September 2019 67Following screen prompts, I easily
changed locomotive addresses, pro-
grammed CVs, and consisted locomo-
tives. For each step of the process, infor-
mational text scrolled across the bottom
of the screen to help me remember what
I needed to do next.
The command station also includes
a Switch key used for activating acces-
sory decoders or for changing option
switches (OpSw) on other LocoNet-
supported devices.
Expanding the system. There are two
LocoNet ports on the back of the com-
mand station, which makes it easy to
expand the system with additional throt-
tles, boosters, wireless throttle receivers,
and other components. LocoNet is a
command bus protocol developed by
Digitrax that the firm also licenses to
other manufacturers.
Digitrax infrared and radio receivers
will work with the system for those who
wish to add wireless walkaround control.
Additional fascia plug ports are available
for tethered throttles. The Zephyr also
supports the Digitrax LNWI WiFi inter-
face, which allows users to run trains via
a smartphone app.
When properly configured as out-
lined in the instruction manual, two ter-
minals (Jump 1 and Jump 2) allow two
DC power packs to be connected to the
command station to function as two
additional DCC throttles.
The built-in PR4 computer interface
is my favorite new feature. I plugged in a
USB cable from my Mac to the port on
the Zephyr Express, and then opened
Java Model Railroad Interface (JMRI)
software. Available as a free download at
http://www.jmri.org, this software includes
DecoderPro, which is an intuitive tool
for programming and testing DCC
decoders. Note that Windows PC users
will have to download additional drivers,
but these are available as free downloads
at the Digitrax website.
The Digitrax Zephyr was a solid DCC
starter set when it debuted more than 15
years ago. With its updated user inter-
face and added features, this latest ver-
sion is better than ever. – Dana KawalaFacts & features
Price: $235
Manufacturer
Digitrax Inc.
2 443 Transmitter Rd.
Panama City, FL 32404
http://www.digitrax.com
Features- Advanced, universal, and simple
consisting - Built-in USB computer interface
- Firmware updates via free download
- LocoNet ports for easy expansion
- Maximum number of addresses: 9,000
plus (locomotive), 2,000 plus (accessory) - Maximum number of throttles: 20
- Programming on the main or Service
Mode programming with separate
programming track outputs - PS314 13.8V, 3A power supply
- Supports 29 functions
- Two- and four-digit addressing
- Two LocoNet ports for additional
throttles and other components
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