I see that Digitrax has two new DCC systems available and DT500 series throttles as well. The existing DT402 series throttles are firmware update capable and it appears that the new throttle just adds some sort of soft power off switch. Is this for the throttle or the track power?
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
DT500's have a power button that shuts off the throttle. No more rolling the battery. And there are a few other added features. You can configure the STEAL to either allow the dual throttle controlling one address or really steal and take control away from the original throttle (there's a reason we have left all the old DC power toggles in place in all sidings and yard tracks on the club layout)
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
To add to what Randy said, the DT throttles already have the ability to turn off track power.
So what your saying Randy, is that the throttle will power off rather than going into sleep mode or disconnecting the battery...
Yes, you can actually shut it off. No need to take out the battery.
BTW, the new behavior of the STEAL function requires a unique throttle ID to be set. This has always been in the throttles, but it was always referred to a something for future use, you never had to set it and all throttles could have the same ID (they do out of the box) with no problems. Well, the future is now. STEAL works the way it always did if you don't set throttle IDs, in that you end up with 2 throttles controlling the same address. The new option, which really does take control away from the first throttle, needs a unique ID.
The only thing that ever took a throttle ID before was using JMRI to send a message to a throttle. One of the things you specified was the throttle address, and if they were all at the default, the message would show up on all throttles. Digitrax has always hinted that this was for cab signals (note the little semaphore on the LCD) and I suppose now that you almost need to set unique IDs this can be implemented, JMRI should already have everything needed to access it since it can generate the throttle message packets. Combined with transponding or train tracking to know where you are, it shouldn't be hard to determine the aspect of the next signal.
The new features on the DT500 can be broken into two groups - the ones that work with all LocoNet command stations and the ones that only work with the new "Advanced" command stations.
The features it supports across all systems are:
When used with an "Advanced" command station, such as the DCS210 or DCS240, it supports a few more features:
I've had a DT500 for about a week, and am still checking it out.
-Fritz Milhaupt, Publications Editor, Pere Marquette Historical Society, Inc.http://www.pmhistsoc.org
Since my previous bedroom size layout didn;t need any more than my original Zephyr as command station, all I ever added was a DB150 to provide the track power in booster mode. My planned multi deck basement layotu will need more - I had been planning on buying a DCS100, but now I will probably go with the DCS240. I won't ever need 400 slots but some of the other features could come in handy, including the built in USB interface, since my PR3 is attached to my program/test track and it won't be in the same room as the layout. I also really need to get my DT400 sent in and converted to a DT402D while it's just sitting in a box - one of these days I will get 'round tuit.
Randy, in regard/follow up to my simplex WITH duplex thread, I've decided to upgrade to the DCS240.
My layout is small to medium sized 8'X17' and though I'll never have more than 5 operators tops, and probably no route settings (maybe the yard ladder someday but that's about it). From reading the magazine reviews, and having to upgrade to Duplex ( as simplex support/repair is going away eventually) and I will possibly go with JMRI/decoder pro someday, (I have no PR3, loco buffer, etc. at present) it seemed like the best way to go.
I wrestled with whether or not this would be overkill for my layout, but the online fixes via the built in UPS, etc. might keep me from having to send things to Fla. for updates in the future. Whattya think? Unfortunately the 240 doesn't come in the starter set. Ordered from modeltrainstuff.com and had great help and pros and cons about what to do/get. Hopefully the overkill will be worth the extra 149 bucks to me...there really didn't seem to be any other choice if I'm switching to duplex (with simplex) now.
I also thought perhaps being able to deal with any "legacy" thottles other guys bring over might make the 240 "worth it" on even a small layout. Don't know enough to be sure it was a good choice but went ahead. Would appreciate hearing what you and others think and if you have medium sized/small layouts if you are considering upgrading to the 240 rather than the evolution starter set and why. Thanks, Jim
Raised on the Erie Lackawanna Mainline- Supt. of the Black River Transfer & Terminal R.R.
