Digitrax Radio Control Question

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I recently expanded my layout into a second room (life is good). I am using a Zephyr with DT400R throttle and UR91 receiver. I’m having some trouble from the new room “hitting” the receiver in the old.

Any suggestions for two room coverage? Can you put two UR91s on one Zephyr?

2

I don’t know about Digitrax but NCE has a wireless repeater to extend the signal around corners and into the next room, ideally you could place one in your doorway (if digitrax makes one).

3

Jack, I don’t see why you couldn’t as long as you have loconet cable in the new room. But to be sure why don’t you join this group real quick and ask there. They’re the most knowledgeable people around when it comes to Digitrax. Go to Yahoo.com and click on the ‘groups’ link on the leftside of the page. Locate the Digitrax forum and join up.

Jarrell

4

Yes. On Loconet you can place many UR91s to get the needed coverage. Just remember to power them with 12V.

5

Jack,

You can use multiple UR91’s, but I think the problem may be simple to fix. First:

  • Make sure you have a ‘fresh’ battery in your DT400R(you can burn them up in 3 hours).
  • Make sure your UR91 antenna wires are at a 45 degree angle.
  • Make sure your UR91 is located in a somewhat ‘open’ area.

My layout is in a 25’ by 20’ ‘L’ shaped space, with a single UR91 at one end. I have had no problem getting good radio reception(except when the batteries get weak). I have been on several layout tours where they have ‘Radio’ problems, and a fresh battery always fixes it(I put a new battery in this morning, and it is hours later). I purchased a 4 battery plug-in recharger and 8 rechargable batteries. That way all 4 of my ‘radio’ throttles always have a fresh battery available.

Jim Bernier

6

…and to expand a bit on what Jim said, you can improve the UR91’s reception by installing it above head level. I’ve seen this work with every brand of radio throttle I’ve used, and have observed that moving it from being mounted at waist-level in the fascia to a pole approximately 80 inches above the floor improves reception.

Another thing to consider when installing the UR91 is not to install it sideways. I’ve experimented with different mounting methods and locations and discovered that it receives signals far better when it it installed with the antennas pointing generally upwards -/ or downwards /-\ as opposed to pointing to either side > or < .

7

i have a digitrax super empire builder wireless system with a dt400r and a ut4r throttles. the ur91 is installed in the layout facia at waist height with the rabbit ears pointing up at about a 60 degree angle to each other. it is sitting with the tips of the antenna just below the level of the plywood top. i can control my layout from any room in my home. even on another floor. i have even experimented with running trains while outside my house. there is no problem with reception with only one ur91. my clubs layout is on the third floor of a brick building and we can control it from down on the sidewalk. check to make sure that you are not operating in the IR mode which is basically line of sight.

8

I have as Digitrax Chief (radio) and have the system in a 30’ x 60’ basement. I don’t have any reception problems with only one UR-91. My UR-91 is not mounted under the layout. I have it mounted in the center of the basement, about one foot below the celing. You can use the UR-91 with your Zepher.

JIM

9

I have a question myself

I have the Digitrax Super Chief system but it is not the radio version. I want to know that if I get the UR91 for wireless radio frequency will my handheld DT400 main throttle become wireless? It has the little light thingy on the top and a spot foir batteries so that leads me to believe it may be expandable by purchasing the UR91? Is this correct? Is that light thingy on the top for the infrared version only? Thank you in advance

10

Unfortunatley no it won’t work, you have a Infra-red throttle. Digitrax will convert your present throttle to a radio one if you send it to them but I’m not sure about the price.

11

If you purchased the non radio Super Chief it is highly unlikely that the DT400 is a DT400R with the radio installed. You can add a UR91 and send your DT400 to Digitrax and they will upgrade it to a radio version for $50.00 http://www.digitrax.com/kb/index.php?a=953 see this link to their tech support depot which explains this.

12

How good does the infrared version work? Do I have to aim the throttle at the other little light to get function?

13

Our club tried it and hated it. It has a slight delay to it it seemed and nobody was happy with it. Radio is the way to go…

14

The IR is mediocre-OK. It is line of sight so careful positioning of the UR90 is essential. I have been using the IR for a while and place the UR 90 on the cieling angled down over the center of my layout. This way the throttle is pointing at the UR90 when held comfortably in the hand. There is no question that the radio is a superior setup.

15

Hi all. Original poster here. I do have my UR mounted a fascia level inside the old room. I will move it higher and into the doorway taking into account antenna suggestions you all made. Thanks all

16

I just installed my Digitrax radio equipped Super Chief a few weeks ago. I have the UR91 mounted on part of the layout, the layout is in the basement. It can pick up signals from the throttle when I’m two floors up. All I do is blow the horn or sound the bell from that distance; there’s no way I’m running trains from the second floor! Has anyone else tried this?[:)]

17

My UR91 works fine all over the house. I use the Zephyr and UT4R throttles. Try a known good UR91 receiver and see what happens. Also it might be a bad throttle. Wouldn’t hurt to try another throttle too.

Good luck

Ralph H