QUOTE: Originally posted by tanker23 I have not built my layout yet but will be building it with DCC and want to know what would be a good system to start with and expand as my layout grows.
QUOTE: Originally posted by JPM335 I have the Digitrax Zephyr because it is compatible with all Digitrax stuff. But are the rumors true that you cannot program a BLI with a Zephyr?[:O]
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Joe Fugate Modeling the 1980s SP Siskiyou Line in southern Oregon
QUOTE: Originally posted by rrinker QUOTE: Originally posted by JPM335 I have the Digitrax Zephyr because it is compatible with all Digitrax stuff. But are the rumors true that you cannot program a BLI with a Zephyr?[:O] Actually the problem seems to creep up on ANY DCC system, mainly because there never were any standards set for the current draw of the locomotive on the programming track, and the QSI decoders just take too much power. That being said, I've been able to program a BLI GG1 and an Atlas Trainmaster with no problems using my Zephyr. And you can always program on the main, assumign your DCC system supports it - Ops Mode programming directed to a specific address, not broadcast programming that would change every loco on the layout. That way you have the full capacity of your booster available to drive the programming. --Randy
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
QUOTE: Originally posted by JPM335 never have done any mainline programming. anything special i should know?
QUOTE: Originally posted by simon1966 I have to say that I have been very happy with my Zephyr purchase. It has sprouted an extra booster, IR control, a DT400 Throttle, a PC interface, 2 jump throttles and 3 connection panels for tethered hand held operation. The loconet has made it really easy to grow the system, yet my 5 yr and 8 yr old boys find it really easy to use. As it happens, all the local MRR's I know have Digitrax, but to be honest the only support I have needed was quickly provided by the Digitrax yahoo group. My biggest problems have been with some tricky decoder installations, which has nothing to do with the main system manufacturer. One thing I can say is that having now had DCC for 6 months, I can not imagine running without it!
QUOTE: Originally posted by JPM335 Thanks for the info, never have done any mainline programming. anything special i should know?
QUOTE: Originally posted by Texas Zepher QUOTE: Originally posted by JPM335 never have done any mainline programming. anything special i should know? Make certain the locomotive you are programming is the only one on the track! We had one fellow at the club who programmed every single locomotive in the roundhouse to his number.
QUOTE: Originally posted by jfugate ...all other things being equal, I recommend you find out what is popular in your area and go with that. Then you can get local support if you need it...