Honestly seems to be a bit of overkill given that you already have two computer interfaces (actually, so do I - I still have an old serial Locobuffer I built and it works just fine with a USB to serial adapter) and not really that huge of a layout. It's a shame they aren;t selling the DCS210 seperately. The DCS210 has most of the features except for the built in PR3 and the StealZap. And of course the 100 slots, not 400. That might actually be the option for me, just buy a Duplex starter set, that way I get the DCS210, a DT500D throttle, and a UR92. There is something about having the most full featured system though. I moved up to a DT402 throttle by buying not just a DB150 but a full Super Empire Builder set, for far less than the combined price of the DB150 and the throttle (it was a special closeout deal), but since you can't get a DCS240 that way, I may just have to go for it as well.
For those who may be wondering about the differences among the Digitrax command stations, I offer a comparison table at http://www.fritzmilhaupt.com/dcc/digitraxcommandstations.html
I've started work on a similar comparison table for throttles, but my hobby time has been a bit short to complete it yet.
Thanks for your response Randy. Actually I think you may have misread me concerning the computer interfaces. I don't have either a PR3 or an RRCirucuits Loco Buffer which is one reason the 240 appealed for me. It seemed like a convenient package to aquire that capability for down the road. What I'll do with the other 300 slots....probably nuthin'.... Interested in hearing what you decide to get for your upcoming layout.
Jim
Fritz, thanks also for your detailed posts/replies. I will always have only an 8'X17' layout due to space constraints, but someday I MAY have either a larger portable staging yard outside the entry door and duck under or even another town with some switching. This isn't real likely, but in that event the route settings/stationary decoders might come in handy so that I/we don't have to go outside the room every time we want to switch. Even though this possibility isn't likely I thought it additional rationalization for the DCS 240.... seeing as we all will have to go Duplex eventually with Digitrax.
Any other advantages for a small layout remain vague (to non-existant?) at this point, I'm guessing with my limited experience. If other small/medium layout owners have opinions, unexplored uses/advantages for the added features.
I will almost certainly add two absolute block signal blocks maybe three down the road...
The route stuff is already there in the DCS100, or in stationary decoders liek the DS64. What they added in the Evolution models is a slightly easier way to set them up.
I like gadgets maybe more than some, so I will probably go overkill for my needs, however, if say I worked in a DCC shopa nd you came in and told me these were your requirements, I'd probably say a Zephyr Xtra would be all the command station you would need, plus a DB150 or possibly 2. Especially with that extra bit of information that you will never have a bigger layout, just possibly an additional staging yard. MAYBE a DCS210 instead of the ZX. The ZX plus PR3 gets you the interface, field upgrading, dedicated program track, access to all functions, etc. Throw in a UR92 and upgrade a couple throttles from R to D versions and you've got a jump start in duplex for lower cost than the DCS240.
Since I started so long ago with an original Zephyr, I will almost certainly exceed what it can do with the next layout. A Zephyr Xtra would be pushing it but almost surely also exceeded. Yesterday, I would have gone for the DCS100. Today - the DCS210 will certainly handle the throttles and trains I expect, but being a gadget hound I will likely pay the extra and get the DCS240. Just because the featues sound cool, not because there are any beyond what you get in the DCS210 that I truly need for a layout my size. There may be something else by the time I am ready to buy, which will be a while yet, so I'm in no rush. I do plan to go duplex radio with everything. We have both on the club modular layout, the simplex is completely useless at public shows if another club is nearby that uses NCE wireless. At shows we do solo, we have people using both types at the same time. The UR91 and UR92 are both mounted on the same pole to raise them above head level. It works very well.
Randy, I remember you posting in the past about your future layout. What will it's size/dimensions be? Just curious considering this present thread...
