DCC Throttle Shoot-Out

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Okay, folks. I complained about the latest issue’s DCC Buyers Guide. Bergie, to some extent, issued a “put your money where your mouth is” challenge, suggesting those unhappy with MR articles submit better ones.

Well, with a wife, 2 kids and a rather time-consuming job, that’s not realistic for me. I also don’t necessarily accept his thesis that you cannot critique unless you’re prepared to do better yourself. However, as a step in the right direction, I propose that we as a group do something constructive. Let’s make a “shoot out” article on DCC Throttles, one key element of the proposition.

I propose that we do this by posting pros/cons as objectively as possible, and assigning the throttle a “letter grade.” We will (I hope!) get multiple reviews of the same product and thus perspectives. While an “editor” might at the end of the day collate all of them into one review for each throttle, we’ll have to make do with using the “pool” of reviews for ourselves. I’ll begin (in the next post) by reviewing the throttles I have, the Lenz 90 and Lenz 100 throttles.

In the interest of fairness, please do only submit reviews of throttles you either own or have used extensively.

2

Lenz 90 “engineer’s” throttle.

This throttle is positioned by Lenz as primarily used to run a single train. It is positioned against their model 100 “dispatcher’s” throttle, which is intended for more rigorous usage. Lenz offers a starting set pairing this throttle with their booster, and also offers a starter with the ‘dispatcher’s’ throttle, the throttle being the only difference between the two.

PRO

-For those who like a more traditional “knob” type throttle, this has a nice, large dial to control speed
-A simple toggle switch contols loco direction. Very straightforward
-Single-button access to 8 functions is provided
-Construction is relatively rugged, with solid-feeling buttons and knob
-The ‘coiled’ cord is a nice feature, avoiding tangling and tripping.

CON
-the direction toggle feels flimsy and is too easy to move by mistake
-there is no numeric keypad, making higher-level functions, turnout control, loco selection, or anything else involving entry of numerals a bit of a pain. instead of entering a number directly (a la a calculator or phone dial pad), one button controls a “digits” column on the display. For example to enter “564” you hit the “hundreds” button 5x, the “tens” button 6x and the “ones” button 4x.
-LED display feels dated and cheap. More importantly, display limitations of LED technology make it less effective than an LCD would be (e.g. direction is indicated by a red dot rather than something more intuitive like an arrow)
-I find it a bit incongrouous to offer this throttle with a “starter” set. While not badly suited to an ‘engineer’ mode of operating one or two locos, so many functions are difficult to access that it really should be only an add-on, not a starter.

My grade for this throttle: C+ (would be a B- if it had numeric keypad)

3

Lenz 100 “dispatcher’s” throttle.

PRO
-Numeric keypad makes access to functions requiring numeric entry convenient.
-Prominent, central button to reverse direction
-one-button switching between two different locos allows easy simultaneous operattion
-one-button access to 9 functions is nice, particularly for sound-equipped locos
-informative and well-layed-out LCD display.

CON
-non-coiled cord is prone to tangling/tripping
-button-based speed control may be objectionable to those who prefer a more “analog” option.
-Complex and often non-intuitive key sequences required for certain functions - e.g. throwing turnouts.

My grade for this throttle: B

4

OK, I’ve also got both of the Lenz throttles. Unfortunately, they are my only points of comparison, so all I’ve got to go on is how they are in general, and how they stack up against each other.

Lenz 100 “dispatcher throttle”

PRO
-Large buttons and large easy-to-read display
-Supports lots of locomotives in memory
-Long cord, so it reaches a long way
-Various keystroke combinations (adding/deleting locomotives, consisting, etc.) aren’t too hard to remember
-“Takeaway” control from the other throttle works smoothly and seamlessly.

CON
-Display is LCD, so I can’t see it in the dark

My grade for this throttle: A

Lenz 90 “engineer throttle”

PRO
-Large analog speed control
-Bright LED display visible in the dark
-Coiled cord stays out of the way

CON
-Really awkward keystrokes, even for simple things like adding engines
-Only holds 8 locomotives
-Interacts badly with the base station and the Lenz 100. I think it limits the whole system to 8 locomotives, not just this throttle. Haven’t played with this much, though, so I don’t know for sure.
-The coiled cord is short, so I have to move it around a lot.
“Takeaway” control from the other throttle is awkward. You must manually match direction, and then the train will “jump” to the speed on the dial. But, that’s analog for you.

My grade for this throttle: C minus

Having both throttles, I keep the 90 around the back of the layout, and only use it for single-train control. They keystrokes are awkward enough that I haven’t even bothered to try consisting with it. (It will recognize consists set up on the other throttle, though.)

