I was running two trais on my layout , both pulled by BLI steam engines with Quantum sound, and using my MRC Prodigy Express DCC sytem.
Both trains stopped, but the sound systems kept working.,but neither engine would move.I turned off the power, and replaced the engines with two other BLI engines, both sound equipped.Same situation, sound, but engines wouldn't move.
Next step was to disconnect my Prodigy Express system and hooked up my Bachmann Easy Command system I use for another small train layout I have.My BLI engines once again ran just fine, and all sound systems worked.
Apparently my Prodigy Express system has had some kind of failure.I intend to send it in for repair through the LHS where I bought it, less than a year ago.
Now I have another question.
If I were to purchase a second Prodigy Express system, and my other system returns from repairs, can I use them together on the same layout?I would eventually like to run 4 trains on my DCC layout.Right now, part of my reasoning is this would also give me a second hand held to run a second train without having to change the adresss on the only handheld I have now.
TheK4Kid
TheK4KidNow I have another question.If I were to purchase a second Prodigy Express system, and my other system returns from repairs, can I use them together on the same layout?I would eventually like to run 4 trains on my DCC layout.Right now, part of my reasoning is this would also give me a second hand held to run a second train without having to change the adresss on the only handheld I have now.TheK4Kid
The short answer is no, you can't have two separate DCC systems connected to the same track at the same time. What you would do if you needed another throttle is, well, buy another throttle. If you need more amperage (power to the tracks), you'd buy a booster.
However, I don't know if the PE is capable of accepting either a second throttle or a booster so I'd have to second David's suggestion. Buy a (very expandable) Zephyr and stop worrying whether or not your DCC system has an upgrade path.
Steve
Out of curiosity, did you try just one engine, instead of two? I have a Prodigy Advance, and have run five engines simultaineosly, and could probably run more, but I don't know what the Express can do. Perhaps it was an amperage issue, although I would think the Express could handle two.
To answer the question, you certianly could use both throttles with the Express, but the power unit would be simply a spare, not a bad idea either. I'd consider an Advance, as you'd get more amperage, a few more features, and an extra throttle. You'd still have the Express power unit as a backup.
I bought my Advance used for about $130, and have had no problems in over three years. In fact I just bought another used one for $118 that is in better shape physically, Because the price was so good, I couldn't pass it up, just to have as a backup and get another throttle.
Actually the prodigy can handle more than 15 walkarounds. I think it runs circles around the zephyr. It has more functions (15 vs. 8) than the digtrax and has a remote walkaround and it has easier upgrade capabilities than either NCE or Digitrax. So stick with what you own.
David may I add to your last post that it is impossible with the Express to consist engines back to back, unless someone is constantly fiddling with CV29.
In this category of starters systems there are only two worth mentioning, the Zephyr and the PowerCab.
Jack W.
davidmbedard Zephyr has a cheap computer connection (also gives all 28 functions...which is MORE than the Express ). You also get more functions depending on the throttle plugged in. MRC has announced a computer connection, but it costs more than some DCC systems!
Zephyr has a cheap computer connection (also gives all 28 functions...which is MORE than the Express ). You also get more functions depending on the throttle plugged in. MRC has announced a computer connection, but it costs more than some DCC systems!
You are presuming that everyone and their dog wants a computer interface.
Zephyr has more Amps (2.5 vs 1.6). With 15 operators, each operator would get .1 amps. How is that useful at all?
Let's see...
The Zephyr offers a whopping 0.06 amps more !!! How is that useful at all?
And, yes, I am being sarcastic.
Upgrading the Express will reqire getting over it's biggest drawback; amperage. This requires a purchase of a Booster or an Advance system. Either way, you are spending way too much.
Even if you have a Zephyr, if you want more power, you have to buy a booster, or upgrade to the next system -- the Super Empire Builder or the Super Chief.
Here's a question... If you have a Zephyr and you buy the Super Empire Builder or the Super Chief, can you use the Zephyr throttle with the new system ?
With Prodigy Express; Prodigy Advanced; Prodigy Advanced Squared; or Prodigy Advanced Wireless, you can use the throttle from any of them with any of the other systems.
chateauricher... Here's a question... If you have a Zephyr and you buy the Super Empire Builder or the Super Chief, can you use the Zephyr throttle with the new system ?...
Here's a question... If you have a Zephyr and you buy the Super Empire Builder or the Super Chief, can you use the Zephyr throttle with the new system ?...
