One last Zepher DCC contoler question

[Texas Zepher]

I didn't see the one last question. 

What I did not like is the lack of F9 and above fuctions.

Why?  Just because some have larger numbers in their specs. What function do you need above F9?   I hardly ever use anything except 1-4.

with a extra hand held controler.

you realize that the Zephyr has two "jump" ports that allow you to connect two regular DC throttles (including hand held and/or radio too) to control the DCC locomotives.

make none DCC engines DCC

Huh?  This isn't a function of the command unit.

4 Next 6 months + controls turn outs.

There is a thread over in the layout forum concerning this.  It could be interesting reading before you really decide to do this.

7 Soon Walk around control or Radio controleed.

That is my only argument against the Digitrax, one is pretty much stuck with their radio system.   But if the ultimate goal is to have the computer run the trains why are these needed?

[Anonymous]

When I added up the Zephyr and the power requirements as well as the preference for a DT 400 Im already in Chief country financially. The only expense ahead of me is radio and that is in the future.

Dont worry about the cars. I have mine paid for long time ago and except for occaisonal maintaince and problem spots such as a bad heater fan... from time to time we are doing good. Especially in this age of financing and other gimmicks designed to part you from your money. We are motivated towards being debt free and will hold our mortgage burning this month. That does not mean we have more dollars for trains. =)

We know the future purchases of autos will be cash only upfront. That way it's paid for the moment we put tags on it and that is the way we have always done it. I was burned badly on a new car years ago and knowing what I know now, I would have maintained that old car I sent to the trade too quickly.

The Zephyr will serve you will as does the Chief, dont let the functions F9 and higher be your sole consideration for getting the Chief.

Dont rely too much on the computer. I just came back online after a hard disk failure compounded by a video card failure over the weekend. I was running on spares from the second machine until new parts came in.

[simon1966]

 95% sure this is the way I will go. What I did not like is the lack of F9 and above fuctions. Now here is what I want to be able to do and way furtuer.

 1 Soon, be able to get to F-8 fuctions and above with a extra hand held controler. Add either a DT400 or UT 4 throttle to achieve this.

 2 Soon Set CV's and make none DCC engines DCC  The Zephyr has both a program track and the ability to program on the main line with no modification.

 3 Some what soon. Be able to control 20 engines + with extra controler. The Zephyr is limited to 10 locomotive slots, so you are going to be stuck with this if you plan to run all 20 at the same time.  Also there is the power limitation to consider.  If you want to run that many you will quickly outgrow the Zephyr.

 4 Next 6 months + controls turn outs.  Zephyr can do that with no mods.

 5 Next 6 months as well, load new sounds to the engines.  You will need the sound loading interface hardware for what ever brand of sound decoders you have that have sound load capability.  Right now this would mean different hardware for Digitrax Sound FX as well as the Loksound decoders.  This would be the issue regardless of what DCC system you have.

 6 Up grade power if or when I need it. (bachmann E-Z 1 amp has ran 5 BLI with sound) You can add a booster to the Zephyr, there are several to choose from.

 7 Soon Walk around control or Radio controleed. Just add the radio reciever to the loconet connection and get a radio throttle and you are off.

 8 In the next year, have the PC run the engines so I can sit back and enjoy.  There are a couple of PC interface options for Digitraz and a number of PC programs that provide automation.  This is not trivial I should point out.  You will need to do a bunch of research into what you want to achieve and how best to get to that end point.

 On a tight budget, and from what I have read the Emiper Bulider will not let me set CV or added new uncode decoders. The Empire Builder will let you set CV's you just can't read them.

 I know buy the best as you can and not waste money. I look at it a little driffrent. Buy a new Car and you have a payment ever month. Buy a cheap car with cash, fix as it breaks down. Yes one repair could be $1000.00. Or you can pay $300.00 ever month and hope it does not break down.

 

                Cuda Ken 

 

Based on your dreams you will quickly outpace the Zephyr.  YOu can certainly build on the system.  You could start witht he main Zephyr unit, add a throttle, then get a DCS100 booster/ command station and relegate the Zephyr to booster and throttle status.  Add radio and upgrade you throttles.  If you want to start small and grow this will work.  If you were to buy a Super Chief Radio set up front you would save yourself some cash over the long haul but would be spending it up front.

[cudaken]

 95% sure this is the way I will go. What I did not like is the lack of F9 and above fuctions. Now here is what I want to be able to do and way furtuer.

 1 Soon, be able to get to F-8 fuctions and above with a extra hand held controler.

 2 Soon Set CV's and make none DCC engines DCC

 3 Some what soon. Be able to control 20 engines + with extra controler.

 4 Next 6 months + controls turn outs.

 5 Next 6 months as well, load new sounds to the engines.

 6 Up grade power if or when I need it. (bachmann E-Z 1 amp has ran 5 BLI with sound)

 7 Soon Walk around control or Radio controleed.

 8 In the next year, have the PC run the engines so I can sit back and enjoy.

 On a tight budget, and from what I have read the Emiper Bulider will not let me set CV or added new uncode decoders.

 I know buy the best as you can and not waste money. I look at it a little driffrent. Buy a new Car and you have a payment ever month. Buy a cheap car with cash, fix as it breaks down. Yes one repair could be $1000.00. Or you can pay $300.00 ever month and hope it does not break down.

 

                Cuda Ken