CSX Robert Both the original Zephyr and the Zephyr Xtra are capable of using paged mode and direct mode. In the manual for the original Zephyr Digitrax did recommend using paged mode and in the Zephyr Xtra manual they recommend using direct mode, but both systems can use both modes.
Both the original Zephyr and the Zephyr Xtra are capable of using paged mode and direct mode. In the manual for the original Zephyr Digitrax did recommend using paged mode and in the Zephyr Xtra manual they recommend using direct mode, but both systems can use both modes.
I understand that CSXRobert. I have both Zephyrs ( orig. is back in the box ) and am going by the way each manual tells it and also a telephone conversation with Digitrax about the Zephyrs. They ( Digitrax ) said each could do both but they were mfg. to do just what the instructions for each said. Hey they made it so that's how I use my Zephyr Xtra ( Dir Mode ). I'm not saying anyone has to.
Wadda ya mean I'm old ? Just because I remember gasoline at 9 cents a gallon and those big coal burning steamers.
rockislandnut wjstix: The only programming issues I've had with my old Zephyr was with a first-run BLI Hudson, but Decoder Pro doesn't seem to work with that either - I'll have to try the "chip" upgrade - and what turned out to be a faulty Tsunami. All of the other decoders were no trouble to program in Page mode. As noted, you can plug in a handheld unit to access more function buttons if you want. The ole Zephyr programs program track using "Page Mode", while the Zephyr Xtra uses "Direct Mode". Why I don't know as it was Digitrax's idea. Does seem like page mode has a little extra juice for the program track though.
wjstix: The only programming issues I've had with my old Zephyr was with a first-run BLI Hudson, but Decoder Pro doesn't seem to work with that either - I'll have to try the "chip" upgrade - and what turned out to be a faulty Tsunami. All of the other decoders were no trouble to program in Page mode. As noted, you can plug in a handheld unit to access more function buttons if you want.
The only programming issues I've had with my old Zephyr was with a first-run BLI Hudson, but Decoder Pro doesn't seem to work with that either - I'll have to try the "chip" upgrade - and what turned out to be a faulty Tsunami. All of the other decoders were no trouble to program in Page mode.
As noted, you can plug in a handheld unit to access more function buttons if you want.
The ole Zephyr programs program track using "Page Mode", while the Zephyr Xtra uses "Direct Mode". Why I don't know as it was Digitrax's idea. Does seem like page mode has a little extra juice for the program track though.
wjstix The only programming issues I've had with my old Zephyr was with a first-run BLI Hudson, but Decoder Pro doesn't seem to work with that either - I'll have to try the "chip" upgrade - and what turned out to be a faulty Tsunami. All of the other decoders were no trouble to program in Page mode. As noted, you can plug in a handheld unit to access more function buttons if you want.
aahhh,got it thanks Jerry
BIG JERR Randy : what is the proper releasing of locos w/the zephyr. I try to hit loco 0 loco when done ,is that it ?..Jerry
Randy : what is the proper releasing of locos w/the zephyr. I try to hit loco 0 loco when done ,is that it ?..Jerry
If running from the Zephyr console, make sure the speed in on stop, and the brake lever is in the middle brake position. Press Loco then Exit.
Loco then 0 then Loco just selects address 0.
--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 My original Zephyr ran 8 locos, 4 sound and 4 non sound, all at the saem time - and the limit was I couldn't control them all at the same time so I couldn't try adding any more without risking a crash. My Zephyr also programs my Tsunami just fine on the regular program track with no booster and no blast mode. --Randy
My original Zephyr ran 8 locos, 4 sound and 4 non sound, all at the saem time - and the limit was I couldn't control them all at the same time so I couldn't try adding any more without risking a crash. My Zephyr also programs my Tsunami just fine on the regular program track with no booster and no blast mode.
MY layout is in a 10x15 rom, models a small single track branch line, which realistic only HAD 2 traisn per day, even in the 50's era I am modeling. ANd there really isn't enough track to support more than 2 trains anyway, plus one working the cement plant (I have a 44 tonner that needs a repaint that will serve that task). Even double heading both (and again, the size of the room means 10 car max trains - no real need to doublehead them), and we're talking a total of 5 moving locos at any time. I DID get a DB150 and set it up as a booster to provide track power, the Zephyr's output I have run around to power my stationary decoders, but the Zephyr is still the command station. Proper release of locos after finishing with one means I never get a Slot=max (or on the Zephyr console, FULL) message.
