Yes, the SebX is now much more powerfull, you can programm on the main, add cab signaling and much more.They come with the DT402 throttle now, wich included InfraRed control, if you add an UR90 panel, i dont use infrared because regular fascia panel are much cheaper and my layout is small. My local club use NCE, so i have experience in both system. I definely prefer the digitrax. The only thing bugging me on digitrax is the on/off on the throttle. if you dont let it plugged you have to remove the battery cause it will keep draining it
Adding DCC to my layout?
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Yes, the SebX is now much more powerfull, you can programm on the main, add cab signaling and much more.They come with the DT402 throttle now, wich included InfraRed control, if you add an UR90 panel, i dont use infrared because regular fascia panel are much cheaper and my layout is small. My local club use NCE, so i have experience in both system. I definely prefer the digitrax. The only thing bugging me on digitrax is the on/off on the throttle. if you dont let it plugged you have to remove the battery cause it will keep draining it
The Empire Builder has always had the capability to do programming on the main and cab signaling. The only difference between the "Super Empire Builder" and the "Super Empire Builder Xtra" is the change from the DT400 to the DT402 throttle, the command station itself is exactly the same. The only things the Empire Builder lacks that a Zephyr has is a separate program track output, the ability to read decoder CVs, and the "jump ports".
Dont be so quick to cross off the NCE system. I have one and routinely run two to three trains with it with a total of about 5-6 locomotives running in two separate consist with at least 2 of them sound locos and about another 6locomotives idling on the tracks. I have never short-circuited the Powercab by exceeding its amperage. Very easy to use all for around $125-150.
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Yes, the SebX is now much more powerfull, you can programm on the main, add cab signaling and much more.They come with the DT402 throttle now, wich included InfraRed control, if you add an UR90 panel, i dont use infrared because regular fascia panel are much cheaper and my layout is small. My local club use NCE, so i have experience in both system. I definely prefer the digitrax. The only thing bugging me on digitrax is the on/off on the throttle. if you dont let it plugged you have to remove the battery cause it will keep draining it
SpaceMouse
Fun Lover
I have a Digitrax Zephyr, but I run on layouts with Digitrax (one 30 x 70 with 3-5 levels, 30 trains at once and computerized dispatching), NCE (the one I work most often) and one with MRC (which was in MR Planning 2007).
They all work great. I just started with Digitrax and I like the DT400 throttle best. I will upgrade it to the DTR402D soon most likely.
They all work great. I just started with Digitrax and I like the DT400 throttle best. I will upgrade it to the DTR402D soon most likely.
CSX Robert
Member
The Empire Builder has always had the capability to do programming on the main and cab signaling. The only difference between the "Super Empire Builder" and the "Super Empire Builder Xtra" is the change from the DT400 to the DT402 throttle, the command station itself is exactly the same. The only things the Empire Builder lacks that a Zephyr has is a separate program track output, the ability to read decoder CVs, and the "jump ports".
nephthyr
Member
I can highly recommend the Zephyr, I switched to DCC about 5 months ago and got a Zephyr and I was up and running in 10 minutes flat. I have had no problems with the Zephyr and it works really well. I am a very happy Digitrax customer.
I recently got a UT4 and UP5 which also worked straight out the box, I didn't even bother to read the manuals. I just plugged in and I was up and running!
I recently got a UT4 and UP5 which also worked straight out the box, I didn't even bother to read the manuals. I just plugged in and I was up and running!
Dont be so quick to cross off the NCE system. I have one and routinely run two to three trains with it with a total of about 5-6 locomotives running in two separate consist with at least 2 of them sound locos and about another 6locomotives idling on the tracks. I have never short-circuited the Powercab by exceeding its amperage. Very easy to use all for around $125-150.
klrwhizkid
New Member
DCC for your layout
Chip, let me summarize and answer what seem to be all your questions.
1) The Digitrax Zephyr will provide basic control of a layout from a fixed location as well as programming, providing a maximum of 2.5 amps of current - probably enough for what you are doing.
2) The Zephyr has a Loconet port on the back that can be used to connect to a wireless receiver; in your case the UR91 Reciever would be what you would want if you are dead set on wireless
3) The Zephyr Loconet port can also be connected to multiple UP5 Loconet ports which would mount to the outside of your layout. These are the fixed location ports where you can plug in a tethered throttle like the DT400, UT4 or some of the earlier versions. The UP5 also is where you would plug in a radio throttle like the DT400r, DT402r, or UT4R to acquire control of a locomotive address that matches the one you set on the throttle.
4) If you at some time want to increase the size of your layout or start ove and build a bigger one with more locomotives, then all you would have to add to what you already have is booster (DB150) or command station (CS100, CS200) and a power supply for the booster or command station. The booster/command station simply connects to the Loconet that you already have installed and two wire would go to the track. (Keep in mind that the booster/command station can't be connected to the same block of track that the Zephyr is connected to - they have to be electrically isolated like blocks in DC.
I hope this helps. I just happened upon this discussion - I am the usually on the frisco.org site where I am the Electronics Moderator in case you need further assistance.
Chip, let me summarize and answer what seem to be all your questions.
1) The Digitrax Zephyr will provide basic control of a layout from a fixed location as well as programming, providing a maximum of 2.5 amps of current - probably enough for what you are doing.
2) The Zephyr has a Loconet port on the back that can be used to connect to a wireless receiver; in your case the UR91 Reciever would be what you would want if you are dead set on wireless
3) The Zephyr Loconet port can also be connected to multiple UP5 Loconet ports which would mount to the outside of your layout. These are the fixed location ports where you can plug in a tethered throttle like the DT400, UT4 or some of the earlier versions. The UP5 also is where you would plug in a radio throttle like the DT400r, DT402r, or UT4R to acquire control of a locomotive address that matches the one you set on the throttle.
4) If you at some time want to increase the size of your layout or start ove and build a bigger one with more locomotives, then all you would have to add to what you already have is booster (DB150) or command station (CS100, CS200) and a power supply for the booster or command station. The booster/command station simply connects to the Loconet that you already have installed and two wire would go to the track. (Keep in mind that the booster/command station can't be connected to the same block of track that the Zephyr is connected to - they have to be electrically isolated like blocks in DC.
I hope this helps. I just happened upon this discussion - I am the usually on the frisco.org site where I am the Electronics Moderator in case you need further assistance.
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