I’ve read that Digitrax’s RF throttles are non-duplex. Does this limit the use of Loconet with the throttles in any way, as compared to a non-remote Digitrax throtte? BTW, I haven’t used DCC yet & I’m just trying to decide what I want and/or need, so forgive me if my terminology is’t quite right.
I assume Digitrax RF throttles are the only ones which will work with Loconet. Is this correct?
Thanks.
Harry
The one way issue only impacts the wireless throttles when they are being usd in the wireless mode. When they are connected via a wired mode to Loconet, they are two way. All wired throttles and computer interfaces (i.e. Locobuffer) work with Loconet. Loconet is what connects the boosters and throttles together.
The only limitation is that you cannot select a new loco address withput plugging back in. Not really an issue for operations where a crew ‘boards’ a train and runs it to the end. And withthe DT400 you cna have 2 trains selected at once, one on each knob.
The benefit is that with the one-way radio transmission, they cna legally use a higher power transmitter which gives a greater range and less interference problems.
Right now yes, only Digitrax radio throttles work with Loconet. There is one in Europe that is two-way and Loconet compatible, btu the radio frequency used is only legal there, not in the US. There has been some discussion in the Loconet Hackers group about building a two-way radio device for Loconet. For a commercial device it will be a hard fight, because frequencies that can be used int he US are not the same as the ones that can be used in other parts of the world, and even when using the allowed frequency range, you have to have any such device FCC certified, which is not an inexpensive undertaking.
–Randy
Harry,
This is one of the great debating points when comparing radio DCC systems.
Digitrax was one of the first mainstream companies to release an RF wireless conrol system. The system released was, and still is a Simplex or one way control system. This was done because the power output is higher and it therefore provides greater coverage without using wireless repeaters.
From an operational point of view, this means that the communication is only from throttle to the loconet and not the other way around. This means that operations that require 2 way communication between the layout and the throttle are not possible in wireless mode. The most obvious is the acquiring of a loco. To acquire a loco you must plug the throttle into the loconet via a cable. Once acquired you can disconect and fully control the loco. In the case of the DT400 throttle, you can acquire and run 2 locos.
A second issue is the fact that you can not program wirelessly.
For some this is an absolute deal breaker. For others, like me, there are some simple work arounds such as the careful placement of loconet panels close to yards and engine terminals. Since loconet is the method by which all things Digitrax are connected, it really is not all that expensive or difficult to place panels.
As for programming, I do all mine via a PC interface using the Decoder Pro application from JMRI. I don’t use my throttles for programming in anyway, so the restriction for wireless programming is meaningless to me.
It should be noted, that all Digitrax radio throttles are also wired throttles, so for example if your battery dies, just plug it into the loconet and use it as a wired throttle, getting power from the loconet.
I am not aware of any other brands of throttle that will work with the Digitrax loconet, so if you want wireless and like Digitrax you are limited to Digitrax throttles.
I hope this helps.
Yes you can program wirelessly (OPs mode - Program on the main) as I have done this everytime I reprogram my BLI - Atlas and Proto engines!
BOB H - Clarion, PA
Thanks, guys. Very helpful info.
I always have to mention my Digitrax wireless pet peeve when this topic comes up – just because it’s so irritating to me. First let me say I love my Zephyr with the DT400R radio throttle added, and if I had it to do over, I’d probably get the same thing.
But the pet peeve: You must remove the batteries when you’re finished or they will drain! I remember to do that about 4 out of 5 times. Who ever heard of a battery operated device where you must remove the batteries when you’re done??? I’ve heard that you can leave your receiver powered and the throttle plugged in to avoid this, but I like to kill all power to my layout when I’m not in there, plus you still have to remember to plug the throttle back in when you are done. If I could ALWAYS remember to do that, I could always remember to remove the batteries, I guess. Meanwhile I’m a very good Duracell customer.