Hi,
I am hoping someone can provide input into a small problem I seem to have with my Digitrax Zephyr system.
I recently started using a UT4 series throttle attached to my Zephyr system. I am running a Kato SD40-2 (the newer version) and it is equipped with the proper Digitrax decoder. The locomotive is clean and all track work has been thoroughly cleaned.
My track is mostly completed and I soldered short lengths (maximum 6") of 22 gauge feeders to each piece of track. The feeders are attached, with suitcase connectors, to the 14 gauge bus. The overall layout size is 6' by 12'.
When I use the Zephyr throttle, without the UT4, I can run the loco at very slow speeds without any stalling. The forward and reverse is smooth without juddering and the loco tracks through my Peco turnouts without any problems. However, when I attach the UT4 hand held and simulate the same slow speeds the loco tends to stall in various locations, including straight sections of flex track. A very slight tweak of the UT4 throttle knob usually gets the loco moving again but obviously it's unrealistic.
On one occasion I turned the UT4 throttle to stop but the loco continued very slowly forward until I used the brake switch on the UT4 to stop it.
Has anyone had a similar problem or do you have any advice on what might be the problem? As I mentioned it works perfectly using the Zephyr throttle only.
Many thanks for your help.
It sounds like you have the loco acquired on both the UT4 and the Zephyr throttle at the same time. Make sure that you dispatch the loco from the throttle you are not using. The decoder is getting conflicting commands from the two throttles resulting in the erratic behavior.
Dispatching with the Z
http://tsd.digitrax.com/index.php?a=354
Dispatching with the UT4
http://tsd.digitrax.com/index.php?a=523
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
Thanks for the very quick reply Simon.
I am using the Zephyr and one UT4 only. When I use the UT4 I pressed and held 'Steal' and plugged the UT4 into the back of the Zephyr unit, then let go the 'Steal' button.
Is there a way to 'Dispatch' from the Zephyr throttle control unit or does "Steal' in this case do that?
Thanks again.
(Edit: sorry Simon I didn't realise you included links for the 'Dispatch' issue, I should have read further but was too keen to get back to the railroad.)
Well that solved the problem Simon. It was indeed a conflict between the two controllers.
I guess I need to read more instead of building the layout
Now you know the trick, use it to your advantage, I have had a good laugh with double acquired throttles at the expense of my two boys
Isn't it great having gentlemen like Simon on this forum?
-Crandell
selectorIsn't it great having gentlemen like Simon on this forum? -Crandell
I agree. Simon's advice to others has saved me some frustration a few times. He's a asset to this forum.
Joe
Gee thanks Guys, I am glad I could help. There are others here with far greater knowledge than I about all aspects of the hobby, including DCC. What I have learned from others I am happy has been of help to you.
I agree with you guys, his help is much appreciated. I probably asked a very simple question but it had me confounded. I received a helpful and respectful reply from Simon.
In fact I have found the members of this Forum always helpful both directly and indirectly. It says much for our hobby that their are so many people willing to share their knowledge and expertise with no personal gain to themselves.