Hello everyone, i was wondering if anyone on here has any experience with the Digicentral DR500? I am no DCC expert but it looks pretty cool considering what all it claims you can do with it. I was just mainly looking for some input on it from anyone who might have some experience with it. Is it worth the asking price of around $200? ....Thanks!
Best stick to known systems. ANd check them out before buying yet another one All these various Euro systems end up having little to know support outside their area of origin.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
rrinker Best stick to known systems. ANd check them out before buying yet another one All these various Euro systems end up having little to know support outside their area of origin. --Randy
LOL.Randy, i hear that sir....I kind of thought by the name that it was not an American product but they make it sound like some wonder module. I know what you mean by checking them before buying....I am not buying anything else in the near future except maybe a newer DB for my Digitrax system that i just purchased but from what you and the others said i will be good with the new Super throttle and just use my NCE Powercab for programming only....Thanks again buddy!
You snapped up the DB150 28 minutes after you asked for an opinion. Do you mean you didn't buy the DR5000 already?
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Don't try and mix so many different systems.
Mike.
My You Tube
I use a Roco z21, but the Dijikeijs unit looks interesting, and it's less money. It also has the wifi router built right in (unlike the z21, which requires a dedicated TPLink router).
Be aware that you can use this with the Roco z21 control software, which is free. Works on any Android or iOS smartphone or tablet.
If you want to preview what it will look like, go to either the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) and search with "roco z21". You want the app that has a red engine on a blue background. Install this on your device, and you can see all the things that it does.
One proviso: I believe you need a computer running Windows to get the DR5000 initially set up (or perhaps a Mac running Windows through bootcamp, or using VMWare Fusion or Parallels). The Roco z21 can be set up with iOS or Android.
Model Railroader has a recent review. https://mrr.trains.com/news-reviews/staff-reviews/2018/10/digikeijs-dr5000-digicentral-dcc-command-station The USA distributor is Iron Planet Hobbies and they have several videos on the system. Ryan from IPH provides excellent support. I have not yet purchased my system but will very soon from Ryan. $200 for a wifi dcc system with control with JMRI or cell phone. The DR5000 supports several other wifi controllers so they can purchase if interested or dislike cell phone control. I've watched several videos using the DR5000 and Roco Z21 app. To me, for a new DCC user, the DR5000 makes great sense as it starts as a wifi system with walk-around control (top priority). It also has the capability of interacting Loconet and XpressNet components so I can add controllers from other systems as they become available.
I don;t see anywhere where it says if the wifi speaks WIThrottle protocol. This is fast becoming the defacto standard for Wifi throttles - the new TCS Wifi throttles use it, and so do all the Wifi interfaces for other systyems - there's a third party one now for NCE, Digitrax has one, and MRC has one - they ALL use the WiThrottle protocol. That's supported by the WiThrottle app on IOS devices, Engine Driver on Android devices, and the new TCS throttle, among others. The fancy ESU CabControl throttle can run Engine Driver in addition to their proprietary throttle apps, since the throttle is an Android device with a knob.
Really, before getting a THIRD DCC system, consider the options with what you have. Between the money spent on the Digitrax plus a modern throttle for it, and nowt the Digikejis system. you could have just picked up a Smart Booster and the WifiTrax WFD30 for your PowerCab and gotten the ability to use both touchscreen devices and throttles with knobs wirelessly via Wifi.
Using JMRI with DR5000 uses home network
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxzjYgcTzDI
A video that shows the use of various components and throttles with the DR5000 Fascinating setup to demonstrate the interconnectivity.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yg15gHKo7rg
The Z21 is a free app to run locomotives over wifi from the DR5000
Set up is discussed here:
https://rudysmodelrailway.wordpress.com/2018/05/06/digikeijs-dr5000-03-connect-phone-tablet-to-wifi-and-use-the-z21-app/
Programming DCC locos on DR5000 with Z21 app
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGyE34MeSNg