Your Digitrax system can grow with the layout. Zephyr has a 10 slot limit so running 4-5 consists that are made up using their default "Universal consisting" probably won't work. There are ways around that though. Using advanced consisting aka decoder assisted consisting, you could have up to ten consists on the Zephyr's command station.
Since you seem to know that extra boosters will be needed, the 2.5 amp current limit with Zephyr shouldn't be a problem.
If you plan to add extra booster(s), I'd recommend purchasing a Super Chief starter set in the future. You will get a DT400 throttle as well as a command station and 5 amp booster. Chief will give you 120 slots so your 4-5 consists can be set up any way you are comfortable doing so. The DT400 throttle will give you access to F0 through F12 on either sytem Your Zephyr can still be used with the Chief as a booster only to power an extra district. As a side benefit, the Zephyr's throttle can still be used while it's acting as a booster.
As far as using a DC tarin pack on the Zephyr: I've never implemented the jump ports on my Zephyr but I understand they work quite well. There are two available so you can have two additional throttles. The train packs need to be pure DC with no pulse to operate correctly. I've heard that a simple variable resistor, reversing switch and a power supply- even a battery can be used as a jump throttle. The ports just see changes in voltage and polarity. The Zephyr translates these changes to DCC packets and puts them on the rails.
BTW, Digitrax has a new throttle coming out hopefully by next spring that will give access all the way to F28. I'd expect that to be included in a starter set once it hits the streets. Maybe they'll call it the Super Duper Chief?
Martin Myers
cahrn wrote:I currently own a Digitrax Zeypher system, and within the next few months, I will be starting construction on a new layout. Though it will be a small project at onset, I would like to know if the Zeypher will be sufficient a few years down the line when my layout is a bit bigger, and I am running 4-5 consists. I should add that I know I will have to add boosters to make sure I have enough power to my tracks. Also, I read somewhere that you can add analog power packs as auxiliary controllers. Is this a good idea, or would it just be better for me to get another separate throttle from the command station?
The Zephyr is a good DCC starter system but it is compatible with just about anything that Digitrax makes, so while you may outgrow the Zephyr itself you wil still be able to use it to control a yard for example.
Here is what I did. I bought a DT400R and and 91R receiver to give me radio control capabilties on my layout. That'll initially work with the Zephyr but I'll probably have to buy one of the advanced Digitrax systems somewhere along the line to allow more than one person to operate on the layout. I also use the DT400R on the club layout so it isn't sitting there gathering dust until my layout reaches the point where I can run trains on it.
Irv
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
Jim, Modeling the Kansas City Southern Lines in HO scale.
simon1966 wrote:Irv, I have had as many as 6 operating on my layout at once with a Zephyr as the command station. I believe that the Zephyr can support up to 10 throttles. Most likely one would hit the power limitation before hitting the throttle limit.
I know. But I want to have at least two people operating on my layout. For that they will need to be able to walk around and follow their trains. That's why I opted for DT400R. At some point I'll need to add another and probably increase the power rating to 5 amps as well. At that point I should have plenty of power left for things like switch machines, accessories and a few other goodies.
My Zephyr will still be there but it will most likely control the yard so that would be a third job.
You will need a DTxxx throttle if the command station is a DCS100 or DB150. Why? Sooner or later track power will need to be turned on and UT4 doesn't have that button.
Besides, once you've programmed with a DT400, you will never want to use the program using the Zephyr panel again.
TA462 wrote: jamnest wrote:Keep your Zepher. When you are ready to expand, you can pick up a used DCS100 or DB150 on Ebay. I would not waste money on a DT400. Purchase a PR3 and use Decoder Pro (free) to program your locomotives. With the PR3 and DecoderPro you can use your computer as multiple Digitrax throttles. For visitors I would get the inexpensive UT4 throttles. You can not program with a UT4.What's wrong with the DT400 throttles that would make you think they are a waste of money? I have three of them and really enjoy using them. I still don't get the fascination of controlling your trains with a computer.
jamnest wrote:Keep your Zepher. When you are ready to expand, you can pick up a used DCS100 or DB150 on Ebay. I would not waste money on a DT400. Purchase a PR3 and use Decoder Pro (free) to program your locomotives. With the PR3 and DecoderPro you can use your computer as multiple Digitrax throttles. For visitors I would get the inexpensive UT4 throttles. You can not program with a UT4.
What's wrong with the DT400 throttles that would make you think they are a waste of money? I have three of them and really enjoy using them. I still don't get the fascination of controlling your trains with a computer.
I have owned and operated a Super Chief Radio for about 10 years. I started with (and still have) 2 DT100R throttles. I also upgraded to 2 DT300R throttles and have a DT400R. My point is using Decoder Pro and a PR3 is a lot easier than using a DT400 throttle to program. In addition, you can use your computer as a throttle too. I consider it (PR3 + Decoder Pro) to be an exceptional value. For the price of a DT400R you can just about buy a PR3 and a UT4R throttle.