Comparing DCC Sets Under 5 Amps
Small Sets Have An Important Place in DCC
- They are affordable and optimum for a small layout or as
a test setup
- Look for the
Check
Mark , that’s Mr. DCC’s way of showing which set has an advantage,
either in his opinion or demonstrably. The total number of check marks
is shown for each set.
- The Digitrax Zephyr provides an easy way to start your pike.
It has a growth path, since all the Digitrax LocoNet products work with
it.
- Many folks like the Prodigy Advance for its “NCE-like”
operation.
- The NCE PowerCab is a DCC set by itself, but can be used as a ProCab on other NCE layouts, making it a perfect solution for someone who is a member of an NCE club and wants a DCC set for his smaller home layout. Its pricing and flexibility makes it a VERY attractive set.
| Manufacturer | Digitrax | NCE |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Zephyr | Power Cab |
| Amps (1) | 2.5 amps | 2 amps (3) |
| Amp Meter | No | Yes |
| Photo |  |
 |
| Total Checks
|
10 | 12 |
| Retail Price | $199.99 | $189.95 |
| Power Supply (US) | 115 volt | 115 / 230 volt |
| Loco Address Range | 1 to 9000+ | 0 to 9999 |
| Run a loco without a decoder on 00 | Yes, except in Germany |
No |
| Max number of Throttles (1) |
10+ 2 jump ports = total of 12 (2) |
2 or 4 with Smart Booster |
| Throttles Supported | LocoNet | NCE |
| Computer Interface | MS100 or LocoBufferUSB |
USB |
| Loco Roster (1) | 10 | 12 |
| Number of Turnouts | 999 | 2044 |
| Turnout Routes | 0 | 16 |
| Software Upgrades | Factory | User |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
| Speed Steps | 14, 28, 128, default is 128 |
14, 28, 128, |
| Internal Battery | No | No |
| NMRA Compliance | Not Tested | Not Tested |
| MU Capabilities Command Station |
10 |
4 |
| MU Capabilities- Decoder Assisted |
10 consists with unlimited locos |
16 consists with unlimited locos |
| Layout Feedback | Yes |
No |
| Track Volts | regulated at 12 volts | Power Supply less 1/2 volt |
| Track Volt Adjust | None | 10-15 volts, change power supply |
| Volt Meter | No | No |
| Overload Protection | Yes | Yes |
| Short Protection | Auto Reset | Auto Reset |
| Fast Clock | Yes | Yes |
| Bi_directional
com (may require upgrade) |
Digitrax Transponding |
No |
| CV Setup | Read & Write | Read & Write
including Tsunami & QSI |
| Register Mode | Yes | Yes |
| One-Step to Set Address | No | Yes |
| Bit Programming | No | No |
| Pgm on Main | Yes | Yes |
| Page Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Direct Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Throttle Included | Console | Handheld |
| Type | Single Knob | Single Knob plus buttons |
| Functions Supported | F0 - F8 (to F12 with external throttle) |
F0 - F12 F0 - F24 with SmartBooster |
| Functions: Single Button Press |
F0 - F8 | F0 - F9 |
| Momentary Functions | Any or all (same for all locos) |
Horn |
| WIRELESS OPTIONS | Digitrax | NCE |
| Infrared Upgrade | UT4 Throttle plus UR90 receiver
|
Not Available |
| Radio Upgrade | UT4R Throttle plus UR91 receiver throttle upgrade
(available at factory) |
Smart Booster plus RB02 plus Radio Throttles |
Compare Other DCC Set Options:
NOTE (1): The number of locos which may be RUNNING at any given time is limited by the Track Current capability of the boosters supplying the power district where they are operating. The Loco roster is the maximum number of different loco addresses which the command station will remember at one time. When you DISPATCH a loco, you remove it from this memory. When you SELECT a loco, you add it to this memory.
NOTE (2): Jump ports allow a power pack to function as an additional throttle - providing direction and speed information, but not supplying motive power.
NOTE (3): The two amp rating for the PowerCab is a maximum surge current. Continuous operating current will be less - the power supply provided has a continuous rating of 13.5 volts at 1.1 Amps and operates off 115 or 230 volt mains. Can be expanded to use 3 additional throttles and provide 3 amps of track current with the SmartBooster.
NOTE (4): This data is assembled from many sources and is as accurate as I can make it. Please report any inaccuracies. Much of this data is NOT published by the manufacturers and had to come from personal experience. Litchfield Station will not be liable for errors or omissions.