I'm building a new layout and would like to go DCC. Would anyone recommend the Digitrax Zephyr Xtra Starter Set. I know this is a loaded question but is there is something better in the $200 price range or am I better off waiting until I have more of a budget?
https://www.modeltrainstuff.com/digitrax-zephyr-xtra-complete-dcc-starter-set-system-with-3-0-amp-power-supply/
The biggest thing I don't want to happen is shelling out $169.00 for this unit and then a year down the road needing something different.
bugman, I can recommend it. The Zephyr is an excellent starter set, however, if you want walk around capability it wont work all that well. I started off with a Zephyr and when I realized that I wanted more than one location on my walk-in U layout from which to control trains and the possibility of more than one operator I switched to the NCE PowerCab and the Zephyr is now relegated to programming locomotives on a separate length of track.
Digitrax advertises that the Zephyr is expandable and that you can add more throttles but I did not look into that when I switched.
The main question is, how big is your layout and do you want/need walk-around capability? I suggest you look into the Zephyr more closely as well as other starter systems that are out there and try to envision what you might want to do in the future regarding train control.
Bear "It's all about having fun."
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/744/t/217527.aspx
Go to this thread that was a discussion of Zephyr expandability a few years back on this site.
Mike.
My You Tube
Started with the original Zephyr, still use it, 15 years later. Nothing is surplus with Digitrax, as the layout grows, you cna add stuff but never have to repalce anything. The Xtra supports 20 locos, the original one 12, so even if you need more power to run 20 locos, you can keep using the Xtra as the command station. My last layout, while room sized, only could support 3 trains running at once, so my faithful old Zephyr was my command station.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Thanks everyone. I am going to read about all the different starter sets because my layout is going to be a room sized walk around so I am going to want the ability to move the controller around with me.
I think Randy has hit on it. The question may be, how expandable is a starter system if you want to expand it down the road. The corollary question is, if you are going to expand a starter system down the road, are you better off paying for a bigger system up front.
And, bugman, check the Digitrax web site, they do offer what they consider a starter system with what appears to be a hand held throttle
That's the million dollar question that I need to figure out. I looked at the wireless starter systems and by the time I add a receiver and throttle to the Zephyr I'm at about the same price.
One nice thing with the Zephyr is I can spend a little now and a little later I guess..
While the Zephry is a excellent system I would take a close look at NCE's Power Cab that can be bought between $130-140.00.
IMHO I believe its a step above the Zephyr.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
Thanks Brakie: I am looking at the NCE right now.. I figure I will look into them all because I don't want to make a mistake and get something that I will need to replace.
Brakie,The NCE PowerCab is nice, but it's not a "step above" the Zephyr Xtra.
Sure, the PowerCab is "walkaround", but it isn't really. As soon as you unplug the PowerCab to move to another socket, all the trains stop because the throttle is the command station. To keep the trains running while unplugged, you need to buy the SB5 SmartBooster for another $220.
The PowerCab is limited to 2 amps continous, 3 amps peak load. The Zephyr Xtra is 3 amps continuous, 3.5amp peak.
The PowerCab can only have a maximum of 4 throttles. The Zephyr Xtra can have up to 20. To go wireless throttle control with the PowerCab requires the SmartBooster SB5 ($220), RB02 radio ($160), and either then Procab-R ($250) or Cab06r ($190) for a total of either $570 or $630.For wireless throttle control with the Zephyr Xtra, it requires the UR92 radio ($160) and either the UT4D ($135) or DT500D ($254) throttle for a total of either $295 or $414.In many ways, the Zephyr Xtra is more advanced than the PowerCab. What it isn't is portable like the PowerCab. However, the upgrade path is significantly less money with Digitrax due to that portable nature of the PowerCab.bugman9317,I had a 25' x 50' HO layout that I ran with my Zephyr. My entire DCC system was the Zephyr, a UR91 radio, a half dozen UP5 panel sockets, and 3 DT400R throttles. I would run with up to 6 operators running trains at the same time (they'd bring their own Digitrax throttles, too). My Zephyr had no problems handling all that. It's a full-featured system for relatively cheap money (the cost of one soundless diesel loco these days).
Paul3: first the prices you mention are probably MSRP. Retailers offer these products at a discount. I did not pay $220 for my SB5 booster. Secondly, if one does one's research, one would quickly determine that the NCE PowerCab is also the command station and has to be plugged into the left socket of the PCP panel in order to run trains.
Like a lot of situations, personal preference as well as cost ultimately factor into anyone's final decision. I would encourage bugman to read this thread, which is chock full of advice and personal biases, do his own research on the different systems out there and then make his decision based on the fact that he is spending his money. I, for one, would hate to recommend one system over another and then be castigated, and rightfully so, one year later when it turned out that my recommendation did not fit with the OP's situation.
