I have been a Digitrax owner and user for almost ten years. It has been a very reliable system. To use a computer with your Digitrax system you will need to get a Digitrax MS-100 which is a RS-232 serial interface or a USB Loco Buffer. (Most new computers do not have RS-232 ports.) You can download Decoder Pro software form the Internet for free. Decoder Pro will alow you to program decoders, run signals and create computer based throttles. With Decoder Pro and a computer interface you do not need to buy the expensive DT-400 throttle. (I have one and do not use it for programming.) Just get the easy to use and less expensive UT-4. If you want to upgrade your digitrax to radio control you will need to buy a UP-91 radio receiver and UT-4R radio throttles.
JIM
Jim, Modeling the Kansas City Southern Lines in HO scale.
Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum
I'm building my first layout and have decided to go with DCC. Now, it's going to be a fairly small 10 by 12 foot room around the wall layout. So, I'm trying to decide between Digitrax Zephyr and North Coast Engineering's PowerCab system. My local hobby shop owner said they are both good, but Digitrax is more for computer-oriented folks, if that's your cup of tea. They are both about the same price as well. Any favorites out there or suggestions on why to choose one over the other?
Thanks,
Mike