Absolutely! Plus, you can use the 2.5 amp output of the Zephyr as a seperate power district.
MRC is finally catching on here. With Digitrax, you have to go all the way back to the Challenger set to find a throttle that can not be used with current Digitrax command stations, and even so, the command station from the Challenger set can be used as a booster with current command stations. With MRC, if you had a Command 2000 and wanted to upgrade to the original Prodigy, you could not use the command station or throttles. If upgrading from the Command 2000 or original Prodigy to any of the current Prodigy systems, again, you could not use the command station or throttles.
chateauricher... With Prodigy Express; Prodigy Advanced; Prodigy Advanced Squared; or Prodigy Advanced Wireless, you can use the throttle from any of them with any of the other systems.
For the most part. The wireless throttles can not be used on the other systems without the wireless interface. At first this may seem trivial, but if you have a Prodigy Advanced Wireless system and have a friend that has one of the other Prodigy systems, you can not take your throttle to your friends layout and plug it in and use it. With both Digitrax and NCE, the radio throttles can be used as a regular plug -in throttle on a layout that does not have radio. Also, version 1 and version 2 MRC radio throttles and receivers can not be used together(although version 1 pieces can be sent in to be upgraded to version 2). Any Digitrax throttle made in the past several years can be used on any Digitrax system.
CSX Robert chateauricher With Prodigy Express; Prodigy Advanced; Prodigy Advanced Squared; or Prodigy Advanced Wireless, you can use the throttle from any of them with any of the other systems. For the most part. The wireless throttles can not be used on the other systems without the wireless interface. At first this may seem trivial, but if you have a Prodigy Advanced Wireless system and have a friend that has one of the other Prodigy systems, you can not take your throttle to your friends layout and plug it in and use it.
chateauricher With Prodigy Express; Prodigy Advanced; Prodigy Advanced Squared; or Prodigy Advanced Wireless, you can use the throttle from any of them with any of the other systems.
For the most part. The wireless throttles can not be used on the other systems without the wireless interface. At first this may seem trivial, but if you have a Prodigy Advanced Wireless system and have a friend that has one of the other Prodigy systems, you can not take your throttle to your friends layout and plug it in and use it.
That's not entirely true... If you have the MRC Prodigy Wireless Conversion Kit (which includes the wireless throttle and plug-in receiver unit to convert an existing wired Prodigy system to wireless) you could take the plug-in receiver unit to your friend's house and plug it into his system. Then you can use both your wireless and his wired throttles on the same system at the same time.
Two of things that I like about the MRC Prodigy Wireless system are :
Any Digitrax throttle made in the past several years can be used on any Digitrax system.
I'll be a bit facetious here... That almost sounds like Digitrax doesn't do any improving or upgrading of its products...
chateauricher CSX Robert chateauricher With Prodigy Express; Prodigy Advanced; Prodigy Advanced Squared; or Prodigy Advanced Wireless, you can use the throttle from any of them with any of the other systems. For the most part. The wireless throttles can not be used on the other systems without the wireless interface. At first this may seem trivial, but if you have a Prodigy Advanced Wireless system and have a friend that has one of the other Prodigy systems, you can not take your throttle to your friends layout and plug it in and use it. That's not entirely true... If you have the MRC Prodigy Wireless Conversion Kit (which includes the wireless throttle and plug-in receiver unit to convert an existing wired Prodigy system to wireless) you could take the plug-in receiver unit to your friend's house and plug it into his system. Then you can use both your wireless and his wired throttles on the same system at the same time.
Actually, what I said is entirely true. "The wireless throttles can not be used on the other systems without the wireless interface." If you have the kit, then yes, you can take the wireless interface with you. The point is, the wireless throttle can not be used without it. Another problem I have with this design is if you have a problem with the wireless, such as interference, you can not plug in the throttle and operate tethered.
chateauricher Two of things that I like about the MRC Prodigy Wireless system are : Program, acquire and run your locos & accessories from a wireless handheld, just like wired. No need to plug & unplug every time you want to program a loco. Digitrax requires you to plug your throttle in each time you want to acquire/drop/program a locomotive. That can be such a hassle; and expensive since you need to have a place to "plug-in" -- the larger the layout, the more such "plug-in"s you'll need.
