I have started to save my pennies to buy a DCC starter system. I have settled on Digitrax. If I have enough pennies, is there any reason not to get the Super Chief Xtra 5 Amp system? I was looking at the Super Empire Builder Xtra but was a little concerned about the 22 address limit. (Realizing that I am relatively new to the hobby, is the 22 address limit a valid condern?)
Richard
It all depends on how many addresses you want to use at the same time. For us it is not enough because we have DCC cranes, etc.
Train Modeler It all depends on how many addresses you want to use at the same time. For us it is not enough because we have DCC cranes, etc. Richard
That's what I was thinking. I am assuming if I DCC-enable my turnouts, that will burn up a bunch of addresses.
RideOnRoad I am assuming if I DCC-enable my turnouts, that will burn up a bunch of addresses.
I don't know exactly how the Digitrax command stations handle turnouts. But typically turnout decoders are given accessory addresses. These addresses are separate from the loco addresses. So for the particular Digitrax command station you have in mind you need to determine the accessory address capacity.
If you MU a number of Engines together - each engines uses up one of the 22 slots!
This can be gotton around by keeping the MU engines together and give them all the same number
This way the all take off at the exact same time whe starting!
If you plan on hosting Operations! in the future - You may run out of 22 slots fairly quickly!
The Super Chief has a separate Programming Track which you can use while the Layout is up and running!
The other one the layout has to be shut down as the Program Track is the mainline!
Just something to think about!
BOB H - Clarion, PA
I have the Empire Builder, but have a small switching layout. I would go with the Super Chief. One nice thing about Digitrax, if you decide to go wirreless down the road, you buy a UR9x and throttle(s). You can even have Digitrax convert the tetherd throttles to wireless. I add wireless after I got my layout running for a year or two. No more plugging in throttles and unplugging to follow your train. Joe
Sounds like the decision to save a little long for the Super Chief is the right one.
RideOnRoad Train Modeler It all depends on how many addresses you want to use at the same time. For us it is not enough because we have DCC cranes, etc. Richard That's what I was thinking. I am assuming if I DCC-enable my turnouts, that will burn up a bunch of addresses.
Stationary decoders (for the turnouts) use a different set of addresses/commands than mobile (locomotive) decoders, so you don't have to worry about one "burning up" addresses that the other might use.
The two big differences between the DCS100 (Super Chief) and DB150 (Empire Builder) command stations are that the DCS100 can control 120 loco addresses at one time compared to the DB150's 22, and the DCS100 has programming track outputs while the DB150 does not.
Keep in mind the part about "can control...at one time". That's important. It's not a limit to how many locos you can own, or even how many can be on the layout. It's how many the CS can actively control at one time.
For a "lone wolf" operator, the DB150 is plenty. You'll likely run out of ability to physically monitor/control trains before you run out of slots in the CS. For several operators or a club, go for the DCS100.
Don't let the programming outputs, or lack of them, come into your decision. With either CS, get a PR3. It lets you use a computer with your DCC system, and it has programming track outputs that work much better than the DCS100's. When used with JMRI (and LocoNet checker for your eventual DS64's), it makes things SO much easier you'll wonder how you ever did without it.
cmrproductsf you MU a number of Engines together - each engines uses up one of the 22 slots! This can be gotton around by keeping the MU engines together and give them all the same number...
You don't have to give MU'ed engines the same number to keep them from using up slots. If you use advanced consisting, and program the consist address yourself (instead of relying on the throttle 'MU' functions), then each running consist will only take one slot.
Also remember (this is sometimes something beginners don't quite catch on to right away) the 22 addres limit is how many locos you have RUNNING at one time. You can have HUNDREDS of locos with decoders, they can even be sitting around on the layout. The limit number given with Digitrax is how many of them you can have running at the same time.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
CSX Robert cmrproducts f you MU a number of Engines together - each engines uses up one of the 22 slots! This can be gotton around by keeping the MU engines together and give them all the same number... You don't have to give MU'ed engines the same number to keep them from using up slots. If you use advanced consisting, and program the consist address yourself (instead of relying on the throttle 'MU' functions), then each running consist will only take one slot.
cmrproducts f you MU a number of Engines together - each engines uses up one of the 22 slots! This can be gotton around by keeping the MU engines together and give them all the same number...
CSX Robert
What you say is true
BUT!
Digitrax does NOT default to that method and with a beginner to learn how to do it with Digitrax only complicates the already steep learining curve that some experience!
The Digitrax system makes MUing easy to do with the Command Station MU!
But as I stated - if the units are always MUed together WHY not just give them the same number - response time is so much quicker!
YES - I know NCEs prefered method is the ADV Consisting!
rrinker Also remember (this is sometimes something beginners don't quite catch on to right away) the 22 addres limit is how many locos you have RUNNING at one time. You can have HUNDREDS of locos with decoders, they can even be sitting around on the layout. The limit number given with Digitrax is how many of them you can have running at the same time. --Randy
Well, now I am not sure again. I suppose the one advantage of buying the Super Chief is that I won't ever say, "Dang, I wish I had bought the bigger one."
I never knew anyone say they wished thay had a smaller one! ;-) ;-)
I have the Super Chief and have never regretted the decision for a second.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
Hi Richard; I own the Super Chief also and it was the smartist thing I ever purchased, after taking six months to really look at all the systems available. Also the Super Chief has settings read out and the Empire Builder doesn't have that feature. Lastly, the hand held is very light as compaired to other brands which is a big deal for me and my old and used wrists. The manuals are complicated but very informative and I also appreciate them. I am also a lone wolf as no clubs are near where I am but I didn't want to be sad later and not purchase the Super Chief. Good Luck, Doug
Actually, Digitrax manuals begin with simple quick start instructions. They get you up and running on all the factory defaults, right out of the box. Then they present all the complicated stuff for those of us who want to do more. It is as simple or as feature filled as you like. If you go to Digitrax.com you can download the manual in PDF format to help you decide. That is what I did.
Put it this way - if you buy the Super Empire Builder Xtra today, and later on you find you really do need to run more than 22 trains at teh same time - you will need more power, so all you have to do is buy a DCS100 and power supply, and reconfigure the DB150 as a booster. You now have a Super Chief Xtra plus a second 5 amp booster.