Digitrax dcc question

[Anonymous]

Im sorry everyone but yes this is another dcc question.
It is to eirly in the game for me to tell you the size of my layout because I don't even have a new house to put one in yet. I don't think my layout is going to be to terribly big, big enough for a decent operation session though.

I am thinking of running 3-4 trains at a time, max (2-3 engine consists, 1-2 yard dogs)

I am set on getting a Digitrax system since I have experience with the system on other people's layouts.

I think the Digitrax Zypher system is the one for me but this is where my question comes in:
The Zypher runs 2.5 amps and the sytems up from that run the 5 amps. What is the diffrence?

Thanx for the help everyone.

[selector]

I have no experience with DCC, but I will take your question at face value and have a stab at it.

The difference is only that you can have more electric items drawing the extra current on the heavier systems. Each electronic device will take up a share of what is available, and that share changes as you impose demands on the devices. For example, if you send a loco up a 3% grade with more than 8 or 10 properly weighted cars, your loco motor will draw much more amperage than on the flats. If you double-head to get the train over the grade, or because you have added even more cars, now two locos are working hard. Switch motors, turntables, a toy ferris wheel in a midway on your layout, all of these deplete the power that a given system can provide.

I read that 2.5 amps is lots for most applications, but large layouts with multile locos pulling long trains will severely tax 2.5 amps. In fact, on large club layouts, 5 amps would be too little.

If you will have a layout smaller than, say, 8X12 feet, with 50' of track in total, and fewer than 5 locos, 2.5 amps will very likely be enough. Raise any of those numbers, and you may have to buy (a) booster(s), or get a bigger system.

I'm not too sure about the track lenghth issue, as voltage drop might be a bigger problem than amperage. Someone with more technical (electrical) know-how will set us straight.

[howmus]

Not to be a wiseguy here..... But! The difference is 2.5 amps. Right.

What that means is that it will run up to 2.5 amps worth of locos, switches, and other current drawing stuff. The size of the layout is basically irrelevent. What is important is how many locos you intend to run at the same time and how much they will take in current. If you are running some older HO locomotives that pull 1 amp or more of power, you will not be able to run more than 2 locos at the same time. If you are running only the newest locos that pull less than 1/2 amp each, you can run 4 or 5 at the same time. The reason large layouts use more than one booster is to be able to run more trains and for convenience (like not having the entire layout go down when one section has a short). For most home layouts where you will be running only a few locos at a time and do not have tons of other things connected to DCC, the Zepher will meet your needs well. If you don't think the Zepher will be able to handle your needs, move up to the Empire Builder @ 5 amps. That should be more than enough to keep you happy.

Have fun with your trains!

[Anonymous]

I have a Zephyr and run 5 locos at a time on my 4x8 layout. Most of the time my 7 lighted passenger cars are on the track and 3 cabooses with freds lit are running. I have plenty of power with the Zephyr. The only reason I would move up to the Super Cheif with more amps would be to program more locos.

[Anonymous]

I really appriciate all of the info guys. The more the marrier! Sooo i understand what you guys have explained and it has answered my question beautifly. My next quick question. If i find that the 2.5 amps is not enough for my opperation schedual will the booster increase my system to 5 amps or just reinforce the 2.5 amps?
I know the zypher system and all digitrax systems are expandable, a guy once explain that with alot of expanding and upgrades you can turn the zypher system into the supercheif.

[howmus]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ntlange

If i find that the 2.5 amps is not enough for my opperation schedual will the booster increase my system to 5 amps or just reinforce the 2.5 amps?
I know the zypher system and all digitrax systems are expandable, a guy once explain that with alot of expanding and upgrades you can turn the zypher system into the supercheif.

Yep! Go here and check the bottom of the page. http://www.digitrax.com/forme.php It gives the upgrade path and exactly what is needed to upgrade the Zepher into an Empire Builder, and the Empire Builder into the Chief.

[Anonymous]

Thanx for the replys and info howmus, although my comment about upgrading the zypher system was a statement not a question.

Although that q&a you sent me to answered alot of questions. I think I am set and ready to go. You guys are great and i appriciate all the help.

[cacole]

I have ran 9 Proto 2000 engines as a single consist on a DCC system with a 4 Amp booster with no problems, so I see no reason why the Digitrax Zephyr's 2.5 Amps won't be sufficient. If you do overload it, it will simply shut down so you'll know that you have exceeded its capacity and need to add another booster.

[johncolley]

Another thing on your "to do" list...go online to the digitrax website and download their free mobile decoder manual. Be sure to make a file folder first to save it to. That way you can print it out as needed at your convenience, 'cause it is 63 or 65 pages!