Thanks, Jim
I have a roughly 25x20 area, with the one side extending another 10 feet into the laundry which is where I will put staging. Small, for a house this size, but the harage sucks up the left 20 feet of width of the basement. I've considered the Tony Koester solution of building a stepped firwall and cutting the garage in helf depth-wise and gaining the space behind it but to be able to use it would mean doing the other major renovation I have planned which is to take 2 of the bedrooms and one of the bathrooms and make a master suite with nice bathroom of of them, which would leave room leftover for an upstairs laundry. If I do that first though it will mean putting off the basement and starting on the layout for a couple more years. Plus it's kind of nice being able to get all 3 cars PLUS the outdoor equipment in what is billed as a "2 car" garage - since the depth of the garage is the full width of the house, I can put two cars in nose to tail and still clear the door on one side, other side gets one car with the equipment in front of it. The REAL ultimate idea would be to add on a new two car garage and seal up the one on the house to get the entire floorpan square footage available for a layout, about 50x25 then. But there's not enough clearance to the sides to build something like that plus the house is more or less cut into a fairly steep hill so that's really just a daydream.
It's always tough deciding how much of real life (cars, bath and bedrooms, etc.) to compromise for our layouts. I have to admit, although I'd love a larger layout, I'm finding at nearly 65 that I'm becoming more and more grateful for the lesser amount of maintenance with something that's more "modest" in size.
Your layout is about the same length as mine but twice as wide. (Well the room is...) I was curious because of our mutual interest in the DCS 240 and how our rooms compared.
It'll be interesting to see what you decide to do. Putting off the start of your layout for a couple more years can be frustrating. I'm constantly amazed how long even my small/medium layout is taking and I work on it often. Being a beginner at every step and wanting to do things once (yeah right) made progress slow. Thanks for the info.!
I'm sure I'll have a few questions when it comes time to hook up the duplex & simplex system with the new 240... as usual I'm a lifetime electrical/electronics
Randy, or anyone, do you know if our existing dt402's are capable of being updated by Digitrax to utilize the power off feature. I know they upgrade simplex throttles to duplex for a fair fee, so was wondering if they might be able to convert to the on/off feature. Pulling the battery out every time is just a pet peeve of mine.
Digitrax is not currently offering a DT40x-series to DT500-series throttle conversion option. Given that there are some internal hardware differences in the DT500 (mostly related to the processor chip), I suspect that there's not a way that they can do it in a way that would be economical for them or the end-user.
As far as I knoow, there's never been an upgrade option between different models - ie, you couldn't upgrade a DT100 to a DT300, and obviously not a DT300 (small case) to a DT400 (large case). I too suspect there's a major change to the main microcontroller chip so an "upgrade" would be replacing the entire thing. Non-radio to radio is mostly a matter of installing the radio board, so if it currently isn't listed I'm sure they will be doing DT500 to DT500D upgrades same as they always have for previous throttles.
And one of these days I will remember to send in my DT400 and get it upgraded to a DT402D while it's otherwise just sitting in a box...
Keep in mind that simply adding a DCS240 will not necessarily get you access to the slots above 120. Only DT402 and later throttles will be able to use the upper slots. DCS240 assigns slots from 0 to 120 to older throttles e.g.Dt400, 300, 100, UT's.
DT402 and 500 throttles get slots assigned from 400 on down because only those models have the firmware required to use the upper slots. DT402's must have the latest firmware revision installed.
Martin Myers
I have been experimenting/setting up a new PC/DCS240 Command Station for our club(replacing on old Win XP tower) and a 12 year old DCS200 Command Station). As mentioned, only DT 402D/DT 500 throttles get assigned to slots above 120(and the DT 402D throttles need the R21 firmware upgrade.) I was able to upgrade the firmware in the built-in PR3, the DCS240, and a DT 402D(both the R21 throttle and RF24 communications firmware. The built-in interface updates firmware much faster than my old PR3 - Nice!
Wednesday morning I take the new Windows 10 PC and the DCS240 to the club for the swap. I also have a new UPS to protect the PC(we have lots of power outages in this rural area).