Michael,
You've discovered the beauty of the PowerCab - it gives you a tethered cab (unlike a Zephyr) without the extra cost of buying a DT400, and when or if you decide to upscale to the PowerHousePro you really don't lose anything since the PowerCab then functions as a ProCab. You've also discovered how easy it is to set-up an NCE and then actually run trains. Like the manual says, it takes at most 5 minutes and your running trains on that basic oval of track you set-up. As time goes by you discover what a great system it is and how easy it is to ise - froming not just running trains, but programming decoders, consisting and adding additional hardware.
jktrains
Hi all,Little update: I sort of surprised myself and picked up the NCE PowerCab. It was priced better than the Zephyr and I like the throttle about as well as the one on the much more expensive Super Chief. I considered the PowerPro but didn't really need all of its features and power at the moment and, when I do, I can just add the 5 amp box to my existing throttle (or get the whole set and have two throttles) - I don't I have anything that'll be obsolete other than the power pack.
Got it home and am happily running 2 encoder-equipped switchers on a half circle of that hideous Bachmann track. Took just a couple of minutes to hook everything up and program the numbers of the locos in - most of the time was spent putting together the sectional track and stripping off the flat terminal connectors that came on the Bachmann wire to the powerpack.
Still planning my eventual layout but now, at least, I've got something to play with - maybe it'll keep me from rushing. Thanks again for the help.M
NB: The Atlas code 55 rail isn't half bad. I picked up a piece of flex track and a couple of switches to play with.
I just subscribed to MR and didn't get that issue. Think I'm going to have to pick it up when I see it on the news stand. Thanks for the tip though.M
I forgot to add that MRR did a section on wireless in their Dec mag.
Gary
If you want a handheld throttle, you should take a good look at the Powercab. It comes with a 7' flat cable which would be good for a 10' layout length. I doubt if it could be radio.
Trackwise, I run Kato Unitrack in N. I would not recommend it for a permament layout that large with DCC.
I found even with a small layout that a walk around throttle is great. Whatever system you decide on, I would make sure it either comes with or you purchase additionally, a walk-around throttle.
Chris
mearrin69 wrote: selector wrote: As long as the power supply is AC (the Digitrax power supply is not included in the SEB price, and it is AC, not DC)Oh, I was probably thrown by Table I: DCS100 Transformer Requirements in the superchief manual. It lists AC and DC in there: AC 50/60Hz DCMax Input 20V RMS AC 28V DCMin Input 12V AC 12V DCOpt. In. Current 5 Amps 5 AmpsAny idea what that's about? I assumed it meant that the DCS100 could take either AC or DC - although I guess that doesn't make much sense.M
selector wrote: As long as the power supply is AC (the Digitrax power supply is not included in the SEB price, and it is AC, not DC)
Oh, I was probably thrown by Table I: DCS100 Transformer Requirements in the superchief manual. It lists AC and DC in there:
AC 50/60Hz DCMax Input 20V RMS AC 28V DCMin Input 12V AC 12V DCOpt. In. Current 5 Amps 5 AmpsAny idea what that's about? I assumed it meant that the DCS100 could take either AC or DC - although I guess that doesn't make much sense.M
I means what it says, you can use either one. I imagine the first thing they do is rectify it, so it really does not matter.
Jeff But it's a dry heat!
Will try the call. For ref, though, I took a look at the PS2012 manual and it says it can be used with Digitrax DCS100/200 series boosters. M
It seems you are right...I have not looked for this information since my experience is only with the SEB. I know that the power supply for the Walthers Indexed Built-up turntables will accept either AC or DC, within specifications, so I am guessing that this may be the case here...I would urge you to call Tony's and find out for sure. All I do know for sure is that the power supply that Digitrax, themselves, offered me two years ago is the one I described, with AC only.
Call them...they're nice folks, very helpful, and of course most knowledgeable. Maybe you wouldn't mind posting what you find here for my edification?
As long as the power supply is AC (the Digitrax power supply is not included in the SEB price, and it is AC, not DC) and cannot inadvertently exceed the maximum rated input for the system you eventually use, you should be fine with something handy.
Note that my SEB base unit, what is called a DB 150, has a selector toggle to set the track output voltage you want for the scale you are using. I believe, but am not positive, that most systems provide for voltage selection to the track.
selector wrote:You most definitely do want the DT 400 throttle
Hmmm. Well that might help "decide" me. One of the things I don't so much like about the looks (haven't touched one yet) of the Zephyr is the throttle and the fact that it's mounted to the box. Since a DT400 is $179 separately, that and a Zephyr already nears the price of a Super Chief - and, with a booster it exceeds it.
What about powering? Can I just use a bench power supply (assuming it can deliver 15VDC at 5A?) Digitrax' recommended PS515 is only $50, not bad, but have a supply similar to their PS2012 20A system that I could press into service. Anyone used a non-Digitrax supply?
Michael
TA462 wrote:With the dollar being where it is, 1.06 US, now is a great time to buy one.
If only I were in Canada :) I'm in the U.S. Vancouver, in WA across the river from Portland, OR. I think your Vancouver is nicer though :)
Thanks for all of the advice guys. I read through a lot of the thread given above and it was good to get a handle on the key issues and see what some people's experiences have been. Will check out the comparison link above.