[rrinker]

You can't really upgrade a Zephyr into a Super Empire builder - nor would you want to. The Zephyr support a seperate programming track, and CV readback. The Empire builder does not. You CAN make the Zephyr into a mini-Super CHief by adding a DT400 throttle, or add a DCS100 command station and use the Zephyr as a throttle and second booster to make a full-fledged Super Chief. Not that this really has anythign to do with the OP's question...

Right now I have a Zephyr. I was able to put 8 locomotives on the track at the same time and run them with the Zephyr. 5 were Proto 2000, 2 were Stewarts, and one was an Atlas/Kato (all HO scale). So, to run 2-3 locos - the Zephyr will be PLENTY. Should you eventually need more power - you can add as many 5 amp DB150 boosters as you need. Add 1 DB150 and you have a total of 7.5 amps to run the layout - 5 from the DB150 and 2.5 from the Zephyr. Should you also need an extra throttle, your best deal is to buy a Super Empire Builder set (this, IMO, is the main purpose of that set), because witht he set you will get a DB150, a DT400 throttle, and a UP5 panel. Combined cost is less than the individual prices of the DT400 plus DB150. This is exactly what I am planning on doing. I don't have enough railroad built yet to warrant the extra booster, but the plan is to grow what I have all the way around my basement walls, and I will need the extra power. Perhaps I might also need more than 10-12 locos running - at thatpoint I will get a DC100 and use that as the command station, thus maintaining program track and CV readback. Yes, a DB150 can act as a 22-slot command station, which is probably enough even when I have the basement full - but I don't want to lose the programming track and readback features of the Zephyr. This is why I don't recommend the Super Empire Builder except as an add-on to an existing system. As a standalone system, it is rather outdated, considering the lowest-cost system, the Zephyr, offers MORE features.
The additional beauty of Digitrax - NOTHING is wasted. About the only thing that you could not still be using in a modern Digitrax system are the CT4 throttles from the old Challenger system. The old DB100 booster can still work, even the DT200 command station/throttle from the Big Boy set can be used as a throttle on a newer system. Also, you are not at the mercy of one company. For accessories, there's RR-CirKits, Logic Rail Technologies, Team Digital, and CML. Uhlenbrock makes Loconet-certified command stations and throttles. And there are several DIY projects out there for the electronically inclined.
No, I do not work for Digitrax, I'm just a happy user with an electronics background who did a lot of examining before deciding on Digitrax for now and the future.

--Randy

[Anonymous]

Randy,

You should work for digitrax, or at least get a commision. Lots of great info and i really appriciate it. Thank you!

[Anonymous]

I think on the Zephyr system you can use a dc transformer as an added cab. I can't guarantee that , but I read it some where. You can use an old transformer as a power supply for the Chief that I have, although I got a transformer from LOYS TOYS. I also installed an Amp meter on my booster. This shows how much current the locos and accessories are drawing. I would highly recommend gettting this. It doesn't hurt the system to overload it as protection is built in to shut it down, but the meter is handy for checking amp draw on anything you want to run or install. I have ran twelve locos at once That was 2 groups of 5 consisted and two switchers.

[Anonymous]

tweet,

You can run dc packs off of the zypher, actually 2 at once. They use "jumpers" off of the comand box. Its a cheap way to add controllers to the system, even digitrax recommends it (in a way)
Anyway all of this talk is making me so excited to build and run a layout!

[rrinker]

Yup, if you already have a DC pack (or two) - which if you are converting from a DC layout, you certainly have at least one - you cna connect them to the Zephyr and use them as adidtional throttles to control trains. It does NOT give you extra power or anything - it's strictly to control trains. Thus, out of the box with the Zephyr you can have independent control over 2 or three trains, depending on how many DC packs you have.
If you DON'T have a prior DC layout, for $10 in parts at Radio Shack you can make throttles to connect to the jump ports on the Zephyr. There is a schematic or three on the Yahoo Digitrax list.

--Randy

[BRVRR]

ntlange,
I use a Zephyr on my BRVRR. I have run as many as 7 locos at once, three with sound, and never run into a problem. Most of my locos are Athearn BB kits.
I have two MRC Railpower 1300s attached to the 'jump' ports on my Zephyr. Digitrax recommends a 'smooth' power supply for the ports. No pulse power! I have never had a problem.
If you want to see my installation, there are pictures on my web site. Link is in my signature. Once on site, pu***he Layout button and scroll to the bottom of the page. Thumbnails from there.