It's just a differnet design concept, if you use the Sprog-Boost 2.5A boosters. Instead of a 5-8 amp booster feeding circuit breakers to create power districts on a larger layout, you instead have a dedicated booster for every power district. Since 2.5 amps is likely as low as you'd set a circuit breaker for HO use anyway.
Where some thought may be needed is in mixing and matching other larger boosters with the Sprog-Boost. The wiring diagrams show that for the Sprog-Boost, you need to link one side of the input supply, even if using dedicated power supplies, across each S-Boost. But what of using another booster,m like a Digitrax or NCE one? Say you have an engine terminal where 2.5 amps isn;t enough, so you stick in another brand 5 ampo booster to power that district. Within an all-Digitrax system, you link all boosters via a provided common terminal - but that's not either side of the power supply input. It's kind of odd to me that the SBoost is opto-isolated yet they want the power supply commoned together.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
I should add that I made my decision from the perspective of a small layout, and the fact that I just needed one of these (expensive) throttles, and no booster. Also, I kept a Digitrax PR4 for programming, and my desk is in the same room as my layout, so no issues with that. I pretty much operate alone, and if I have a friend come over, I have them download the engine driver app, and they get a kick out of being able to select an engine and drive around a train on my layout with their cellphone. I would not want to switch cars with the app on my phone, but to drive a train and use some sound functions, the app is actually quite fun.
So I think it is important to consider the circumstances, and I think Randy is making some excellent points for consideration for a larger layout that is operated by several operators at once with engines that will consume more than 2.5 amps..
Well, the Pi-SPROG is only 2.5 amps by itself. While most of the time I will probably be running trains by myself and even that might be enough (though the length of the bus would be a problem), I do have space for 6, maybe more, operators at a time.
Now's the time for me to switch it up, though I have 3 Digitrax throttles, I didn't have a lot of equipment otherwise - a Zephyr (original) as my command station and a DB150 booster, since my previous layouts were all fairly small. So I don't really have a lot invested. Regardless of what I do, I'd still keep my DT402 for the club.
I sought advise for my layout which I had guessed would need 3 boosters. It was recommended I start with one and divide the layout into 3 or 4 power districts using PSX breakers. Add a second booster o ly if needed.
With the two TCS throttles and two Difitrax, hopefully that should be enough although I'm toying with maybe one more UWT-50 at Preorder pricing.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
I keep looking at going Pi-SPROG. FOr my basement size layout I would need some extra boosters. The biggest problem I see is that the Pi-SPROG can't do anything other than ops mode programming. Which is fine, I have plenty of other options for programming, except they will all be upstairs, not in the layout room. No way to have a sidint that gets switched between programming tracka nd runnign track. Also, I already have enough Digitrax throttles for a couple of friends to come over. If I go strictly TCS throttles, and a system that can ONLY use WiFi throttles, either I have to supply all throttles, or hope peopel are happy using their phone as a throttle. If the TCS command station ever gets released, then at least people with NCE throttles could bring those as well. The price of the TCS throttles, even the 'smaller' one, is not conducive to having 4-5 throttles on hand for visitors.
Otherwise I see no reason why the Pi-SPROG wouldn't work for even larger layouts. Most any other DCC system is going to need extra boosters for a large layout anyway.
I find the need for wireless and wifi capabilities (while nice) completely unnecessary, and it only makes the setup wildly expensive. Get yourself a basic NCE powercab setup with optional booster, its more than enough for most basic and intermediate setups, and only costs like $160!
As Randy said above, enjoy the freedom of the standard world! Now you can buy any DCC engine and it'll work with any DCC controller!
Charles
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Modeling the PRR & NYC in HO
Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/@trainman440
Instagram (where I share projects!): https://www.instagram.com/trainman440
About a year and a half ago, I decided to get rid of my Digitrax system and purchase a combination of a Pi-SPROG and the UWT-100 Wifi throttle. In combination, since I bought the throttle when it was available for pre-order, the combination cost me $420 (new), about the same I sold my Digitrax Zephyr and UT4 Radio Throttle for on ebay. I purchased what they call the "complete package" for the Pi-SPROG (e.g. complete system set up, fully programmed including housing). Setup is a breeze, and I am not an electronics or computer expert. Establishing connection between the throttle and the Pi-SPROG is very simple too.
I really enjoy using the throttle, both from a perspective of operating with the thumbwheel, as well from how easy it is to call up other engines, or use basic sound functions.
I don't regret going with that setup, it works perfect for my small railrod (approximately 5'x9', HO Scale).
Probably not everybody's cup of tea, but I would check it out.
KemacPrr Currently the TCS UWT handset needs a DCC system to work with. Digitrax, NCE etc. Digitrax makes a LNWI that ties into their system and is the connection between the UWT and the Digitrax system. There is a WFD-30 from Wifi Trax that does the same thing with either the Power cab or a regular NCE system. TCS will be coming out with their own command station and boosters in the future and it will use wifi as the transmission medium between the UWT and the system. The handset works great as I have used it with my NCE system. Nice to have a different handset to use with a great DCC system. -- Ken
Currently the TCS UWT handset needs a DCC system to work with. Digitrax, NCE etc. Digitrax makes a LNWI that ties into their system and is the connection between the UWT and the Digitrax system. There is a WFD-30 from Wifi Trax that does the same thing with either the Power cab or a regular NCE system.
