Is the zephyr xtra better or worse than the super empire builder
You could have put all the questions in one message...
I think so, yes, because the Zephyr Xtra gives you a dedicated program track with readback. It handles 20 locos vs the SEB's 22, hardly any difference. 3 amps vs 5, but the Zephyr Xtra includes the power supply, and 3 amps will run a lot of HO locos as is. And you cna always add more later.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Yes. You need a UR92 to be able to use the radio functionality, otherwise you have a plug-in throttle with a really short cord.
Can the Digitrax DT402D be paired with the Digitrax Zephyr?
Yes, but why? The PS2012 is a 20 amp power supply. The Zephyr Xtra comes with a power supply, no need to buy one, and the DB150 is a 5 amp booster/command station, the PS514 is the more appropriate power supply for it.
UR91 is for the R throttles like DT402R and UT4R, UR92 is for the D throttles like DT402D and UT4D. There's an article on this right on the radio throttle section of Digitrax's web site. R radios are simplex, need to plug in to aquire a loco, D throttles are Duplex, no need to plug them in.
Whad digitrax product can pick up the radio throttles commands?
Can the Digitrax PS2012 be paired with the Zephyr or the Super Empire Builder/DB150
I see that you have several posts, all with the same title. Even though these posts deal with a different topic, the title of these posts should be more specific because each one is asking a different question. With a very general title like Digitrax, many folks won't bother opening the others, assuming that they are all the same and you posted the same question multiple times.
Elmer.
The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.
(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.
NIKOLAI Is the zephyr xtra better or worse than the super empire builder
They are different. Depending on what you want from a system one may be better than the other. The 2 main differences are the form-factor, one being a console the other a walk around throttle design. The Z has the program track with CV read back the SEB does not. The Z has a bit less power, but both can run a lot of locos. Only you can weigh the benefits for these things.
Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum
NIKOLAI Can the Digitrax DT402D be paired with the Digitrax Zephyr?
Yes, purchase a UR92 panel and plug it into the Zephyr loconet and then a DT402 D will run with it. You can do the same with an SEB as well.
NIKOLAI Whad digitrax product can pick up the radio throttles commands?
Any Digitrax DCC system can be converted to radio.
Add a UR92 panel and you can use any of the Duplex radio throttles such as the DT402D or the UT4D
Add a UR91 panel and you can use the Simplex throttles such as the DT402R and the UT4R
NIKOLAI Can the Digitrax PS2012 be paired with the Zephyr or the Super Empire Builder/DB150
No need to. Overkill for the SEB and not needed for the Z
One of the hottest topics on the Yahoo Digitrax group talks about a short circuit problem with the Zephyr. If you are warming to the Zephyr then I suggest you read that topic and consider whether this problem would apply to you.
My personal preference is actually for the Super Chief Extra, but I would go for the Empire Builder over the Zephyr because of the short circuit problem.
The_Ghan One of the hottest topics on the Yahoo Digitrax group talks about a short circuit problem with the Zephyr. If you are warming to the Zephyr then I suggest you read that topic and consider whether this problem would apply to you. My personal preference is actually for the Super Chief Extra, but I would go for the Empire Builder over the Zephyr because of the short circuit problem.
The 'short protection' issue is sort of over-rated. I have a DCS51 and yes, it fails the 'quarter' test maybe once in every 8 to 10 times. It does not do an auto reset and power back on to normal operation. It does NOT appear to be a safety issue. The 'fix' is a new PS314 power unit. If you have the problem, contact Digitrax via their web site(support tab). They have been upgrading the firmware in the DCS51 to also provide additional recovery capability.
As far as the Empire Builder vs the Zephyr Xtra - the Zephyr Xtra has lots more new technology/capabilities(even the old Zephyr as well) than the Empire Builder:
I have a Super Chief system for my layout, and a Zephyr Xtra for my 'Man Cave' where i build models and program my DCC stuff via Decoder Pro. When I got into DCC, the Chief series was about all that was available that was 'full featured'. The Zephyr Xtra will address 20 engines concurrently, and provides 3 amps of power - More than enough for most home layouts.
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
I have a Digitrax Super Chief (DCS100) command station, and two Digitrax DB150. When I got into DCC over 15 years ago I purchased a Radio Super Chief set and an Empire Builder set because I needed a booster for my layout and purchasing the sets was less expensive. My initial Digitrax set came with a UR91 radio receiver and a Digitrax DT-100R radio throttle. Ove the years I have continued to upgrrade my Digitrax system by adding on. I now use UT4D and DT402D throttles and addded a UR92 to the system; and my DT100R is still in use.
When the Zepher extra came out I purchased a regular Zepher set at a significant discount for my work bench to run the test track.
Regardless of the Digitrax system you start with, you should also get a Digitrax PR3 which is a computer interface. You can use your computer with the PR3 as an extra throttle, however when paird with Decoder Pro Software (download for free), the PR3 allows you to program your DCC decoders from your computer, thus you don't need the command station to read back CVs.
Another addition to Decoder Pro is the WIFI throttle APP (free download). This app connects your Iphone or Android phone to your Digitrax system via your wireless router and Decoder Pro. Cell phones become a two way wireless throttle.
So a PR3 is a must have for any Digitrax system.
Jim, Modeling the Kansas City Southern Lines in HO scale.