From Analog to DCC

[Anonymous]

After months of thought...(Some thoughts yet to be completed so bear with me) I have decided to acquire a Zephyr Digitrax Command Control Basic Set. I think with the feature of being able to "read" a loco and the fact that I may run a small industrial pike with maybe one other train on a loop depending on spouse (Space) I feel that this would be a good starter DCC system that can be added on or upgraded in the future. I had some reservations on the 2.5 amp power while eyeing my hulking steam engines (J1, M1a etc) but there may be a additional booster in the future.

I am looking for any stories both good and bad from your experience with this specific system (I think it is the DCS 50)

[Don Gibson]

Check out DCC on Atlas forum. You'll get lots of opinions.

[BRVRR]

Highiron,
I don't think the Zephyr will disappoint you. I have one I have been using on my BRVRR for over two years. No problems so far. I think you will like the 'Jump Port' feature. It will give you two additional throttles for little or no investment. I recently added a DT400 throttle so I could take my throttles with me to the "North" side of the layout.
I wouldn't let the 2.5 amp power supply bother you. You made no mention of the size of your layout or the number of locos you run at one time so all of what I say here may not apply. I run as many as three trains at a time on the BRVRR. With the various combinations of F7, AB, ABB, ABBA and AAAA sets alone, I might have as many as 5-6 locos running at one time. I have never run up against the 2.5 amp limit of the Zephyr. I too have a couple of large steamers, a Niagara and a G4 Daylight, both from Bachmann. These run in combination with the aforementioned F7s. I Have sound in one F7, the Niagara and a BLI Mikado. I have had all of these running at once, the F7 in a lash up with two other powered units, and no problems.
I run decoders from Digitrax, Lenz, Soundtraxx, and MRC. No problems with any of them. The Lenz decoders require a 1K ohm resistor across the programing track to properly program. But that is a minor detail, once you have figured it out.
The Zephyr is easy to use and hook up. My BRVRR went from DC to DCC in about 10-minutes. The manual is fairly easy to understand and has good step-by-step instructions for most of the common programing chores.
If you have already decided on a Zephyr, I don't think you will be disappointed.
There are a couple of photos on my website under the Layout button of my Zephyr installation. The link is in my signature.
Good luck. Let us know how you make out.
Allan

[Anonymous]

Don Gibson, You are right about the Altas forums having opinions.. I have some reading to do there.

BRVRR, I visited your website and indeed that is the very system I am looking at. Your DT 400 throttle will serve you well. I have a friend who taught me how to use one of those and is the reason I am going into DCC.

I am sorry if I did not detail what I am running, short version is I have three Broadway Steamers (heavy mike, J1 and M1a) and one Spectrum 2-10-0 and a 4-6-0 as well as a athearn cow and calf that is almost 20 years old. I run these on the workbench several times a year and do alot of my "Mainline" at a friends house. With the support of my spouse I may be able to actually complete a loop and a very small town with several features such as a engine house.

Now I gotta get up out of the internet and go build it. =)

Take care and good luck everyone.

Lee

[simon1966]

I have a Zephyr and run 3 BLI units together without any problems.

[BRVRR]

Lee,
I know you will enjoy the Zephyr. Those of us who are married would not have a layout without the support of our wives. Have a good time building your layout. Running trains is the reward. After all, once you have the mainline down, there is no pressure to 'finish'. I don't think any layout is ever finished.