I have an MRC Prodigy Advance which I recently converted to wireless. This is minor but it took me a while to figure out the problem. When I use the wireless controller it will not respond if I still have a wired controller plugged in (a leftover from my pre-conversion days). I like to have the wired controller plugged in to an outlet on the far side of my layout but I just unplug it now. Other than that I’m very happy with the MRC - the 28 function controller is nice as soon as everybody starts making decoders wih 28 functions.
Yep, I didn’t have a system then so wasn’t able to provide input on the UT4. I also believe the DS64 came out after the UT4. Prior to the DS64 I would have had less need for controlling switches with the UT4. It honestly isn’t a big deal, just a nice to have feature. I use the DT400 anyway. The lack of switch control just keeps me from buying a UT4 but they have more than made up for it with the numerous DS64s I’ve purchased. I am guessing they won’t mind. I’ll upgrade to the duplex radio as soon as it is available.
I bet I’m not the only Digitrax user who uses the UT4 for a “child’s throttle”. Perhaps all the DCC systems should consider the need for a very limited capability throttle with big knobs for little hands.
One improvement I would like to see for the DT400 is the ability to program a name that would display with the address. That’s not a complaint, but is a suggestion.
I dont have any complaints yet.
But beginning to install UP5’s, DS 64’s Loconet, seperate power off the wall for each of these different types of devices so that a simple train on track short does not bring the entire house of cards crashing down. Maybe even the SE8C for a bit of signalling. There is only so much room UNDER the layout to make proper installation locations, wiring runs etc.
I never thought that I will complain about limited space UNDER the layout, usually it’s the space ABOVE where the tracks and trains go that is tight.
You want complaints? Tell a Club at a meeting that you propose a DCC system. And yer gonna get a earful LOL.
Each section of my layout has a board for the electronics that is hinged at the top and swings down to work on and up out of sight the rest of the time.
I’m too old to crawl underneath.
I like the name idea. How about a 4 digit advanced consist standard ? It’s more of a NMRA standards issue but I’d prefer it over the current 2 digit limit.
Do you have the wired controller and wireless controllers set to different cab addresses(not locomotive addresses, but the address of the controller itself)? My understanding is that the wireless and wired cabs can be used together. If not, it may be a minor problem for you, but would be a major problem for someone who does not always operate alone and wants to use a mix of wireless and wired cabs.
I also have a MRC Prodigy Advanced and I really like it. My only real gripe about it is that I can’t use Decoder Pro with my MRC PA
Mike
Nope, I wasn’t bad. You just left out the part where I quoted Randy:
I did directly reply to the OP’s question, and then I related some anecdotal experiences of mine to back up that reply. That’s not allowed?
Steve
Oh, it’s allowed. It just doesn’t surprise me. [(-D]
Tom
It’s easier to recall memory two cab numbers in a consist 31, 33 etc. Than it is to call up 233, 231 and 9550 and 9512.
Whew, Im tired.
If anyone has a Digitrax UT they aren’t using I’d be glad to take them off your hands. Send me a PM.
Terry
Lenz - the wired throttles both LH100 and LH90 are just slightly too wide to operate with one hand. Their wireless solution (use a wireless touch tone phone) is half baked. Won’t program all sound units on the programming track. Computer interface isn’t built in must buy a separate unit. Had to buy power supply separately. Comes with only 1 throttle had to buy the others.
Digitrax Zephyr - A bit tinny (well actually plasticy) it could be built with a little heavier materials. Power supply it came with could have been better. Computer interface not built in. Won’t program all sound units on the programming track. Has only one built in throttle, have to buy others or use the jumper ports for others.
MRC Command 2000 - has only 14 throttle steps. No computer interface. Doesn’t use full range of channel numbers for locos (limited to certain sets). When used on a rug with static electricity involved the unit will hickup if a finger spark happens, so I had to ground it.
NCE - huge luggy hammer head throttles. After carrying around one of the wireless ones for 4+ hours I fell like I’ve done a workout. Had to install throttle holsters all over the layout so people could put them down more often. Base system comes with only one throttle.
CVP - I don’t have the system just the wireless throttles. It only supports 8 throttles. The RC-1300 throttles have a screw and use the antenna as a screw to open the box to replace the batteries.
Actually the Command 2000 will do 28 speed steps to.
It was their decoders back then that would only do 14 speed steps.
I have in the USA a Lenz set 100 as well as a LH90 throttle and a RoCo Multi Mouse used only as a slave throttle all connected to a dedicated computer using JMRI, in Europe I have the RoCo basic set using the multi mouse as the command station. I have liked the Multi mouse as a throttle as I find it is easer to use a knob to controll speeds and it has a 99 loco stack. Since in europe my RoCo unit came pre programmed using the loco identifiication instead of an address I have come to like that as well (One still needs to address each Unit) what I do not like is the inability to read back the CV’s in the Roco unit. To read back the CV one must either attach it to RoCo’s computer interface or a Lenz system (Roco uses X-bus to communicate to throttles and controllers on its system).
Bill in Zug
Hey TZ, curious what sound decoders have you not been able to program on the Zephyr program track. To date I own and programed successfully Tsunami Heavy Steam, Lok Sound as factory installed by PCM, QSI as installed by BLI, Soundtraxx LC’s and MRC sound decoders.
I don’t have the Zephyr, I have the Super Chief, but I have never found a decoder I cannot program on the program track.
i have a super chief and still new to dcc their might be more i dint like.i only have the dt400 throttle the 2 things i dint like is
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some times the buttons stick down.
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when you unplug to go wireless you have the cable hanging with you.wish they would of put a female socket in the hand held and used a double male cord. was thinking of cutting it short and installing 2 rj plugs and using a double female adapter to reconnect them when I’m plugged in that way i could let the cord hang at the ur91…ect.
has anyone tried this or will it not work for some reason the cord has to be their.
Same here. For the latest QSI decoders I had to use direct mode as opposed to page mode but they programmed just fine.