I need to know the cons of the various systems before making the plunge. Like, "my hand gets tired holding the ZB941 controller". I am not interested in why you think the system you have is best or why you chose it but what you don't like about it or would like to see changed. Thanks
It wasn't free.
Seriously, I haven't yet found a quirk in my Digitrax equipment that makes me say "darn, wish I got XYZ brand instead, this is stupid!"
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
I have a Digitrax system. The buttons on the throttles could be better. But the DT400 throttle is very nice. It is a lot better than some of the 'touch pad' throttle controls I have seen on other brands.
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
Although I've been quite content with my NCE Power Cab these past three years, I sometimes wish it had a recall stack larger than just two locomotives. Other than that, I have no complaints.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
My Digitrax system comprises a Zephyr command station, a DB150 5 Amp booster, a DT400 throttle and a UT4 throttle, plus various other ancillaries including a PC interface with a PC running Decoder Pro.
Overall I am very satisfied with the system. I have a couple of minor gripes.
1. I hate the small rotary loco selection switches on the UT4 throttle. I find them inconvenient and too small for my fingers. As a result, I tend to use the DT400 throttle, which I love (The ability to have direct control of 2 locos at the same time is wonderful) and leave the UT for my son to use. The throttle on the Zephyr tends to be the throttle of choice for really young visitors.
2. I want a wireless solution that does not require me to plug the throttle in to acquire a loco. Because of this I will be an early adopter of the new Digitrax duplex wireless announced for release this year.
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
To operate my NCE Power Cab, I have to read the manual. What a bummer.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
Another contented user of the DT400 throttle, but like Simon, I could stand larger buttons.
I do wish that Digitrax had CV readback with their Super Empire Builder. It's not a pain where the Sun don't shine, but there are times where I have to use my memory to figure out the correct range of settings for a given CV for a given loco. Was chuff rate for this steamer close to 134? Or was it higher, closer to 174...can't recall. So I have to guess, and then bracket the eventual value until I nail it.
Had I more experience, particularly with other systems, my list would probably include one or two other points, but I have no idea what they would be.
-Crandell
Like Selector, I too have a Digitrax SEB. I find I use the UT4 more than the DT400.Go figure! It just seems to "fit " my hand better.CV readback isn't that big a deal-breaker for me .
A gripe: Wish a guy could pick up extra UT's for less $.And I never seem to have enough panels where I need'm!
Other than that, I am EXTREMELY happy with this system.
Terry
Terry in NW Wisconsin
Queenbogey715 is my Youtube channel
On my Digitrax DT400 controller I'd like to see a better quality display, I'd like the UT4 utility controller to support switches and I am waiting on the two way radio. The last one if of least concern. Everything else I like very much.
Engineer Jeff NS Nut Visit my layout at: http://www.thebinks.com/trains/
Well I own both a Digitrax Zephyr and a NCE Power Cab. I can't find anything wrong with the Zephyr, I wish I could bypass the menu driven NCE system when programming decoder. I feel I am wearing a straight jacket when I use it for programming decoder.
Jack W.
I have a Digitrax Super Chief and outside of a lack of clarity in some parts of the manual, problems I have been able to figure out so far, I really don't have any complaints. Of course, I have only had it for a couple of weeks so there will probably be other quirks that I will find I don't like a whole lot.
Mainetrains
'there's something happening here, what it is ain't exactly clear' Modeling the Hard Knox Valley Railroad in HO scale http://photos.hardknoxvalley.com/
rrinker It wasn't free. Seriously, I haven't yet found a quirk in my Digitrax equipment that makes me say "darn, wish I got XYZ brand instead, this is stupid!" --Randy
What Randy said.
To add a little, I cut my DCC teeth at a club with a Wangrow System One. I hated the throttles! They were big and clumsy and hard to figure out. I still feel the same way about the NCE dog bone throttles. And their supposedly "better display" is useless if you're watching your train.
I've also operated on a Lenz layout using CVP wireless throttles. Those had a better feel in the hand, but response was dismal. It was like there were gremlins in the receiver who would pass your commands along only if or when they felt like it. And when they noticed you compensating for that, they'd immediately pass along a command or two just to throw you off. Not fun at all.
