I have always thought that Digitrax not putting on/off switches on their DT series throttles was one of the stupidest things in model railroading. I know it’s a little thing, but it has always bothered me. So, after years of threatening to do so, I cleaned off the workbench and added a switch to the top of each of my throttles. No more batteries laying around. they can now stay in the throttles until they need charging.
The switch I used is from Digikey and the part number is CKC5106-ND. I cut out a small section of the throttles top plate for the switches pins to go through, and soldered the switch into the positive wire from the battery. I had to extend the wire to make it long enough, for this I used some 30 gauge wire. The final step was Attaching the switch to the top of the throttle with a little CA glue. It may not be pretty but it works.
While I’m not a Digitrax user. I have thought of doing the same for my NCE power cab that hangs out at my workbench. I’ve been known to leave it powered up for a few days. I’ve also worn out the Telco connector plugging it in and out.
nice job! Some years ago I did a similar project. I came across a video by James (jm2000, or something close to that, who has a huge YouTube presence) who produced a very easy to follow procedure. 30-45 minutes later it was done.
Nice job, looks clean and puposely done. My DT402 died last year and I replaced it with a DT602. FYI, I found these toggles for a different project, but seem like they would work, for a cheaper price per unit.
Image link isn’t working anymore; any chance you can re-post it? This is one of my own pet peeves, despite the fact that I really like these utility throttles otherwise; have gotten into the habit of just leaving a 9V battery next to the throttle pocket, but would be simpler to just hit a switch–not that I don’t know how to wire a switch, but it’s always nice to see photo inspiration from someone who has done it already!
@Jetrock here is the image that was posted. You can reverse the Batteries when done, but I am all about convenience and tinkering. I use rechargeable lithium ion batteries that last a long time between charges. so the battery door rarely has to come off. Hit the switch and away you go.
Thanks for reposting the photo! I may try this on one of my duplex UT throttles, as well as picking up some rechargable 9 volt batteries. I have a DT602 but to be honest I really like the simplicity and pocket size of the UT throttles, but without the cable tether.
