I have a Digitrax Super Empire system that I purchased quite a while back, and I am just getting around to use it on the layout I am costructing. I'm sure that I will want to upgrade to wireless throttle operation sooner than later. I have read that the SEB has some programming limitations due to readback (or lack thereof), but have also read that SEB users don't consider this a drawback. Since I don't have much experience with the SEB system, I was wondering if it would be better to upgrade to the Super Chief system or just purchase a DT420D throttle and a UR91 receiver. If anyone has any experience or thoughts on this I would appreciate hearing about it.
The DT402D is a duplex throttle and works with the UR92. It will not work with the UR91. Also the duplex setup is the better of the 2 and has a much greater range and more capacity. Once you go wireless you'll never go back.
Also If your current system is doing what you need then there's no reason to change or upgrade, unless you happen to have the money and really want to.
Springfield PA
You can have your DT400 upgraded to a DT400r by sending it to digitrax. I don't know what they charge for the conversion. You will have to pick up a UR 91 to go with it. you can also buy the PR3 and down load the JMRI from their site for free. I have the SEB radio version for 5 years and it's great. I have downloaded the JMRI last year and am not happy with it so when I do programing I just write down what values I set the CV's to with a paper and penci. Save the cost of the PR3. l don't know if a new DT402 and a UR92 will work with an older DB150.
I have the SEB with wired throttle and I dont see it as an issue not having read back of the decoders. I have had to do a couple resets but I had done nothing to indepth that I could not easily redo.
To summarize
Your DT400 throttle can be upgraded to a DT402R simplex wireless to be used with the UR91 or it can be upgraded to a DT402D Duplex wireless to be used with a UR92 panel. The upgrade information is contained at this link http://www.digitrax.com/DT402throttleupgrade.php
CV read back is a useful feature. I have a PR3 and the JMRI Decoder Pro and have been very satisfied with this setup and performance. It would be a good way for you to get CV read-back as well as a safe decoder programming environment.
You could of course upgrade to a Super Chief, but you would still not have a PC interface as standard, I find JMRI Decoderpro to be an invaluable aid and would not be without it.
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
Thank you all for taking the time to resond. Nothing like getting advice from the people in the trenches.
I have both a DT400R and DT402D among other throttles. Sometimes I prefer the DT400R since it seems more stable. The DT402D can access more functions and is duplex and has different programing this is more like a GUI. But, it has been more finicky and uses batteries quicker.
I am thinking about upgrading the DT400R to get more functions, but am concerned that the new software will make it less reliable.
If you can use infrared that may be a cheaper way to go too.
Richard
simon1966 To summarize You could of course upgrade to a Super Chief, but you would still not have a PC interface as standard, I find JMRI Decoderpro to be an invaluable aid and would not be without it.
Totally agree
The trick to using the 402D throttles is to use Powerex 9.6 volt rechargeable batteries.
They quickly pay for themselves and run longer than a duracel 9 volt alkaline battery. The range is also literaly 3 times longer.
I have the Super Chief, a PR3, JMRI Decoder Pro, and the DT-402D throttles.
If you are only concerned with read back, the PR3 is a cheaper option that a new system, and I wouldn't be without JMRI and the PR3 anyway. Decoder Pro replaces messing with CVs with a simple check this box interface. It also keeps the settings in a database so they can be quickly reinstalled if you ever have to do a reset.
The radio interface is in the UR92 which just plugs into the Loconet. It can be added to any Digitrax system that uses Loconet. I am not sure if the SEB will support the increased number of functions that the DT-402 includes.
I also use the Powerex batteries. The DT-402D is neater than sneakers. It works well, has great range, and you can even change the channel if you are operating near another Digitrax system where they might interfere with each other.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
I second what Phoebe Vet said. I have a Super Chief (DCS100); PR3: Decoder Pro (free from JMRI); and DT100R, DT300R, DT402D and UT4D throttles and they all work great together.
Forget the DT400 for programing CVs. Get a PR3 and Decoder Pro. In addition with a PR3 you can read back CVs through Decoder Pro so having a DB150 for a Command Station won't mattter.
You can also use your PR3 with Decoder Pro and your PC as a virtual throttle which makes the PR3 a great investment, The PR3 can also be utilized as a stand alone programer without a Digitrax Command Station.
Jim, Modeling the Kansas City Southern Lines in HO scale.
Hamltnblue The trick to using the 402D throttles is to use Powerex 9.6 volt rechargeable batteries. They quickly pay for themselves and run longer than a duracel 9 volt alkaline battery. The range is also literaly 3 times longer.
That's interesting. My son's paintball gun uses 9,6volt. I'll have to give it a try. They aren't easy to come by, although the paintball store carries them. We've been using 9 volt rechargeable.
What recharger do you use? I'm wondering if my 9 volt charger will get enough volts into the 9.6 battery. My son recharges his in the gun.
Has Digitrax published tihs?
Thanks,
Batteries Plus stores carry the batteries and the charger. If you don't have one of those stores near by, search the web for "Powerex".
You could use lithium batteries too. We use lithium batteries in our scott airpacks and only need to change them once a year ( usually they are still working then,but we do it as a precaution )
Train Modeler Hamltnblue: The trick to using the 402D throttles is to use Powerex 9.6 volt rechargeable batteries. They quickly pay for themselves and run longer than a duracel 9 volt alkaline battery. The range is also literaly 3 times longer. That's interesting. My son's paintball gun uses 9,6volt. I'll have to give it a try. They aren't easy to come by, although the paintball store carries them. We've been using 9 volt rechargeable. What recharger do you use? I'm wondering if my 9 volt charger will get enough volts into the 9.6 battery. My son recharges his in the gun. Has Digitrax published tihs? Thanks, Richard
Hamltnblue: The trick to using the 402D throttles is to use Powerex 9.6 volt rechargeable batteries. They quickly pay for themselves and run longer than a duracel 9 volt alkaline battery. The range is also literaly 3 times longer.
You should use a powerex charger with their batteries. The charge voltage is higher to match the batteries. Fully charged they read a little over 10 volts.
If you go to the yahoo digitrax groups you'll find numerous references to it. Also just google powerex with the DT402D.
I got mine on-line at newegg.com for just under 60 bucks. For that price you get 3 batteries and the charger. They pay for themselves pretty quickly.