Which Digitrax System

[Kickout]

Wanting to switch from DC to DCC using Digitrax. What Digitrax system and add ons would I need to be able to run 4-5 engines at the same time? HO scale!

 

[bnsf971]

The old standby is the Zephyr. It’ll operate several engines at once. If your engines all have sound, which take more current to operate, you may want something heavier-duty.

 

[Selector]

If you'll only ever run maybe three DCC/sound locomotives, and they're all in pretty good fettle, I would say two whole amps is all you'll ever need. It does depend, though, on the resistance in the consist behind the locomotive(s). This can come from grades, pinched and narrowed gauge here and there, curves, and poorly rolling cars whose trucks need some tuning. So, the Zephyr is a good bed. If you find, eventually, that you would like more power, simply add a booster in line. I can tell you that you are unlikely to ever want more than 3 amps unless you have guests and run multiple lashups along the mains.

 

[Kickout]

The way I am setup now DC, I can run three different engines on three different lines all at the same time. I would like to be able to do the same with DCC and have the ability to call up different engines if desired.

 

[bnsf971]

The way I am setup now DC, I can run three different engines on three different lines all at the same time. I would like to be able to do the same with DCC and have the ability to call up different engines if desired.

Okay, so when will you be placing an order for a Zephyr?

 

[Iron Horseman]

Wanting to switch from DC to DCC using Digitrax. What Digitrax system and add ons would I need to be able to run 4-5 engines at the same time? HO scale!

First thing to ask is how much current do these 5 engines draw. The Digitrax Zephyr can only deliver 2.5A, while the Zephyr Plus goes to 3. If you need more than that you will have to move up to the Evolution Starter system. The advantage there is that there are two throttles on the unit that comes in the set. And that brings me to my second point.

Do you want a control for each of the 4-5 locos. I highly recommend that. Seems like every time I attempt to run multiple trains with one throttle, I invariably find the throttle is set for another train than the one I want and have to play "video game" to call up the train I really want to adjust. Just hope I didn't need an emergency stop! Anyway, my personal rule is that I have a separate throttle for each train in motion. I want to control train 1, I pick up throttle 1. etc. No confusion. UT6 Throttles are the low cost option.

Third do you want wireless? Highly recommend it. Back in the day when I ran wired throttles someone was always getting tangle up, or tripping over them.

Or you could just go all out and get a full DCS240 an never have to worry about it again. Also of course there are many more options in the used market. The old Empire Builder starter set seems to have been a popular choice.

 

[riogrande5761]

Digital is old tech. Try TCS LT-50 on sale a Yankee Dabler now for $150.

 

[D&J RailRoad]

Unless you're going to be building a gymnasium size layout, a single command station as mentioned above, evolution should be fine.
You can save a few bucks with other systems but then ya don't have the wide range of support as ya have with Digitrax.

 

[Smudge617]

With the Digitrax you can also connect your "old' DC throttles to the system and use them as extra throttles so nothing is wasted.