I run some stuff with Digitrax equipment at the local club, and am contemplating a Zephyr for home. My question is - since the Zphyr has the traditional throttle handle (like you would see on a DC power pack), what happens when you acquire another train? Does it immediately jump to the setting of the throttle? I can see how this might be a problem if you are running something around at high spped, and then select a switcher to move out of the yard at a crawl... With the hand held throttles this is not a problem, as the knobs don't have a "stop" and "full" position.... Can anyone explain this too me...? Thanks! Andrew
MASONJAR, I have a Zepher DCC rig, and when I punch the "loco" address button, Train #1 just keeps running at its present speed, and when I then enter "03" if I have not reset the throttle to "brake", the second engine will start up at what ever speed was entered for the first unit. (I'm sure I made that as clear as mud... so let me know if you still have questions). I operate three loco's at present on my small layout (7' X 7'), and have another loco on order. All three run just fine with my Zepher setup, but when you start "addressing" new commands to the units, you get as busy as a one armed paper-hanger ! IronGoat
Hi Robert, Thanks for the info... If I understand correctly, the steps go like this... 1) Run first loco 2) Press loco button (first step in acquiring control of second loco - also "releases" first loco to continnue on its merry way...) 3) Set throttle to zero, or directional control to brake (if you don't do this, as soon as the second loco is acquired, it will take off at the speed that throttle indicates) 4) Punch in number of second loco (finish acquiring second loco) 5) Release brake / throttle up second loco. In the mean time, the first loco keeps travelling at whatever setting you left it at. Is that right? Andrew [ 13. May 2004, 16:56: Message edited by: MasonJar ]
Hold on, but when you swap back, you have to remember where the throttle was set for that loco...otherwise you risk jerking it around or doing a very un-prototypical "insta-stop".... How do you go about this?
I haven't received my system yet, so I can't absolutely verify this, but in reading up on the advanced throttles, such as the DT300 and 400 series I don't think this will be a problem. The throttle knobs rotate more than one time around. Additionally, I read (on a review at N Scale Supply's website) that you don't have to adjust the throttle to match the locomotives speed when you switch to it.
Southern Rail Fan That is exactly the problem. While the throttle knobs rotate indefinitely, the knob on the Zephyr looks more like a traditional power pack - with a "zero" and "max" setting. It does not rotate indefinitely... Andrew
I see what you mean. If you don't have a handheld throttle, and are using the command station it does look like this could be a problem. Hmmmm. Well, if I ever actually receive the system I ordered I'll post what I find out. Unfortunately, "in stock" apparently doesn't really mean in stock.
I have a Digitrax Zephyr system (or had until it lost power to Rail A, and got sent back to Digitrax - but that's another story), and I did encounter the problem you described. However, it's mitigated quite a bit by the fact that you can set the "momentum" acceleration/deceleration rate for each loco separately, so they don't leap forward from a stop or come to a screeching halt. You may find your newly acquired loco slowing inexplicably if you forget to set the speed appropriately, but it will be a lot smoother than what you described. -Dan