POWER CAB !
Paul3 bugman9317 stated hi wanted a basic system and the Power Cab is a basic system.. If he wants to run two trains solo then the Power cab will get the job done without the stuff you mention.
And yes,I still fully believe the Power Cab is a step above the Zephry for solo operaton.
I just recently did this research myself. I only need to run 1 or 2 trains on my layout, with about 15’ of reach in either direction from the station. So for what I want, what I need and my budget, I found the NCE to be a better choice for me. The Digitrax looks like a fine system, but it’s more than I need. And I also prefer the way the NCE throttle is laid out. But YMMV. As others have said, it’s about what’s best for you.
- Adam
When all else fails, wing it!
Thank you, Lonehawk! Exactly the point I was trying to make. And, the digitrax is a fine system.
Thanks everyone for their responses. My biggest fear was getting a system that I would have to totally replace down the road. I think some of it falls into a Ford/Chevy kind of thing. The nice thing is both units will work fine and are upgradable to fit my needs.. I am going to sit down and go over all the details of each and see what will fit best on my layout.
Zephyr plus the LNWI plus the smartphone you probably already own = wireless throttles. Cheapest option - even if yuou have to buy one of those $30 Android phones they sell at Walmart.
If you think you need more, or will want more right off the bat, the Evolution starter set would be a better option, 5 amp command station/booster instead of 3.5 amps and hand held throttle.
Radio, regardless of which one, is beyond the basic starter set liek Zephyr or PowerCab and will cost you equally no matter which way you go. I find the NCE throttles to be absolutely gigantic, and I don't have small hands.
bearman Paul3: first the prices you mention are probably MSRP. Retailers offer these products at a discount. I did not pay $220 for my SB5 booster. Secondly, if one does one's research, one would quickly determine that the NCE PowerCab is also the command station and has to be plugged into the left socket of the PCP panel in order to run trains. Like a lot of situations, personal preference as well as cost ultimately factor into anyone's final decision. I would encourage bugman to read this thread, which is chock full of advice and personal biases, do his own research on the different systems out there and then make his decision based on the fact that he is spending his money. I, for one, would hate to recommend one system over another and then be castigated, and rightfully so, one year later when it turned out that my recommendation did not fit with the OP's situation.
Yes but it's only dair to compare MSRP to MSRP, yes, you can get things cheaper, but you can get Digitrax things cheaper than those prices too.
The new LNWI from Digitrax makes going wireless even cheaper, if you have a smartphone that runs either Android or IOS. Cheaper than a UR92 and a throttle, by a LOT.
Yes, Randy. I understand that Digitrax can retail for cheaper than MSRP as well.
NCE Power Cab @ 156$, Zephyr @ $165
When I made the decision to go with NCE form factor was a consideration The hammer shape was more useful to me because it could roll with me around the layout whereas the Digitrax Zephyr was more for stationary application and a handheld throttle was an additional cost.
But as with everything in life you give up something to get something else. In this case I get up the ability to use address zero to run non DCC locomotives.
Also the Zephyr has separate wire terminals for a programming track. Also the NCE has to have the PCP panel mounted somewhere. I also had some issues getting my 14 gauge bus wires into plug NCE Supplies and having them stay put.
Joe Staten Island West
Come again Joe on your last comment regarding the 14 gauge bus? I have a 14 gauge bus and never had a problem with them staying put in the NCE pcp panel.
Another factor to consider, recommended to me by the dealer. If you have a club or other people in your area that might come operate with you or you go to their layout, what do they have? Most systems seem to allow you to take your control to another layout to operate, but they must be the same manufacturer.
Just something to consider.
Good luck,
Richard
yeah, Richard, but then there is the issue of the connectors. My club uses NCE with DIN connectors. My NCE layout has the flat RJ11 telephone connectors.
bearman,Yes, of course the prices I mentioned are MSRP. It's the only fair way to compare. Otherwise, we'd all have to comparison shop online, search eBay, hit train shows, etc., to find the best prices and post the links. For every sale price of an NCE system you find, I could come up with a Digitrax one and there's just no reason to. Everyone in the hobby should know how to shop...we shouldn't have to do that for them.
And yes, I brought up the fact that the PowerCab throttle is the command station. It's the only one like it in the hobby. Newbies may not realize it, especially since all other throttles control a "base station" of some kind allowing one to unplug the throttle and move it to another location while running trains. You can't do that with the PowerCab without shutting off the layout or buying the SB5 for $220 MSRP. It's no different than unplugging a Zephyr and moving it to another locale.
