Hi Walid,
Thanks for the info. I was concerned about the ability to consist since I haven't seen any videos on this. I did find some video reviews in English but the were mostly in the UK.
I did know there were two versions (little z and big Z). I decided even though the big Z was more expensive just to go with that model. While I may not need the added features now I may use some of them in the future.
I found a vendor in the US that has the Z21 in stock for $399. I'm going to order this in a few weeks. I'll let everyone know how it goes.
I found the user manual and other pieces of literature on the Z21 if anyone is interested. Does anyone have a user guide for the mobile app? I haven't been able to find anything. It's very user friendly and quite intuitive but a user guide would be helpful for the advanced features.
Thanks,
Jim
Hello Jim,
It is a bit strange you did not find Z21 reviews from the US because the very first reviews I saw on youtube of the ROCO Z21 came actually from the US.
The Z21 is nothing but a DCC station that you can communicate with via a dedicated WLAN network using a standard router and whatever device with the appropriate software. If you like the touch screen throttle and control then the Z21 is the right choice for you. It is inexpensive (read below) and fully operational. I used it to test German, British and US locomotives in consist, with sound and without, and it works flawlessly. It may have difficulties to read CV data with short adress decoders, but no problem to program them.
Bear in mind there are two different categories: Z21, the black box, and z21, the white box. The Z21 is significantly more expensive than the z21, but frankly I do not think the additional features are worth the price. You can read about the differences on ROCO/Fleischmann page and decide for yourself. Furthermore, ROCO/Fleischmann includes the z21 (white) in several start sets. These units are taken from the start sets and sold separately on Ebay and some shops in Germany at very competitive prices. Just to give an example of what I mean here is the z21 sold for 135 EUR:http://www.ebay.de/itm/Roco-Fleischmann-10825-z21-start-10814-z21-WLAN-Package-NEU-OVP-/401153077812?hash=item5d66963234:g:zwYAAOSw-CpX~5RdAnd the Z21 costs almost triple the price:http://www.ebay.de/itm/Roco-Fleischmann-10820-Digitalzentrale-Z21-NEU-OVP-/311526510142?hash=item48886d4e3e:g:fw8AAMXQeW5TYPB~As I said earlier, if you like the touch screen throttle go for it. If you change your mind later you can always connect a ROCO mouse and use it as a conventional command station with a conventional throttle.RegardsWalid
Hi Randy,
Thanks for the reply. I am aware of the JMRI software. I like the proprietary mobile app that you can use with the Z21. The Z21 can also work with other DCC systems like Digitrax as well as interface with JMRI and the mobile apps that support JMRI like Digi Trains.
The Z21 system is also relatively inexpensive, appears to be very user friendly, and is very expandable.
I understand that this is not widely used in the US and that is a concern. I guess I am willing to take a leap of faith here.
If all else fails....NCE ProCab will still be there.
They are NMRA DCC compatible - but if you are in the US, why are you picking these systems which are rarely seen in the US? Support will be much harder to find since, as you note, very few people in the US use those systems. If it's simply because of the smartphone throttle, are you aware that nearly every DCC system currently on the market is supported by free JMRI software which gives you a standard interface for Android and IOS devices? Works across all systems, too - meaning that if you have a system using JMRI and WiThrottle, and a friend has a different DCC system but uses JMRI and WiThrottle, you can simply connect your phone to his system and use the exact same throttle interface as you use on your own layout, even though the actual proprietary throttles may be completely different. All this 'new' technology has been present in JMRI for more than 8 years now. JMRI is a pretty much univsal application, runs on Windows, Mac or Linux, and connects to all the major DCC brands: Digitrax, NCE, MRC, and CVP, plus some of the European brands like Lenz and Uhlenbrock. It also shields you from programming complexity by using drop down lists and check boxes to configure decoder features, it does the work of figuring out CV values for you (which was the original function, the wireless throttle stuff came later).
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Hello freinds,
I am just starting to get back in to the world's greatest hobby. I have a nice 4'X8' layout right now but I am looking to upgrade in the coming year.
I've been researching various DCC command centers and I've narrowed down my choice to these three.
Technically RailPro is not DCC specific but I like the design and technology. I only have two loco's so switching to their decoders would not be an issue for me.
I am leaning heavily toward the Roco Z21 but I have a few questions. First, I haven't seen any video's of anyone using this system in the US so I want to make sure there are no issue there. I also want to make sure this system is compatible with NMRA DCC standards. Lastly, I haven't seen anyone do any consisting with this system. I read somewhere that it can be done but I have'nt seen any articles or videos on this.
Does anyone use this system? If yes, what is your thoughts or opinions on this system?
Thanks!