I live at a senior residence and a friend sometimes accompanies me to the local club. He would really like to run trains but can’t manipulate the knobs on our Digitrax throttles. Is there a throttle which can be used by someone with this problem? I am aware of the Proto Throttle but it costs a lot.
Thanks.
Could you go with the Digitrax DT6 or the DT602 series?
Jason
would having a throttle that uses buttons to inc/decrease speed be better than a knob?
Since you didn’t mention which throttles are in use, assuming the older DT5xx and DT4xx, they have small knobs which could be problematic if you have trouble with your fingers.
A throttle with larger knobs would probably be easier to use, such as the DT602 or the UT6.
Not sure if there is a difference in the diameter of the knobs, can someone answer that question?
We have some of the newer throttles. They didn’t work well either.
Betamax, the knobs on the DT6xx throttles are much larger than the DT4xx throttles. If fact, I recently changed the knobs on my DT402d throttles (about 12 years old) to be more like my newer UT602d. Maybe the OP could consider that first. The newer DT/UT6xx throttle knobs are too big for the DT402xx but other universal ones are available on amazon for around $10 for 2 and just needs an Allen wrench (which the new ones come with in the package). Pull off the old and put on the new and tighten set screw. Easy-Peasy.
Regards, Chris
Is the issue related to his ability to grip the knob, or lack of sensation in the fingers?
Sounds like something with a lever may work better than a knob for speed control.
Numb fingers and holding objects the size of a throttle for very long is a problem. A device with a lever might work, suggestions?
Have you tried using a cell phone as JMRI throttle? Speed is adjusted by scrolling a finger up (increase) or down (decrease). Slight touch to the cell phone screen to blow the horn, change directions, and more!
Some operators enjoy using cell phones as their throttle, others not so much. Biggest shortcoming is unplanned changes for example in speed by inadvertantly touching the screen…
Good luck!
is it a question of being able to grip a knob or just move it enough to a specific speed?
you can turn a knob by just rolling a thumb against the side of it, but this requires both dexterity and decent eye sight.
I use a celphone and sometimes have the problem you describe even without touching the screen, just moving the phone. My friend has very severe neuropathy and is doubtful about having enough feeling to use the phone.
I’d suggest the wifi throttle by TCS - the UWT-50
Would a tablet, rather than a cellphone, be an option? I don’t use JMRI, so it’s just a thought.
Just for the sake of reference and conversation…
The TCS UWT-50 “knob” comes in two flavors: potentiometer (UWT-50P) and encoder (UWT-50E). The potentiometer has a fixed “0”/full speed and the encoder has infinite scrolling (or no tactile min/max).
Tom
On all Digitrax DT throttles before the DT602 series you can control locomotive speed with the buttons (one thing I DON’T like about the DT602 is they apparently removed that feature, which I use when switching). The buttons are small, so I don’t know if that would work or not. If strictly using buttons for speed control, it might be better to use 14 or 28 speed steps.
The UT throttles have bigger knobs than the DT throttles, so maybe that’s an option? The UT throttles before the UT6 all had potentiometers instead of encoders, I don’t know if that would be better or worse.
You mention a lever might work - Since the earlier UT throttles had potentiometers, it would be pretty easy to adapt one to a lever.
Reading between the lines, this is more than ‘working the controls’; he seems to have trouble actually carrying and manipulating the throttle box itself.
I wonder if something like a RailDriver could be adapted to be hung from a lanyard around the neck or a shoulder harness, like a RCO box?
You might also try the approach used by runners who want access to their smartphones: a wrist or upper-arm pouch or pocket that holds the unit in an ‘accessible’ position. Might do this with a couple oi patches of Velcro hook material on something that straps around the forearm, with the loop material on the back of the control so others can use it without discomfort.
How does the ‘victim’ WANT the controls and throttle accessibility to be? What, specifically, are the problems that make ‘all’ the throttles at the club unsuitable at present?
Here’s a chance for someone to return the fun of DCC for our OP. All you need is a DCC-compatible, neuropathic-friendly mallet… 
Tom
Shades of the old National Lampoon '30s parody Tap-A-Toe vehicle control. Tap twice – you GO! Tap once – you STOP! Tap three times to back up…
After an early throttle hit the cement floor, damaging one of the F buttons, I started using a lanyard around my neck. That way, I don’t have to hold the throttle all the time, and can have both hands free to uncouple cars or whatever.
The knobs on throttles are generally just held on with a screw, it should be pretty easy to replace one with a larger knob or even some type of lever to turn. Many online electronics stores have a vast array of knobs and such available.