After reading over the manuals from Digitrax last night I agree about skipping Super Empire Builder. I'd rather *have* the Super Chief but I don't really need it at this point so Zephyr's probably my best Digitrax bet. I looked over MRC and others last night and wasn't *all* that impressed. Going to check out the comparison, finish the thread, and ask my LHS guys and then try to make a final decision.
On track I looked over my samples last night (Atlas code 80 flex and switch and ME switches in a couple of different codes). The ME code 55 sure is nice looking stuff and the switch action is really nice. I'm going to see if my LHS has Peco code 55 so I can check that out as well. Looks like Atlas has code 55 now - not sure they did back when I picked up these samples.
Thanks again for all of the help. Michael
mearrin69 wrote: ...log the more I'm drawn to the Super Empire Builder even though I probably don't need it now. I imagine that fancy looking throttle is removing clear thoughts from my head.
...log the more I'm drawn to the Super Empire Builder even though I probably don't need it now. I imagine that fancy looking throttle is removing clear thoughts from my head.
I have the SEB, but it is an old system, and I would advise you to look at the Zephyr with booster if you need more power, or get the Super Chief. You can't read the currently programmed value in any of the CV's typically manipulated by most users with the SEB. Not so with the Z or Chief.
You most definitely do want the DT 400 throttle, and you many find that you'll want/need a second if you have buddies over to play with your train set or layout. Each throttle has two knob encoders high up on the face that allow you to control two engines simultaneously. If you are highly adept, you could even control four engines at one time by recalling others in a stack kept in memory, but that is for other than humans...or most of us, anyway.
jktrains wrote: Here's an independent, third party comparison, in chart form.http://www.tonystrains.com/productcompare/dcccomparison.htmYou'll notice that the SEB is not even listied, probable because it is a much older system and can not read back CVs for programming.
Here's an independent, third party comparison, in chart form.
http://www.tonystrains.com/productcompare/dcccomparison.htm
You'll notice that the SEB is not even listied, probable because it is a much older system and can not read back CVs for programming.
alco's forever!!!!! Majoring in HO scale Minorig in O scale:)
If everybody is thinking alike, then nobody is really thinking.
http://photobucket.com/tandarailroad/
The two DCC systems that consistently come up for situations like yours are the Digitrax Zephyr and the NCE PowerCab. Sometimes the MRC systems get into the discusion, but I think in many peoples minds they are suffering from not doing it right at first, and consistently poor decoders (the decoders are not required to use their system, but the quality problem with the image is there). I'd go to the Digitrax and NCE sites, and read the manuals for eachm, and see how they feel.
As far as track goes, Micro Engineering has a very good reputation, and you get to pay for it :)! Atlas code 55 looks really good, and is cheaper. The difference between that and code 80 is considerable.
Thanks for the link...I'll read it. Odd, thought I'd looked for it here. Sorry to have missed the obvious one. The more I look at the Digitrax catalog the more I'm drawn to the Super Empire Builder even though I probably don't need it now. I imagine that fancy looking throttle is removing clear thoughts from my head. The power supply (not included) seems awfully overpriced though. I have a bench powersupply that I paid a lot less for - have to see if maybe that'd work.M
For your first question, it doesn't get much more detailed or comprehensive than this thread -
http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/626238/ShowPost.aspx
Can't help with your second...I'm in Horribly Ovesized.
Hi all,Okay, two separate subjects. :)Could someone point me to what they feel is a good comparison of the various DCC systems available? I am starting a smallish (10'x2' + <2'x<4' staging) n-scale switching layout (modern) and I want to control a couple of switchers and possibly a road engine. I'm pretty sure I want to go with DCC instead of DC. I've read through some of the principles of DCC so I have a little understanding - but probably not enough to make an informed decision on what to get.By the stats, the Digitrax Zephyr starter kit looks like it'd be sufficient but does anyone recommend another brand/system? I wanted to go ahead and pick up enough to get started playing around this weekend with some temporary track mounted on a board and an engine or two. I actually have a bit of budget and I'd like the system to be expandable later when I build a bigger layout (or should I just plan for obsolescence?) For instance, I don't need wireless throttles now but someday I might want them. It's not clear to me that you can add them to Zephyr but maybe I'm missing it.
[edit]I should note that I have seen a chart from 2002 but at least some of the information there is out of date - and frankly I don't understand all of the features yet anyway. http://www.mrsonline.net/html/comparison_chart.htm (hope posting links is okay)[/edit]
And, second, I was wondering if anyone would consider offering suggestions on the best track manufacturer/code to use with n-scale? I picked up a piece of MicroEngineering flextrack and a #4 left and right turnout just to play with a few years ago. I like the looks of it but I know the black-tie stuff can be weathered to look just as good so maybe that's not important.
Sorry for the basic questions :) I'm back to the hobby after many years and, though I've been trying to catch up for a couple of months it seems there's a lot to learn. Guess I'm more of a scenery guy but I'm trying to learn ;)
Any advice appreciated. Thanks!Michael