Signed, Completely Happy with my Digitrax Super Chief, Steve
I have a Digitrax Super Chief. There is nothing about it that I don't like. Even the complaints I have seen in this thread about the UT4. I have one UT4. I have it BECAUSE of all the shortcomings they mentioned. While the older grandchildren use the DT400, when the 5 year old wants to run Thomas the Tank Engine, or Hogwart's Express, I can hand her the UT4 confident that she cannot select another engine and cannot throw any switches, so I don't have to watch her like a hawk.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
I'm still very happy with my Lenz System 100. I like the big buttons. I've gotten to know it well enough that I don't even need to look at it to handle simple train operations.
The Lenz 100 "Dispatcher's Throttle" is the all-digital, push-button throttle with an LCD display. It has a 32-address stack, which can be easily scrolled through. Lenz also makes their "Engineer's Throttle" that comes with the System 90. I've got one of those, too. It has a large analog speed wheel. I greatly prefer the push-button unit. It's also a lot easier to program decoders with that one. The analog dial throttle has only an 8-engine stack, I think.
The base Lenz System 100 provides 5 amps. That's been plenty for me.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Can't please all of the people some of the time. Or something like that. When Digitrax wanted to design an updated 'utility' throttle, they solicited input from Digitrax users on the Yahoo group, as to what features people wanted. The result is the UT4. Now, maybe you didn't have a DCC system when this all happened, so I can't say it's what 'you' specifically asked for, but it is what 'you' collectively asked for.
Stevert To add a little, I cut my DCC teeth at a club with a Wangrow System One. I hated the throttles! They were big and clumsy and hard to figure out. I still feel the same way about the NCE dog bone throttles. And their supposedly "better display" is useless if you're watching your train. I've also operated on a Lenz layout using CVP wireless throttles. Those had a better feel in the hand, but response was dismal. It was like there were gremlins in the receiver who would pass your commands along only if or when they felt like it. And when they noticed you compensating for that, they'd immediately pass along a command or two just to throw you off. Not fun at all. Signed, Completely Happy with my Digitrax Super Chief, Steve
Steve,
Bad, bad, bad! You've broken proper forum etiquette and ignored the OP's request in your response. The question was: "What don't you like about your DCC system?" [Italics and underscore mine]
Now we're going to have to take you out back and beat you with a wet noodle.
Randy et al. I know the UT4 was designed by committee on the Yahoo forum, I followed the discussions and even contributed. I have no problem at all with what the UT4 does in terms of functionality. I like the big knob and the easy to flick forward/reverse switch. I just can't stand the tiny, difficult to see loco selection switches. If I am honest it is probably the seeing part that bugs me the most. In low light, how I like to operate, they are not easy to see at all. What light I have comes from overhead, so the little dials are hidden in the shadow under the big knob. I find myself having to hold it up and angle it into the light so I can see what I am doing with it. I am just giving my honest opinion about something I would change if I could in my system. It really is my only real beef about an otherwise great product. I am otherwise a very strong proponent of Digitrax DCC, but wanted to give my honest answer to the OP.
I have or have had the following systems on my layout and here are the only things I didn't like about them:
Lenz Set 100 plus LH90 and cordless phone throttles:
No duplex radio available.
CVP Wireless throttle on the Lenz system:
1. Can't program or make/break consists. 2. Protruding antenna easily bumped and damaged.
NCE Power Cab:
1. Throttle too large and cumbersome. 2. Only 2 loco stack. 3. Thumb knob speed control. 4. Duplex radio available but protruding antenna makes the throttle even larger. 5. No dedicated program track terminals.
MRC Wireless:
1. Occasionally loses control of loco (happens very seldom but I wish it wouldn't) 2. Can't control loco speed/direction when in turnout control mode (minor complaint).
Digitrax Zephyr w/DT400 and UT4 throttles:
1. No duplex radio (but is coming soon and will make this system a "no complaint" system if it works well). 2. Can't control turnouts on the UT4 (not too bad a complaint as mainly used as a guest throttle).
Jerry
Rio Grande vs. Santa Fe.....the battle is over but the glory remains!
I don't particularly like the UT4 myself, which is why I don't have one. Having discovered the joys of the fine control and one fingered reversing offered by the click encoders on the DT400 I can't satnd the limited range of control from a potentiometer control - on anybody's system. The day I got my DT400 I stopped using the Zephyr console.
I have a UT4R but rarely use it. Not worked over the potentiometer and the lack of switch control limits its usefulness.
