WIRELESS DCC THROTLES

[Anonymous]

Hello Railroaders,
I was wondering what would be one the better wireless DCC systems?
My layout is being built in my basement, as an around the wall layout. The measurements are 28x26.
I want to be able to walk with the trains around the layout. The good thing is that I have yet to wire the layout for any DCC equip. I wanted a fairly EZ setup.
Like the plug and play systems. There are so many, that you could go crazy! ANY INPUT would be of great value.
Thanks, Willjr

[Pruitt]

My layout is also located in a basement, and it's dimensions are similar to yours - at least in the plan. The benches along one wall are not complete yet. But I use NCE's radio system with great success. I can walk anywhere in the basement and still control my trains, even though the receiver is in one corner of the basement (that will change as construction progresses, and it will be moved to a more central location). It was also very easy to hook up.

I can't comment on other systems, since NCE is the only radio system I've used.

[Adelie]

Digitrax radio works fine, too. Whatever brand you wind up with, you'll most likely want the radio wireless as opposed to infrared. There was another thread on this recently, but there is no "pointing the throttle" with radio.

[jxtrrx]

One thing to be aware of on Digitrax Radio: You can not change to a different locomotive while operating wireless. You must plug the throttle back in to change locos.

[Anonymous]

I have NCE wireless, and whilst it has not had a lot of use, it works pretty well.

I also have a Lenz system, but the radio remote facility is not available in North America.

A colleague in Germany has the radio remote throttle from ESU (the LOK-SOUND people) which works with his Lenz system. I have used it and it works very well. But I have not seen it here yet.

I have also used the DigiTrax wireless, it is rather limited (you cannot do everyting in wireless that you can do when plugged in) which is one of the reasons I did not buy DigiTrax. As an electronics engineer I can see no reason why they couldn't give you all the features with wireless.

John

[tstage]

Willjr,

Here's a recent thread from the General Discussion forum:

http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=49460

It's about DCC throttles, in general. But it does mention wireless here and there. Definitely worth a read and should be helpful. Go with radio over IR.

Tom

[Anonymous]

I have EasyDCC wireless and I am very pleased with it. I have operated on a Digitrax Wireless (radio) equiped layout and my experience was postive there also. I think any of the major systems radio setups will be fine. The note above about having to plug in the Digitrax wireless unit to switch locomotives is a drawback, but some users like that.

[dehusman]

I didn't like using a Digitrax radio throttle, the commands were transmtted when you stopped adjusting the throttle. So if you are making a long slow stop or start, the command to slow isn't transmitted until yu stop turning the knob. I'd be turning and turning and nothing was happening. If I stopped the train would then slow down to the final speed setting quickly. With my NCE wireless throttle the train responds as you adjust the throttle knob.

Dave H.

[Anonymous]

I believe the idea behind Digitrax's not letting you aquire a loco with out plugging in is to keep anyone from accidentally changing locos and causing a crash. I find it a pain myself and would prefer being able to change locos. As it is, if I run more than two locos, I use more than one throttle. Four locos is the maximum that I can keep track of. Three locos are the maximum without crashes.[:D]

[colvinbackshop]

I've got a Trainroom of about 16x24, two levels, around the walls with a peninsula. I use the Digitrax radio also and have been very happy with it. As with any system you have to become aware of and comfortable with it's idiosyncrasies. Having to "plug in" to address another loco is a safety feature, which isn't all bad.
As for the transmit question/concern...It's a learning curve.
If there's an emergency (I've had some), HIT the STOP BUTTON!!!
I like the Digitrax system in general and like the radio throttle, which I just up-graded to, also.

[ClinchValleySD40]

I've had a chance to operate using all of the different systems and they all work great. I wouldn't rate any above the others. I do have the NCE system with the new base station and repeaters and it works great with 20 operators. I wouldn't let the radio be a determining factor in which system to pick. Check out Model Railroader a few issues ago for some discussion/charts on the various systems. And nothing beats actually trying them before buying any.

[abbieleibowitz]

I really like my Digitrax wireless throtles.
Abbie

[Texas Zepher]

I'm going to mention two things I've not seen anyone else address either here or on the Throttle Review in the other form:

I'm a fan of the CVP throttles. They are slim and fit nicely in ones hand. They are narrow enough that I can used them for one hand operation. Thumb on the throttle. I've often worked Mall shows running two trains with one in either hand.

Plus if at some time you decide to switch to a different command system (except Digitrax) you don't have to switch throttles. Just put the appropriate base reciever on the bus and go. EZ-DCC, Atlas, Lenz, etc. I'm still using some throttles that were originally configured for Railcommand (a non-DCC system).

[dehusman]

I have used NCE, Lenz, EasyDCC and Digitrax wireless throttles.

I would rank the Digitrax the least intuitive because they use cryptic symbols instead of words to label the buttons. Acquiring an engine was difficult compared to the other throttles. With all the other throttles one run through and anybody can acquire an engine.

Dave H.

[simon1966]

I use a Digitrax DT400 and a UT4 on my own layout using the Infra red control. My layout is not all that big and a pair of well placed IR receivers in the ceiling are fine. At the local hobby shop there is a huge 60' x 80' layout that uses all Digitrax radio throttles. I really like the DT400 because of the 2 train control. This is worth the price of admission for me as it allows me to be switching in the yard while running a train around my main line. The UT4 is about as simple a throttle as one can get. My 5 and 8 year olds use if for all the main functions, including running several BLI QSI equipped locomotives. The IR actually works very well for me and as a consequence prooved to be a very cost effective wireless solution (I run it with my Zephyr as a command station). At the LHS, the radio has been a hit. Dozens of operators run at one time. So you have to plug in to acquire a loco. For me this has not been an issue. I have loconet panels at my yards and it really is not a big deal. Strategically placed panels are helpful as it means that not all the throttles have to be wireless equipped. Further more, I have seen first hand what happens when a battery dies when wireless. The train carries on and the operator loses control. Being able to quickly plug back in and regain control is very comforting.

I have had a chance to run an NCE system also. This seems to be a fine system as well. It was certainly easy to get started with.

When I started with Digitrax, I did not really consider any of the other vendors. Based on what I know now, I would still go with Digitrax. The dual train control on the DT400 and the ease of use of the Zephyr and the UT4, coupled with the benfits I see in the loconet structure and all the building blocks available for it, far outweigh some of the other issues, like the plugging in to acquire. I think that these threads are very valuable as they seem to indicate that there are many great systems out there that offer a range of choices. I don't think you can go wrong if you go with any one of the more advanced systems.