i siand corrected. i assumed that as the R throttles could only talk, and not listen to the command station unplugged, that giving them ears unplugged in the form of the D would allow them to do so. i didn't realise that plugged in you couldn't read back CV's on the main anyway ( i never use the option, i always use the programming track or JMRI with locobuffer. )
CSX Robertsimon1966...The duplex wireless eliminates the need to plug in to acquire a loco and allows wireless programming on the main from the DT402D... Actually, the DT400R and DT402R also allow wireless programming on the main(ops mode programming). The DT402D adds wireless programming on the program track(service mode programming).
simon1966...The duplex wireless eliminates the need to plug in to acquire a loco and allows wireless programming on the main from the DT402D...
i would think that with the 402D you would be able to read back CV's on the main aswell as program them. i don't think reading is an option with the 402R unplugged???
StevertFrom what I understand so far, you should probably add "better coverage/less interference" to your list of main functional differences. Reports seem to indicate better range and fewer "dead" spots, as well as better rejection of interference from other RF sources. No doubt that the switch from 916Mhz to 2.4Ghz has really helped...
May well be true. I did not have the simplex system on my layout before, so have not first had experience of coverage comparisons in one location. My layout is in the basement, and I still have control using the duplex 2 floor up! Not terribly useful as I can't see the train I am running, but done to get a sense of the range. Needless to say there are no issues in the layout room.
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
jamnestThe new UT4D throttles are to be released in early November 2009 and some dealers are now taking advanced orders. The UT4D will have 12 functions, which is more than enough for my operations.
Yep, you are right, I missed the announcement. Too bad, I was rather hoping that the next gen UT4 would change a bit. I don't really like mine very much, finding the dial selectors very fiddly and poorly located too close to the knob. I also don't like the need to press a shift button to access higher functions. (I know, it was designed based on user input, it was what users asked for. It does the job just fine, I don't happen to like the UI)
jamnestI was wondering if I should spend the $65 to upgrade my DT400R to a DT402D?
That's your call, I think that the differences and what you will get for your money have been fully detailed.
simon1966 When you compare the DT400 series to the DT402 series the main functional differences are the F0-F12 compared to F0-F28 and an easier throttle configuration sequence.
When you compare the DT400 series to the DT402 series the main functional differences are the F0-F12 compared to F0-F28 and an easier throttle configuration sequence.
From what I understand so far, you should probably add "better coverage/less interference" to your list of main functional differences. Reports seem to indicate better range and fewer "dead" spots, as well as better rejection of interference from other RF sources. No doubt that the switch from 916Mhz to 2.4Ghz has really helped...
When Digitrax came out with the UT1 throttles, I purchased two of them. There was discussion at the time that you could return them to Digitrax at a future date to be upgraded to radio. This never happened as Digitrax released the UT4. I sold my UT1s and was going to buy some UT4R throttles, but decided to wait (several years) for Digitrax to come out with Duplex radio. The new UT4D throttles are to be released in early November 2009 and some dealers are now taking advanced orders. The UT4D will have 12 functions, which is more than enough for my operations.
I was wondering if I should spend the $65 to upgrade my DT400R to a DT402D?
Jim, Modeling the Kansas City Southern Lines in HO scale.
Jim, of course the UT4D does not exist as yet. I have not read anything that indicates a release date, or what features that it might have.
When you compare the DT400 series to the DT402 series the main functional differences are the F0-F12 compared to F0-F28 and an easier throttle configuration sequence. The latter is a fairly minor change as it is one of those things you only use once. The duplex wireless eliminates the need to plug in to acquire a loco and allows wireless programming on the main from the DT402D.Oh and the new throttle can be upgraded via web based download of firmware if you have a loconet/PC interface.
When you consider that the UT4 throttle has no programming capability, has no throttle set up capability and no obvious way of getting F0-F28 then the only advantage would be not having to plug in for acquiring a loco. I wonder then, if a UT4D when and if it appears, will actually be a bit different from the current UT4, if for no other reason than to allow for up to F28 functions?
If you want your DT400R to have F0-F28 you can get that upgrade for $25 and still continue to use your UR91 wireless. The extra $40 in upgrade will eliminate your need to plug into the loconet to acquire. Of course you then have to get the UR92 to support the D throttle. If plugging in bothers you then it might be worth it.
For my part, I did not have wireless other than the IR UR90, so for me it was a no brainer to go right to the duplex system.
My initial purchase was a Digitrax Super Chief (radio) with a DT100R. It has worked great for over ten years. I have since aquired another DT100R, 2 DT300R and a DT400R. I don't use the DT400R for programing as I have a MS100 and a PR3 with Decoder Pro. I sent my DCS100 to Digitrax last year for an upgrade ($50) for additional functions.
