Digitrax Zephyr

[mmyers]

That was it. No CV readback. I wonder how that would work with JMRI? If I am understanding it correctly, you wouldnt be able get that back since it would need to communicate to the DB150 first before going to JMRI.

You can program all day long with JMRI and a DB150. You can't read back. I've never had a problem with no read back although I did buy a Zephyr years ago just to get read back. I found it was no big deal and rarely use it. That's because if the CV is wrong, I really don't care to be able to see the wrong value since it will have to be written to the right value anyway. I just fix it and watch the results on the track instead of my computer.
JMRI will save all of your settings in the roster for each engine. So if one needs to be reprogrammed, the values will be there as long as you saved the sheets when you wrote them. If you make a change to cv's, just save the sheet to the roster.

Martin Myers

[mmyers]

ED,
Zephyr extra would suit you just fine at home. If you are thinking of acquiring a handheld radio throttle, maybe do the numbers crunch on one of the other Digitrax sets.

Martin

[TiVoPrince]

Generally
the zephyr is a great workbench/small layout throttle.  Nothing wrong with the zephyr.  The zephyr is a wonderful transition from a DC powepack to a DCC system.  Once you move beyond a 4x8 wakaround throttles become necessary.  Wireless is really nice to have, if I were starting fresh the duplex throttles at a minimal dollar cost over simplex is a no-brainer.  Be certain to weigh your decision with what throttles your likely operating crew already owns.  Of course the great andriod wireless tablet throttle is likely right around the corner too...

[conrail98]

Generally
the zephyr is a great workbench/small layout throttle.  Nothing wrong with the zephyr.  The zephyr is a wonderful transition from a DC powepack to a DCC system.  Once you move beyond a 4x8 wakaround throttles become necessary.  Wireless is really nice to have, if I were starting fresh the duplex throttles at a minimal dollar cost over simplex is a no-brainer.  Be certain to weigh your decision with what throttles your likely operating crew already owns.  Of course the great andriod wireless tablet throttle is likely right around the corner too...

Yes and no on going with Duplex. You do have to take what the people around you have. I've had this discussion quite a bit over the last few days with the guys around my area I've begun operating with. All have radio, no one has Duplex. So my choice is to either buy a duplex system (with UR92) but also install a radio receiver (UR91) or buy a regular system (with UT5) and install a radio receiver (UR91). The latter option makes a little more sense since the UT5s will be needed anyways. I still haven't had anyone give me a good idea on why Duplex is better, right now, other than acquiring an address wirelessly, I really don't see any difference between the options, which in the grand scheme of things really isn't that big a deal,

Phil

[mmyers]

I still haven't had anyone give me a good idea on why Duplex is better, right now, other than acquiring an address wirelessly, I really don't see any difference between the options, which in the grand scheme of things really isn't that big a deal

There are other reasons for going with the new duplex system. Updated information from loconet is available on the DT402D. Switch position would be the first thing that comes to mind using that information. With duplex, the position of a switch thrown by another could be updated on all throttles. Most of us don't have a need for that information.

Interference on the 915mhz simplex frequency is another reason for going duplex radio. We added a UR92 to our club equipment. That's because at certain large train shows, nearby NCE wireless radio systems hog the simplex frequency. UR92's are not affected.

So if none of the above are needed, it makes more sense to go simplex. I haven't changed yet because other than the occasional interference at a show, my DT400R works all the time. I have plenty of plug in jacks. The club will continue to have plenty as well.

[conrail98]

Thanks Martin, that's the best explanation I've heard yet, and you're right, for most of us on home layouts, I don't think the benefits of Duplex are must haves yet,

Phil

[billvassar45]

i have one of the first zephyr's and just added a ur91 and am quite pleased with it useing on a 14x19 layout.