… if anything…[:D]
And I wouldn’t say that is exactly “homework” Digitrax puts it in a really easy to find place.
If you need the booster fo the nce system for it to be a corded mobile and assuming the panels to plug the controller in need more wiring then a wireless throttle. I choose the zyphyr system if this not true tell me and the insight will continue to come for others to use.
Hooking up the Smart Booster if very easy. Two wires go to the track and a 4-contact RJ-12 cable is attached to a UTP (universal throttle port) panel. Additional UTP panel panels can then be daisy-chained to one another by using the same type cable 4-connect cable.
My Smart Booster review goes into it more in depth, which includes pictures.
Usually don’t post here, more of a lurker, but I’ve found the Zephyer to be a reliable system on my n scale layout. You also might want to look into the Lenz 100 (150? Not sure on model only brand) system as I’ve heard rave reviews on it from other modelers and saw it wasn’t on your list.
I had to decide on a DCC system myself not to long ago. Both the Zephyr and the PowerCab are good systems, but I decided to go with the Zephyr and I’ll give you my reasons.
The Zephyr has a computer interface right now, NCE has been promising one for the PowerCab ever since it was introduced, but it is still not out yet(I don’t doubt they will produce it,I just didn’t want to wait for it).
The Zephyr has more amperage out of the box(2.5 amps), so you are less likely to need a booster later. If you do get a booster, you can still use the built in booster. With the PowerCab, if you get the 3 amp smartbooster, you loose the 1.7 amps of the cab itself.
The Zephyr has seperate program track outputs.
You can add wireless to the zephyr without upgrading it. To add wireless to the PowerCab, you have to upgrade to the ProCab.
The PowerCab does have some advantages also. I have not used a PowerCab but from what I hear it is easier to use(Not that I find the Zephyr difficult). If your layout is small enough to use a tethered cab, the PowerCab will give you walk around control without buying another cab.
To interface my computer to the Zephyr I used the circuit at the bottom of this page(it cost me about $5):