I need an info...Digitrax components

[Jacktal]

I have been offered what is said to be a complete DCC system at a said good price.However,I have doubts as wether it is a "complete" system for even a small layout.What I've been offered is three components wich are:
Digitrax DCS-100
Digitrax DT-100
A no-name power supply on wich we can read three number suites:784P1,E1A-17-9304,831,I don't know if it's supplying DC or AC since I don't have it on hand for testing.

The Digitrax components are brand new(never been installed or tried) and come with operating manuals that haven't been opened.

What I'd like to know is first what is the market value of these?Secondly,is it a complete systemthat doesn't need anything else(excepted loco decoders) to run a small basic layout with no frills?And lastly,can this "system" be expanded with boosters,optional accessories,etc?Thanks for any guidance.

[Anonymous]

The DCS-100 is the command station that's used in the 'Super Chief' package. It's roughly $285.00 MSRP. I don't see anything on the DT-100 on the Digitrax catalog at www.digitrax.com. As for the power supply, no way of knowing without using a multimeter. I'd set it up for DC first, try the leads to see if it shows a polarity. If not, then it's an AC power supply. My guess is that it's a DC supply, probably 10 amps or less.

The package doesn't include the RJ-12 jacks to plug the throttles into? You'll also need wiring and extra RJ-12 jacks if you have a large layout. If you're getting the stuff for anything under $250, I'd say you're getting a fairly good deal. The Super Chief Starter Set runs $450 new.

Our club uses the DCS-100, which allows us to run trains, as well as program decoders without having to go to a separate station. We use an Astron RS-20A power supply, rated at 13.8VDC at 20amps. The manual for your DCS-100 will tell you how to connect to the power supply.

Best wishes and good luck!

Joe

[tomwatkins]

The DT-100 is an older Digitrax throttle. It's the one which originally came with the "Chief" system. I don't recall what the price was (I't been a while) but it's a good throttle.
Hope this helps,
Tom Watkins

[Anonymous]

The DT100 is indeed the throttle that came with the original Cheif. Is it a good throttle; well it depends. The DT100 is what gave Digitrax a bad name for "easy to use" as in "not." If you set yourself up with a "cheat sheet" with the commands you are likely to use a lot, you'll do just fine.

If the price is reasonable go for it, as the "Chief" with the DT100 throttle was the top of the line. You can add any current Digitrax throttle to your system. A cheap second throttle is the "non-programming" UT throttle, which many people buy.

If you buy this system, do yourself a favour and buy "The Big Book of DCC." It is easier to understand than the manual with the Chief and will make things clearer to you. Trust me on this. If the system comes with a video - the video will put you to sleep.

With the system you are proposing, you can upgrade to anything Digitrax has to offer. Its a very good system.