Digitrax UT4 throttles

[retsignalmtr]

i have the super empire builder with a dt400r and my club has the same system. several members bought the ut4r's also. the speed control on the ut4 is a little more sensitive than the dt400. selecting a loco is no problem if you can't see the numbers just count the clicks as you turn the dials. when i'm doing switching i prefer the dt400 as i operate the speed and double click the knob for direction control with my left thumb as i throw switches and uncouple with my right hand. we still have to install other loconet ports around the layout because it gets a little crowded around the base unit with all the plugging in and unplugging needed to aquire, dispatch and steal locos. but we like the ut4's. they're simple and compact.

[Anonymous]

You can't do any programming through the utility throttles. You can't control turnouts, or anything other than the decoders in the locos. That's all. If you program through your base unit, and you do not plan on wanting to control anything else from a throttle other than a loco, the utility throttles may be for you.

http://digitrax.com/prd_ut4.php

This link describes the utility throttles and tells you what they can do. Which is basically what I just did above.

[JohnT14808]

Our club bought two of the UT4s with our original Digitrax order, thinking that those throttles would be used by guests and youngsters. Works out pretty well. I'd rather have a young one drop the UT4 than a DT400 or 300. Most of the club members also ordered personal UT4s with our club order and I think most all members like the action of the throttle.
Has any one broken the clip area on the battery lid yet? One of ours broke within a week of our getting it and I was curious if we were just too rough with it or if others had that problem? Has any one tried to order additional "battery compartment lids" from Digitrax? Any luck getting replacements?

[simon1966]

I have a UT4 as well as a DT400 and my Zephyr. I would agree that the little number dials are fiddly. The problem is that they are too close to the big knob and there is not enough room to get adult fingers in with ease. It is other wise very easy to use. I like the location of the reverse switch and appreicate being able to run a loco in one hand by my side without having to look at it. It is great for switching in this respect. I would prefer it did not have the shift function, but it is not too cumbersome. The Zephyr is far and away the easieist and best throttle to use of the 3.

[Blind Bruce]

I bought one sight unseen,(pun intended) and those address dials are NOT READABLE. I need to get a sighted person to set them for me every time. The lettering is too thin and could easily be bolder.
BB

[jnichols]

The UT4's are great operators throttles. While the address selection controls are a little small, the rest of the throttle is very nicely laid out and easy to use. I highly recommend one of these as a second or guest throttle. If want more control of the addresses with your operator throttles, stick to the original UT1. Four digit addresses must be dispatched to this throttle, giving the person holding the DT400 all the control... [;)]

Jeff

[jxtrrx]

I say shell out the money for the DT400. UT4 loco selection knobs ARE too "fiddly" (way too small). Using the shift key is inconvenient. The Dt400 (as I understand it) has two throttles and a recall feature plus a full keypad. (I have a UT4 and am wishing I'd bought the bigger one).

[keystonecrossings]

I have four of them. I think the speed control is a bit too fast. Other than that, it's been adopted as the standard throttle on my system. My 7 year old uses it fine, with sound functions.

[Anonymous]

I bought two of them for my two sons (and me) to use. My 11 yr old understands the concept of how digitrax throttles work so it was very easy for him to work. My 5 yr old doesn't have a clue, but he knows what engine road number is his and he is able to manipulate the dials on the UT4 better than me (because of his small fingers of course), knows how to aquire it also, haven't taught him how to dispatch yet, but I am sure he can figure it out, these kids are pretty smart these days.

I think it is the perfect throttle for kids and visitors for that matter. There is no way they can upset programming with this throttle.

For myself, I think it is like the DT300, a little small for adult hands. The dials are abit difficult to turn, I feel like I might break one off one of these days, but I doubt it. Other than that I use them all of the time and am satisfied with the units.

I have the Zephyr and these are my only walk around throttles at the current time. I think I made the right choice. Eventually, I will add a DT300 and/or DT400, but the UT4 suits our needs for now.

Hope that helps.

Mike

[Anonymous]

Does anyone have any experieces to share with the UT4 throttles? Such as are they easy to use, too easy to use, too basic, too fiddly with the little address dials, etc.

I don't want to shell out the money for another DT400 if I can help it but don't wi***o buy a lemon either.

I have rejected the DT300 as the two-knob dial up process for addresses is too hard for an eight year old. He can use the 400 OK by punching the numbers in the keyboard. But, turning the knobs he always goes too far then it's a to and fro till he gets it right. I have to say I prefer punching the numbers in as well.

The UT4 with its easy-looking dials may be the right option????