I'm having trouble reading the display on my DT400. It is too small. I need to operate with an optivisor to see the functions etc. and look up to see the train.
Is the new version any easier to read? If I have the 400r updated, will it be easier to read?
If I switch everything to an easier to read system, what would it be?
73
Bruce in the Peg
The display is identical on the DT402 so it won;t make life any easier. I do feel for you, none of the LCD displays of the US based systems are particularly easy to read for someone with poor eyesight. MRC has the largest display and it is back lit, so that might be better for you. The Lenz systems might be worth a look also.
Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum
Buy up old DT100's, they have larger displays.I thought the issue with MRC is that they AREN'T backlit? That's the only thing about the DT100 series, no backlight. But they display is large and displays the loco number, all the different mode indications are by LEDs around the display rather than dots on the display. Just don't expect to use it for progrmming - for programming the DT100 uses the Digitrax psuedo-hexidecimal to get values over 99. That's why it went the way of the dodo bird. There was another fellow with severe vision problems who saidin an article that he gathered up all the DT100's he could find when they were discontinued because he could actually see the display on those.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Randy, I think you may be correct on the MRC back-lit issue. I could have sworn that the system I used was, but I can not see any reference to a back-lit display in MRC documentation. To my recollection the contrast on the screen was decent. Bruce, get that confirmed one way or another before making a commitment. Given your very specific need, I would want to look at a system first hand prior to any further purchase.
Look up "LCD Backlight Brightness Setting" in the "Customizing your DT400" section of the manual. DT400's are shipped with the backlight set at low intensity to conserve battery life. Increasing the intensity will shorten battery life but the contrast will be much better. Doing so on a new DT402 will cause it to eat batteries.
Martin Myers
they may have bigger displays for loco address, but they have no display for functions on/off. perhaps someone could come up with a clip on lens that that sits about an inch away from the DT400 display and magnifies it 50% to assist those visually impaired? maybe put the guts of a 400 into one of those hammer head style enclosures and fit a bigger version of the same display? but it would be a lot more $$ than a lens.
Bruce,
You may want to take a look at NCE's Power Cab or Power Pro. They are backlit and the text and function numbers are large bold type, very easy to read. It would be nice if you could find one to take a look at.
MRC throttles are not backlit.
Jerry
Rio Grande vs. Santa Fe.....the battle is over but the glory remains!