Not having to plug in to acquire a loco is definitely a plus for MRC. Some people don't find it to be a hassle, and some people do. To me, it is a minor hassle but is far outweighed by other advantages Digitrax has. For people that do consider it a big hassle, the current Digitrax throttles definitely are not ideal; althoug, Digitrax will soon be coming out with a throttle that will not require it.
chateauricher Any Digitrax throttle made in the past several years can be used on any Digitrax system. I'll be a bit facetious here... That almost sounds like Digitrax doesn't do any improving or upgrading of its products...
Actually, it is just very clever design. For example, the DT200 throttle that came with the Big Boy system could select and control 2 digit addresses and contorl 5 functions(f0-f4, when this system was produced, no one had heard of going up to f28). With a Zephyr, you can control 4 digit addresses and functions up to f8, or up to f12 with a DT400, or up to f28 with JMRI or the new throttle Digitrax is working on. You can still plug a DT200 into a Zephyr and use it along side any other Digitrax throttle. You can even control 4 digit addresses with it by "dispatching" the address from annother throttle. Plus, you can use the DB100 that came with the Big Boy set as a booster with the Zephyr.
Hmmm.......why not go with another system? An NCE Power Pro or Digitrax Zephyr will run circles around the Express any day. David B
You are not comparing apples to apples. The MRC PE is positioned both price-wise and feature-wise between the ProCab/Zephyr and the Bachmann EZ DCC. The Prodigy Express is a significant step up from the Bachmann, yet street price is $40 less than the ProCab/Zephyr. It is the cheapest, close-to-full feature DCC system available (lacks CV readback and a reasonable computer interface).
As has been pointed out, the OP can add a Prodigy Advance Squared (PA2) throttle to his PE system and obtain a second throttle with all the additional features of the PA2. This is the lowest cost expansion to the OP's stated desired end state (2 handheld throttles), yet gives him CV readback and increased number of functions. As long as the limited power of the PE and lack of an affordable computer interface is not a restriction for the OP, the option is a pretty good one for the price, despite your disdain for MRC DCC products.
The downside of just adding an MRC throttle is the limited further expansion path for the PE without replacing some components. Once the OP is into replacing the PE, then and only then should a cost/benefit comparison of all potential systems be performed.
just my thoughts
Fred W
One issue raised in this thread is the limited power of the PE which is only 1.6 amps. That can be increased to 2.5 for a fee of $25 including return shipping. I sent mine to MRC for that up-grade and it came back in 2 weeks with a 3.5 amp power supply so now I have a total of $140 into the system.
As I see it all is a matter of personal preferences. For me the Zephyr was out of the running even though I agree it is a good system but it is a base station unit and I wanted something I could walk about a bit with. I'm sure that a computer interface is a requirement for some who have many decoders or are professional installers but I have only 7 locos and likely won't buy many more into the future so buying another computer to use something like Decoder Pro isn't really a useful option, not to mention the time to learn it and my time is limited for my hobby.
As always, it is often a matter of personal preferences.
CN Charlie
David B said: Hmmm.......why not go with another system? An NCE Power Pro or Digitrax Zephyr will run circles around the Express any day. David B
David B said: Perhaps you should read the ENTIRE thread before posting. I was responding to this post:
harbor558 Actually the prodigy can handle more than 15 walkarounds. I think it runs circles around the zephyr. It has more functions (15 vs. 8) than the digtrax and has a remote walkaround and it has easier upgrade capabilities than either NCE or Digitrax. So stick with what you own.
I am impressed. Add phrophecy to your list of talents - the first quote appeared 2 days before the post it was allegedly responding to. The first quote is the second post in the entire thread. :-)
I'm not sure why you have it in for the MRC Prodigy Express/Prodigy Advance Squared/Prodigy Wireless systems. Be that as it may, advising the OP dump his PE is certainly a lot more expensive alternative than expanding his PE. The recommended expansions (adding a PA2 throttle, and having MRC upgrade the power to 3.5 amps) for $105 gives the OP everything that $250-300 (starter system plus 2nd throttle plus computer interface) to NCE or Digitrax would give him except the computer interface.
For you (and perhaps I will get there, too), the computer interface is critical. But I wonder how many PowerCab or Zephy owners actually buy and use a computer interface. I'm willing to bet the percentage is well under 50%. They are apparently satisfied to do whatever programming they do with their throttles. MRC believes the market for non-computer interface systems is big enough. NCE apparently believed the same - how many years was it before a computer interface was available for the PowerCab?
