The screw terminal block on the back of the unit has connections for the main and
a programming track. Two LocoNet ports allow for easy expansion.PS314 Power Supply66 http://www.ModelRailroader.comProduct Reviews
Running a model railroad with Digital
Command Control is a simple task with
the DCS-52 Zephyr Express from
Digitrax. Combing a DCC command
station, booster, and stationary throttle
in one convenient package, the Zephyr
Express is an updated version of the
firm’s DCS-50 Zephyr and DCS-51
Zephyr Xtra (reviewed in the May 2011
issue) systems. With its updated user
interface, the Zephyr Express is a plug-
and-play DCC solution that won’t intim-
idate novices. However, don’t let the sys-
tem’s simplified appearance fool you. It’s
also feature-rich enough to satisfy more
experienced DCC users.Up and running. The Zephyr command
station measures 5" x 7¼". After plugging
in the included 3A power supply, I con-
nected the Rail A and Rail B screw ter-
minals to the mainline track leads. Once
the track status indicator lit up, I was
ready to run trains with the system.
I appreciated that the screw terminal
block on the back of the command sta-
tion also includes connections marked
Prog A and Prog B, making it easy to
set up an isolated programming track.
The Zephyr supports both service mode
programming and programming on the
main (also called ops) programming.The built-in locomotive controls will
be familiar to users of previous Zephyr
systems. The direction lever can be set
for forward, reverse, or brake. The throt-
tle knob is reminiscent of a direct-
current (DC) power pack.
Compared to earlier Zephyr com-
mand stations, the Zephyr Express fea-
tures simplified and more user-friendly
controls, featuring 18 backlit keys vs. 24
buttons on the Zephyr Xtra. The Zephyr
Express also features a large 2.4" color
liquid crystal display (LCD) screen.
When running a train, the screen
shows the locomotive number, speed as a
percentage of the throttle, locomotive
direction, and which functions areactive. Other tasks, including program-
ming configuration variables (CVs), are
achieved by navigating intuitive on-
screen menus.
Along the bottom of the screen are
three soft keys marked A, B, and C that
are used to navigate through the menus.
The purpose of each key is shown above
it on the screen. For example, when
running a locomotive, Fn+00 appears
above button A. That means that the
numeric keypad triggers functions 0-9.
If I pressed A again, the note changed to
Fn+10, meaning the keypad triggers
functions 10-19. One more press
changed the note to Fn+20, to gain
access to functions 20-28.Digitrax Zephyr Express DCC starter set