Why would anyone be "castigated" for their recommendation? Sure, my advice would be to get the Zephyr because the reasons I bought mine are still the same reasons I have today. Mainly, that I prefer wireless throttles with knobs, and not only that Digitrax provides the form factor I want, they also do it for less money, too. Win-win for me. Others want a portable throttle, don't mind that it's tethered, and prefer the "hammerhead" throttle format, so pick the PowerCab. Good for them. Who would castigate either choice?
Brakie,The PowerCab is a portable system; the Zephyr isn't. The actual system itself isn't "a step above"; in fact one could say it's a step below in terms of power, number of cabs, number of locos, wireless technology, upgrade paths, etc. But in terms of form, then yes, if your preference is for a portable system it's the better choice.
BTW, for running two (or three) trains at the same time, the Zephyr is the superior choice due to the Jump Ports that allow old DC throttlepacks to become DCC throttles. With the Zephyr and the Jump Ports, one can control up to three trains at the exact same instant in time. With the PowerCab, you have to use the recall feature which means when you're controlling one train you're not in control of the other(s).
Paul, I still think it is unfair to quote and compare MSRP, but we can agree to disagree on that point. In fact, it has been my expereince that the discounted retail price for the same system is witin 5$ or so from retailer to retailer And I have been careful from the beginning not to knock the Digitrax line. Digitrax makes an excellent product. I also have pointed out what I believe to be issues, perhaps minor, based on my experience. It is not my intention to castigate anyone for their choice.
In fact, I have tried to be objective and to note more than once that the OP should do his own reserach and come to his own conclusion about what system he should purchase. I have no financial stake in any product line except to the extent that I purchase it as a consumer (and, yes, I know you have not accused me of this). If the OP purchases Digitrax, fine...Lenz, fine...Bachmann EZ Command, fine...MRC Prodigy, fine...NCE, fine. If the OP purchases a sytem and is happy with it. Great! If he purchases a system sand is unhappy with it, then not so great. But in both cases the decision is his, and his alone.
MSRP is the ONLY fair comparison. If you went to my sort of LHS and tried to compare retail prices, it would unfairly favor NCE as they are an NCE dealer and buy direct from NCE but they aren't a Digitrax dealer and get theri Digitrax through Walthers. I'm sure I could find another place that is a Digitrax dealer and not an NCE dealer and their discounts would favor Digitrax. MSRP gives you a fixed point of comparison across manufacturers. Can you get it for less? Sure. But the best deal you find might not be the best deal I find - either way.
Of course when Walthers jacks up MSRP on their locos to unreasonable levels so they can put them permanently on sale.... at what the old MSRP was, to fool people into thinking they are getting a great discount.....
Paul3 Brakie,The NCE PowerCab is nice, but it's not a "step above" the Zephyr Xtra. Sure, the PowerCab is "walkaround", but it isn't really. As soon as you unplug the PowerCab to move to another socket, all the trains stop because the throttle is the command station. To keep the trains running while unplugged, you need to buy the SB5 SmartBooster for another $220. The PowerCab is limited to 2 amps continous, 3 amps peak load. The Zephyr Xtra is 3 amps continuous, 3.5amp peak. The PowerCab can only have a maximum of 4 throttles. The Zephyr Xtra can have up to 20. To go wireless throttle control with the PowerCab requires the SmartBooster SB5 ($220), RB02 radio ($160), and either then Procab-R ($250) or Cab06r ($190) for a total of either $570 or $630.For wireless throttle control with the Zephyr Xtra, it requires the UR92 radio ($160) and either the UT4D ($135) or DT500D ($254) throttle for a total of either $295 or $414.In many ways, the Zephyr Xtra is more advanced than the PowerCab. What it isn't is portable like the PowerCab. However, the upgrade path is significantly less money with Digitrax due to that portable nature of the PowerCab.
The PowerCab can only have a maximum of 4 throttles. The Zephyr Xtra can have up to 20. To go wireless throttle control with the PowerCab requires the SmartBooster SB5 ($220), RB02 radio ($160), and either then Procab-R ($250) or Cab06r ($190) for a total of either $570 or $630.For wireless throttle control with the Zephyr Xtra, it requires the UR92 radio ($160) and either the UT4D ($135) or DT500D ($254) throttle for a total of either $295 or $414.In many ways, the Zephyr Xtra is more advanced than the PowerCab. What it isn't is portable like the PowerCab. However, the upgrade path is significantly less money with Digitrax due to that portable nature of the PowerCab.
Rich
Alton Junction
woodone POWER CAB !
Starter systems be dammed (sic).
isn't upgrading a PowerCab with an SB5 smart-booster a less expensive path to a fully system that doesn't require as large an investment up front?
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading