I have the SEB for about a year.. It was tough choice between the Zephyr and the SEB when i bought it but the extra power and the dual throttle is what won me over since I did not know how much power I would need and I knew I would be operating two or more trains at once, one on the main line and couple switching/ doing local drops. I just wish I went wireless but I can always upgrade.
I have an empire builder set waiting for me under the tree :). After much reading on different systems, i went with the empire builder. The price was right for what I wanted ti do with it. I also got a pr3 for decoder programming and wireless throttle with my itouch and withrottle.
Wow! What a ton of friendly helpful advice
My layout is in a 16'x16' room that is all MINE!!! Yes MINE!!! I currently have two parallel tracks that circle the room with a small two track siding in one corner and a yard under construction at the opposite end of the room. At this point I don't mind being tethered but I can see some time in the very distant future I would go remote (okay maybe).
I have a couple of old brass enginees I want to switch to DCC and if need be remotor. Then I have a bunch of old engines I would have to remotor and add decoders to (beginning to question if this is worth it). I bought a new engine and was amased at how smooth it runs at slow speed WOW! Things have changed in 35-40 years.
I want sound!!! And am a steam lover big drivers smoke steam like a giant monster.
I want to have trains running while I work on scenery and build structures. A little switching but I think realy just to set up the next train to take off and run. I can see in the far future I would like to try running under a clock and use a card system.
I can't see anymore than two operators at any time but I can see 5 trains running and more in the distant future with computer control but that's a dream at this point but one that's been with me since I was a kid so there is more to it
I want Digitrax because it seems to expand and I wanted a popular system so I could ask for help.
I am wiring each section of track currently (not fun and I am dragging my feet) it's a VERY slow process.
Marc
San Jose, CA
I would tell her to proceed and get it unless you have a few extra bucks for the super chief. I've had it for about 5 months and love it. The 402 throttle is the best part about either set.
Springfield PA
I've had digtrax since 1989 and haven't had any trouble with any of their products ,2 dcs, 3 db 150's and mostly all the signaling and track detection as well as switching and programing. Just take time to read the manuals and ask questions if you cant figure it out. Also join the Digitrax group on yahoo,great bunch of guys and tons of info and help.You might want to visit it before you buy and ask on there what you should and shouldn't get and do. Have fun Jim.
I don't have the Super Empire Builder, I bought the Super Chief because of the read back capability, but I am absolutely sold on Digitrax. I have added on things since I bought it and such add ons are easy.
Humans have a tendency to choose up sides. If you ask advise of someone who owns a different system he will probably try to talk you out of any system other than the one he likes. Keep that in mind.
I think you will be happy with the SEB.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
I have had the Super Empire Bulider radio equiped for over five years. No problems with it. I would go with the radio version from the beginning. If you decide to go radio later you will have to send the throttle to Digitrax for upgrading and be without it for a month as well as purchasing the UR91 or UR92. If you want an expandable system, go with the Zephyr. Then add the radio later as your wallet will allow
My club has an SEB radio system and a Super chief radio eight amp system. and several members have the Zepher. They are excellent systems. All of the DCC systems have a learning period. I'm sure whichever one you chose will make you happy.
I've had my Empire Builder for ten + years. Long enough to add a DT400R throttle and UR91 receiver. That would make it a Super Empire Builder. I've had zero trouble with it since day one.
Shop may have been trying to sell your unsuspecting wife a higher priced system.
Martin Myers
Not the most useful response in this thread, but I purchased a plain-Jane SEB five years ago and haven't looked back. It is utterly reliable, robust, and works the same way every time. If an industrial/organizational psychologist were to evaluate the Digitrax systems for "internal reliability", they'd win hands down over the other systems that don't do well with forward upgrading. As Randy said, you can keep upgrading by small add-ons with Digitrax, and you won't have to scrap an entire set-up or system when you want the latest gizmos or capabilities.
Crandell
This is a fine set. One additional item I would get is a Digitrax PR3 which will permit you to read back CVs. The PR3 will also allow you to program decoders with Decoder Pro (free software you download from JMRI). In addition you can use the PR3, and your personal computer as an additional throttle.
The nice thing about Digitrax is the system is upgradeable and you can expand your Digitrax system by adding on, not by replacing. My Digitrax system is now 12 years old and still in active service. It is operating in the new wireless duplex mode, but my DT100R throttles are still in use and work great. I have a PR3 which I use with my laptop, but the layout Digitrax system uses an old Digitrax MS100 and Decoder Pro to interface with the layout and to program locomotives.
Jim, Modeling the Kansas City Southern Lines in HO scale.
As mentioned, the shortcomings compared to other Digitrax systems are lack of CV redback capability and lack of a dedicated program track. Like all Digitrax systems it is fully expandable with all the Digitrax and third party goodies. NCE even has an automatic switch to control a program track, it's designed for their PowerCab system but it will work with the Super EMpire Builder. Keeps you from accidently programming every loco at the same time.
Now, maybe this isn't the best option for you - how big is your layout, and how many trains do you plan to run at the same time? Perhaps a different Digitrax system would be a better option. I have a Super Empire Builder Xtra set but I use the DB150 as a plain booster. My Zephyr is the command station, so I have a dedicated program track and CV readback capabilities.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
No problem that I am aware of. You can't read back CVs with it but it is the way it is designed not a flaw.
Jack W.
I am planning on getting this system for Christmas but when my wife got to the store she was told there are a lot of complains about it.
Super Empire Builder Xtra Set DT402 Super Infra-Ready Throttle, DB150 Command Station/Booster 5 Amps, UP5 Universal Panel, LT1 LocoNet Cable/Decoder Tester, Complete Manuals, For all scales
I think there was a miscommunication between them but figured I would ask you guys if there are problems with this system?
P.S. I am not looking for a discussion on which system is best :-) Just if this model has some known problems.
Thanks!!!!