After all, their dcs100 and dcs200 command stations have been around for 20 and 16 years, respectively. I operate digitrax controlled layouts not having fun and i own the nce power cab which i find easy to operate. Provides all of the capability and ease of use that youve heard about in our power pro system at an entry level price. Designed to grow with your layout, the costeffective zephyr express includes the dcs52 command station, ps314 power supply, lt1 decoder tester and loconet cable, system reference manual and decoder manual. The digitrax zephyr express dcc starter set offers simplified advanced train operation for any size layout and is fully expandable. I and all in the club who use the nce throttles much prefer the ergonomics of them over the digitrax ones. Always recommended the existing p515 as the alternative. The power supply can be either 5 or 8 amps and should only be volts higher than the desired track voltage. Use zephyr express as a starting point for your digitrax loconet system, then add components. Unfollow digitrax zephyr to stop getting updates on your ebay feed. Try them all if you can and download the manuals and flip through them. Since the dcs51 zephyr xtra and dcs50 zephyr are equipped with loconet, adding additional boosters is easy. Zephyr xtra power supply not sold separately specification sheet. This 2 amp system can operate up to 4 ho locomotives or 8 n scale locomotives.
Nce power cab users must do one not both of the following. An upgraded version of the zepyhr set introduced several years ago, the digitrax zephyr xtra 3. Digitrax dcs 52 zephyr express command control starter set. Digitrax dcc hints and tips updated for 20 tonys train.
Make sure that there are no shorts or frayed wires between the. Jun 29, 2016 im a digitrax hater, i wouldnt own one even if it was given to me for free. Just plugin a ur90, or ur92 receiver and add ir andor radio throttles. Zephyr express gives you simple to use digitrax complete train control for a great price. We have 1 digitrax zephyr xtra manual available for free pdf download. If this indicator is not lit track power is turned off or the booster is short circuited. Output voltage of the zephyr xtra is fixed at about to 14 volts.
Kb33 programming soundtraxx tsunami decoders with digitrax zephyr. The loco section is well worth a visit with a good choice at competetive prices and a variety of rolling stock too. Either system would handle what you currently want to do. In this episode of mr101 we take a look at both nce and digitrax, and try. Has anyone had a problem converting from the old reohstat dial to this.
I thought about the power cab but its easier for me to run multiple throttles with the zephyr. Db210opto single 358 amp autoreversing dcc booster that is optoisolated for layouts with common rail wiring. Digitrax zephyr express dcc starter set mrchq custom light. After researching the different starter dcc control systems, i chose the digitrax. Decoder test kit zephyr xtra quickstart guide zephyr xtra manual digitrax decoder manual zephyr xtra offers. Note that the power cab with smart booster setup can only handle a total of 4 throttles, numbers 2345. Dcc hobby supply, dcc, digitrax, tcs, nce, soundtraxx, qsi, decoders, zephyr, super chief, blackstone models, bli blueline. Because the zephyr xtra is rated at 3 amps and the zephyr is rated at 2. And, you can also use the power cab s throttle on the power pro system as another throttle. This site is also a distribution point of my dcc presentations in pdf.
Digitrax zephyr xtra adding dc power pack as additional throttle 2. Digitrax decoder manual reference for digitrax decoders. Xtra units to configure a loconet based system for operation. Set includes allinone throttlecommand stationbooster, power supply, loconet cable and decoder test kit plus a quickstart guide and instruction manuals. Digital command control can seem intimidating, making some novices reluctant to make the switch from directcurrent power packs. Digital command control dcc is an exciting field in model railroading that uses digital computer technology to operate model railroad trains. Ps314 power supply to provide power to run your dcs52. Apr 06, 20 if you are going to have a really big layout, i would suggest the nce 5 amp power pro system for it. This zephyr xtra set is an improved version of the original zephyr starter set. The features of the dt500 add so much to the operational capabilities of the dcs210 that the components should be purchased as a set. At the same time, i would also get the nce power cab system and use it at the.
Another big change introduced with the dcs240 is the requirement for a directcurrent dconly power supply. Because the power to the rails is always on dcc can provide. Why shouldnt i buy a nce powercab instead of a zephyr. I bought a zephyr back in august to get back into the hobby. Digitrax zephyr express dcc starter set mrchq custom. The digitrax loconet system incorporates many technologies, including dcc, to give you a system that seamlessly handles all aspects of layout control and model train operation. Zephyr xtra has many more exciting features than other comparably priced control systems. Yes, the power cab will handle it just fine, michael. The digitrax complete train control system brings fun and realism to model railroading.
Blast mode programming will program everything sitting on the main line track so, you must remove everything from the track that you are not programming or use an isolated piece of. We have locos from bachmann, dapol, graham farish, heljan and hornby in gauges from n to o. The digitrax bdl168 manual rrcirkits locobufferusb manual digitrax tech support depot some members of the nce and jmri user groups on. Dcs51 allinone throttlecommand stationbooster to run your layout. Nce cat5 cab bus details welcome to the nce information. The only thing that bothers me is that the nce uses pushbuttons on the main powercab instead of a rotary dial. Although my layout is small the zephyr has many options, can program decoders, controsl multiple trains including one without a decoder at the same time and is expandable. The digitrax zephyr has the jumper ports that are pretty cool. Nce manufacturer of dcc electronics for model railroading. Electrical operating instructions pennsylvania railroad middle.
