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How are Digitrax users upgrading their systems to use all 12 functions?

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  • Member since
    May 2002
  • From: Massachusetts
  • 2,899 posts
Posted by Paul3 on Tuesday, December 28, 2004 8:22 PM
darth9x9 wrote:
QUOTE: Now that NCE has an upgrade chip for a mere $5 to take advantage of the 12 functions now available in the newer decoders, what is Digitrax doing for its customer base to keep them current with today's technology?


Actually, Digitrax users have been able to access F9-F12 since June, 2002, when the DT400 came out. It's nice to see NCE finally catching up to Digitrax after two and a half years... [:D]

Also, Digitrax users now have the option of using the new UT4 throttle (both in tethered/IR or radio) to get access to F9-F12 for about half the cost of a simularly equipped DT400.

Paul A. Cutler III
*****************
Weather Or No Go New Haven
*****************

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Elyria, OH
  • 2,586 posts
Posted by BRVRR on Tuesday, December 28, 2004 7:34 PM
I added a DT400 throttle to my system. It operates my BLI locos with no problems.

Remember its your railroad

Allan

  Track to the BRVRR Website:  http://www.brvrr.com/

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, December 28, 2004 6:51 PM
DT400 will do the trick for you, if you have a DB150 or a DCS100. I asked the Digitax tech the same question the other day, and he told me that would work.

Greg
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: US
  • 665 posts
Posted by darth9x9 on Tuesday, December 28, 2004 6:48 PM
Hey Jim,

No, I am not trying to start a flame war. I was just curious as to what others are experiencing. I used to know three people who had Digitrax systems but now they all have converted to NCE so I don't know how "the other half" (so to speak) lives. Thanks for all of your replies.

Bill

Bill Carl (modeling Chessie and predecessors from 1973-1983)
Member of Four County Society of Model Engineers
NCE DCC Master
Visit the FCSME at www.FCSME.org
Modular railroading at its best!
If it has an X in it, it sucks! And yes, I just had my modeler's license renewed last week!

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Metro East St. Louis
  • 5,743 posts
Posted by simon1966 on Tuesday, December 28, 2004 6:19 PM
I have had my Zephyr for several months now and recently upgraded by adding an extra booster and a DT400 throttle from an Empire Builder set purchased cheap on e-bay. The DT400 throttle gives me 0-12 access without any firmware upgrade needed for the main command station.

Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum

  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: SE Minnesota
  • 6,847 posts
Posted by jrbernier on Tuesday, December 28, 2004 5:52 PM
Darth,
I did some research. The existing Zephyr & Chief series booster/command stations are capable of handling func 0-12. The Empire Builder booster/command station will address func 0-8. Not sure about the older 'Big Boy' or other discontinued line.
The existing EB can be upgraded to a Chief by purchasing a DCS100, the old DB150 can be used as a 'booster'.

Jim Bernier

Modeling BNSF  and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin

  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: SE Minnesota
  • 6,847 posts
Posted by jrbernier on Tuesday, December 28, 2004 5:06 PM
My Digitrax Chief and DT400 throttles seem to address the extended functions in my BLI engines with no problem and I can really see no issue with the P2K GP9's as they have the QSI decoder in them as well.
It is good to see NCE offer an upgrade path - a real good company from what I have seen.
I hope you are not trying to start a DCC 'flame war' - most 'high end' DCC units have all of the 'bells & whistles' - it is some of the older MRC Prodigy and the new Bachmann low end stuff that has limitations.....

Jim Bernier

Modeling BNSF  and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: US
  • 665 posts
How are Digitrax users upgrading their systems to use all 12 functions?
Posted by darth9x9 on Tuesday, December 28, 2004 3:57 PM
I taste tested several different DCC systems several years ago. I bought NCE and I haven't looked back. Now that NCE has an upgrade chip for a mere $5 to take advantage of the 12 functions now available in the newer decoders (see my post about LL P2K GP9s w/sound http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=27202), what is Digitrax doing for its customer base to keep them current with today's technology?

Bill Carl (modeling Chessie and predecessors from 1973-1983)
Member of Four County Society of Model Engineers
NCE DCC Master
Visit the FCSME at www.FCSME.org
Modular railroading at its best!
If it has an X in it, it sucks! And yes, I just had my modeler's license renewed last week!

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