I agree with what you have written about the benefits of a computer interface. But the desirabilty/need depends upon the user's situation. If I'm only writing one letter every two months, the word processor is not necessarily worth the extra costs in terms of learning curve and upfront costs - especially if I already own a typewriter.
In your case, where you are installing sound decoders on a regular basis, a computer interface is an absolute necessity. I would not want to do without Decoder Pro for even 2 Tsunami decoders. But with just 1 Tsunami decoder, the extra $200 to switch DCC systems and obtain 2 throttles and an interface is a questionable investment. And that is my situation. I have only one locomotive large enough (a small 2-8-0) to accommodate a high bass speaker and Micro-Tsunami. My small geared lokies (Class A Shays and Climaxes) won't do it, nor will my 19th Century 4-4-0s. And even if I could have more than 1 engine with sound, would I want to spend 5 months of hobby allowance to gain the use of Decoder Pro? Would I want more than 1 engine with sound on a 7ft x 10ft layout? So for $200, can I live with writing down my CVs for a total of 6 engines, one with sound? Can I live with crossing out on the paper as I try new values to tweak my Micro-Tsunami?
Bottom line: one size does not fit all. For many, a computer interface is an incredibly important part of the DCC experience. For others, it is questionable whether the benefits outweigh the costs.
regards
fwrightI agree with what you have written about the benefits of a computer interface. But the desirabilty/need depends upon the user's situation. If I'm only writing one letter every two months, the word processor is not necessarily worth the extra costs in terms of learning curve and upfront costs - especially if I already own a typewriter. In your case, where you are installing sound decoders on a regular basis, a computer interface is an absolute necessity. I would not want to do without Decoder Pro for even 2 Tsunami decoders. But with just 1 Tsunami decoder, the extra $200 to switch DCC systems and obtain 2 throttles and an interface is a questionable investment. And that is my situation. I have only one locomotive large enough (a small 2-8-0) to accommodate a high bass speaker and Micro-Tsunami. My small geared lokies (Class A Shays and Climaxes) won't do it, nor will my 19th Century 4-4-0s. And even if I could have more than 1 engine with sound, would I want to spend 5 months of hobby allowance to gain the use of Decoder Pro? Would I want more than 1 engine with sound on a 7ft x 10ft layout? So for $200, can I live with writing down my CVs for a total of 6 engines, one with sound? Can I live with crossing out on the paper as I try new values to tweak my Micro-Tsunami? Bottom line: one size does not fit all. For many, a computer interface is an incredibly important part of the DCC experience. For others, it is questionable whether the benefits outweigh the costs. regards Fred W
Fred,
While I agree with many of your points, you seem to be looking at a computer interface from a very limited perspective.
You mention "installing sound decoders on a regular basis", and then go on to (appropriately) describe how that doesn't apply in your case.
Well, maybe "installing sound decoders" doesn't apply to you, but that merely scratches the surface of what a computer interface can do. It's also quite handy for setting and recording the CV's on non-sound decoders, including speed matching those one or two sound locos with your non-sound ones. Then there's signaling, dispatching, layout animation, and layout automation to name a few more uses.
Now, it's quite possible that few or none of those uses would apply in your case, although I think some animation, even if nothing more than sound effects triggered by layout events, might be quite appropriate.
Remember also, that small steamers set in a pre-signal era probably isn't representative of the majority of layouts. Although I don't have numbers to back it up, my guess is that there are many more layouts where one or more of those "other uses" for a computer interface would fit right in. Otherwise, why are the DCC manufacturers continuing to introduce and sell new interfaces? (the commercial versions of the LocoBuffer, the Digitrax PR3, the NCE USB adapter, and yes, even the MRC interface)
One other thought: I can't speak for David, but I interpreted his comments as meaning that it might be better to have bought a DCC system with a viable computer interface in the first place. Plus, you can dump the old one on that auction site (!!L@@K!!) so your actual outlay would be less.
Hey guys; How about us all go back to RUNNING the trains. Based on what has been written there are some who swear by MRC and others who think Zephyr is the answer. It sounds like ford and chevy. i guess both systems have their good points so lets get back to having fun with our systems by using them.
quote: Well, maybe "installing sound decoders" doesn't apply to you, but that merely scratches the surface of what a computer interface can do. It's also quite handy for setting and recording the CV's on non-sound decoders, including speed matching those one or two sound locos with your non-sound ones. Then there's signaling, dispatching, layout animation, and layout automation to name a few more uses.
