I have an 8.5 ft x 11 ft two level around the walls layout (see my website if you want to see it www.oakhurstrailroad.com). It is currently DC, but if I convert it to DCC, would I really need to go with the duplex radio version (for extra $'s), or will the infrared version work OK (with a UR90)? Is it absolute line of sight restricted, or can it work around my single pinnesula (which is only on the lower level)?
Thanks,
Marty
www.oakhurstrailroad.com
"Oakhurst Railroad" on Facebook
the big question is do you want to have full functionallity wireless?? the IR and R option require you to plug the throttle in to select a loco which has been a limiting factor for some in the past. the D option doesn't. for such a small room IR would be just as effective as R if you fit a second UR90. also with such a small room, is it vital to have a wireless option? with an extention lead the throttle could be permanently tethered??
If you have flat walls in the room that you can bounce an IR signal, then one UP90 should work OK, but put it high in the room. I have used Digitrax wireless DT100R, DT300R and DT400R for years and have been very satisfied. I have a large basement layout with one UP91 mounted high and get great reception. I recently converted to digital by sending my DT400R to Digitrax for an upgrade to DT402D and purchased a UT4D and a UP92. I love the new digital throttles. My future throttles will all be UT4D. Just dial up the loco and go. If you are just starting with DCC, go with the digital. You only need one DT402D and one UP92.
I use a PR3 and Decoder Pro for programing and to make and break consists. I haven't punched CVs on the DT400 for years. You can also use the PR3 and Decoder Pro to use your PC as multiple Digitrax throttles.
Jim, Modeling the Kansas City Southern Lines in HO scale.
Marty,
I found IR to be bit spotty and inconsistent, even with two UR90's, I was in an unfinished basement so maybe that was a factor.
I would strongly recommend the DT402D. It's wonderful and well worth the $. No more plugging in for anything, just complete freedom to move around anywhere anytime. I also love to program on the 402. It's fast and easy
Jerry
Rio Grande vs. Santa Fe.....the battle is over but the glory remains!
Just to be sure that you have your terminology correct, there are 3 variants of the DT402 throttle.
DT402 This is the tethered throttle, but it also is equipped with IR capability and can be used with the UR90
DT402R This is the simplex wireless throttle to be used with the UR91 simplex transmitter. This is the older Digitrax wireless that requires that you plug in to acquire a loco. Also has built in IR capability and so can be used with the UR90
DT402D The new Duplex wireless for use with the UR92 receiver/transmitter. Also has built in IR capability,
So if you go the IR route, the DT402 will do the job and cost you some $40-$50 less than the DT402R
I am also a recent convert from IR to the new Duplex, although my UT4 still runs using IR. I really like the new Duplex however and have had my other DT400 upgraded.
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
Your comments and suggestions are very helpful. I've just about sorted out all of the terminology, technology, and options.
Sounds like the radio duplex system would be bullet proof. I can always used terhered as well. IR might require two receiver units but could very well work with one. The duplex system seems to be the newest trend. Also, I may want to use the DT402D (or R) at a local club layout.
Another question:
I have one DCC locomotive, two that should be pretty easy to convert to DCC, and 3-5 that could be difficult to convert. I probably would be OK if I could run one locomotive on DC. How well do these systems work running a DC locomotive? Seems to be an option in the manuals, but does it really work well?
Thanks again,
My layout is in the same size room as yours. I use the Super Empire Builder with a DT400r and one UR91. No problems. I chose the DT400r so I could use it at my club and not have to be tethered at home or at the club.
Oakhurst Railroad EngineerHow well do these systems work running a DC locomotive?
Marty, you can run a DC loco with Digitrax using the address 00. I use it periodically, especially when I want to quickly test a loco prior to installing a decoder. What you will notice is that the locomotive will emit a high pitched buzz or whine that modulates up and down as the loco is accelerated and decelerated. Some locos are worse than others, but it is not a sound that I particularly like. Top end speed is dramatically reduced when running a loco like this as well. So while it works, it is not something that I would use every day.
It has also been written that motors can burn out if they are left sitting on the layout. I have never personally experienced this, so am not sure if it is real, or more of a myth. But even so, it is probably not a good idea to keep a DC loco sitting for a long period on a DCC system.
Simon, on another forum today, people were talking about the health of the hobby from the point of view of the manufacturers, and one person said he talked to an Atlas rep who admitted the company was in tough straits. He also stated that the company purposefully puts a switch in their engines that won't allow their DC engines to be run on DCC (I have no idea what this means, or how it is done), but the point was that Atlas got tired of receiving DC engines with burnt out motors where the user had run them on DCC systems. It must have cost them a bundle.
So, I think your last warning, and the motor's groans and squeals when subjected to DCC signals, should suffice to back you up.
selector Simon, on another forum today, people were talking about the health of the hobby from the point of view of the manufacturers, and one person said he talked to an Atlas rep who admitted the company was in tough straits. He also stated that the company purposefully puts a switch in their engines that won't allow their DC engines to be run on DCC (I have no idea what this means, or how it is done), but the point was that Atlas got tired of receiving DC engines with burnt out motors where the user had run them on DCC systems. It must have cost them a bundle. So, I think your last warning, and the motor's groans and squeals when subjected to DCC signals, should suffice to back you up.
The Atlas Gold units use QSI decoders. You can set CV29 to not run on DC. I am not sure what tehy do on the Silver units since they are made for DC and are decoder ready for DCC. As for Atlas, let's hope nothing happens with them. I am trying to do my part by continuing to buy Gold units but the releases and delivery have been awfully slow in the second half of 2009. .
Engineer Jeff NS Nut Visit my layout at: http://www.thebinks.com/trains/
Selector, I hate to hear that about Atlas. They are a company that I really like, in fact I think I would go as far as to say that I prefer their locos over any other brand, Sadly they hardly ever have anything that really meets my needs. I has to have been at least 3 years since I got my Wabash Trainmaster from them, and that was the last Atlas loco I have purchased. Time to plan the new peninsula and order a bunch of Atlas track to do my part.