Darn! I just read the TechII dualpower manual on MRC's website. Output: 60Hz pulse Although it says it's automatic meaning, it is no longer pulsed once the locomotive has a little momentum, I don't think we could get away with it.
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! </font>[/QUOTE]Zephyr = $150 2 DT400 = $280 ($140 each) $430! OUCH! I would think that using one DT400 and swapping/changing addresses would be easier than putting down one hand held than picking up another. also much cheaper! Assumming there is a scroll/select type of feature to select currently active locos? as opposed to punching in the loco# everytime.
Kozmo, I was not comparing price, more to the statement that the only throttle you can have with the Zephyr is what is on the command station and that you can't have a hand held. Yes, the DT400 has a Recall feature where you can scroll through a list on each throttle (has two). I believe it's 10 entrie on each but I'm not 100% sure as I've never counted on mine.
right and wrong. teh prodigy system can handle 3.5 amps, but the power supply htey give you is only good for 2.5 amps? why? no idea, they screwed up adn should fix it/upgrade teh power supply supplied as they wodul have a power advantage over the zephyr and others. But by buying a different/better power supply like the Magna Force MF615 power supply for $35, you can get the full 3.5 amps. read Tony's reviews as well as other reviews and they will tell you about it. so, out of he box, 2.5 amps, change the power supply to get the 3.5 amps. if I buy the P.A., I try it 1st as is, if I need more power, Ill get the other supply. MRC also makes an additional 3.5 amp booster now too.
yep, I beleive it is pulsed for slow speed operation. but reguardless, it is pulsed and most likely no worky for the zephyr. It probably works with the real cheapo cabs like the old tyco's etc. which can probably be purchased for a couple bucks? if you want to go that route. You can still use your DC dual power 2800 for powering switches? building/layout lights? a turntable? - of course, then they won't be DCC controlled. or maybe a kato test track? or a kato track under a christmas tree? or sell it for $15-$20?
Zephyr jump ports work be seeing a change in voltage and sending appropriate speed change packets out. For this reason, a piulse throttle can not be used. Pulse gives 12 volts/ 0 volts. Zephyr can't figure it out, and decoders get confused as well. A simple jump throttle can be built using 9 volt batteries, a pot, and dpdt reversing switch. There are several plans posted in the Digitrax Yahoo group's file section. Martin Myers
Martin, You just posted simply what I was thinking. A jump throttle can be VERY easily designed, infact, I could probably built one for less than $10, but it wouldn't be much use. I was just thinking of a neat use for my 'soon-to-be' old MRC TechII DC system. I recently bought mine off ebay for $20 I could probably sell it for $20... Kozmo, my Christmas tree track is what got all this started with getting into MRR and all. It is a Lionel set, and next Christmas the Lionel Thomas the tank engine will join it.
Lionel Thomas the tank engine I think I just lost all respect for you just kidding. Hopefully that Lionel is made of metal and not plastic. Good Luck!
Yes, it is metal. Thomas is for my 4 year old son too! Not me (well, maybe a little) I actually want to add the Berkshire to that collection as well, but that's probably as far as it will go.
Actually, this is how the CVP wireless throttles work. You buy a base station for your DCC system (they have base stations for EasyDCC,XPressNet (Atlas,Lenz,etc), and the NCE/Wangrow cab bus. The throttles used with these base stations are all the same, so you CAN take the throttles from one system to another, though you might have to adjust the frequency settings to match the base station. All of these settings are changed with either dip switches or software configuration. CVP also uses the same throttles for their "Airwire" system. Paul
Steve, at the top, click 'Resources' then in the drop down menu, select 'Train controls & Sound systems' Then select the manual. Sheldon
Well, guess I better quit spreading misinformation about CVP! Guess I thought there would be more to it than walking into another layout and picking up the signal, (even with a frequency change) but I stand corrected. I guess the unwritten part of my pondering was I would like to see more of a full featured wireless throttle, but I didn't get to that part. Really I just want Digitrax to release a two-way wireless throttle that works perfectly and I'd be happy. But if a CVP-esque product was available that worked with Digitrax it would be nice because then you would be less inclined to buy, say, Digitrax command stations just because the club uses Digitrax. And going to ops sessions on other non-<insert_your_system> layouts would still allow you to bring along your throttle as long as they had a "universal throttle" receiver. So maybe the answer is a "next generation" CVP throttle that works with Digitrax! Simple, right?
I think a 'standard protocol' to allow full interaction is something the manufacturers should consider. Similar to the fight between Beta and VHS and currently the DVD fight over 'blueray' and the 'other' format.
FWIW, I use a Zephyr, with a DT400r and several UT4r's. (you need a UR-91 for radio operations). remember, you COULD power district, add boosters (DB-150's) and have more available amperage (but spread out over districts) I also have a DCS-100/DB-150 that I hope to use at n-trak shows. the Zephyr is much easier to use, plain and simple. My advice? go see the individual systems being used in someone's layout. nothing beats experience in helping to make this crucial purchase.