5

Digitrax UT-1, DT100IR, DT400IR

Start with the UT-1… Digitrax bills it as a basic Utility throttle and that’s what it is… No programming can be done with it and it access only f0-f5, basically good for turning the lights on and off, sounding a bell or sounding the whistle (or horn) on sound equipped locos… It has a large knob and a regular toggle for reversing. Digitrax says it can address 4 digit locos but I’ve never tried it so I won’t be grading on that capability.

Pros:
*Large analog type knob for speed control
*Toggle for reversing functions
*Limited but available decoder function access
*Positive number dials for selecting the loco (2 digit)

Cons:
In order to aquire a loco, you must dial in the address and then rotate the speed dial until the throttle Gets the loco.

Beyond that one con, it does what it’s intended to do.

Grade B for ease of use.

If you are interested in reading more about it…

http://digitrax.com/prd_ut1.php

DT100IR
The throttle originally sold with the digitrax sets (since I’ve been into it). It features 2 throttles in one, will access up to 8 functions, and with the addition of a UR90 infrared reciever, is capable of wireless IR operation, though I think it has to be plugged into program… I’ve never tried the IR operation so I’ll defer to someone else for that. Digitrax no longer offers this throttle as it’s been replaced by the DT300 series which have a 2 line display.

Pros:

  • 2 throttles in one
  • Reversing the loco can be done either via button or double click of the speed encoder
  • Can progam decoders with it

Cons:

  • Single line display makes it very difficult to program and call up 4 digit adresses
  • Single line display alternates between loco number (2 digit) and speed setting
  • Shift key must be used to access f4-f8
  • No number pad
  • A lot of other double b
6

FWIW, as thread originator I have no objection to relevant links.

I would suggest, as a flame-avoidance measure, that critiques of other people’s reviews (or even referencing them) should be avoided. Post your own review, and if it disagrees with someone else’s take, that will be apparent without the need for comment.

7

Cool… I’ll leave the links then…

Jeff
[8D]

8

EasyDCC Wireless Throttles
I have a completely wireless EasyDCC system so I’ll review the throttles that system provides.

First let me say the ideal DCC throttle to me uses a substantial knob, has an obvious direction switch, simple function keys, and a simple way to address locomotives. It also can be operated one-handed so I can use the other hand to uncouple with, throw turnouts, and perform other such actions while operating.

T900

Pros

  • Simple and easy to understand layout
  • Can operate with one hand
  • Reliable wireless operation
  • Reasonably priced for a wireless throttle

Cons

  • Only two address digits displayed – addressing 4 digit addresses is a pain
  • Only functions 0-4 available on the throttle
  • Less-than-obvious key combination to address accessories
  • Can’t do ops mode programming from the handheld
  • Fat-fingering by accident can put throttle in a mode where it won’t address anything

My grade for this throttle: B plus

This throttle is one of the main reasons I went with the EasyDCC system. For a handheld wireless throttle, it’s pretty good and easy to explain to guests. It’s biggest shortcoming is the lack of easy 4-digit addressing.

RF1300

Pros

  • Layout fairly easy to understand
  • Can operate with one hand
  • Can address 4 digit loco addresses easily
  • Can access functions 0-9 easily
  • Reliable wireless operation
  • Reasonably priced for a wireless throttle

Cons

  • Can’t tell by looking at the throttle what you have addressed
  • Can’t do ops mode programming from the han
9

Without going into detail (abiding by my own rules), I’d like to say that I’ve already found information here that is tending to make me consider switching to a new system. Thanks to everyone who has pitched in so far. Hope there’s more coming.

10

Joe,

Thanks for reviewing the EasyDCC throttles - especially the new T9000! [:)] You’re right, it is kinda pricey. I’ve always been curious if it was an improvement over the older throttles, and by your concise review, it seems that it is.

I think the new LCD display is a wise addition to the T9000. The EasyDCC system is one of the DCC systems that I’ve been looking at to eventually replace my Bachmann - whenever that time occurs somewhere down the line. This thread has already been very helpful.

Tom

11

Anyone out there want to chime in with NCE?

12

I’m going to break the rules and piggyback on Joes comments on the Easy DCC throttles. I have not operated on the newest throttle but I have operated for the last several years in situations using the two older throttles. I own two of the 1300s, my friends own many more. One layout I operate at uses eight of the older T900s at a time. I like both the 900 and the 1300 throttles for operating.

The 1300 not being able to show the loco address is a drawback. I will sometimes miss key an address and not have the command station pick it up. Is this a serious flaw? not to my eye. I don’t do that much reassigning of throttle in the middle of operating and when I do it is usually in the the yard to accquire a loco where if it doesn’t take, I 'll try again. I would give the 1300 throttle and A- and the older 900 a B+ (lack of 4 digit adressing and only four function buttons) Given that the 1300 is around $160 per pop, I don’t know if I am willing to pay another $60-70 for the new design.