TCS will be coming out with their own command station and boosters in the future and it will use wifi as the transmission medium between the UWT and the system. The handset works great as I have used it with my NCE system. Nice to have a different handset to use with a great DCC system. -- Ken
There have been some nice segments with TCS on Ken Pattersons Whats Neat program.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiP_1FxZHWs&ab_channel=KenPatterson
I'm pretty convinced the TCS throttles will over an easier to use set up than Digitrax own. While I do have an older Digitrax Chief system with newer DT400D throttle, I have a hard time remembering the keystrokes. TCS throttle seems easier to operate.
Speaking of TCS throttles, they have a new UWT-50 throttle due out end of July this summer. They will be less expensive than the bigger brother UWT-100 ($300) and be priced at $200. But if you pre-order by March 29, you can pay in advance and get one for $150.
https://tcsdcc.com/mini-throttle
They have had a combo deal where you can get the TCS UWT-100 + UWT-50 for $399.95, which saves you $50 on each. Not sure how long that special is going on or if it is still.
Have you looked at CVP throttles?
I wanted a wireless throttle for my Lenz system, which didn't make one. CVP does make a wireless adapter box that plugs into my Lenz system. It works very well and was easy to set up.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
If you want wifi, I suggest you consider trying the Roco z21 app (which is FREE) in conjunction with either Roco hardware (the "z21") or the Digikeijs DR5000.
The z21 hardware requires a companion TPLink router. The DR5000 has wifi built right in, nothing more needed (DR5000 needs a PC running windows for setup, or a Mac running bootcamp or perhaps emulation via VMWare Fusion or Parallels).
DR5000 is also cost effective at $200 for the controller. Again, the z21 app is FREE.
Do you have a smartphone (Android or iPhone) or a tablet (Android or iPad)?
If so, you can try the z21 app in demo mode right now. Go to the App Store or to google play and search for "roco z21". You want the app with red engine on a blue background. Download and install it (it affects nothing else). If you like it in demo mode, you'll like it more when it's actually running trains.
The NCE hammerheads are similar in shape to the DCS throttles but I think smaller, actually.
Yep, I was just going to add that - if you like thumbwheels - the NCE Power Cab has one, along with fine & gross speed step buttons for controlling speed. The throttle is larger than most throttles on the market but it's a self-contained unit - i.e. it's a throttle, command station, and booster all rolled up into one.
The size doesn't bother me and I can control my locomotives one-handed w/o having to look at the LCD screen. It's also a 2A DCC system so you wouldn't be able to run as many locomotives simultaneously as you would with a Digitrax Zephyr. If you want/need more power then the SB5 Smart Booster can be added onto the Power Cab. I've had mine since 2006 and don't regret purchasing it.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
The DCS240 is FAR more command station than any home user even needs (except maybe Ken). Get the Zephyr and maybe an extra booster if you end up needing it, but for 5-6 locos actually moving at the same time, you should be fine.
I don't know why they still won't sell the DCS210 seperately, other than MOST people would buy it and not the DCS240 because they don't need the DCS240. Looked at my usual places, doesn't seem to be much discount on DCS equipment, but the DCS240 is under $300 most places, the Zephyr under $200.
You should try a knob - the Digitrax knobs are encoders like the thumbwheel, they do not simply turn 270 degrees or so with hard stops like a traditional power pack. Only the built-in throttle on the Zephyr is like that with current production items.
There are some limitations with the ESU system. I don't think you can get the command station seperately. The knob on that is a potentiometer, but motorized to match speeds. Nuts, if you ask me.
There's also NCE, they have thumbwheels.
The ESU WiFi cab control unit looks like a good value but I would prefer to only get the box and not the remote with it so I can use the TCS remote. Is that possible?
I liked the look of the TCS remote because of its similarly to MTH. The thumbwheel is better for me than a big dial. And the remote is similarly laid out.
rrinker The Digitrax wifi interface will work with any of their systems. Expensive? Looking at the price for DCS, it looks about the same. Welcome to the world of standards, where you can now buy any loco the interests you. --Randy
The Digitrax wifi interface will work with any of their systems.
Expensive? Looking at the price for DCS, it looks about the same.
Welcome to the world of standards, where you can now buy any loco the interests you.
the digitrax Command base station is 375, then wifi box is 80. And then the TCS remote is 300. That's pretty insane to me.
krakow What digitraxx system does the Wifi unit need? Most of their products seem extremely expensive. It also seems that the TCS command station was announced about 4 years ago and still isn't out.
What digitraxx system does the Wifi unit need? Most of their products seem extremely expensive. It also seems that the TCS command station was announced about 4 years ago and still isn't out.
Expensive. Heck, the TCS throttle is $300 smackers. That's expensive for a throttle. Digitrax is has options from the Zephyr system up to the Chief. You can just buy the command station as well.
TCS will be comong out with their own command station and boosters in the future and it will use wifi as the transmission medium between the UWT and the system. The handset works great as I have used it with my NCE system. Nice to have a different handset to use with a great DCC system. -- Ken
I’m in the progress of building my first HO layout. I was originally going to run my layout on DCS. Mostly due to having all MTH engines and already having the DCS system from g scale. However with MTH and DCS finally dying out. I am looking for alternatives.
I like the TCS UWT-100 WiFi Throttle because it seems almost identical to the DCS remote. I like the thumb scroll wheel over other remotes.
However I am confused on what their instructions are showing. What kind of DCC “receiver” box do I need for this remote?