I have been waiting for the new duplex throttles as I want the UT4D throttle. All of my future purchases will be the UT4D as they are very simple for my guests to use. I will be getting a UT4D and a UR92 from my wife for my birthday.
I am wondering if it will be worth the $65 tor upgrade the DT400R to a DT402D?
There is a way for it to get the network ID without plugging in as well. It's probbaly easier to just plug it in that first time to set it up but you CAN do it with NEVER plugging in.
--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 stand corrected on the R and the UR-92, but the DT402D does have to be plugged in one time the first time it is used on a particular layout so that it will be recognized by the command station. It will then work entirely wireless until you want to use it on a different layout.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
I honestly don;t understand allt eh confusion - it's REALLY bad on the Digitrax Yahoo group. They lay it out pretty plainly on the Digitrax site.
DT402 - wired or IR, 29 functions (F0-F28)
DT402R - simplex wireless or IR or plug in (short pigtail), 29 functions, works with UR91 simplex radio receiver, must be plugged in to aquire locos
DT402D - duplex wireless or IR or plug in (short pigtail), 29 functions, duplex radio with UR92. Does not need to be plugged in for anything
If you currently have a DT400 (13 function, wired or IR) you can upgrade it to a DT402, 402R, or 402D
If you currently have a DT400R (13 function, simplex wireless), you can upgrade it to a DT402R or a DT402D. If you upgrade to the DT402D you will need to buy a UR92 to use the wireless.
DT40xR does NOT work with the UR92, DT402D does NOT work with the UR91. You can however have a UR91 AND a UR92 on the same layout int he same room to support both kinds of throttles - they use completely different frequencies.
Production of DT400 throttles has stopped, they are only making DT402's now.
Phoebe VetDT-402R must be plugged in to acquire a locomotive. Will then work wireless via simplex radio. To work wireless it requires a UR-91 or a UR-92.
Don't believe that this is correct. The DT402R only works in radio mode with the UR91 simplex transmitter. The UR92 is the duplex transmitter/receiver and it only works with the DT402D.
The exception to this is that all the Digitrax wireless receiver/transmitter panels have IR capability so the DT402R would work in IR mode with the UR92
I have a DT402D and a UR92 and just sent my old DT400 and $65 to have it upgraded to become a DT402D with the 29 function support (0-28) and the duplex wireless. I think that this is a very fair deal as it includes the return shipping of the throttle as well. So far I have been very happy with the range of the duplex wireless. It provides instant response to commands and has so far worked flawlessly for me.
The throttles and what they work with is all explained on the front page of the Digitrax web site www.digitrax.com
DT-400 has been superseded by the DT-402. It looks exactly the same, but can address 28 functions.
DT-402 must be plugged in to acquire a locomotive. Will then work wireless via infrared. To work wireless it requires a UR-90, a UR-91 or a UR-92. Infrared is line of site like your TV remote.
DT-402R must be plugged in to acquire a locomotive. Will then work wireless via simplex radio. To work wireless it requires a UR-91 or a UR-92.
DT-402D Only has to be plugged in one time the first time you use it on a new layout. After that it can do everything wireless via duplex radio. It requires a UR-92.
I believe the 402 will have more functions, up to 28 I think. I have a couple of locomotives that have 28 sound functions, but I can't access them all unless I do some function remapping. The new throttle should be able to handle all 28 sounds. There may be more upgrades as well.
Scott
GOOD MORNING, I'M NOT A NEW GUY TO MODEL ROADING, BEEN AROUND FOR HALF A CENTRY PLUS. HAD NO PROBLEM WIRING LOOPS, TURNTABLES, PASSING SIDING OR ANY THING ELSE IN TRACK WORK. THEN CAME DCC. O.K. GOT AROUND THAT . NOW WHAT IS DT402D. WHAT WILL IT RUN REMEMBER THE FRAZE " IF YOUR DC SYSTEM WORKS, JUST HOOK UP TWO WIRES ON YOUR NEW DCC UNIT. " THAT'S FINE, THE CLUB GOT A DCC SYSTEM, I GOT A THROTTLE AND HAVE ALL MY ENGINES GOING WITH SOUND (WOW).NOW WHAT IS A UR91. UR 92 TO GO WITH A DT402D. ( THAT IS BESIDES BEING EXPENSIVE). IS IT WORTH THE EXPENSE? WHAT WILL IT DO THAT I CAN'T DO WITH DT400 THANKS BAYOUMAN