Let me try to clear up some confusion. If you are installing a new decoder then a low current programming track helps prevent dammage should you install the decoder incorrectly. The resistor Bachmann recommends does this.
The Zephyr feature mentioned is another topic. The Zephyr will not...
When a DCC decoder is working on DC there are two potential problems.
1) It generally takes more voltage to start the locomotive
2) Some pulsed power packs confuse the decoder
To solve both problems Atlas implemented a manual switch.
In DC mode the motor is conected directly to the rails...
The NMRA established standards in order to promote interchange. Unfortunately not all manufacturers fully conform to these standards.
The Digitrax Zephyr will not send programming packets to the track unless it detects a current load. Unfortunately many decoders in the market including the...