I am looking at the MRC Prodigy Express. It is the most inexpensive, I have a small layout and only expect to run 2-4 trains. I would like a little more than 1.6amps but the cost goes well above $200 then. I do not belong to a club, but if I ever do in the future, would I be able to plug my prodigy cab into another DCC system? (digitrax, NCE, lenz, etc.)
Most system components aren't interchangeable. A Digitrax handheld won't work on my Lenz system and visa versa. If you do go to DCC, buy the best system you can afford. Remember, it's a long term investment. 1.6 amps will let you run two trains. Stay cool and run steam......
Yes, the "club" issue played a major part in my buying decision... Our club uses Digitrax so that swayed my decision considerably... the ability to use my throttles and learn the same product type was a plus..
Okay, what about that Digitrax Zephyr then. Can a handheld cab work with it? I don't know of any clubs in my area, but I'll be willing to bet that if there is, they use Digitrax since the LHS is a big supporter of them...
Fiveflat: The Digitrax Zephyr is Digitrax' low entry DCC command station. The only throttle available is the throttle on the unit. You have to move up to a larger system to get the benefits of a handheld throttle. The Lenz 90 system has a throttle on the DCC command station but you could also buy a Lenz handheld throttle to use with it. This is the same handheld throttle that I use on the Lenz 100 system. The Zepyhr is a better choice than the MRC Prodigy Express as it offers 2.5 amps. The Zephyr will allow you to store 10 loco's in the 10 memory slots available. If you multiconsist loco's together, you can increase the total number of loco's but there are only ten loco numbers available. Your best bet is to move up to a larger DCC system that will give you more options as your loco roster grows and it will. Stay cool and run steam.....
A decoder is a decoder is a decoder as far as your choice of loco decoders is concerned. AN NCE, lenz, digitrax or whatever will run on any of the DCC systems, at least that is my understanding. If you intend on bringing your handheld Digitrax unit to a club that uses Lenz that will not work and visa versa. If you do join a club, you are best to buy and use the system they do. Thge club I visit uses Digitrax so that was my choice. Best of luck, no disrespect intended it is a tough choice.
If you want digitrax and handheld, get the super chief $332 + power supply. The super empire builder is not super at all as it will not cannot read CVs! Go to tony's to read about it and compare all http://www.tonystrains.com/productcompare/dcccomparison.htm also, The Prodigy Advance can be had for only $175 at litchfield station http://www.litchfieldstation.com/mrc/ 2.5 amps, 3.5 amps if you buy the Magna Force MF615 power supply for $35.
Kozmo: I saw that the Super Empire cannot read CV's - crossed it off the list. Super Chief - too much $$$ The Prodigy Advance is one of two on top of the list because it does it all, is 3.5amps and is $175 (before I saw litchfield, I saw it for $186) The Lenz set-90 is the other one at the top of the list. I found it for $232. But it looks like I have to buy more than just the set-90. I need a power supply also?! Why does it come with one? Bob? any input on this? Is there anything else required to purchase?
It seems to be a price point issue, but it could also have something to do with the different power systems in different countries (You can't plug a north american plug into an outlet in europe for example). I haven't actually asked that question to any of the DCC system manufacturer's. A power supply that will run a 5 amp system at full capacity runs about $30. Incidentally, since you mention considering a Lenz Set-90 (which is basically what I use at home) You might want to consider getting a Lenz Set-100. The reason for this is that the Lenz pricing structure makes purchasing a Set-90 and adding an LH100 later more expensive than purchasing a Set-100 and adding an LH90 later. The LH100 is also generally considered to be easier to use for programming than the LH90 (I don't have any experience programming on an LH100, since I've never actually owned one). If you don't have one already, you want at least one locomotive with a decoder installed (or a decoder to install in a locomotive). Paul
You do not need huge power for N scale. I used a digital multimeter and measured my locos. All of them from cheap older life likes to kato diesel & ConCor steamers all draw only .15 amps running at a standard scale speed. at full throttle some of the life likes are up to .2 amps. My ConCor Pioneer Zephyr with all it's LEDs, etc only draws about .15 max and .11 at decent speed. So if average loco moving at a decent proto speed would be let's say .15 amp each. then 6 locos x .15 amp each = .9 amp about 1 amp total with 6 locos moving at once. now, add in turntable motors? lights? switches? and future expansion? to figure out what you need. The Prodigy advance with 2.5 amps would be fine, if you find you need a little more, you can get a better power supply for it for $35 and get an extra amp (3.5amps total) if need be, you could always get a booster for future expansion. The yard mode for the throttle on the Prodigy Advance is very cool. plus I agree about the digitrax, the zephyr is not hand held, the empire no CV reading, the chief is too much $$$. plus they say Digitrax is more complicated to use. Only reason I'd think about Digitrax is that it seems every club (using DCC) uses them. also IMO, the digitrax button look/design looks like it is from the 50s or an old radio shack project kit. (cheesy) Switches are very temp. power users - as in not constant like running locos. scenery lighting can be powered by a standard transformer if you happen to have one sitting around. same for switches or a turntable if you do not want to use DCC with them. I have been warned that you do NOT want 5 or more amps on N scale without splitting it up, as 5 amps can weld a derailed N scale loco wheel to track. so do not over buy. [ February 08, 2006, 01:58 AM: Message edited by: Kozmo ]
You can use Digitrax hand held throttles with the Zephyr! You just need to purchase a UP5 throttle jack, and connect it to the loconet jack on the unit. Then buy whichever throttles you want, DT300, 400, UT4, etc. Gary
Bob, that's not true. You can plug in ANY of Digitrax's handheld throttle to the Zephyr. It has two Loconet ports in the back. And if that's not enough, you can bring one jack out daisy chain to more jacks. I use their top of the line DT400 with my Zephyr with no additional equipment needed. I also have their low end UT-1 throttle plugged into my Zephyr and that's dedicated to my yard switcher. With this setup I have 3 throttles and can control 4 locos (DT400 can control two at a time) without switching addresses.