Steve unquote
Hadn't thought about using the computer interface for speed matching. I've never double-headed, so I don't know what I'm missing. Almost everybody sticks to linear speed curves; just adjusting the max, min, and perhaps a mid-point. That is easy enough to do without an interface, but again the interface would be more convenient. And I hadn't thought about using the interface to set up under-the-layout sounds, either.
But you don't have to sell me on the benefits of an interface. It's just that there are quite a few of us who don't need an interface badly enough to justify significant extra $$. If starting from scratch, and cost was not quite so important, I agree with a strong recommendation for a DCC system with computer interface. But what does surprise me is how many NCE/Digitrax users never bother with the optional computer interface, and make do with programming with their system throttle.
OTOH, being able to get an MRC two throttle system which does everything except computer interface for the same price as a single throttle Zephyr/PowerCab with computer interface is very tempting when one is cheap (like me) and really doesn't need the computer interface. Without a doubt, if money was less of an object, I would go the Zephyr/PowerCab route with the interface.
Thanks for pointing out some of the less obvious uses of the computer interface.
yours in training
DOn't think anyone has mentioned this, but out of the box, the Zephyr gives you THREE cabs, if you haev a couple of old DC power packs sitting around. At least two, if you had a layout before, you must have at least one power pack. Zephyr has a pair of connections on the back called "jump ports" to which you cna connect an ordinary DC power pack (or a really simple circuit you can build yourself) and use the console to assign a DCC address to. You then have speed and direction control independent of whatever loco the zephyr's built in throttle is controlling.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Hi guys,
I didn't mean to start an argument over what is best, etc, etc.I don't even have my layout finished, and have a long way to go.I bought the MRC PE based on it's price and capabilities.It came highly recommended by fellow local modelers.As for a computer interface, I am not really interested in this nor ready for it at this time.I am only interested in enjoying myelf, having some fun, and sharing my layout with my girlfriends 5 Grandkids, and seeing the looks on their faces,and especially the two boys who can eventually help me run some trains!I first got my introduction into model trains and a huge "O" scale Lionel layout that ran throughoutmost of the store display windows of Sears and Roebuck, in Fort Wayne Indiana,when my Grandfather who ran the hardware and roofing dept took me to workwith him one Saturday, and put me with the "Trainmaster" who let me run some of the trains.I had the TIME OF MY LIFE!!!A day I have NEVER FORGOTTEN!!!Now I'd like to share a similar experience with Debs Grandkids!
I will however take some of the advice offered into consideration.Thanks for everyones input.Have fun and Merry Christmas to all !
rrinker Don't think anyone has mentioned this, but out of the box, the Zephyr gives you THREE cabs, if you have a couple of old DC power packs sitting around. At least two, if you had a layout before, you must have at least one power pack. Zephyr has a pair of connections on the back called "jump ports" to which you can connect an ordinary DC power pack (or a really simple circuit you can build yourself) and use the console to assign a DCC address to. You then have speed and direction control independent of whatever loco the zephyr's built in throttle is controlling.
Don't think anyone has mentioned this, but out of the box, the Zephyr gives you THREE cabs, if you have a couple of old DC power packs sitting around. At least two, if you had a layout before, you must have at least one power pack. Zephyr has a pair of connections on the back called "jump ports" to which you can connect an ordinary DC power pack (or a really simple circuit you can build yourself) and use the console to assign a DCC address to. You then have speed and direction control independent of whatever loco the zephyr's built in throttle is controlling.
And if you do NOT have any old DC power packs ??? Where do you get these extra cabs ???
Even if you had one or more old DC power packs lying around, you probably didn't get them for free. So you have to add their cost to that of the Zephyr system.
While it is neat that you can incorporate your old DCC power packs into your new Zephyr DCC system, you can't say you got more than one cab "out of the box."
If you want more cabs, you have you buy more (and this is true with all DCC systems).
I made one for $5, but who's counting? Because as luck would have it, I had no working DC packs even though I've been in this hobby for 40 years. Years ago I had my Tech II at the club I belonged to along with a few other goodies and I just left them with the club when I had to quit.
Oh and you corrected the wrong typo. I had "if" correct, it was "have" is mistyped as "haev" I mean, if we're going to nitpick petty details..
