UT4 is still a potentiometer throttle and has the same issue of the loco changing speed. It does so gradually though, not in one big jump. What they need is a UT4 version with an encoder, but the UT4 is the result of the majority desired by Digitrax customers, they asked first and built what was asked for with that one. Any of the older stuff still works - if you don't really need 29 functions (and frankly, you really don't), a used DT300 would give you the dual encoder throttles with fewer buttons, and for less than a DT400 or DT402. Probbaly not a lot less though, that's the downside of everything being perpetually compatible - the old stuff is just as useful as a brand new one. A DT100 even works - I have one - but I wouldn;t recommend that to anyone, compared to the DT300/400/402 and Zephyr is is extremely cumbersome to even select a loco on. That one throttle is the source of almost all the "Digitrax is too ahrd to use" comments and thankfully has been out of production for many many years. But it will still work with a Zephyr. The encoders don;t 'click' as you turn them, so there is no sense that you are doing anything, and you also do not press down on them to change direction like the newer throttles.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Since your Zephyr is used for programing a DT400 would be an expensive way to do what you want.
I think a UT4 throttle would be more practical. I have both and the UT4 works very well and is easy to use with one hand.
Ken G Price My N-Scale Layout
Digitrax Super Empire Builder Radio System. South Valley Texas Railroad. SVTRR
N-Scale out west. 1996-1998 or so! UP, SP, Missouri Pacific, C&NW.
Once you get used to how fast a given loco runs based on throttle position, you can get pretty close when switching back, so there isn;t a massive jump in speed. However, it's a complete non-issue with an encoder throttle like the DT400/402. You can flip between running locos with impunity, no speed changes at all. Plus the DT402 has 2 knobs, you can have 2 trains under control at once. 3 since you cna still use the Zephyr throttle as well.
I guess that's what I'll have to do with the DCS-50 Command Station and "hard stop".
Terry
It also depends on how much momentum you have set in your decoders.
I've seen some instances where the owners like LOTS of momentum - They could switch from one loco to another and easily adjust the throttle before the loco sped up or slowed down very much.
Thanks! I did not know that.
A better reason to get a DT400 series throttle than just convenience or staying with the train.
It matters what kind of system/throttle you have. Your DCS-50 'Zephyr' has a potentiometer attached to that big throttle handle on the base unit. As you noted, changing engine with the throttle position still the same will see a change in speed.
Digitrax's hand held throttles like the DT400 series have different h/w and there will not be a speed change when switch locomotives. Note that the small knobs on the DT400 series throttles can be turned 'endlessly' and have no 'hard stop'.
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
Oh, I didn't think it mattered. I have a Digitrax, DCS-50, just command station no walk-around throttles.
That is a make and model of DCC system specific question. We need to know what DCC system you are using.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
Let's say I have 2 locos running, one fast & one slow, and change addresses from the fast to the slow.
I should probably lower the throttle before switching to the slow one so it doesn't take of.
When I want to go back to the fast one, how do I know what speed it's set at? Is there a time delay built in to prevent sudden speed changes (jerky motion)?