I'm in the planning stages of getting an N scale layout going, and plan on using WiThrottle / JMRI / OS X for all of my DCC control; in other words, I don't plan on doing any operating with a traditional wired or wireless throttle. I was originally thinking I'd get a LocoBuffer USB interface and Digitrax Zephyr to get started, however, even if I'm running short trains, I like having lots of power on the head-end, and I'm nervous about the Zephyr's 10 locomotive limit. In looking for alternatives, the DB150 looks good, but the description says, "built in broadcast write only programmer." Does that apply when used in conjunction with JMRI? If so, are there any disadvantages to not being able to read? If the DB150's not a suitable alternative, what other options do I have? I'd like to spend $250 or less, if it's possible to get something robust/functional without throttles.
That is a coincidence, I just bought an Ipod Touch today to do exactly the same thing. You should not worry about the Zephyr lack of power especially in "N". To use 29 functions you will need the new DCS51 3amps and 20 locos slot along with the full Withrottle app. I don't think you can purchase a DCS 50 anymore.
What scale and layout size are you using? For example, modern N Scale diesel locos pull around 100-150mA each these days. I use an iPod Touch running WiThrottle connected to a NCE PowerCab (with SB3A) through the NCE USB interface. The PC side is handled by an 8-year old Toshiba laptop running XP and it and the Touch linked through my WiFi router. If you're not requiring a lot of amps (the 10 loco limit you refer to is the number of slots or recalls with a Zephyr) and not concerned about having a Digitrax system maybe the NCE will be suitable. The supplied handset does the programming (if you're not using JMRI for that) and provides the power to track. Pricing all up would be less than $250.
I have been using a Zephyr since 2006. I wonder about the 10 locomotive limit. I am currently experimenting with a 10 locomotive M&StL consist and running another loco not in a consist. Two of the locomotives in the consist have the same short address, so I am within the 10 limit. I have 11 active slots and the Zephyr handles everything well. I use 18 watt short circuit limiting light bulbs in series with each block. The consist will slow down and start to light the bulbs when they are on the steepest part of the ascending grades. The track voltage drops to around 8-10 volts but the Zephyr continues to output about 13 V with about 1.1 amps total current, measure with a DCC Specialties RRampmeter. Running a consist this large is an exploratory endeavor to test the system limits. I don't plan to actually run this as a regular feature. I am happy the Zephyr's performance. My only Zephyr specific complain is not having all the function buttons. I use JMRI throttles when I want more buttons.
I was thinking about the same thing...sort of. I am running an NCE power cab for a 2 loop main on an overhead HO shelf layout. I am considering adding the NCE usb interface and buying a cheapo chineese import android tablet ($75) to run my trains wirelessly. The usb interface will also allow me to use JMRI to program my engines. I figure I can also use the android tablet to check trainboard.com. I only run 2 trains at a time with sound. -Art
It'll be N scale with Kato Unitrack, so if I ever get to the point of doing switch/route control, it'll be with non-Tortoise switches, if that makes any difference w/r/t manufacture recommendations - a quick glance seemed to indicate the NCE stationary decoders were more expensive than the Digitrax. I'm open to any manufacturer, and plan on doing 100% of my interface via the computer and/or iPhone/iPod, no need for a handheld throttle. The layout will wrap around the perimeter of a 10' x 12' room; the eventual plan is to have a helix in the utility room next to it so there can be a couple of levels. Between a couple of road trains going in a loop with several locomotives on each, along with switching in a yard and an industry, I'm nervous about getting really close to that 10 locomotive limit. If there's a helix, I suspect that'll increase the amperage requirements as well. If 3 amps from the Zephyr might not be enough, it looks like the Digitrax DCS 100 might be the next best thing on the Digitrax side of things... it is quite a bit more expensive though. The NCE PowerCab is housed around a handheld controller that I don't want, and is good for 2 amps; I don't know if that'll grow enough for my eventual plans. What about the NCE CS02? That does 5 amps and looks like it'd work with the NCE USB adapter...
When using "Advance consisting" on a Digitrax system every locos in the consist count for only one (1). The same is true if you have a permanent consist with each loco bearing the same cab number. An example would be a AB or even a ABBA consists, if each loco have the same cab address these only count for one loco. You could have 2 trains with 5 locos each and these would count for only 2 locos. Only when using "Universal consist" does each loco count. Even tough I own a NCE Power Cab I am not familiar with the CS02. My understanding is it is only a command station. Therefore must need a track booster along with a power supply. I don't think this is a valid option. The NCE Power Cab with only 1.7amps does appears too underpowered for your needs. The Zephyr Extra DCS 51 seems a better option. At discount price from Tony, the Power Cab + SB3A + USB adapter will cost $329. From the same place a DCS 51 + Loco Buffer will cost $239.
To repeat a point made earlier...the current Zephyr system is the ZephyrXtra which uses a DCS51 command station, replacing the DCS50 of the original Zephyr. The DCS51 is rated at 3 Amps and supports up to 20 simultaneous addresses (vs. 10 for the DCS50). This would average out to 150 ma per N-scale locomotive, assuming the full 20 all running at full load. I think you're safe in this regard. The DCS 51 also supports full read/write programming, just like the heftier (and significantly more expensive) 5 Amp Super Chief (DCS100) system (read back is a significant advantage - ask anyone who has a DB150, which has no readback capability, JMRI or otherwise). Control of Kato turnouts can be via DS51K1 or DS64 stationary decoders, and with the latter, external power and LocoNet interfacing means no track power need be used. You will need either a PR3 or a Locobuffer USB to interface your computer + JMRI to the DCS51 (The PR3 is needed if you want to load Digitrax sound files, but the LB-USB provides opto-isolation between the LocoNet and the USB interfaces). Enjoy!
It looks like I'll go with the DCS 51 & Loco Buffer then; thanks for pointing out that it's now the "Zephyr Extra," somehow my feeble brain overlooked that. I'll try to check back in here once I've got stuff rolling... might not be until the snow flies here in MSP. Thanks for all of the feedback guys, I really appreciate it.
