DZ-2500 review. ! Updated 6-1-05 !

[eZAK]

I think they are great so far!

I just installed 5 out of 12.

The pros;
Small, nothing is above the rail height!

Slow motion from the button on the machine, the remote button, & the Cab-1 through a Data wire driver works very good!

Fast action from the non-derailing control rails is also a great feature.

IMO one of the best options is the data wire driver which eliminates the need for an SC-2.
Any DZ-2500 can be programed with any address number and it also accepts route commands.

As for the cons, I have a few;
You Can Not operate them manualy. They do not work without power.

They make a little noise that some might not like.

The 5" wire leads that they come with are to short. I would prefer about 10".

Given all this, They are a great little machine and the trade in offer should not be missed.
I also plan on buying more in the future to replace some Atlas machines.

[AlanRail]

Pat

I have been holding off buying the old DZ machines, when I purchase new Ross Switches for these. At the price of $30, a 33% increase from the old ones, I am considering different machines. Whereas a few may not be too pricey, I have quite a few so it is.

One question, do you need to wire the DZ-2500 machine to a switch button to get the machine LEDs to stay lit??


thanks


Alan

[eZAK]

Alan,

The DZ-2500 is a stand alone device.
You can hook up a hot and a neutral to it and it will operate by pushing the button on top of the machine.

[AlanRail]

Pat

thanks for the answer, on the old machines, you needed to have a switch button connected or the LEDs on the machine would not stay lit.

Anyone know what DZ is doing with the returned switch machines?? bonfire, shredder, hammer, giving them out to poor Iraqi children for their layouts..??

[eZAK]

Here is an update.

The total so far that I tried to install is now at 14.
Out of these, 4 have issues and may need to be returned.
I have contacted Dennis & I'm waiting for a reply.

Some things that I did notice with installing them on various switches are;

Ross: They fit perfect provided you have the extended ties on the switch.
If not you will have to extend them using Ross ties.
Gargraves ties are a bit smaller by 1/32". Using them causes the sw. machine to sit on a slight angle.

Gargraves (new): The plastic tie extenders are a little to short.
Again, A replacement tie is needed.

Atlas: No extenders here. They will be needed to be modified here also.

In general some things to keep in mind;
All switches should be tested on your bench using a loose/extra test switch BEFORE installing on your layout,
The springs can be a little tricky to install,
The machines must be adjusted properly, equal tension on either side, to work satisfactory.

[Anonymous]

Do they give directions for HOW to adjust the tension properly?

[AlanRail]

Pat

you've got to be kidding a 30% failure rate for the DZ-2500s this after the first recall.

I think I'll wait a bit longer for the more experienced users to get the bugs out

Alan [xx(]

[eZAK]

dan18425,

Yes, The directions are clear on this.

"I think I'll wait a bit longer for the more experienced users to get the bugs out"
Good Luck! [rolleyes/]