Lenz, mrc 30x31x series and digitrax 120 series decoders can not be used with. Nce power cab 2 cvp products 99 base unit knob 9999. Psx are not compatible with digitrax analog address 00 or any method that adjusts. And, you can also use the power cabs throttle on the power pro system as another throttle. The two wiring methods shown and described were built and tested by the author, and work for him. Zephyr xtra is a breath of fresh air in model railroading. Digitrax zephyr xtra manuals manuals and user guides for digitrax zephyr xtra. I operate digitraxcontrolled layouts not having fun and i own the nce power cab which i find easy to operate. Digitrax zephyr xtra manual pdf download manualslib. This manual covers the installation and operation of the nce power cabtm dcc. For me, the power cab was much more userfriendly and intuitive. The zephyr is intended for small scale dcc layouts ho or n scale. To stop the locomotive, either turn the throttle knob back to stop, or shift the. How to setup jmri, a pr3, a digitrax zephyr xtra and a mac i recently, finally, dove into dcc at home by buying a digitrax zephyr xtra and a digitrax pr3.
Digitrax evo evolution advanced 5a8a starter set fdt low price. It can be referred to as the dcc signal, although it is both power and control information. Features excellent speed control, prototypical consisting, a full range of programming and more. However, you should try both systems power cab and zephyr to determine which one will best fit your needs and preferences. Anyone have any experience or problems using an nce command stationpower supply with digitrax components such as the pm42 or bdl168s. Off the cuff digital command control dcc comparison. Digitrax zephyr xtra digital command control dcc system.
Use zephyr express as an expansion set with digitrax equipment you already have installed. It is a combined command stationboosterthrottle all in. All is normal at dallas model works we have a unique setup but some of our suppliers have been slowed down by the covid19 pandemic, which can affect the arrival of some nonready to ship items slightly. Power cab manuals welcome to the nce information station.
Digitrax dh126d ho scale decoder, economy wired install. Ive tried both the nce power cab and digitrax dt400 throttles. When you are ready to end your session on the layout, you can make the dcs51 remember the settings of switches 1 to 512 in nonvolatile memory by pressing the power key to turn off the track power before turning off the power input into the dcs51. Programming the digitrax zephyr system addressing using the digitrax zephyr system short address changes to change the k4s address on the zephyr system youll need to use ops mode. So, if you want to change the short address thats very simply done by. Question about digitrax zephyr dcs 50 g scale central. Ps315 power supply to provide power to run your dcs50. Digitrax zepher xtra dcc starter set white rose hobbies. Factory direct trains model trains, railroad accessories. The big attention grabber is the statement the unit can run up to 400 locos and supports up to 400 throttles. So, even if you dont have a loco with a decoder, you can still hook.
Zephyr xtra is perfect for beginning, intermediate and advanced model railroaders. Dec 18, 2014 there are two power boosters available from digitrax plus the zephyr xtra. Ive had a number of decodered locomotives for the significant amount of time i spend visiting or on ntrak layouts, so i was familiar with the basic concepts, but had never got it. If more than 3 volts, the unit will enter safe mode and proportionally limit the maximum current. Zephyr xtra gives you simple to use digitrax complete train control for a great price. Lt1 decoder and loconet cable tester zephyr manual digitrax decoder manual 3.
Ready to ship appears directly below its add to cart button. Introduction to digital command control boulder model railroad. The nce power cab and bachmann ez should use a value of 01. The zephyr is a very flexible system and has an output rating of 2. Im a digitrax hater, i wouldnt own one even if it was given to me for free. Part of the attraction of the power cab is that it has nearly all of the features youd get with a larger powerhouse pro system for a fraction of the cost. Also show you how to change option key to access all 28 functions on. The zephyr is a stationary dcc system that has a network connection. I was completely new at dcc and for the price i thought it was reasonable. The power cab is marketed as a starter system, and it is competitively priced with other basic systems on the market. Review of the nce power cab dcc train controller system. Our wide choice of dcc decoders is complemented by our stocks of uk locomotives to put them in. Ps314 power supply to provide power to run your dcs51.
Education about digital command control dcc used in model railroads to run trains. What is the recommended max cab bus length using cat5e cable. If you are going to have a really big layout, i would suggest the nce 5 amp power pro system for it. Zephyr from digitrax this is a small step up in cost. Px1082 power xtender for use with digitrax decoders equipped with 2 pin px socket or solder pad connections. It is a combined command stationboosterthrottle all in one box.
The zephyr xtra is a very good system, too, and it has its pluses. At the same time, i would also get the nce power cab system and use it at the bench for programming and testing locomotives. It isnt often that a dcc manufacturer releases a new command station, so the new digitrax dcs240 has drawn interest. This video will take you though the set up and use of a nce power cab.
Performing factory decoder reset using digitrax zephyr xtra dcs51 or zephyr dcs50overview. The zephyr xtra starter set from digitrax is a great way to get started with dcc. Series first, then if your trains start to slow down you may need to add extra. Zephyr xtra dcs51 and zephyr dcs50 systems can program soundtraxx tsunami decoders using blast mode programming on the mainline.
It is recommended that this procedure be performed on the dedicated service mode programming track using direct mode programming. Using dc the loco receives its instructions on how fast to run. Review may include provided, borrowed or discounted product. So ive just about convinced myself the goto starter for a dccathome is the basic nce powercab, i need a second opinion on why the digitrax zephyr is better or equal in case im missing something. To reset a digitrax decoder to factory defaults the user must set cv08 to a value of 08. You can also install additional dcc controlled lighting such as cab lights, mars. The 5 amp power booster is the most common and the 8 amp power booster should be reserved for g and o scale. It offers simplified advanced train operation for any size layout. Zephyr xtra keeps it simple and still has features real model railroaders want.
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