This turned into a food fight...
Thanks, now I'm going to go watch Animal House rather than work on my layout.
To clarify, Randy, the bold and red-coloured text was NOT to highlight any typos I may have corrected; but to emphasize the part about which I was commenting.
By the way, I mentioned that I corrected the typos to avoid being accused of using inaccurate or "doctored" quotes. I was taught that it is generally considered good form to indicate if an author has altered/edited (e.g.: added emphasis, corrected spelling, etc.) anything he quotes. I tend to be a perfectionist when it comes to using language -- which, in my opinion, is the most powerful, versatile tool humanity has ever devised, without which we could never have become what we are today. I apologise if I offended you.
Not offended. I guess I'm more used to seeing exact quotes with [sic] if there is some sort of spelling or grammatical error in the original, and since that was the only word in red, with the rest of the quote in bold black..
Spelling, I can do. Typing is another story. My fingers don't move as fast as my brain most of the time. Back when they actually taught you how to spell properly and not phonetically, I actually was spelling bee champ in my school. As a long-time programmer, I never learned to properly touch type since most programmign keywords and construct don't follow the rules of English that make the keyboard layout work for typing. So I manage on 4 fingers or so and still get stuff out with good speed.
CSX Robert For the most part. The wireless throttles can not be used on the other systems without the wireless interface. At first this may seem trivial, but if you have a Prodigy Advanced Wireless system and have a friend that has one of the other Prodigy systems, you can not take your throttle to your friends layout and plug it in and use it. With both Digitrax and NCE, the radio throttles can be used as a regular plug -in throttle on a layout that does not have radio.
For the most part. The wireless throttles can not be used on the other systems without the wireless interface. At first this may seem trivial, but if you have a Prodigy Advanced Wireless system and have a friend that has one of the other Prodigy systems, you can not take your throttle to your friends layout and plug it in and use it. With both Digitrax and NCE, the radio throttles can be used as a regular plug -in throttle on a layout that does not have radio.
Emphasas mine.
After reading this conversation earlier tonight I happened to be reading the "MRC Prodigy Wireless DCC throttle" product review from the February 2008 issue of MR.
It says:
The wireless throttle can be used as a tethered throttle as well, with or without the NiMh rechargeable batteries installed.
Later the article goes on to say:
You can operate the unit as a tethered throttle while it's recharging. However, this adds to the recharging time.
So maybe MR is wrong twice in the same product review, but it would seem that your statement that "if you have a Prodigy Advanced Wireless system and have a friend that has one of the other Prodigy systems, you can not take your throttle to your friends layout and plug it in and use it" is a little suspect.
CSX RobertAccording to the MRC tech who participates in the Yahoo MRC-DCC group, when you use the wireless cab "tethered," it draws power from the bus, but still communicates wirelessly, so you could only use it this way on a wireless system or with the wireless dongle. This information could be incorrect, but I assumed it was accurate since it came from an MRC tech.
I called MRC on Friday. The tech on the phone said that you'd need a wireless dongle for use with any any system other than the Prodigy Wireless.
So if a person upgraded from Prodigy Express/Advance/Advance² to wireless then they'd have the dongle anyway as part of the upgrade process. If the Prodigy Wireless comes with a dongle then it wouldn't be an issue, but it looks to me like the transmitter/reciever is built-in to the base station (I haven't seen the dongle listed in the parts list for the Prodigy Wireless setup).
Good to know that it could be an issue for people that ONLY have the Prodigy Wireless and visit a layout without a wireless dongle.
The dongle seems to add about $100 to the price of an MRC Prodigy Wireless throttle by itself.
I think using a Tech II for a throttle or for more power, on a DCC system is a bad idea,because the DC current in a Tech II isnt filtered. Thats why when I use my Tech II to run my DC/DCC sound locos they run/sound not so good.
Pulsed power won't work as a Jump throttle for a Zephyr. Don't know what a Tech II puts out so can't comment on it's use.
A simple jump throttle can be built with a 9 volt battery, DPDT reversing switch and a potentiometer. Beyond the abilities or desires of many but the theory behind the jump throttle is really that simple. You need a variable DC output for speed and Reversing switch for direction. Zephyr takes it from there.
BTW, someone commented on the high cost of plug ins for Digitrax... See the little jack hanging just above the skirting in this photo? We have 20 of those on our layout for plugging in. $3 each.