System compatibility

[ukrailroader]

Hi Guys,

I was once told that NCE throttles could be used with Digitrax UP5 panels because they use the same RJ12 cable and connector. Can anyone tell me if this is true and are the two systems compatible?

ukrailroader  

[cacole]

I have never used a Digitrax system, but I don't think an NCE throttle will work with anything made by Digitrax.

The plugs may be the same type, but their pinout is probably different, for one thing.  And the buttons on the controllers are different.

Plugging an NCE throttle into a Digitrax system could cause magic smoke to be released from one or the other.

[jalajoie]

Tony sells a panel that will work with Digitrax or NCE. It is to be noted that only the panel is compatible. As cacole said, using an NCE throttle with a Digitrax system is asking for trouble and vice & versa.

http://www.tonystrains.com/gallery/utp_throttles.htm

 

[DigitalGriffin]

+1 They are not compatible.

 

To add to the pin differences, Digitrax uses a eithernet type broadcast communication standard. called loco-net.  It is NOT compatible with NCE communication standard.

[jalajoie]

Both systems are totally incompatible. However the pin out is the same for both 6 and 4 wires cables.

[fwright]

jalajoie

Both systems are totally incompatible. However the pin out is the same for both 6 and 4 wires cables.

I would not say the pin outs are the same.  But the pin outs are compatible (same pin and wire used for ground) so that the same plugs and cables can be used.  Because the pin outs are compatible, some modular layout standards are wired up to use either Digitrax or NCE equipment - never both - in a given setup.  I have seen the Atlas panels installed on modules which allowed Digitrax, NCE, or Lenz to be used.  Of course, the command station and throttles have to be to the same manufacturer and specification.

I would be very leery of using a UP5 for this purpose without studying the situation further.  The UP5 has some custom circuitry added to allow powering the plugged-in throttle in a variety of ways and in Digitrax preferred order.  Much better to use a "plain Jane" plug and throttle wiring without the extra circuitry unless you know the impact of the extra features on both Digitrax and non-Digitrax equipment.

Fred W

[rrinker]

 The Tony's panels 'work' for both because they are nothign more than multipel jacks wired in parallel. The Digitrax UP-5 also includes diodes and resistors for supplying additional power to run the throttles plugged in to the front jacks while not affecting the cab bus signals on the rear jacks. I would not use the UP5 for an NCE system, use the NCE panels or the Tony's ones. Likewise, for a Digitrax system, use either hte UP5 or the Tony's oen - but if you have a large layout with lots of throttles in use do NOT use only the Tony's ones, you need the power supply capability of the UP5 to support multiple throttles or really long cab bus runs - it IS only phone wire after all and voltage drop will become an issue after excessively long runs. It's that or deal with keeping a good battery in each throttle, even if they are used only plugged in and not in wireless mode (which obviously requires a battery).

 A generic panel does indeed work for both systems, because they use the same pinout jack to jack. Digitrax uses all 6, NCE only uses the inner 4 except for the PowerCab which uses the 'extra' two wires for the power back to the PCP. Do NOT plug cross brand throttles into the same system - theoretically it shouldn't cause any damage as Digitrax uses the two unused outer wires to supply power to the throttle so the NCE throttle shouldn;t see it, but Digitrax throttles do short together the two inner wires since they carry the same signal. Anyway throttles aren;t compatible between brands except for ones where one brand is actually made by another liek Atlas Commander which is made by Lenz.

 Theoretically it should be possible to make a 'bridge' if such a feature were added to JMRI - a connection on the computer to both Digitrax and NCE systems. At least with Digitrax throttles controlling an NCE system - any throttle plugged in to the Loconet can have its activity monitored by the computer - every speed change, every function button press. It's all there for any device on the Loconet to see. The computer could intercept this and issue approriate commands on the NCE side to run the train. Actions on an NCE throttle are generally not visible that way to the computer interface, so it might be a bit more difficult to go the other way.

                                    --Randy