Apologies, first. I'm sure this topic has been addressed in (too many) previous post/inquiries. But, exactly how do these "Utility Throttles" work in combination with the DT402 "Super" Throttle? I just purchased a replacement DT402; but would like additonal "utility throttles" to plug into several LOCONET(sic?) outlets around my layout. I want to avoid plugging and unplugging the DT402; therefore, the need for additional "utility" throttles. But...
After one plugs the utility throttle in, how do you control loco addresses that have been "programmed" and are in use via the DT402?
I really appreciate the replies/tips here at MR Forum.
Thanks,
G' Flash
Perhaps a misunderstanding of how the system works. Any of the newer systems do not need a DT402 plugged in to run things. The 'brains' to do that are in your base system - DCS51 Zephyr Xtra, DB150, or DCS100.
If you have a UT4 utility throttle - you select an address, plug it in, and it controls that loco. The DT402 does not have to be plugged in, it can be locked away in a drawer.
As David said, the UT4 can only control speed, direction, and functions of the loco (turn the lights ona nd off, ring the bell, blow the horn, etc) selected. There are no buttons that would allow reprogramming the settings of the loco like there are on the DT402.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
You should dispatch any loco on the DT402 that you want to run on the UT4. There is a steal button on the UT4 that you can push to control the loco if you don't want to dispatch it on the DT402. If you don't dispatch the address you WILL have to STEAL it from the DT402. Having the same address on two throttles may give you some problems because the system thinks it is running the same address on both of them, so better to dispatch it.
Guys, I think he's asking a question of "How do I control a loco using a UT4 throttle instead of the DT402 that I have been using?"
-Dan
Builder of Bowser steam! Railimages Site
Georgia FlashSo, David... (And, I respect your replies, btw). Can I use the DT402 to program an address for loco A, then run loco A with one utility throttle; then program another loco B, then run loco B with a separate utility throttle?
yes, just hit disp on the dt402 to get rid of the loco on it. then just aquire the loco on any other throttle.
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Reading the Georgia Flash's posts, I'm not sure you understand how the system works. It is not necessary to "program" the engines on the DT402 in order to run them on the layout. It IS necessary to use the DT402 to program the engine decoder to a specific address. That address is stored in the engine decoder, not in the throttle. Once the decoder is programed, it can be selected and run from any throttle, including the DT402 or even on someone else's layout with a different DCC system.
It is also possible that you do understand but are just not clearly stating your question.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
I went back and reread the OP's post and I think he wants to leave a couple of UT4's plugged in around the layout so he doesn't have to unplug the DT402 and carry it around with him. Sounds like he is not using radio throttles but wants walk around control.
This would work if each time a throotle was left behind the address was dispatched then it would need to be acquired on the next throttle. That would be a real PITA. Mainly because UT4 thtrottles are not designed to "slot follow". Their rheostat throttles and direction switches would require having each one set to exactly the same location. Changes on one would not change others so the throttles would be sending multiple speed and direction commands.
Simply selecting an address on one throttle and moving that throttle around the layout is the way the system is designed to work. The train will continue on at its last speed and direction while the throttle is unplugged. If one does not trust the jacks to be robust enough, change to a different type of jack or simply purchase a decent crimper and a supply of jacks for about the same cost as a single UT4 throttle. The system won't care as long as the wires are connected right.
In my opinion, the best option would be to go wireless.
Martin Myers
Martin:
I agree with you that since the OP wants to avoid the plugging and unplugging going wireless is the better way to go. The OP could have his DT402 ungraded to DT402D and buy a UR92. This to me would be the best solution and would'nt break the bank.
Joe
$330.00 could be a bank breaker for some.
The OP was planning to buy 2 UT4s ($127.98 for 2 at MB Klein) so if he instead buys a UR92 ($127.99 at MB Klein) and sends his DT402 to Digitrax to be converted to a DT402D ($65.00) it seems that he won't be too far from his original budget. That is unless I read his original post wrong.
JoeinPA The OP was planning to buy 2 UT4s ($127.98 for 2 at MB Klein) so if he instead buys a UR92 ($127.99 at MB Klein) and sends his DT402 to Digitrax to be converted to a DT402D ($65.00) it seems that he won't be too far from his original budget. That is unless I read his original post wrong. Joe
He still may want UT4's. I have a DT400R for programing and running engines from staging to the valley yard, and also use two UT4R,s. One for the yard engines and one for the local/transfer engines. Saves a lot of selecting engines and having to use the steal function. Though it is easy to do these two things
I use the UT4R's many times with no batteries as they are plugged in at the yard UP5 panels.
Ken G Price My N-Scale Layout
Digitrax Super Empire Builder Radio System. South Valley Texas Railroad. SVTRR
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