Kvetch re Digitrax/DCC

[CSX Robert]

"Digitrax system failure"

Georgia Flash

I'm feeling ripped off; and don't want to trash/bad mouth DCC or Digitrax.

Georgia Flash

Today is Monday, Jan. 4, '10. I just returned from Savannah - where I left my Digitrax DB150 "Command Center" and throttle with the dealer for return shipment to Digitrax. The dealer and the tech support person at Digitrax (via telephone conference) could not explain the failure.

"DCC with DC as back-up"

Georgia Flash

I do not like this feeling - being ripped off; don't want to go through this again.

"Kvetch re Digitrax/DCC"

Georgia Flash

The Digitrax people in Florida have had my DB150 and associated throttle since January 5th.

Georgia Flash

Am beginning to have serious doubts about DCC in general, and serious misgivings about Digitrax in particular

Some random thoughts on your situation:

To state "I'm feeling ripped off" and "don't want to trash/bad mouth DCC or Digitrax" in the same sentence is contradicting yourself.

Have you had any direct contact with Digitrax since the initial telephone conference?

Have you confirmed with Digitrax that they actually got your system and on what date they got it?

If so, have you had any additional contact with Digitrax to try to get an update?

Have you checked with your dealer to get an update since leaving the system there?

I just think it's odd that in your initial post on this problem you state that you "don't want to trash/bad mouth DCC or Digitrax," yet most of your posts seem to have that slant without providing any information on whether or not you have contacted Digitrax directly and if you have what their response has been.

[simon1966]

So what did Digitrax say when you spoke to them?  I seem to recall from your original posts that your problem was quite odd?  I

[mfm37]

 I assume you've already contacted Digitrax with your concerns and that's why the post here. Last time I had a repair that had gone toolong, after contacting them they apologized for the delay, repaired my command station and returned it along with my check. That eased the pain.

Martin Myers

[locoworks]

digitrax will be knee deep in a backlog of throttle upgrades to the maidens prayer which is 'Duplex radio',   you are a victim of your timing.

[tstage]

Don't give up yet, G' Man.  Digitrax is a very reputable company and puts out a very good product.

Although I don't know the exact nature of your repairs, have you contacted Digitrax to inquire where things are at with your throttles?  Sometimes companies get bogged down with projects, fixes, upgrades, and upcoming shows that take away their time and efforts from repairs.  BLI had my Blueline Niagara for 5 - 6 weeks before they sent it back.  Course, that didn't stop me from running my other locomotives.

Also, was Jan. 5th when you mailed your throttles out?  Or, was that when Digitrax actually received them?  It does take a few days in transport in either direction.  Sometimes up to 5 days; depending on what day you send it on.

Tom

[retsignalmtr]

Before I sent one of my clubs DT400r throttles back to them I called and they said at least one month for the repairs. They were right. I haven't have to send anything else back.  One of their people in their tech help is not very helpful, but otherwise I've had no trouble with their products or most of their customer service.

[wjstix]

Not clear what you're driving at...a "shout out" means a positive comment about someone, but "kvetch" means to complain. I'm guessing it's the latter, as it sounds like your not happy with Digitrax et al?? Keep in mind that many model railroad related companies are relatively small, and sometimes things to take time. What was the problem with the Digitrax equipment that caused you to return it to them??

BTW even if all your engines have been converted to DCC, they should all still run on DC too. Most all decoders now are "dual mode" and will work on DC unless you change a CV to specifically not allow DC operation by that decoder.

Many folks when converting an existing layout to DCC use a DPDT switch so they can go back and forth between DC and DCC. That way they can operate all of their engines while they're converting them...plus some of us like to test-run new engines on DC before converting them to DCC.

[Georgia Flash]

 Just a quick shout out regarding Digitrax and customer service. The Digitrax people in Florida have had my DB150 and associated throttle since January 5th. During the interim down-time I have worked on scenery and ballasting trackwork - WITHOUT the joy of watching trains operate. Am beginning to have serious doubts about DCC in general, and serious misgivings about Digitrax in particular; have even considered returning to good ole reliable DC and MRC. BTW, the folks at Walthers, Modeltrainstuff, and Cherry Creek Hobbies have been great.

Thanx for your ears and continued good tips/recommendations.

G' Man