Hi everyone! I have a Digitrax Zephyr (not the new Xtra, the old one) and I want to add a DT402 throttle and 3 UP5 panels. I also have JMRI set up via loconet to my laptop. I have no idea what I need to do to get this all to work and need help.[:S] In addition, I am not using accessory decoders and will have 3 locomotives at the max running at once. Thanks in advance and all help is welcome!![bow] [8D]
Besides what you have, all you need are loconet cables (Pin1 to Pin1 6 connector telephone cable). After that, you are set.
Are you using a Locobuffer or PR3 to connect to the Loconet? Both will work just fine.
David B
Hi, I have a Z and have extensively added to it.
To add the panels you need some loconet cables, you can make them yourself, or can get them pre-made, fairly inexpensively from places like Litchfield Station http://www.litchfieldstation.com/xcart/product.php?productid=999003129&cat=323&page=2 simply run one of these cables from one of the loconet connectors on the back of the Z to the first UP5 panel, then daisy chain on to the next with another loconet cable. If you look at the UP5 instructions you have the option to power them if you want as well. Then just plug the DT402 throttle into one of the panels and it will work. No configuration or anything, the Loconet devices just work together.
To use the JMRI and PC combination you will need a PC interface. You can get the Digitrax PR3 or a RR-Circuits Locobuffer USB. Either one connects to the Z via the same Loconet cabling, just run a cable from any of the connected Loconet devices to it. This will provide the PC interface so you can program on the program track from the PC, as well as other useful things like monitor slots, watch the commands on the Loconet and create a PC throttle. You can then use your Android or iPhone with in conjunction with a wireless network and the Wiithrottle application on the JMRI to have a wireless throttle.
The bottom line is that it is very easy to simply add other loconet devices by running the cable and plugging them in.
I also forgot that I need 3 power districts including a reversing loop. And thanks! Can I get this cable at radio shack or is it “mrr specific”
One other advantage of the PC interface is that you can download a small program from Digitrax which will allow you to upgrade the firmware inside the DT402 throttle from a web download. So as they improve things and add features you can update the throttle.
You can certainly get 6 wire cable and the plugs to crimp on at Radio Shack. They sell the crimper that you would need as well. Beware that the one I got from them was a very cheaply made, not very good, and not so cheap crimper.
For power districts you can use a PM42 http://www.litchfieldstation.com/xcart/product.php?productid=2450065&cat=0&page=1 even though it says you can use one of the sections for reversing, you would be better off getting an AR1 http://www.litchfieldstation.com/xcart/product.php?productid=2450001&cat=0&page=1 or similar for that function. I use the AR1 and the PM42 and have had good success with both,
Thanks everyone! Also, I have an AR1 all set up, how do I wire that to the PM42 or do I not?
The AR1 can reverse all or part of a power district from the PM42. Simply wire it “downstream” as it were. In my case I have a reverse loop in part of one of my power districts. So the AR1 is not reversing all the track within the section from the PM42, but reverses about half the district. Remember that you have to double gap between the districts as well as double gap the reverse section.
There is a lot of information in the Digitrax Knowledge-base for example this little tidbit you will find helpful
I have quite a collection of bits I’ve added to my original Zephyr over the years. I have a DT400, a DT402, and I picked up a DT100 cheap on eBay (great for runnign trains, when you remember how to seelect a loco with it - the DT400/402 is light years easier to use). Several UP5’s, and when I started my current layout I picked up a DB150 and a PM42, so I have the DB150 powering the layotu via the PM42 (no reverse loops at present though). The Zephyr track outputs power my stationary decoders, so even if the whole DB150 shuts down (which it shouldn;t because of the PM42), I cna still control turnouts. The cable and ends I actually got at Home Depot, or maybe it was Lowes, but pretty sure it was HD. The crimper I picked up at Radio Shack, although they have those at HD also - the METAL one that has a ratchet lever action so it presses down staright and evenly on the connectors. The Cheap plastic crimpers come down at sort of an angle plus there’s no stop, you just squeeze, the metal ones latch and release after the proper force has been applied. Well worth getting proper tools.
I doubt I will have signals on this layout, the branch I model was TT&TO anyway, but someday I hope to be able to build a larger layout with block detection and signalling on at least aportion of it. I do have a computer in the train room, with a Hans DeLoof DIY Locobuffer connecting it to Loconet. I also have a PR3 I generally use as a standalone programmer on a test track that I take to shows and set alongside the computer when at home. I also built a couple of DeLoof’s LocoIO boars to provide some input and output connectiosn to experiment with, but these are not aprt of the layout at the present time.
–Randy
Do I wire the UP5s to my Zephyr from one of the LocoNet jacks straight to the front of the UP5 or does it go to the back. Also, does anyone think I will need an extra booster?
Ok, this is the point where YOU need to read the directions supplied with your Panels and Zephyr. There are PICTURES available for each piece.
David B
As Dave said, read the instructions, they are short and consise. If you don’t have the instructions go to the Digitrax support depot. http://kb.digitrax.com/index.php?a=544 It could not be simpler. No you won’t need a booster running 3 locos.
Thanks for all the help! I have everything figured out.[bow] [swg]