All-in-one. A typical DCC setup consists of three components: the base station (the brains of the system), the booster (the power for the trains), and the throttle (the engineer interface). The Zephyr Xtra set puts all three components into one box, which Digitrax calls the DCS 51 Command Station. The only connections needed are the power cord (which has an integrated AC/DC adapter) and two wires to the layout’s power bus. This makes setup on a model railroad quick and convenient.
The command station has a four-digit light-emitting diode numeric display, a 24-button keypad, a forward/reverse/brake lever, and a throttle knob reminiscent of a DC power pack. This kind of throttle makes the Zephyr controls more accessible to those converting from DC, but it has the drawback of imprecision. There’s nothing to indicate what DCC speed step a particular throttle knob setting corresponds to.
The terminal strip includes one set of contacts for the layout’s power bus, plus two more for a programming track. The DCS 51 supports decoder programming on the main (also called “ops mode” programming), but wiring an electrically isolated track as a programming track is necessary to read back decoder configuration variables (CVs).
Also on the terminal strip are three contacts labeled Jump 1, Jump 2, and Ground. These allow the user to connect two standard direct-current power packs to the DCS 51 for use as additional DCC throttles. Though these analog throttles wouldn’t be able to control decoder functions such as lighting and sound effects, this is a thoughtful feature for users just converting from DC who don’t want to lay out the cash for extra throttles just yet.
The back of the command station also features two LocoNet ports. These allow you to connect compatible corded throttles, wireless throttle receivers, or even additional DCS 51s. The system supports up to 20 throttles (including its own). The command stations can be daisy-chained through LocoNet to serve as power boosters, additional throttles, and even as auto-reversing units for wye tracks or return loops.
LocoNet uses standard computer Cat5 Ethernet cables. The Zephyr Xtra starter set includes an LT1 decoder and LocoNet cable tester, which lets the user check a cable for compatibility or diagnose a bad connection.
Testing 1-2-3. I connected the Zephyr Xtra system to a test track in our workshop and tried it out with a number of decoder-equipped locomotives. Though I found the large number of buttons daunting at first, most of them are used only in special situations (like decoder programming), and I had my first locomotive running in no time.
The DCS 51 is rated at 3 amps (A). Depending on the current draw of your locomotives, that should be sufficient to run several engines simultaneously. Though older locomotives, O scale engines, and those equipped with sound decoders can draw close to 1A when stalled, HO and N scale locomotives typically draw less than half that under normal operation. The DCS 51’s 3A should be enough current to run three or four sound-equipped locomotives at once.
The control station’s numeric keypad is conveniently labeled with icons to remind you which function keys typically correspond to the bell, horn, and headlight on decoder-equipped locomotives. Two “shift” buttons let the user control as many as 29 functions on more advanced decoders. Light-emitting diodes indicate when these buttons, or functions such as programming mode, mute, and brake, are active.
By connecting my test track to the programming track terminals, I was able to easily read and program CVs on a decoder-equipped Bachmann locomotive, changing its decoder address and altering its starting voltage (CV2) and acceleration curve (CV3) for better low-speed performance. However, I was unable to read CVs on two locomotives equipped with SoundTraxx Tsunami decoders. This is a common issue with high-current-draw sound decoders, and would probably be rectified by use of a booster like Digitrax’s 5-amp DB150.
If you’ve been considering switching your layout from direct-current to DCC, the Digitrax Zephyr Xtra set is a great way to start. Despite its simple appearance, this system’s expandability make it the core of a system that can grow along with your layout and your expertise.
Manufacturer
Digitrax
2443 Transmitter Rd.
Panama City, FL 32404
www.digitrax.com
Features
- 3-amp current capacity
- Combined throttle, booster, and base station
- Controls 29 decoder functions (F0-F28)
- Decoder and LocoNet cable tester included
- Networkable through LocoNet
- Runs up to 20 locomotives and 999 stationary decoders
- Supports two analog (DC) throttles
- Supports up to 20 LocoNet throttles
I have a reversing loop on an nscale layout and will adding dcc (this particular "zephyr" system") negate the loop? Does dcc easily wire into a reversing loop? Thank you for the help in advance.
Love it. I have a great hobby shop man who help me with the zepher. Is it great to run more then one loco at the same time. The grandchildren love it.
great!! I am planing to buy one!!!
I, enjoy these articles and the feed back
I have used the Zephyr and have found the device most suitable for my OO gauge layout. Documentation was detailed and easily understood. In my mind well worth the money.
Digitrax Loconet does no use Cat V ethernet cables! Unless you have the proper tools to make your own, you can buy them in various lengths from Tony's and save yourself some headaches. if you have and existing layout not built to handle DCC (like non-DCC friendly turnouts and thin wiring) you have enough to worry about without building your own Loconet cables.
It has been my experience that even the 5 amp Digitrax systems need a programming booster to program sound decoders. Tony's Trains sells an excellent one.
I am torn between the Zephyr Xtra and the Prodigy Express with the new computer program & 1516 Cable. Has anyone tried the Prodigy Computer Control Progam? I have a small Z layout (2 engines) and a small N scale layout (4 engines). MAJBERT@aol.com Thanks folks…
Like other NMRA conforming command stations, the DCS51 programming track output does not generate sufficient current to program some sound decoders, such as Soundtraxx. You can purchase a programming track booster add-on like Tony's Powerpax or the Soundtraxx PTB-100 that will allow reading and writing of sound decoder CVs, or carefully use the DCS51 "blast" programming procedure in the manual for high-current decoders.
Also note that the DB150 mentioned in the review is primarily a power booster and is not designed to read back CVs on a programming track. For that you would need the Digitrax DCS100 command station/booster, which, however, being NMRA compliant, also needs a programming booster for Soundtraxx and QSI decoders.
I have been looking at this set up to power my new HO layout. I found this article very helpful and pretty much solitified my decision to purchase this item.
This is a winner. The old DCS50 was an excellent DCC system by itself. Now, the additional features, plus 3 amp supply, make this a leader in the command controllers marketed for small to mid size layouts. My N scale layout has 18 locos, and my HO layout has 8. I have a DCS51 for each layout and I'm doing fine.
Hi, Your review says that LocoNet uses Cat-5 cabling (UTP). This contradicts the Zephyr manual, which clearly states, "LocoNet uses flat 6 conductor wire and 6-pin RJ12 connectors." These are completely different media. Sure, it will work, but it's a bit of overkill. I don't recommend someone new to DCC attempting to crimp RJ connectors onto CAT-5 cable. Much easier to use flat cable.
Plus, I'd be concerned that someone new to DCC may not know what 'Cat-5 Ethernet' refers to, and be scared off by a review of a product intended to attract new DCC users.
this article has really motivated me to get into digital as soon as possible.As I understand the article this unit is compatible with any other brand of decoder.If this is incorrect could please advise me by email bobbyceecee@hotmail.com