Hello,
I have been wondering if can use the Kato DC controller with the Zephyr, but also be able to run 2 trains at a time, like me and my cousin?
Thanks!
You cannot run DC and DCC at the same time. DC power feeding into the DCC system will blow the DCC system.
Joe
JoeinPA You cannot run DC and DCC at the same time. DC power feeding into the DCC system will blow the DCC system. Joe
Of course, you are correct that you cannot run DC and DCC at the same time. However, at least with original Digitrax Zephyr, you could use the DC power pack as additional throttle. See manual item 25.2.
25.2 Jump™ ports: using a Smooth DC power pack as an additional throttle. DCS50’s Jump A & B ports can host two DC power packs as additional throttles. Begin with an operating DCS50 attached to your layout. Hook up one or two smooth DC power packs as shown in the following illustration. This configuration gives you three throttles to control three loco addresses.
Are you trying to use the DC controller as an extra DCC throtte for a second DCC engine, or running DCC on the main system and running a DC engine on the DC controller?
Some (not all) DCC systems allow DC engines to be run at the same time as DCC engines. My Lenz system allows that. Unfortunately, it's terrible and th DC engine runs slowly and makes a lot of buzzing noises. The best thing about it is that I shut the system off, go find an old motor decoder in my spare parts box and not come back until I've got another DCC engine.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
MisterBeasley Are you trying to use the DC controller as an extra DCC throtte for a second DCC engine, or running DCC on the main system and running a DC engine on the DC controller? Some (not all) DCC systems allow DC engines to be run at the same time as DCC engines. My Lenz system allows that. Unfortunately, it's terrible and th DC engine runs slowly and makes a lot of buzzing noises. The best thing about it is that I shut the system off, go find an old motor decoder in my spare parts box and not come back until I've got another DCC engine.
Yes I am planning on using the DC Pack as an additional throttle. Sorry I didn't clarify.
It could work, but it would be cumbersome. I have a Zephyr and bought their Wifi system that allows you to control trains via a cell, or multiple cells. I strongly recommend it.
Simon
snjroy It could work, but it would be cumbersome. I have a Zephyr and bought their Wifi system that allows you to control trains via a cell, or multiple cells. I strongly recommend it. Simon
The down side to using a smart phone to control trains is the touch screen. It's easy to have a wrong input and have an issue. If you fumble with the phone and touch the wrong part... happens to me all too often.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
Sorry I misunderstood the original post and overlooked the jump throttle option. I agree that the addition of WiFi and the use of cell phone throttles is a good solution. I have recently added a Digitrax LNWI WiFi server to my Zephyr system and have been using the Engine Driver app on my Android phone. I have been quite pleased with the performance and have had no trouble with the touch screen interface.
OERRFailRanner Yes I am planning on using the DC Pack as an additional throttle. Sorry I didn't clarify.
Based on the respoonse, yes you can use the Jump throttle option on your Zephyr with a DC power pack. You just need a few wires to go from the DC power pack to the Zephyr. Please make sure that the power pack is only providing smooth DC voltage. Any type of pulsed power could cause issues with the Zephyr.
I had a MRC Tech II power pack as a jump throttle for over a decade and it worked well. It was replaced by 2 Digitrax handhelds.
Scott Sonntag
Keep in mind the jump throttle can only control the engine's speed and direction, you can't access any of the functions (lights, bell, horn etc.).
When I started in DCC I used a Zephyr and hooked up an MRC powerpack as a jump throttle. It worked OK, but pretty soon I just bought a plug-in handheld throttle and used that as the second controller. Because Digitrax has been used by so many folks over the years, you can often find older / used hand units at RR flea markets or Ebay for a good price. BTW you don't have to set up the walkaround plug-ins around the layout to use it, you can just get an extension phone cable from K-mart, Target, etc. and plug it directly into the back of the Zephyr.