Hello
I'm hunting for a kid-friendly DCC throttle that doesn't break the bank. What I'd like ideally is something that has very few buttons and knobs and just permits the running of one assigned loco-- or perhaps rotating through several pre-selected locos. And of course it would need access to the Bell and Whistle / Horn. (That goes without saying! :-)
Failing that, maybe there's something simple and cheap I could make-over. I don't mind reboxing something electronic and hiding features/functions, or simplifying something-- if possible, I know much of the work is done directly in the embedded microcontroller, so there may not be much that can be done in the way of customizing.
Any suggestions?
John
Do you mean a DCC throttle or a DCC system?
If you mean a system, the Bachmann EZCommand is just the thing for a child.
If you just want a throttle that the child will use to operate on your existing DCC system, that is determined by your system. Digitrax has the UT4, which is what my 3 year old grandson uses to run Thomas the Tank Engine on my Digitrax Super Chief.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
Phoebe VetDo you mean a DCC throttle or a DCC system? If you mean a system, the Bachmann EZCommand is just the thing for a child. If you just want a throttle that the child will use to operate on your existing DCC system, that is determined by your system. Digitrax has the UT4, which is what my 3 year old grandson uses to run Thomas the Tank Engine on my Digitrax Super Chief.
Sorry about that, I meant to say but got distracted...
I have an NCE Powerhouse Pro system. I'm looking for a throttle that will be compatible with that. Technically, any DCC throttle should be able to plug in and work-- and for a simple throttle, that might even be possible. :-)
UT4.. I'll look into that.
My oldest is 2-1/2. I was amazed at how well he was running the yard last night. Of course I was holding the throttle for him, but even so he did most of it himself with only me guiding him a little and helping him remember when to press the 'direction' button. He has a steady hand (finger) on the throttle too and did an excellent job "creeping" through the yard. We were at it for over an hour with only one minor mishap when a hopper ran a truck's length off the end of the track. I coulda done that just as easily myself.
So I'd like to get him his own throttle, a simple one, to use.
The UT4 being a Digitrax throttle does not work with the NCE system. You need to look at the NCE throttles that are available. They also have simpler engineers throttles that will meet your needs. In almost all cases you can not mix brands of throttle with DCC systems.
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
John,
What DCC system are you using? If Digitrax, the UT4 'Utility Throttle' may be just the ticket. Limited function and a 'big knob' for those small hands. You cannot do much programming/consisting capability, but you can aquire an engine and run it just fine.
NCE has several 'intermediate' throttles available as well for their systems.
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
Get a NCE Cab04p throttle. A big knob in the middle, changing direction is easy - one button marked FWD and one marked REV. Some buttons for selecting the loco, but they are not needed but are also used to control functions.
Silver PilotGet a NCE Cab04p throttle. A big knob in the middle, changing direction is easy - one button marked FWD and one marked REV. Some buttons for selecting the loco, but they are not needed but are also used to control functions.
Yes, that seems similar to what I'm looking for. Thanks for the tip.
For those not familiar with the device, here is a photo with description.
http://www.ncedcc.com/pdf/Cab04p-v31.pdf
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.
jwhittenI have an NCE Powerhouse Pro system. I'm looking for a throttle that will be compatible with that. Technically, any DCC throttle should be able to plug in and work-- and for a simple throttle, that might even be possible.
No, not true! The throttle end of the system is not under any standardization, only the part of the system between the command station and the trains is interchangeable.
So, since you have the Powerhouse, you'll want the Cab04p, most likely.
Jeff But it's a dry heat!