Yes, there seems to be a LOT of misinformation about Digitrax coming from this board lately. My advice if you want information about Digitrax products, service, and configuration advice, visit: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Digitrax Regarding the question, the throttles aren't interchangeable. The wireless throttles from EasyDCC are available for different systems, but they still cannot be interchange between systems. (I suppose it would be possible with some interchanging of components, but that's not practical) I think there is an opportunity here for a company to introduce a wireless throttle with a series of receivers that are designed for specific systems, such that the throttle could be used across platforms assuming the appropriate receiver was in place.
Kozmo: I tend to agree with the way you calculated your current draw more than what I am finding most people are doing. But again, I'm pretty new to MRR and don't know for sure because there should be what is called a "demand average" (this is common is all electrical/electronic wiring). For instance in your home, you can load a 20amp circuit breaker with about 30-40amps of lighting, because the odds of every light on that circuit being on at the same time are pretty low. What are the odds of 4 locomotives drawing max current at the exact same time? I'd say pretty low. I measured my Life-Like E8 max draw of .38amps my Bachmann F7A/B .36amps each (this is the stall amp) From stopped to max throttle, each locomotive draws ~.25 - .30 amps Normal speed average ~ .10 - .18 amps. Also, I've read through each of these unit's manuals and it looks like all these DCC systems will in fact run analog locomotives on address '0' or '00' (I've seen this question raised a few times) MK: I read in the Zephyr manual last night, you are correct. Chapter 25.1 of Zephyr manual: "Any LocoNet throttle can be used with the DCS50..."
Another neat feature on the Zephyr: I can add up to 2 DC power packs to the Zephyr and, bingo, I have 3 DCC throttles. I just so happen to have the MRC TechII dual power currently.
Good point! I forgot about the Jump Ports and these are independent of the Loconet ports. You can use any DC power supply (not pulse) and they can serve as throttles. This was what I did when I got into DCC and was ramping up. This way you don't suck your wallet dry in one shot! So, for a Zephyr you can, all at one time w/o any additional accessories other than the throttles: 1 Zephyr 2 additional Loconet handheld throttles 2 Additional DC power pack to serve as throttles That brings it to one command station with stationary throttle and 4 handhelds w/o expanding the network. And, if the two Loconet throttles are the DT400 series, you can control SEVEN locos without even having to switch loco addresses!
MK, the Zephyr alone will run up 10 addresses at once by itself. Now, the only thing that draws me away from the Digitrax is the lack of a nice LCD display like on the Prodigy Advance.
Yes it can but then you need additional Loconet jack panels, expansion, etc. My point was that w/o much expansion other than the acquisition of the obiously needed throttles, you can run a LOT out of the box. I agree about the LCD panel. It's nice, but could be better.
The Zephyr: a Zephyr + a DT400 cab = about the same price as a Super Chief. The Zephyr jump ports, says can not be used with pulsed DC cabs. I asked this before, anyone know if the MRC Tech II Dual power 2800 are pulsed? I thought they were, therefore not usable with the jump ports? I too like the nice display of the Prodigy Advance, as well as the yard mode throttle, easy to use and it is full featured for $175. I'll be looking at and hopefully trying these at the big train show coming up end of the month. then buying one.
Kozmo: Also, the Prodigy Advance is standard 3.5amps The Zephyr with the standard PS is 2.5amps. I just wanted to clarify that because you said earlier the prodigy was 2.5amps.
