I suspect that there may be a "no-brainer" and simple solution to my dilemma.
My Digitrax DT402 throttle's plug lost the spring-tab that helps keep it connected to the Loco-Net ...Interconnect Panels, the consequence of repeated connecting/disconnecting. While I'm prepared to purchase a back-up DT402, I was wondering about also purchasing a few Digitrax UT4 Utility Throttles to add on/connect to the three universal panels "daisy-chained" around my layout.
My questions: Exactly how do these extra throttles work? Do they come with an identical plug? Once you program addresses into the master DT402, do you have to also program identical addresses into the UT4 utility throttles to control speed/direction?
Ideally, I would leave these UT4 utility throttles permanently connected to their associated universal panels in order to eliminate the need to connect/disconnect throttles as I move around the layout. But, this sounds too good to be true. So, any comments/tips/suggestions here will be greatly appreciated.
G'Man
The UT series throttles can 'aquire' and 'dispatch' an locomotive just like the larger DT4xx 'Super Throttles'. However, they cannot build a consist. They have 4 small rotary switches to dial the loco address, and the same RG12 connector. I hope you are not going to toss that DT402 due to a broked connector. You can guy a bag of 10 connectors for around $10-15 and the 'Crimper' to attach them for around $20-30 at many 'Big Box' stores(or even Radio Shack). Our club has a 'crimper' and extra connectors. The cord just gets a little shorter each time!
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
If you are planning on having a Train on more than one Throttle - Problems will arise as the Train will keep stopping and starting as the Train will be taking commands from 2 Throttles with different speeds!
If you want to leave the throttles plugged in all the time to get around the broken tab
REPLACE the END!
Or go with Dulpex Radio Throttles - then YOU Don't have to plug into the Fascia Panels at all!
This is the benefit of Radio Duplex - Walk around freedom and not having to plug in to the Layout ar acquire an engine or Dispatch the engine.
You can even Program too without plugging in!
Save your money on the extra Throttles and just convert everything to Duplex Radio!
Once you go Radio - You will never go back! ;-)
BOB H - Clarion, PA
The problem is you have to dispatch the loco from the throttle it's on before using that address on another throttle. IE: you start with address 3000 on the DT4xxx throttle, then want to use the UT4 throttle. You have to dispatch that address(3000) from the DT4xxx before you can use it on the UT4 throttle. This will slow you down. I don't know if you can dispatch a loco if it's still running or if it hos to be stopped and the speed set to zero. You can buy a UT4D and a UR92 to go wireless. The UT4 is limited: can't make up a consist, can't work stationary decoders or program decoders. You can steal a consist made up on a DT4xxx throttle and use the UT4R. I have a DT402R and 2 UT4R's. Wireless is great. You can have your DT4xxx throttle converted to wireless by Digitrax. Joe
Georgia Flash I suspect that there may be a "no-brainer" and simple solution to my dilemma. My Digitrax DT402 throttle's plug lost the spring-tab that helps keep it connected to the Loco-Net ...Interconnect Panels, the consequence of repeated connecting/disconnecting. While I'm prepared to purchase a back-up DT402, I was wondering about also purchasing a few Digitrax UT4 Utility Throttles to add on/connect to the three universal panels "daisy-chained" around my layout. My questions: Exactly how do these extra throttles work? Do they come with an identical plug? Once you program addresses into the master DT402, do you have to also program identical addresses into the UT4 utility throttles to control speed/direction? Ideally, I would leave these UT4 utility throttles permanently connected to their associated universal panels in order to eliminate the need to connect/disconnect throttles as I move around the layout. But, this sounds too good to be true. So, any comments/tips/suggestions here will be greatly appreciated. G'Man
Have your DT402 converted to a DT402D. They will put a new RJ12 plug on it while they are at it if you ask. Buy a UR92 and add it to your Loconet loop. All your problems will be solved far cheaper that multi throttle idea you had.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
Hmm, good idea - since I am between layouts, I should send in my DT402 AND my DT400 and have them both made into DT402D's.
Should the layotu fairy stop by and magically make a working layout appear before they get back to me and/or I buy a UR92, I can run trains with my DT100.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Get a Digitrax PR3. This will interface a personal computer with your Digitrax DCC system via JMRI (download for free). You can use JMRI to program decoders. You can also use your personal computer as multiple Digitrax tthrottles through JMRI. If you have a wireless router, you can also download an APP to your Iphone or Android phone allowing these phones to be utilized as throttles, from your router to JMRI to the PR3 to your Digitrax command station.
My layout has a Digitrax DCS100 command station (and DB 150 booster) wich I purchased in 1998. I have DT100R and DT300R throttles in use via UR90 radio receiver; I also have DT402D throttles and UT4D throttles in use via a UR92 radio receive and smart phone throttles via my wireless router and JMRI. My layout is 100% wireless throttles.
Jim, Modeling the Kansas City Southern Lines in HO scale.
G'Man,
I am with the others in converting or purchasing a DT402D or R. I started with a Digiitrax Zypher and a UT4. After I installed 6 of the UT5(?) plug in stations arround my layout I got the DT402D (duplex radio) and never use the UT4 anymore. Once I tried the wireless I didn't know how I used the UT4 before. As for the connector, just replace it as mentioned and use the UT4 as a backup or another operator.
-Bob
Life is what happens while you are making other plans!
I had my UT4 converted to a UT4D, too and my grandson uses it to run Thomas the Tank Engine which also has had a decoder added.
Many Radio Shacks will instal a plug for you.
Jay
C-415 Build: https://imageshack.com/a/tShC/1
Other builds: https://imageshack.com/my/albums
I've replaced my plug several times and the cord is getting a bit short. What's involved with replacing the flat cord on the 400 series throttles? Any links with pics, etc.? Eventually I'll go to no plug ins by sending my throttles into Digi. but for now, the majority of my group has older throttles and I need to keep the panels anyway.
It would be nice if digi. and other company's had a tougher than the usual plug tab. Kevlar anyone? ;-)
Thanks, Jim
Raised on the Erie Lackawanna Mainline- Supt. of the Black River Transfer & Terminal R.R.
Stop yanking on it? My DT400 is getting on to 10 years old and still has the original end. I bought a used DT100 and it appears to never have had the end replaced either.
To replace the whole cord, you need to open it up, it shouldn't be hard to figure out since the wires are color coded, there are 6 of them, strip the ends, solder back tooriginal positions, bingo, new cord.
Can't you just make an extension cord?
That works too. ANd keep an extender attached to the throttle - the kind with two jacks, one end you plug the throttle into and the othe rend you plug a second cord into. Never remove it fromt he throttle side, that plug will never ever again be damaged. Also good for those with radio throttles who occasionally operate somewhere that doesn;t use radio. The short pigtail is pretty useless for plug-in walkaround control just add a 6p6c extension cord and you're good to go.
rrinker Hmm, good idea - since I am between layouts, I should send in my DT402 AND my DT400 and have them both made into DT402D's. Should the layotu fairy stop by and magically make a working layout appear before they get back to me and/or I buy a UR92, I can run trains with my DT100. --Randy
I've got a DT100R as well, because my Digitrax Chief was purchased when those were the standard throttle. I recently bought a DT402D and will just keep the DT100R as a spare now. I still need a duplex receiver.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983