Hello everyone - I really need help. I've been thrashing over the specs, reviews, forums, videos and magazine articles to the point now that I'm completely frazzled. I have a G-scale garden railroad - Croaker Diggs. I have collected 3 Bachmann loco's and have probably 12 or 15 pieces of rolling stock. The main line consist of about 150 ft of track. I generally run only 1 engine at a time but sometimes run a double header for fun. I have a couple areas where there is a bit of a grade but about 40 out of 100 on the transformer power pack (MRC POWER 6000) gets me through consistently. I monitor the track current and never see more than 2 amps draw even in the grades and/or with 2 engines running. Here's the deal. I want to go DCC. I love the idea and I'm convinced that this is for me. It will give me the control over the Loco's, switches, sound effects and much more but I dont want to over-buy or under-buy. Here's the questions - What system "do I need". I really like the Digitrax stuff and the Zephyr might work as a starter but probably does not have the current at 2.5 amps to give me a comfortable margin of error. The next step up on Digitrax is the Super Empire Builder with 5 amp capacity and expansion ability to supply 22 throttles at the same time...I'll never need more than maybe two throttles. Actually one throttle from three possible locations. I want sound decoders in the engines/tenders and some fixed decoders later on and not much more. I would also like the ability for computer control which most of the products I looked at currently have. I have looked at MRC's Prodigy 1414, Digitrax Zephyr and Super Empire Builder, the NCE Power Cab, and more. Like most things, the more I read about it, the more confusing it gets. The bottom line is - I don't have a club, the layout wont get much bigger but I want to control 2 G scale trains and sound with a decent hand-held controller that I can operate from more than 1 location - a walk around tether is fine. Will the Zephyr work with a booster? Please advise ASAP, as Santa wants to know what I want and I'm confuzeled. Thanks, Shu
Follow the adventure - http://www.croakerdiggs.com
Shu,
Have you measured the current draw of your engines? If you're only planning on running 1 engine at a time, whichever engine draws the most current would be your 'ruling load'. This may help you decide which system is right for you.
You'll also need to make sure that the power supply can handle the current you need from it. Being an N scaler who uses the Lenz system, I can't answer for Digitrax specifically, but these current/power factors should probably be taken into account.
The Location: Forests of the Pacific Northwest, OregonThe Year: 1948The Scale: On30The Blog: http://bvlcorr.tumblr.com
TB - Thanks for the reply. The Bachmann is drawing about 1/3 to 1/2 amp on level roadway. Peaks to 3/4 with my worst grade. I have run double header on a few occasions and would like to continue to be able to do that. Add a healthy sound card and I think my worst case current draw will be 2 amps. If the controller has short circuit protection, like I think most do, 4-5 amp would be a very comfortable reserve capacity. The Digitrax Super Empire Builder has plenty of current but it seems overkill for 2 G-scale loco's. - Shu
ShuI want to control 2 G scale trains and sound with a decent hand-held controller that I can operate from more than 1 location - a walk around tether is fine.
I have a Lenz system. I find the throttles (both the LH-100 and LH-90) just a little too wide. I have CVP wireless throttles and love them. They are slender and light. The last few weekends I've been operating on NCE wireless system (9 a.m - 4 p.m.). My arm is tired from lugging that thing around all day. I have a Digitrax Zephyr but got it for the exact opposite reason, I liked the throttle built into the base unit. I use it for my G-scale Christmas trains from time to time. I liked the CVP system because it had two throttles built in, but it would easily use the CVP wireless throttles.
Do you think the Zephyr would run my 2 trains? (2 amp). I can add a handheld controller at a later time and a booster if needed. Thanks a lot - Shu
If voltage is an issue, the Lenz system can be customised to deliver a variety of different track voltages - you just need to flip some switches inside the command station.
However, Lenz doesn't really offer much in the way of wireless support AFAIK. Given that you're running G in the garden, you might prefer the freedom to walk around without wires getting in your way.
For G scale - I actually think radio control (with or without battery power) is a better option than DCC. If outdoors - definitely battery. No worry on supply enough current via the rails which, in an outdoor setting, might get quite dirty. No need for control signals to pass via the track. No wires tying you to an operating location.
The Zephyr isn;t really suitable for large scale, neither are any of the other 'starter' systems. They are generally limited on amps and usually voltage as well. Most of the middle and upper tier systems would work if you still want DCC. They generally are 5-10 amps and most have adjustable voltage so you can get the 18 volts preferred for G scale.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Thanks Guys - I will continue to look at the bigger systems and also take a look at radio control. At this point I am leaning towards the Digitrax 5 amp system - Shu
I metered my Super (Empire Builder) charged layout one day, which is HO, and was dismayed to find that I had a 19 volt reading. Everything was running fine, but why the high voltage suddenly? I looked at the front of the DB150 and found that I had inadvertently flicked the selector toggle for scales up to the O/G Scale slot. Ooops...
With Digitrax's own 5 amp power supply, or a suitable stand-in, and the marvellouse DB150, I think you would find it to be suitable for your purposes.
-Crandell
I use the AirWire900 wireless DCC system from CVP Products, the makers of EasyDCC, and 12 volt rechargeable batteries. Check their system out -- the radio throttle for the AirWire is exactly the same size as the one for EasyDCC.
http://www.cvpusa.com
Another very popular option for G-scale is the RCS (Remote Control System) from Australia. This, too. uses rechargeable batteries.
Information about it is at http://dnkgoods.home.mindspring.com/index.html
For me, that's the only way to go -- no power connected to the track anywhere because I have too many crossovers and reverse loops to contend with, not to mention that with battery power your train will actually run without track so you never have the worry about dirty track causing a loss of power.
I would like to also suggest that you move your questions over to the Garden Railways Magazine forum where there is a specific topic directed to the radio control / battery power crowd.
FYI, I model in both G and HO, and can safely say that an HO scale DCC system does not have the capacity required for G-scale locomotives.
Thanks for the info - such a hot topic. I think for my needs and wants I will probably go with the Digitrax SEB and start building the loconet. My needs of DCC, Sound, PC automation and remote throttles (hardwired and W/L) have led me to this decision. I like certain elements of RC also but the high cost of the receivers for each loco has kinda pushed me away. I also like the new Train Engineer WL throttle but I have to have the computer interface option so I think I'll go with Digitrax. Thanks to all - enjoyed the info. Shu