Even a giant layout - I do not ever see myself being one of those who might only run trains to restage them prior to an operating session. I like to run trains, so between any formal op sessions I may have on my future 'dream' layout, I will be running in between, by myself - so maybe 2 trains running. Even if the layout support 5 or 6 crews, needing somethign bigger than the Zephyr, runnign alone won;t, even with a basement filling layout. It's common to overestimate the needed current, the old rule was 1 amp per loco, which even most sound locos in HO don;t hit when stalled - check the test results in the magazines.
There ya go. My opinion is that the original Zephyr is ample for most home layouts. How many trains can one or two people run without a crash? Obviously, a club layout might want a larger system. If you are building a layout, the new Zephyr is fine. But I don't see much incentive to upgrade if you have the old Zephyr.
John : is looking at the extra and its 3.amps to help with your problems getting the reverser's (psx-ar) to work ? if so I would want an absolute guaranty that would solve it ,other wise I would conceder finding an empire builder for a couple more bucks and use the zephyr as command ... but you really shouldn't have to keep shelling money to get something thats suppose to work in the first place ......
I really like the dt402 for my situation and the 5 amp EB has a audible beep system for shorts and such that again I'm really liking for my walk around type layout . the only thing is the dt402 is very intimidating with its small screen and many buttons (not as simple as zypher )...Jerry
Current draw is the limiting factor. Sound locomotives draw more current than silent locos. I can run about five locos with sound, with another half dozen sitting around the layout rumbling away, with the old Zypher. That usually is two, two loco lashups, and a single E-8 passenger train. Also the passenger train has lights in the cars which is another limiting factor. I use two remote throttles in addition to the DCS50. So I can run three trains total, at a time, which is all my brain can keep up with anyway. However, I can pull a train into the yard or siding, stop it, and run another train, after switching addresses on the DCS50. I'm satisfied with the original Zephyr for what I use it for. All my locos have sound, but I mostly just use the bell, horn, brake squeal, and occasionally the coupler clank. I really don't need 28 different effects. Also you can remap features to the buttons you have, for the features you might prefer. I never use the dynamic brake sound. I have enough noise going on. So I remapped ditch lights to the dynamic brake button.
When manufacturers refer to how many locos a power system can operate, they are usually referring to silent locos. Sound and lights change the whole picture.
duplicate post deleted
Southwest Chief I'm thinking about upgrading to an Xtra (currently use the original Zephyr). What counts as a locomotive on a Zephyr? An unique address number or just the number of decoders? I normally run two ABBA lashups all with their own separate sound decoders. However one ABBA set uses only one address number (32) and the other ABBA set uses another address number (0217). I think it's easier to do it this way then to consist them. But for a Zephyr, when these are running do I have eight locos or two?
I'm thinking about upgrading to an Xtra (currently use the original Zephyr).
What counts as a locomotive on a Zephyr? An unique address number or just the number of decoders?
I normally run two ABBA lashups all with their own separate sound decoders. However one ABBA set uses only one address number (32) and the other ABBA set uses another address number (0217). I think it's easier to do it this way then to consist them.
But for a Zephyr, when these are running do I have eight locos or two?
Each address ties up one slot. So if each engine in a four engine lashup has the same address Zephyr is only using one slot. That leaves 9 more slots available. (11 actually but we really don't want to get started on that subject)
If you use the default universal consisting where each address is consisted to a "top" address, then every decoder address in the consist is using a slot.
Martin Myers
Thanks. So that's what I read about...blast mode. Now I remember.
Matt from Anaheim, CA and Bayfield, COClick Here for my model train photo website
Southwest Chief I also recall reading something about programing sound locos with the Xtra is not as easy as the original Zephyr. The program track doesn't read back or something like that?
I also recall reading something about programing sound locos with the Xtra is not as easy as the original Zephyr. The program track doesn't read back or something like that?
No problem with Xtra with readback, but with sound decoders (Tsunami) you have to use a feature called "Blast Mode" programming.
"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination."-Albert Einstein
http://gearedsteam.blogspot.com/
In addition to the two ABBA lashups, I have two Alco switchers on sidings. So if each count as one then that's 10 locos.
Unless your layout has gotten bigger and you need to run more than 10 locos at a time (actually it's 2, there are two 'bonus' slots from the jump ports - I don't get a FULL message until trying to select the 13th loco), then I don;t think upgrading is worth it. I still use my original Zephyr as my command station, my layout is too small to support more than 10 locos at one time. You can get acces to higher functions simply by using a throttle - a DT402 plugged in to an original Zephyr allows access all the way to F28.
If you currently have neither and are contemplating buying one, it's a better deal to get the Xtra rather than the now-discontinued original Z.
The new model has:
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin