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Would a Digitrax Genesis W/ DB150 -UT2 Utility Throttle be an Upgrade?

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  • Member since
    October 2019
  • From: Milton WV
  • 253 posts
Posted by Trainzman2435 on Thursday, October 15, 2020 9:21 PM

rrinker

 The voltage is OK, the amps are too low though.

Something like this would work - one of those universal laptop power supplies.

https://www.amazon.com/ALITOVE-Universal-Adjustable-Transformer-Electronics/dp/B07Z4S4V21/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=16V+5+amp+power+supply&qid=1602802877&sr=8-3

Considering the DCC makers charge $60+ for this same sort of thing.

                                    --Randy

 

 

 

 

Randy, thank ya sir for your reply....Im ordering one now!

  • Member since
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  • From: Reading, PA
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Posted by rrinker on Thursday, October 15, 2020 6:03 PM

 The voltage is OK, the amps are too low though.

Something like this would work - one of those universal laptop power supplies.

https://www.amazon.com/ALITOVE-Universal-Adjustable-Transformer-Electronics/dp/B07Z4S4V21/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=16V+5+amp+power+supply&qid=1602802877&sr=8-3

Considering the DCC makers charge $60+ for this same sort of thing.

                                    --Randy

 

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    October 2019
  • From: Milton WV
  • 253 posts
Posted by Trainzman2435 on Thursday, October 15, 2020 1:18 PM

rrinker

 I hope it was REALLY low. That's an old system, the throttle is not capable of any function above F8, and it cannot read CVs. 

 Like - well under $200, because the DB150 can still work as a booster on newer Digitrax stuff - I use one with my Zephyr. I found it, I think - what they were asking was definitely too much.

 This is almost the exact same as the PS615 power supply:

https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-Switching-Power-Supply-Charger/dp/B073S4M1YV

Let's put it this way - Digitrax retired the Genesis system 20 years ago.

Actually it's worse - the UT2 throttle it comes with can only fo F0-F3! And it only does 2 digit addresses. 

 

                                    --Randy

 

 

 

 

Randy, can you tell me if the power supply in my picture will work with the db150? I have a friend that gave it to me and said that it might....Thanks sir!

  • Member since
    October 2019
  • From: Milton WV
  • 253 posts
Posted by Trainzman2435 on Saturday, March 21, 2020 9:13 PM

rrinker

 The actual Digitrax PS615 has a 6 amp capacity too. Things draw power from a power supply, the power supply doesn't push it in. You will be fine. 

                        --Randy

 

 

Thank ya Sir! Much appreciated!......Yes

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Saturday, March 21, 2020 7:40 PM

 The actual Digitrax PS615 has a 6 amp capacity too. Things draw power from a power supply, the power supply doesn't push it in. You will be fine. 

                        --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    October 2019
  • From: Milton WV
  • 253 posts
Posted by Trainzman2435 on Saturday, March 21, 2020 4:26 PM

rrinker

 I hope it was REALLY low. That's an old system, the throttle is not capable of any function above F8, and it cannot read CVs. 

 Like - well under $200, because the DB150 can still work as a booster on newer Digitrax stuff - I use one with my Zephyr. I found it, I think - what they were asking was definitely too much.

 This is almost the exact same as the PS615 power supply:

https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-Switching-Power-Supply-Charger/dp/B073S4M1YV

Let's put it this way - Digitrax retired the Genesis system 20 years ago.

Actually it's worse - the UT2 throttle it comes with can only fo F0-F3! And it only does 2 digit addresses. 

 

                                    --Randy

 

 

 

Randy, this power pack puts out 6A....Will this still be ok? The Digitrax site says to not exceede 5A for the DB150....Just making sure before i order it....Thanks Sir!

  • Member since
    March 2008
  • 409 posts
Posted by ba&prr on Friday, March 20, 2020 10:32 PM

I have a DB150 set. I bought a PR3 hooked up to a lap top and use JMRi to program CV's. It's nice since I have my locos saved in a roster. If I need to do a re-set, JMRI will program all CV's saved.    Joe 

  • Member since
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  • From: Milton WV
  • 253 posts
Posted by Trainzman2435 on Friday, March 20, 2020 9:12 PM

Randy and Rich, as usual, i really appreciate your information. I had originally planned to sell my NCE Powercab setup to recoop some of my money but now i may just keep it and use it to program locos only. Thanks again for your help fellows!

  • Member since
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  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Friday, March 20, 2020 8:17 PM

 The DB150 can write CVs - program settings. It cannot read back the current values. Plus it works like the PowerCab - the whole layout is the program track so any locos left on the track will get programmed. The DCC AutoSwitch that NCE sells for use with the PowerCab also works with Digitrax to automatically cut out the main track and connect to an isolated program track.

 Or, like I said, just use the PowerCab as your programming station, since it can read and write CVs.

                                     --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
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Posted by richhotrain on Friday, March 20, 2020 7:10 PM

Trainzman2435

What is the difference between being able to read CV's and being able to program?  

If you cannot "read" a CV, you don't know its value. But, you can still "write" (program) the desired value to a CV.

Rich

Alton Junction

  • Member since
    October 2019
  • From: Milton WV
  • 253 posts
Posted by Trainzman2435 on Friday, March 20, 2020 7:05 PM

Randy, maybe im confused lol....(Wouldnt be the first time)...What is the difference between being able to read CV's and being able to program? Should i purchase the DCS240 or will i be fine with the setup i have? Thanks!

  • Member since
    October 2019
  • From: Milton WV
  • 253 posts
Posted by Trainzman2435 on Friday, March 20, 2020 6:52 PM

rrinker
Still won't be able to read CVs though. But you could set your PowerCab up at the workbench and use it for programming.

Randy, so the DB150 is not capable of programming period even with the new throttle? Wow, i could have sworn this was the same setup from Digitrax i had back in the early to mid 1990's lol.....Just my luck, i think im getting a decent deal and upgrading my equipment and now this....Just my luck lol.....Sad

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Friday, March 20, 2020 6:27 PM

 The new throttle will work with it. You will then be able to do 4 digit addresses, and all functions. Still won't be able to read CVs though. But you could set your PowerCab up at the workbench and use it for programming.

                                             --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    October 2019
  • From: Milton WV
  • 253 posts
Posted by Trainzman2435 on Friday, March 20, 2020 6:17 PM

rrinker

 I hope it was REALLY low. That's an old system, the throttle is not capable of any function above F8, and it cannot read CVs. 

 Like - well under $200, because the DB150 can still work as a booster on newer Digitrax stuff - I use one with my Zephyr. I found it, I think - what they were asking was definitely too much.

 This is almost the exact same as the PS615 power supply:

https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-Switching-Power-Supply-Charger/dp/B073S4M1YV

Let's put it this way - Digitrax retired the Genesis system 20 years ago.

Actually it's worse - the UT2 throttle it comes with can only fo F0-F3! And it only does 2 digit addresses. 

 

                                    --Randy

 

 

 

 

Randy, thanks for the info sir....I paid $175 for it but i also ordere a new super throttle for it....The new throttle will work with the DB150 wont it? With the new throttle will it be a good system?

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Friday, March 20, 2020 3:59 PM

 I hope it was REALLY low. That's an old system, the throttle is not capable of any function above F8, and it cannot read CVs. 

 Like - well under $200, because the DB150 can still work as a booster on newer Digitrax stuff - I use one with my Zephyr. I found it, I think - what they were asking was definitely too much.

 This is almost the exact same as the PS615 power supply:

https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-Switching-Power-Supply-Charger/dp/B073S4M1YV

Let's put it this way - Digitrax retired the Genesis system 20 years ago.

Actually it's worse - the UT2 throttle it comes with can only fo F0-F3! And it only does 2 digit addresses. 

 

                                    --Randy

 

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    October 2019
  • From: Milton WV
  • 253 posts
Posted by Trainzman2435 on Friday, March 20, 2020 3:08 PM

Well, looks like i will be going with the Digitrax after all lol. I made a low bid on the unit above and the seller accepted it to my disbelief. Now to find a power supply for it....Anyone recommend a decent power pack for the DB150? I dont want to pay the price really for the Digitrax brand so i am looking for a cheaper alternative if possible. Thanks everyone!

  • Member since
    October 2019
  • From: Milton WV
  • 253 posts
Would a Digitrax Genesis W/ DB150 -UT2 Utility Throttle be an Upgrade?
Posted by Trainzman2435 on Friday, March 20, 2020 2:42 PM

Hello everyone, i am trying to decide if purchasing a new Digitrax Genesis with DB150 and UT2 throttle would be an upgrade from my NCE Powercab setup i currently have? I was planning on purchasing a NCE SB5 booster and upgrading my current Powercab to a Procab setup but happen to see the Digitrax Genesis. It is the older model that is discontinued so i was wondering what yours all's opinion was.....Should i go with the new Digitrax Genesis and sell my NCE Powercab or should i stick with the NCE Powercab and just upgrade it to the Procab setup with the NCE SB5? Thanks!

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