I would like some insight regarding stationary decoders for turnouts. It’s seems a bit overwhelming. I was reviewing the MRC website and they have a stationary decoder for turnouts (use with tortoise or similar) that has LED inidation lights (http://www.modelrectifier.com/search/product-view.asp?ID=1277). From my understanding of the Prodigy Advanced system, you could control this stationary decoder from the handheld throttle and LEDs would give a visual reference as to which position the turnout was.
On the other hand, Digitrax makes a stationary decoder that can control up to four turnouts. This seems more efficient and cost effective (http://www.digitrax.com/menu_statdecoders.php).
The bottom line for me is that I want to run my trains via DCC and control turnout position from the handheld throttle. What’s the best way to go about doing this?
My suggestion is that you go to Tony’s Train Exchange and read his “DCC For Beginners” booklet section about stationary decoders. There are many more choices than MRC and Digtrax, too, such as NCE and CPV products. Another couple of places to check for information about stationary decoders are Loy’s Toys and Litchfield Station.
I think Tony’s site also has a comparison matrix about stationary decoders.
Statonery decoders from Digitrax work fine (have 52 of them) The best one is teh DS54 gives feedback to Loconet if you are on Digitrax. The advise to read is good. There are a lot of places where you can WASTE money on them so decide what features you want and go from there. It is better to OVER buy in grade then save $10.00 and wind up not being happy.
Digitrax’s DCS100 command station and Digitrax’s DT400 Throttle
The Throttle can control and show switch positions. Can set, edit, and remenber Routes.
Can set and rember cascaded Routes with it’s local route capability with any LocaNet route that is in the system. Even if you don’t use the internal or local routes of the DS54, you can trigger up to 8 different routes requests to the system from small push buttons attached to the DS54.
Note: The latest Quad Stationary Decoder by Digitrax is it’s DS64.
I have 11 brand new ds64 stationary decoders out of the 11 ds64’s 4 will be sent back on Monday. When they work they work great and are very easy to program. They run off my dt400 hand controler. I’m not saying they are bad at all cuz things do happen I suppose nothing is perfect. So now I just gotta figure out what the procedure is for shipping back from Ontario Canada and we’ll see what kinda service they have.[:)]
Call them. There service is excellent. I am a LOT closer than you but they will tell you the best way to get service. Where did you purchase them? My supplier just handed me new parts and sent them off for exchange.
I ordered from litchfield station all 11 of them . I’ve tried calling and left messages but no one seems to write down my number off there answering machine. I think Monday I will simply ship them all in with the reciept, and hopefully it doesn’t take until xmas to get them back.
Digitrax or Litchfield Station? Digitrax email maybe better. ALSO there is a Yahoo Group for Digitrax, by Digitrax that is free and if you post a problem you WILL get a QUICK answer.
Thanks George there’s no problem they just don’y work I’ve trouble shooted them thru the digitrax group already actually it was digitrax I had tried contacting . [:)]