That was added later in an update, the DT402 originally was little changed from the DT400, mainly changing the config settings screens and going up to a full 29 functions.
I still question the need for 400 slots - if NMRA DCC can even handle 400 locos without appreciable delays (press F2, horn blows 10 seconds later) but when some competing systems list "unlimited" in their comparison charts, I guess you need to do something. Or if instead it's really a lot of consists, but since command station consisting, the only kind that would use up the slots anyway, sends control packets to all locos in the consist, it wouldn't really be any different - so not an issues of how many running consists, more of how many you keep together at a given time. 400 slots allows for a lot of consists to be stored - don't accidently clear them!
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Randy,FYI: the DT402 can access the expanded slots for the DCS240. It was the DT400's (and older throttle) that could only do the 120 regular slots.AFAIK, the only difference between the DT402 and the DT500 was the on/off button.BTW, I liked using the + and - button when I was playing around with 14 speed steps with a lot of momentum and braking.
I know some people seem to use the +/- buttons, but I pretty much never hit thos, at least when controlling the train. One click ont he encoder accurately changes speed step by one. I never hit the slow incremement/decrement or fast increment/decrement buttons on an NCE throttle, either, I always use the wheel. Though the detents on the encoder NCE uses are much more 'rubbery' feeling compared to the Digitrax ones.
I'm surpised they used NiMH batteries for the battery pack. It's 3.6 volts, so 3 cells, a single 3.7v Li-po cell pack the same size would have at least double the energy storage, if not more.
I see that the plug-in rechargable battery pack is now available. Not as expensive as I was anticipating:
https://www.bobthetrainguy.com/digitrax-bp600mh-battery-pack-for-dt602-throttles/
One feature I can't find on the DT602, and maybe Digitrax skipped over it, is a way to "jog" the throttle by one step up or down. You could do this with the DT4xx series by pressing the + or – buttons.
I still have the first three alkaline AA cells in my throttle. After about four hours use I still have about 75% life.
Regards, Ed
Other people have said it looks like a resting owl.
Unless you have a DCS240 and actually need to run over 100 locos at the same time, there was no need for a DT500, that's pretty much the ONLY real feature it added over the DT402, support for the extended slots. The DT600 adds the color LCD screen, an optional rechargeable (in the throttle) battery pack, the extended slot access, and an actual power off mode.
And as usual, the DT400 and the DT402 still work, even if you replace the command station with the new DCS210+.
You can get a single click from the knob for single speed step increments - the +/- keys have to be the least worn keys on any of my throttles.
That's pretty cool! Wonder if it comes in a redhead version? LOL
oldline1
gmpullmanThe hourglass figure
It does kind of have an hour glass figure now that you mention it:
Just a few years ago I blew money on the DT402D, and since then Digitrax has come out with two more throttles so I'm not real happy that they didn't have this figured out 10 years ago. So rather than spend the $$ on this latest Digitrax throttle I'm choosing to get off the Digitrax throttle merry-go-round and plan on getting the wifi adaptor and go for the ProtoThrottle.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
I've had mine about two weeks now. Still evaluating my opinion on it. So far, so good but what I'm looking for is a "nudge" button for increasing or decreasing speed. The DT400 series you could press + or – to accurately nudge the speed step.
Digitrax_DT602Da by Edmund, on Flickr
The hourglass figure is not much different than a vintage Coca-Cola bottle. It will not fit in a "throttle pocket" though.
Digitrax_DT602D by Edmund, on Flickr
I just watched a very good review of this new throttle. The guy explained things well enough even I was following. I'm not very savy concerning DCC.
Question: Do I seriously need some female companionship or does the 600 have the body shape of a woman? Hourglass figure! Two large knobs that look like...well you know! Plug in at the bottom? Was the design a subconscious thing or am I really that lonely?
I sure liked the bigger display and the fact the lanyard can be disconnected. That's a big improvement.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTdXOWvsh84