After checking out a couple of local clubs I decided I’ll be joining one. I noted that both clubs were running Digitrax so I decided to switch. I think it will take some time to properly pronounce the “D” word. I’ll also be asking some questions during the learning curve. I’ve been running my NCE Phpro for just over a year and a half and the radio add just under a year and a half. Learning with NCE was as simple as hook it up, hit select loco and the number and off you went.
Today I picked up the Super Chief Xtra which includes the DT402D radio cab. After paging through the manual ans starting my first loco I see that the unit is not user friendly to new comers. Everything takes some thinking but it’s learn able for sure. While the user interface seems a bit on the weak side there are some hardware capabilities that are definitely a plus. One that stands out is the loco net and the signaling capabilities. The ability of the throttle to control 2 loco’s without switching back and forth looks like a good feature as well.
Consisting is a bit interesting. Digitrax says they have 3 modes while it’s actually only 2 when compared to NCE. The default type is Universal which is what NCE calls the Old style. It is simply the command station sending commands to each of the loco’s in the consist.
I haven’t figured where advanced consist is in the menu’s and think it doesn’t exist. It may force you to enter everything manually. NCE defaults as advanced consist and changes the values in the loco’s decoders with the push of a couple of buttons.
I figure it will take a few days to transition, then I’ll be selling the NCE radio system.
Did you skip the quick start, since you already know something about DCC? It walks you very clearly through hooking up the wires and which buttons to press to make a loco move. I’ve read the manuals for all the major systems and basic operation is darn near identical on all of them. The buttons are just labeled differently. On Digitrax you use the Loco button to…well, select a Loco.
There ARE 3 consist methods: Basic, which is just setting each loco to the same address, Universal, which is the command-station assisted default method for Digitrax, and Advanced which sets CV19. It’s not going to be on the ‘menu’ anywhere to pick which one to use, there is only one MU key and the process is the same. To switch to Advanced to set CV19 (which IMO is rather limited when done per spec - NCE ‘cheats’ a little in that regard) you have to change a setting on the command station, it’s in the back of the manual (don’t mess with that stuff unless you really understand it - although you can always use OpSw 39 to reset the system to factory defaults if you mess up - or pull the battery that’s inside). I do prefer the Universal method as it is more flexible, although on a huge layout you could run out of slots in the command station. It’s probably past time that Digitrax come out with a higher end system that has a processor with larger capacity, although we didn;t have any issues with the RCT&HS modular layout and only a coupl of us really understand DCC, the rest run their trains based on a quick instruction and even with radio operation using the UT4R there aren’t any problems.
You’re not that far away from me, if you want to come by some time and do a little fiddling with Digitrax. I have a Zephyr and a Super Chief Xtra plus a PM42, a DT400 and a DT100. No running trains off the unfinished end of the layout though, unless you bring your own [:D] Oh I also have a PR3 interface and a DIY Hans DeLoof Locobuffer and LocoIO boards for
Me too. If you were happy with the NCE system at home, you could have just bought the Digitrax UTwhatever for the club and saved a bunch of bucks. What was the logic you used to replace the whole system?
That being said, I’d be interested in the radio cab and the base station if you are willing to part with them separately and the price is right. Send me a PM if interested. I live in the Downingtown area.
Thanks Randy. I might take you up on that if I get in trouble. Maybe even if not [:-^]
I’ve been playing with it on a test track and I’m starting to get the feel for what they’re doing. Changing the controller settings isn’t too bad. I started playing with that already [:D]
As far as being a mistake. I won’t know that for a few days but so far there are definitely good things with it. One being the dual loco controller. I haven’t tried programming any cv’s with it yet but setting the address is easy. There aren’t any basic setups for min max and mid speed etc.
Maxman, I haven’t thought about how I’ll be selling. I’ll probably try to do the whole thing first and if no luck I’ll sell the radio separate. I’ll know in the next couple of days.
Get a Digitrax PR3 (computer interface) and then download JMRI Decoder Pro. I have had my Digitrax system for over 12 years, but gave up punching CVs on the throttle a long time ago.
My club also uses Digitrax and I have NCE at home, so I just bought a UT for use at the club. Most of the members that have used the NCE at my house prefer it and wish we had it at the club.
If you still like the PH Pro, why not keep that for your home layout and just use the DT402D at the club.? Essentially, you’d become “bilingual” at both and spend a lot less money doing so.
I have a Power Cab/SB3a set up at home. However, once a month I go over to a friend’s layout and use one of his UT4 throttles to run my trains. It works fine but I still prefer my Power Cab.
As a regular user of both Digitrax Super Chief and NCE Ph-Pro since 1999 and owner of a Digitrax Zephyr since 2002 and also owner of an NCE Power Cab since early 2008 I must say I like both systems equally and will not part with any.
When running trains I see no difference with any one system. Basic operations are the same almost keystroke to keystroke with both. Building consists is easy on both however I prefer NCE when it comes to breaking consists.
Programming is a different story, in this instance I prefer Digitrax faster more direct approach over the added overhead NCE’s menu driven system impose.
If I would be in the OP shoes, I would keep the NCE home system and purchase a DT402 handheld to use at the club. I personally prefer the DT402 much more than the UT4 throttle.
I am sort of like you. My club uses Lenz, Me friend has a Digitrax and I have a Power Cab at home. Instead of switching systems I bought a Lenz LH90 to use at the club. I also lucked out a bought a CVP wireless throttle to use at the club also. My friend has enough throttles to cover all the operators.
My Power cab is perfect for me at home since my layout is still in the planning and acquisition of building material phase. The thing I like the most in the Power Cab is the read and write any decoder I have put on the rails. Another is the built in amp meter for troubleshooting problems.
The clubs Lenz system is also a fantastic system but pricey for someone starting out and a little bit complicated. Not having a wireless system could turn some users off. CVP has a wireless throttle system for Lenz. They do have a thing to convert a cordless phone into a throttle.
My friends Digitrax system has worked good for him but he did have to modify his throttles with a mini toggle to shut them off. He sets up the operating sessions so I have no experience with programing or consisting with it.
I have both systems in hand at the moment. I actually have 3 including a power cab which I’ve been using as a throttle for the PhPro. After a day I’m getting more comfortable with the Super Chief. Right now I’m leaning on pawning off the PHPro-R and keeping the Procab for programming etc. I’ll probably look into a computer interface for the Digitrax as suggested. The PhPro has one built in which I only tried a couple of times.
I had only one it would not read, it was a CSX Blue Line GE AC 6000. Odd thing is it would read the Blue Line UP GE AC 6000?
On the sound page, you get a read out of all the individual sounds, like Chuff, Bell, Pop off etc and you can change them individually. No looking up the CV’s, very handy.
You would need a booster if using the PR3 in MS100 mode. Used that way, it is just an interface between the command station and the computer so readback would be dependant on the limits of the command station.
Using a PR3 as a stand alone programmer, there would be no need for a booster. It has plenty of power when used as a stand alone.