was the DB*** that came with the challenger different to the one that came with the bigboy then?? i assumed ( probably incorrectly ) that the CT4 could be used with any DB*** to make a challenger 'set'??. but if it isn't a loconet throttle, how did it work?
Instructions for using the CT4 are all over the place - the popular modification is to make them work for the Roco cranes since with the 4 knobs you can have instant control of all the motion without flipping function buttons. They're kind of pointless for anythign else but they CAN be modified to work.
Here is the adapter: http://www.locobridge.com/ct4adapter.htm Digitrax didn't have to make it, the open nature of Loconet allowed someone else to do it. Schematics for DIY Challenger throttles are still on DIgitrax's web site. Hey MRC, you listening?
The encoders in the DT100 are not 'clickable' unlike the ones used in the DT40x - another thing I have to force myself from doing when using the DT100, you don't press down on the knob to reverse direction. You have to use the direction button. My 400 and 402 I use comfortable one-handed, in either hand, held down at my side because I can roll the encoder or click it to reverse with just my thumb. The manufacturer of the encoders discontinued the model used int eh DT100, a few years ago it was possibel to get a custom run made of them but you had to order over 1000. The older ones are probably not RoHS compliant either. I haven't checked but I suspect the pinout is not the same to simply substitute the click ones and ignore the click - there has to be at least one or two more pins to handle the 'click' contacts in addition to the normal encoder output.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
the CT4 from the challenger set cannot be used as an add on to any of the current systems, digitrax were going to do an interface to allow its use, but that never happened. re the lack of encoders to repair the DT100's, how do they differ from the ones currently used on the DT400 series?
re the lack of encoders to repair the DT100's, how do they differ from the ones currently used on the DT400 series?
CT4 couldn't be used with any system other than Chalenger even when it was new. CT4 was not a loconet throttle.
Dt300/400 throttles use "click" encoders. I've never compared them physically to the older encoders. I'd imagine the pin out and likely the size of the base would be different to accommodate the vertical travel required for the newer model. If one asks around on the various forums; digitrax Yahoo group primarily, there may be a few available. Some folks bought extras when they heard the part was being discontinued. I just sold my DT100's and replaced them with DT400R's
Martin Myers
rrinker The downside of this easy upgradeability is that old equipment goes for full price on eBay - because none of it (except the old LA-1 Loconet Adapter for the Big Boy system) is really obsolete. The old DB100a with the speaker terminals works just fine as a booster on a Super Chief Xtra set purchased yesterday. The only time anyoen really has surplus equipment is if they are getting out of the hobby completely. It's nice that you can plug in items discontinued over 10 years ago and they still work with the modern system. --Randy
The downside of this easy upgradeability is that old equipment goes for full price on eBay - because none of it (except the old LA-1 Loconet Adapter for the Big Boy system) is really obsolete. The old DB100a with the speaker terminals works just fine as a booster on a Super Chief Xtra set purchased yesterday. The only time anyoen really has surplus equipment is if they are getting out of the hobby completely. It's nice that you can plug in items discontinued over 10 years ago and they still work with the modern system.
the CT4 from the challenger set cannot be used as an add on to any of the current systems, digitrax were going to do an interface to allow its use, but that never happened.
I still have my original Digitrax DCS 100 command station in use, which I purchased in 1998 with two DT100R throttles. Last year I sent it (DCS 100) to Digitrax to be upgraded from 8 functions to 12 functions ($50). I recently upgraded my Digitrax system to Duplex Radio by purcahsing a UR92 for the loconet. I have two DT402D throttles and one UT4D; however my two DT100R throttles and my two DT300R throttles are in use on the same layout and work great along side of the duplex throttles.
I know a lot of modelers who have bought and sold several DCC systems to get the features they want. I just upgrade my existing Digitrax system.
Jim, Modeling the Kansas City Southern Lines in HO scale.
Yikes! My DT400's are looking pretty darned good.
Simon, way back in 2000? Weren't they, like, using candles and blocks and selectors and stuff like that way back then?
Crandell
OzRoscoe ..Turning the right knob was not adjusting the last two digits, but the first two...
..Turning the right knob was not adjusting the last two digits, but the first two...
When you initialially enter the loco selection mode, you are in "2-digit" selection mode, with the left two digits on the display being the address and the right two being the speed. Scroll above "c7"(see my previous post) and you will enter the "4-digit" selection mode, with all four digits on the display being the address and the left knob changing the left two digits and the right knob changing the right two digits.
Thanks for all of your input. Yes my loco has a 4 digit address and works vis the Zephyr. I will download that cheat sheet and give it another crack. Turning the right knob was not adjusting the last two digits, but the first two. Grrrr.
I'll let you know how i go.
Cheers,
Ross
Here is a link to the DT100 Manual that was included with the DCS100 Starter System:
http://www.digitrax.com/ftp/Chief%20manual%20DT100.PDF
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
Yes, I have a DT100 that I use with my Zephyr and it works just fine. Somewhere, I think on the Digitrax Yahoo group, and maybe also in the Digitrax Tech Support Depot, is a simple 'shortcut' card that shows you how to do basic operation - the DT100 is why you see posts all over the place about how difficult it is to use a Digitrax system. The design is highly kludged to give access to features that most DCC systems didn;t have at the time it was introduced, but by the time they retired it, most other brands had moved on to simpler throttles. I have to think for a minute if I haven't used it in a while as selecting a 4 digit address is not simply keying in a number like on the DT40x throttles or the Zephyr. The cheat sheet will help greatly. I do like that the buttons are buttons, not rubber topped claculator type buttons - I've thought about attempting to repalce the entire keyboard on a DT400 with real pushbuttons like those ont he DT100.
Digitrax WILL still repair them, if it's not the encoder that has failed - that's the only unavailable part. A friend of mine recently sent his DT100 in because it would work plugged in but not with his IR receiver. They were able to fix it and now it works fine. The one I have is plug-in only, it doesn;t have IR or radio.
For us to help, we need more info:What is the actual address you are tying to use?
Does the loco work as a 4-digit loco with the Zephyr's throttle?
Have you used the DT100 before, and are you familiar with it?
Paul A. Cutler III
Ah the joy of a decade old throttle!! November 2000 was the date that they were discontinued. Digitrax can not longer fix them, due to parts availability, but it is a testament to the Digirtax design philosophy that they will actually work with the current production 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
Yes, the DT100 will work with a Zephyr. Are you sure you are using the correct procedure to select a 4 digit address? It is not very intuitive with a DT100(the DT100 throttle is partly to blame for Digitrax's "hard to use" reputation"). There are two ways to enter the 4 digit address selection mode. One is to enter the 2 digit mode and then scroll past "c7" (the DT100 uses a pseudo hexadecimal representation to display address 100-127 using two digits, and c7 represents address 127). The other is to press and hold "SEL" and turn one of the knobs before releasing "SEL." Once in 4 digit selection mode, the left knob changes the first two digits and the right knob changes the second two diigts.
I am having trouble using the DT100 hooked into the loconet port (B) of the Zephyr, cannot select a loco with a 4 digit address. Does anyone know if a DT100 controller works with a Zephyr command module?
Thanks,