Jeff Smith Posted September 12, 2014 Share Posted September 12, 2014 Has anyone got any experience of running DC locos with this system? I realize it is bad to keep a DC loco on the track too long with DCC locos running but wondered about peoples' thoughts - it is for a small On30 layout which has an isolated siding for programming or DC parking. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigelcliffe Posted September 12, 2014 Share Posted September 12, 2014 It works. Like any DCC system with "Address zero" capability, it works by biasing the DCC signal to create a DC signal over the digital data. So, your locos will buzz crazily, and I wouldn't want to vouch for any long term motor damage. Fairly chunky iron cored motors, probably not damage them, but you never know. Were it my locos, I'd buy a DC system to run analogue (DC) locos. If wanting both DC and DCC, arrange a safe power change over (unplug DC, plug in DCC, or reverse). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Smith Posted September 12, 2014 Author Share Posted September 12, 2014 Interesting, of the 3 starter systems on my list, Prodigy and Pro Cab being the others, the Zephyr is the more expensive by 25% here in the US. I have a perfectly good Gaugemaster DC controller so will probably drop the Zephyr from consideration.. Thanks Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Smith Posted October 2, 2014 Author Share Posted October 2, 2014 Putting aside the DC option for the Zephyr, does anyone have any comments about DCC operation in general with the Zephyr? Putting together several reviews of all three systems above, the Zephyr seems to come out on top for build quality and has higher power. My layout is only 8ft long so the fixed console is not a problem as that's what it would be with my DC controller anyway. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigelcliffe Posted October 2, 2014 Share Posted October 2, 2014 Putting aside the DC option for the Zephyr, does anyone have any comments about DCC operation in general with the Zephyr? Putting together several reviews of all three systems above, the Zephyr seems to come out on top for build quality and has higher power. My layout is only 8ft long so the fixed console is not a problem as that's what it would be with my DC controller anyway. It is a fine controller, does all that it says, it is reliable, and should you need to expand in the future, it can take any Loconet expansion from Digitrax and numerous third party companies. If buying new, make sure you get a Zephyr Xtra (newish version, been on sale for a year or two), or if its an original Zephyr that you get a substantial discount. Uniquely on the Zephyr and Zephyr Xtra, you can use a DC controller as a second speed controller for a DCC loco; you connect the DC controller to the "jump port" on the rear of the Zephyr (consult Zephyr manual for exact details of how to do this). Result is a second speed control; the control through the jump port won't be quite as crisp as a "proper" digital second handset, but it comes at no cost if you have the DC controller to hand. I've used an original Zephyr for many years and don't think I'd change the choice if starting again now. - Nigel Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Smith Posted October 2, 2014 Author Share Posted October 2, 2014 Nigel - good to know. I know very little about DCC operation - I assume you can run one loco with one throttle and another at the same time with another throttle. That being the case how do you select the second loco for the second throttle? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigelcliffe Posted October 2, 2014 Share Posted October 2, 2014 Nigel - good to know. I know very little about DCC operation - I assume you can run one loco with one throttle and another at the same time with another throttle. That being the case how do you select the second loco for the second throttle? Yes, you can run two, as you indicate (if you're good at juggling, you can run 20 on the Zephyr Xtra, or 10 on the original Zephyr, all moving at the same time). Essentially, you use the keypad on the Zephyr to select the loco and indicate which throttle is used (the main Zephyr lever, or the external Jump Throttle). As for the finer details, I suggest a read of the manual, and also don't try to be too ambitious on first day; find out how to run locos one at a time first ! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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