These handheld wireless throttles are very reliable and operate very well. The feel and layout works well and allows me to concentrate on the train rather than the throttle. They are the reason I went with CVP.

Without starting a war here I need to comment on a fundamental difference between NCE and CVP wireless systems. The CVP is basically a one way system… It sends stuff to the command station but doesn’t get any feedback from the station. While this may seem to be a drawback, I find that I don’t really need any feedback because there is an LED on the throttle showing direction of the train and a knob for speed. The NCE on the other hand has a cool little LCD window that shows speed setting, time etc. The NCE system uses a two way communication system…

There can be problems with this system because the command station updates the throttle after it gets the command and executes it. If the station is slow updating, then the user isn’t sure whether the system is slow

13

Thanks, Guy. I think it’s good info and stated in a pretty non-flame-inducing way. I know it’s an area I need to know more about, and your perspective helps - previously I would have avoided Easy DCC because I perceived one-way wireless to be a weakness.

14

That’s not a fair description of the NCE system I am familiar with in 5+ years of operation of a fairly large layout.

I am not saying that it didn’t work that way for you in one situation. Just that it does not match up with my experience of the current NCE products.

And I believe that your analysis of one-way vs. two-way may be different than the way the manufacturers define it.

The NCE radio systems are two-way – all of the functions can be done wirelessly – without plugging in. Digitrax, for example, must be plugged in for some actions, even when operating wirelessly otherwise.

The NCE systems are widely used in my area (Northern California), on layouts of all sizes, by modelers of all skill levels: beginners to world-famous. One of the reasons is the throttle human interface and feature set.

regards,

Byron

15

MRC Prodigy Advance Throttle

I have had the Prodigy Advance since Sept 2004, and the main reason that I chose this system was for the throttle. To paraphrase what jfugate said in the other thread on choosing a DCC system about user friendliness, “Can you figure out how to use the system without needing the manual”. I found with the PA I never needed to use the manual to create a consist (Advanced Consisting), to program decoders, or to just run trains. I think MRC did a great job with the handheld.

Pros:

  • Easy to select a locomotive (just punch in the address on the keypad)
  • Stores up to 20 locomotives in the recall stack (5 are stored between sessions)
  • Large dial for controlling speed
  • Option to switch to yard mode so that you do not need to hit the direction key
  • Large LCD which displays which functions are on for the loco you are currently controlling and the direction.
  • Direction key to toggle between forward and reverse
  • Emergency stop key in Red and easily accessible.
  • Can handle up to 20 functions (need to hit the shift key for 11-20)
  • Cost less than most other throttles (Available for $56 from Micromark)

Cons:

  • Is not backlit so it is hard to read with no lights on
  • Not wireless
  • Wish it would save the last 5 locos without having to disconnect from throttle bus (either a save button or automatically save when power is turned off)
  • When a new locomotive is entered it defaults to 28 speed steps. It would be nice if you could change the default.

As for a grade I would give it an A.

16

Remember those throttles are not just for EasyDCC. They can be used with many systems. I use RF1300 and T9000 with Lenz, and use the 900 for Railcommand.

17

I hope ALL of the manufacturers read this thread! It could mean a big improvement in the DCC industry offerings.

18

This is a great topic and so far a very well behaved thread. This is the kind of information I was looking for in the recent MR article. Please keep the reviews coming.

[:)] Tim

19

Electro’s observations over on my “Best DCC system” thread is useful … he points out how one button per operation makes for a more user friendly system, and I have to agree.

I’ll add another point, and that’s that any operation should start with pushing a well labeled button … not with entering something else first, and then pressing the button.

For example, if I want to make a consist, then there should be a button labeled something like “setup consist” and I should press it first to start making a consist, I should not have to type in something first, like a consist number and then press the button – because I’ll have to remember what comes first before pressing the button. If I don’t know what comes first or can’t remember, I 'll have to consult the manual.

Pressing the button should step me through the process by first asking for a consist number.

Get it? Less things I have to remember, and pressing the button can step me through the entire process without me needing to keep the manual handy all the time.

Using this criteria, when looking at DCC systems, then look for lots of buttons, each labeled with an action. And check out how you do a consist in the manual. If you have to enter something first before you press consist (MU for multi-unit is also used, so look for a button labeled that), then the interface is not as friendly as it could be.

20

I don’t want a throttle, though, that has a hundred tiny buttons like a cell phone. There is a trade-off among overall throttle size, button size, level of complexity, cost and reliability of these things. As a full-sized adult male, my fingers are already too large to easily operate most cell-phone keypads.

The Lenz systems come with lifetime warrantees, something I forgot to mention above. Think, though, about how many TV remotes you’ve had to replace because one key button has stopped working.