Digitrax Zephyr Vs. Zephyr Xtra

[UPNorth906]

Hi, I just hooked up my Digitrax Zephyr yesterday and started running some trains. This is my first time ever wiring a system and I got it to work just fine. I ran my first train in almost 20 years and it is exciting to be back into the hobby again. 

Something that I noticed with my Digitrax Zephyr is that it is not the newest version. I am trying to figure out how to run 2 locomotives doing seperate tasks, in other words not MU'd together. Do I need to buy a throttle to run 2 seperate trains? I want to have 1 running around the track while I do some switching with another train. How can I accomplish this with the older Zephyr system?

Thank you all for your help in advance. 

[jrbernier]

The 'Xtra' has about 1/2 amp more power, and will address about 20 engines at the same time. For a home layout, either one is a good choice. There is no upgrade path from the DCS50(Zephyr) to a DCS51(Zephyr Xtra).
Both will control multiple trains from the built-in throttle, but the knob is rheostat contol led and will not remember the throttle setting when you switch back. I think you should really look into a walk-around throttle, or use JMRI to allow the use of iPhone or Android 'smart phone' throttles.

Jim

[Stevert]

The difference between the two is that the Xtra has about 1/2 amp more capacity, and 20 "slots" for running locos as opposed to 10 for the older Zephyr.

That said, both can run multiple locos at the same time.  To easily control them individually, you can use either another Digitrax throttle or you can use the "jump port" throttle provision that both versions of the Zephyr have.

For more info on how to use the jump ports, see Section 25 on page 35 of your Zephyr manual (also available here). 

[mbinsewi]

So, I have the Super Empire Builder, can't he use seperate addresses, like I can with the SEB ?  I'm not familiar with the Zephyr system.  I can run as many locos as I want, if they all have their own address.

Mike.

[rrinker]

 Yes, you can have running as many as 10 (per spec, but it really can do 12) witht he original Zephyr, and 20 (bet it really goes to 22) witht he Zephyr Xtra - assuming you have enough power to the track to run that many, and a big enough layout for it all. However, you can only control 1 at a time (2 more if you use jump throttles). And unlike the DT400 throttle which you have, the Zephyr and Xtra use a potentiometer control like the UT4, or like an old DC throttle. So when you switch from one loco to another, the newly selected loco will change speed to match the throttle setting. With the encoders in the DT400, the absolute position has nothing to do witht he speed, it's all electronic, so you can freely flip back and forth between trains and the won;t change speed. Say you have a slow freight looping and are controlling the fast passenger train. Witht he Zephyr, if you switch from the passenger train to the freight train, the freight will speed up unless you turn down the throttle. With the DT400, neigher train will change speed until you turn the knob, you can flip back and forth between a fast train and a slow train with no issues.

 And technically with the DT400 you can control 2 at once since there are two throttle knobs. The other 20 that the SEB supports would be running free.

                 --Randy

 

[BRVRR]

You can run one train at a steady speed and switch and control another with the Zephyr. First press loco, key in the address of the locomotive you want to run around the track, press "loco" and set the speed you want it to run. Then press 'Loco' again, key in the loco you want to switch with, press "loco" again and proceed with your switching. The train running around the track will run until you have a problem or until power is shut off. To stop it otherwise, just reverse the process.

Good luck.

[UNCLEBUTCH]

As stated, you can run 2  with the main unit, but you will only have controll over one of them,the other will run at set speed untill you regain  its address or something happens.

You can use a DC power pack, not sexy but works

your best bet IMO is to invest in another handheld throttle.

 I've tryed that,let one run laps on the main, while I switched with the other. Gets interesting when you see #1 coming around the last curve and you still got engine#2 with 3 cars on the main.

[mfm37]

.

You can also hook up two "Jump Throttles" using variable DC power supplies. Read the manual it is all in there.

Martin Myers