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Digitrax experts, I am looking to purchase the Zephyr starter set and have some questions regarding upgrading. The Zephyr can only run ten addresses as I understand it. That will be ok while my layout is being built. Eventually, I expect to add either the DB150-Empire Builder or DCS100-Chief command station/booster due to the 2.5 amp limitation of the DCS50-Zephyr command station/booster. Adding a DB150 or DCS100 will solve the "power problem" (more amps) with the completed layout. I am not sure if I will need to access more than 10 addresses. (There will be 3 operators on average, me, and my two boys) The address or loco term maybe what is confusing me. I want to use 4 digit addressing. I expect to run multiple multi-unit consists (universal or decoder-assisted consisting ) in the future (not basic consisting). As I understand it my options are: Option 1) If I use decoder-assisted consisting (I know I need decoders capable of this), the decoders of the two additional units CV's are programed as a consist to the "top" unit's address, thus only using one address. Can you use 4 digit addresses in decoder-assisted consisting? If the answer to both is yes, then the zephyr will support my finished layout needs as the command station (ten addresses should be enough) along with the addition of an addtional booster to support the increased amps of using more locos. If the answer to either is no then I think I can only do option 2. Option 2) If I use universal consisting, I designate a "top" unit. Then if I MU two additional units to a "top" unit, that consist uses three addresses correct? If I use Universal consisting, the zephyr will not support my finished layout needs as the command station since it can only control 10 addresses at a time. If I am correct about the address issue (10) for the Zephyr, lets say I buy the DB150 which can control 22 addresses. Would I just configure the DB150 to be the command station and then slave the zephyr (as a booster) to it giving me a total 22 addresses? If this is the case, are there any programing issues that one needs to keep in mind before making the DB150 the command station and the DCS50 the booster? Also, I would like to use the zephyr as the yard throttle. If it is a booster and not a command station, would the throttle still be of use? Digitrax info I have read says universal consisting is the prefered method of MU'ing. This makes option 2 seem like the more likely option. I am not sure. I like the idea of getting the zypher first and adding as needed. I just want to be sure I do it in a logical order. Cost is an issue so jumping straight to the Empire or Chief is not my prefered option. Does this make any sense........clear as mud I am sure. Thanks in advance, Mike Tulsa, Oklahoma
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