Have no problem plugging in to acquire an address with a radio throttle. Matter of fact it reduces mistakes. I plan to upgrade with a UR92 and DT402 (simplex version) when released only because of the new 2.4ghz frequency.
Martin Myers
I have an MRC Prodigy Advance which I recently converted to wireless. This is minor but it took me a while to figure out the problem. When I use the wireless controller it will not respond if I still have a wired controller plugged in (a leftover from my pre-conversion days). I like to have the wired controller plugged in to an outlet on the far side of my layout but I just unplug it now. Other than that I'm very happy with the MRC - the 28 function controller is nice as soon as everybody starts making decoders wih 28 functions.
rrinker Can't please all of the people some of the time. Or something like that. When Digitrax wanted to design an updated 'utility' throttle, they solicited input from Digitrax users on the Yahoo group, as to what features people wanted. The result is the UT4. Now, maybe you didn't have a DCC system when this all happened, so I can't say it's what 'you' specifically asked for, but it is what 'you' collectively asked for. --Randy
Yep, I didn't have a system then so wasn't able to provide input on the UT4. I also believe the DS64 came out after the UT4. Prior to the DS64 I would have had less need for controlling switches with the UT4. It honestly isn't a big deal, just a nice to have feature. I use the DT400 anyway. The lack of switch control just keeps me from buying a UT4 but they have more than made up for it with the numerous DS64s I've purchased. I am guessing they won't mind. I'll upgrade to the duplex radio as soon as it is available.
I bet I'm not the only Digitrax user who uses the UT4 for a "child's throttle". Perhaps all the DCC systems should consider the need for a very limited capability throttle with big knobs for little hands.
One improvement I would like to see for the DT400 is the ability to program a name that would display with the address. That's not a complaint, but is a suggestion.
I dont have any complaints yet.
But beginning to install UP5's, DS 64's Loconet, seperate power off the wall for each of these different types of devices so that a simple train on track short does not bring the entire house of cards crashing down. Maybe even the SE8C for a bit of signalling. There is only so much room UNDER the layout to make proper installation locations, wiring runs etc.
I never thought that I will complain about limited space UNDER the layout, usually it's the space ABOVE where the tracks and trains go that is tight.
You want complaints? Tell a Club at a meeting that you propose a DCC system. And yer gonna get a earful LOL.
Each section of my layout has a board for the electronics that is hinged at the top and swings down to work on and up out of sight the rest of the time.
I'm too old to crawl underneath.
Phoebe Vet I bet I'm not the only Digitrax user who uses the UT4 for a "child's throttle". Perhaps all the DCC systems should consider the need for a very limited capability throttle with big knobs for little hands. One improvement I would like to see for the DT400 is the ability to program a name that would display with the address. That's not a complaint, but is a suggestion.
I like the name idea. How about a 4 digit advanced consist standard ? It's more of a NMRA standards issue but I'd prefer it over the current 2 digit limit.
dadretI have an MRC Prodigy Advance which I recently converted to wireless. This is minor but it took me a while to figure out the problem. When I use the wireless controller it will not respond if I still have a wired controller plugged in (a leftover from my pre-conversion days). I like to have the wired controller plugged in to an outlet on the far side of my layout but I just unplug it now. Other than that I'm very happy with the MRC - the 28 function controller is nice as soon as everybody starts making decoders wih 28 functions.
I also have a MRC Prodigy Advanced and I really like it. My only real gripe about it is that I can't use Decoder Pro with my MRC PA
Mike
tstageSteve,Bad, bad, bad! You've broken proper forum etiquette and ignored the OP's request in your response. The question was: "What don't you like about your DCC system?" [Italics and underscore mine]Now we're going to have to take you out back and beat you with a wet noodle. Tom
Nope, I wasn't bad. You just left out the part where I quoted Randy:
Stevertrrinker It wasn't free. Seriously, I haven't yet found a quirk in my Digitrax equipment that makes me say "darn, wish I got XYZ brand instead, this is stupid!" --Randy What Randy said. To add a little, I cut my DCC teeth...
To add a little, I cut my DCC teeth...
I did directly reply to the OP's question, and then I related some anecdotal experiences of mine to back up that reply. That's not allowed?
Steve
StevertI did directly reply to the OP's question, and then I related some anecdotal experiences of mine to back up that reply. That's not allowed?Steve
Oh, it's allowed. It just doesn't surprise me.