Yeh, in no rush for the throttle but fiqured I would find out whats what so I could start looking. No layout yet (just a test track) as I had to tear down my fairly large layout for a move. New home for layout will be fairly small (11'x13'), last was 15x30 but could have been even larger.
All MTH bashing aside, that was a heck of a deal as the loco ALONE sold for more than that.
If you can wait a while for a throttle - if you already have the Digitrax WiFi interface, the smaller simpler throttle that TCS is coming out will work with that interface and give you a traditional throttle with a knob that uses WiFi (vs a touchscreen phone - which truly IS the cheapest way, using one of those cheap Android prepaid phones from Walmart or the like, no phone plan needed, but the phones are like $30-$40, NO purpose-built DCC throttle is that cheap). But the TCS throttle is some months away yet - they are taking preorders for the more expensive version but not the more basic one just yet. Or if you can deal with it for now, use the phone until the throttle is available. No cords, and no real extra expense beyond the throttle because you already have the WiFi interface.
The IR works, mostly. Friend of mine has a room in his basement with a larg-ish N scale layout, the UR90 is mounted up in the wall center of one of the long walls, but he also has a fairly low bright white drop ceiling - I'd say under 7' high, as I easily clear it standing up but it's not THAT far over my head. You can point the throttle nearly anywhere except straight down and it works in most of the room, because the IR is bouncing off the bright white ceiling. If your layout is in an otherwise unfinishes basement, or a room with darker walls/ceiling, the IR may not work as well, at least not without always making sure the throttle is pointed at the receiver. Radio/WiFi has no such limitation. ANd again, since you already have the WiFi interface... Digitrax does not (yet) make a WiFi throttle, so third party is the only option to go that route. The ESU throttle is pretty nice, basically a combo of a big knob and a touchscreen, with some physical buttons you can assign for frequently used functions. But it is most definitely not cheap. The TCS ones will be lower cost than that, though not exactly cheap.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
AlienKing If you want wireless on the cheap with digitrax, you can always get a UR90 panel, which gives IR support. The UR90 panels are pretty cheap ($40ish). With IR, it needs to have line of sight to the receiver, like a TV remote. Many digitrax throttles (including all current models) support IR as well. So whatever you find a good deal on, you might be able to use with IR.
If you want wireless on the cheap with digitrax, you can always get a UR90 panel, which gives IR support. The UR90 panels are pretty cheap ($40ish).
With IR, it needs to have line of sight to the receiver, like a TV remote. Many digitrax throttles (including all current models) support IR as well. So whatever you find a good deal on, you might be able to use with IR.
As previously stated, the OP can use any Digitax throttle ever made, they are all compatible. Keep in mind that there are (at least) three 'types' of throttle, the simple plug in one, which need to be plugged in to use, such as the regular DT500 or UT4, the radio equipped, which only need to be plugged in when switching locomotives, such as the DT400R or UT4R. The radio throttle are no longer sold (though you may find them used) and are replaced with 'Duplex' throttles, e.i. DT500D or UT4D and these don't need to be plugged in to switch locos. These each also have a corresponding panel/radio reciever which is needed for each radio/duplex throttle to work. The advantage of the Duplex is you don't need to plug in, so you don't need as many panels, however it costs a bit more.
Good luck!
Regards, Isaac
I model my railroad and you model yours! I model my way and you model yours!
rrinker Basically any throttle Digitrax ever made can be used. You do not NEED a UP5, there are two Loconet jacks on the back so yoou cna plug 2 throttles directly into the Zephyr, but if you need to go longer than the cord on the throttle, you would want to put a UP5 in a convenient spot and connect the panel to the Zephyr with a Loconet cable, which is just 6 wire flat cable with 6 position RJ plugs on the ends. Easy enough to make but you can buy premade ones for a couple of dollars each. --Randy
Basically any throttle Digitrax ever made can be used.
You do not NEED a UP5, there are two Loconet jacks on the back so yoou cna plug 2 throttles directly into the Zephyr, but if you need to go longer than the cord on the throttle, you would want to put a UP5 in a convenient spot and connect the panel to the Zephyr with a Loconet cable, which is just 6 wire flat cable with 6 position RJ plugs on the ends. Easy enough to make but you can buy premade ones for a couple of dollars each.
Finnaly found it in the manual, just missed that page for some reason, now to decide which one I want or a list of acceptable ones as I am a bottom feeder and will find a deal.
For plug in, you'll need to add a UP5panel. For wire less, a UR92 panel. So the UT4x and DT400x or DT500x throttles will work.
Page 33 of the manual says any Loco Net manual. Being an NCE guy, that's Greek to me.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Manual is a little confusing so far, fiqured I would start with answers from those that know. Already I notice that the manual is no help with some things but I do seem to be able to fiqure things out.
Does it say in the manual? I would pressume any of the D400- or D500-series throttles, as well as the smaller UT-series throttles.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Just got this item as a DCC starter set and wondered which walk around throttles I can add.