I have a Lenz system, currently. The system works just fine for me. I have stationary decoders and have used it to control turnouts. I have the computer interface and have used this and JMRI to run it from the computer. No significant complaints, it has served me well… except:
I have never really loved the throttle options. Neither of them is precisely what I want . I won’t go into detail other than to say my ideal throttle will have lots of direct access to functions, rotary control for loco speed rather than pushbutton, and ability to control two locos simultaneously (i.e. without “switching” between them). it will also be wireless, which leads us to:
With a notably larger layout under construction, I want to go wireless on throttles. On that front with the Lenz system, I can basically go with Lenz and use a cordless phone as the wireless throttle (blech) or get a nice CVP wireless throttle.
So here’s the big dilemma… By the time I get the CVP setup, I’ll cost me $325. $219 for the throttle itself, $99 for the box to interface it with Lenz)… And I still won’t have one of the throttle features I’d like most – two controls in one throttle.
You probably see where this is leading… Who offers a throttle with lots of direct button access, rotary control of locos, 2 separate controls, available in a wireless version? Yep, the usual suspect: Digitrax. I’m looking at the super chief w/dt400 radio throttle at $500 and saying “it’s only $180 more, is as good or better than the Lenz in all the details (throttles supported, etc.) and has exactly what I want in terms of the throttle.”
So does anyone have any thoughts/advice? Are there wireless throttle options here I’m not seeing, letting me stick with Lenz? Is it silly to spend an extra $175 just to have two-train contol in one throttle? Is the CVP wireless markedly better than DT wireless? Any info to help me make this decision would be welcom
What could you sell the Lenz system for on e-bay, if you switched? Have you taken this into consideration?
I am a confirmed Diigtrax user, so yiuo know where I am coming from. However, don’t forget to add in the price of the PC interface for Digitrax as this is not included. You would also want to add some panels for connection to the Loconet around the layout. Even though the system is wireless you do have to plug in to acquire a loco. I don’t find this to be an issue, but many do.
I only have experience with the EZ-Command (one week), and the SEB with a DT 400 (another 400 coming so brother can play concurrently).
I’ll put it to you straight and simple - I cannot conceive of operating trains in DCC with a single rotary knob on my paddle. More importantly, I would not do it.
While I prefer the arrangement of having a single train per throttle. The realities that I am probably going to have to run trains by myself alot means two contrlls per throttle is quite handy.
However those UT-4s look quite nice. I am still debating wheather to cut costs and use tethered throttles or spring for wireless. And if I spring for wireless. Use the build in infrared feature or go radio control.
If you have the money and time, get what suits you best, that way there is no second guessing.
James: If you do go wireless, go with RF. IR is line-of-sight, so any blockage means no signal recieved by the sending unit. I do not have DCC yet, but I am in IT and have learned with the wireless keyboards and mice, get RF items, not IR. A simple cup of coffee will block IR. So does rolling stock, buildings, cardboard, wood, human hands, etc.
Great input so far, it’s helping me clarfiy the right decision.
I will definitely be going radio rather than IR, no question about that.
I understand the single-train per throttle thing, but it’s a very personal choice, i think. My preference is absolutely to have 2-per-throttle capability on at least one throttle.
I did look at the NCE system, but don’t care for the throttle.
I’m pretty much sold on just going for the “gusto”, but more input is certainly welcome. I’m not buying the thing tonight!
I’ve had my Digitrax Chief for about a year and love it. I just got a UT4 throttle to go along with my DT400, and I really like it. The knob is very smooth and it’s simple enough that I could hand it to a vistor and not have to explain much. For myself I like having two knobs on the DT400 so I can control two trains at the same time.
For me I chose not to go for the radio option. My room is only 10x10, and I can be tethered and go everywhere I need to. If you have a larger layout the radio may make sense for you.
The one thing that gives me real pause about the Digitrax wireless is that it’s one way… So if I want to select a loco, other than the two currently in the throttle, I have to plug in? I don’t think I like that.
Ahhh. You see, that’s the problem. I know what I want, but nobody makes it exactly. Yes, the DT Super-chief is the closest, but I’m still leery of the one-way radio. NCE makes the wireless the way I want, but I’m not crazy about their throttle. CVP’s throttle gets good reviews and tags on to the Lenz I’ve already got… But I’m not ‘sold’ on that throttle either.
If it were that simple, believe me, the order would already be placed…
Yes. I have the DT400 radio. One way. Huge flaw. Some guys aren’t bothered by it. I guess they buy Digitrax’s “It’s a safety feature” nonsense. Me? It drives me nuts. If you’re already thinking it’s a problem, it’ll probably drive you nuts too.
Did you look at ZIMO. This system with the new MX31 cab gives you all you’re looking for and more. It won’t be a cheap system upgrade but definitely the last one…
Thanks, jxtrxx - the more I think about it, the more I agree. It would drive me nuts. I can see if you couldn’t program or something, but plugging in to change locos??? I’ve become pretty sure (thanks to all the input here that led me to more research) that duplex wireless is a deal-breaker for me. I might be willing to live w/o dual throttles in one cab, and without a “lefty-righty” rotary dial for speed control.
Art -
It’s a very nice system. It does NOT give me everything I want. Everything I want would include a rotary dial for speed control – two in fact, because it would have two ‘throttles’ built into one cab a la Digitrax. It’s definitely a high-class cab and a very nice system, and I appreciate that it has the full duplex radio, unlike DT.
Everything I want is basically the DT400R throttle with duplex radio, like the NCE powercab has. You could also say it’s the ZIMO throttle, except with two rotary dials to run two trains…
And “not cheap” is a bit of an understatement! I started off willing to spend $320 for a CVP wireless throttle for my Lenz system. Then I thought… Well, at that point, why not spend an extra $180 or so and go to $500 for a top-of-the-line Digitrax or NCE entire wireless system… Zimo pricing makes that pale in comparison! Too many other things I’d rather have for that incremental $1000 or so, I fear, and not enough added-value that I’m seeing for it in the zimo system.
Yes it does. Next to the speed slider this cab also has an encoder wheel on the side, which allows the control of two engines at the same time. The screen can be set to display two engines at once. And yes, it does have lots of added value but you would have to take your time to to find out, like downloading manuals, asking questions etc.
As a former Digitrax user, still have 2 DT 400R throttles and a Zepher for use at
our club layout, I use CVP’s Easy DCC. The guys from the club likes the simple
throttles that CVP’s uses. They are upgradable by replacing a chip. so they never
get out dated. You need to operate all the different systems and find one you
like the best…
Rodney