Electronics and DCC

 Hi everyone.  I currently have the Digitrax Zephyr as my DCC system.  I don't really like it and I would like to get  a new system.  I would like to have more mobility with a DCC system.  I was looking at an NCE system, because you have wireless throttles.  The wireless throttle idea seems nice, even though I have a small switching layout, the wireless option is nice because I have to move around alot to get to my different industries.  Also, with the digitrax system, when I running a locomotive, sometimes the engine will stop and then start up again.  Especially with a sound loco, it will continue to run, but will stop and then start up again.  I would like a simple DCC system with a wireless or tethered throttle.  Also, it only has to have one throttle, at a reasonably low cost.

 Well, you already have a fine system.  Just add a UT4 and a couple of UP5s and you are set.  UT4s can be used wirelessly out of the box if you buy a UR90.  If you want Radio, then you will need a UT4R and UR91.

In terms of your sound locos starting and stopping, that is a pickup problem, not a DCC system problem.

 David B

 Thanks David, I'll consider it.  What are the throttles that are obong with more capabilituies that is put out by digitrax?

 Big one is a DT400

Smaller one is the UT4.

 I agree with David, the stalling is caused by poor pickup between the track and the loco not the DCC system. Solve that before upgrading any thing because the trouble will continue.

Martin Myers 

 Hey Thanks Martin and David.  I guess I'll clean the wheels of my loco, and now that I think of it, that's really the only one that does that? 

Thanks,  Cheers,

Andy

 Not all sound-equipped locomotives are made equal.  If you gave us some more information, we might be able to help.  What locomotive?  Which decoders?  What scale...etc....

David B

Andy,

  Full function throttles like the DT400 or DT400R will work.  To go radio 'wireless', you will need to get:

• UR91 radio wireless base unit(uncludes wall plate and plug-in)
• DT400R(for full function) or a UT4R(utility throttle)

 The UT4/UT4R series throttles are limited in function(like building consists, and programming).  I would buy at least one DT400/DT400R throttle.  A friend of mine has a single DT400R throttle he uses to 'program' with and build locomotive consists for his operating sessions.  He then 'steals' the consist with one of his four UT4R throttles and hands the UT4R to the engineer of the train.  He does not want the operating crews to to have a powerful DT400R in their hands.  This reduces the chance of accidently breaking up a consist or other 'pranks'.

  The UR90 'infared' base station and the DT400/UT4 throttles use infared beams to comunicate.  Though they are not limited to 'line of sight', you better have lots of white paint in the ceilings/walls of your train room so the signal can 'bounce'.  Also, make sure no one is standing in front of the UR90 base station!

  The DCS050 'Zephyr' is a great command station.  The 'built in' throttle is limited, but is included in the base price.  The system has a lot of features:

• Operate up to 10 engines at once
• Full CV 'read back'
• Can be expanded
• Can have a computer interface added

Jim Bernier

 David,

  I have been using the new Atlas North Shore GP38 wit sound installed.  It's in HO scale.  I'm not sure what decoder it has in it, probably Atlas.

 Is this factory installed sound or aftermarket?

It is a good lesson.  It is best to keep a chart somewhere, where you list which locomotive has which decoder.  And it is important to give the specifc model of the decoder (ie:  Digitrax DH123).

David B

 Good tip David, I'll try it.  Oh, and by the way, it was a factory installed decoder.

Andy,

  Your Atlas engine should have a QSI sound decoder.

Jim

 Yup, a QSI decoder.  It should run like a dream.....

Here are a few things to check.

1.  Place the loco on the track and aquire it.  Pickup the front truck, then the rear truck.  There is a possibility that one of the wires from one of the trucks has come dislodged from the decoder.

2.  Are your wheels in gauge?

3.  Are your wheels clean?

David B

 Yea Jim, I remember getting the QSI manual with the loco.

davidmbedard:

 Is this factory installed sound or aftermarket?

It is a good lesson.  It is best to keep a chart somewhere, where you list which locomotive has which decoder.  And it is important to give the specifc model of the decoder (ie:  Digitrax DH123).

David B

David makes a good point.  It is a good idea to keep track of the decoder and the associated CV settings.  If you get the Digitrax PR3 and download DecoderPro, you will be able to program your decoders and maintain a database of the CV settings.  You will also be able to work with the sound projects of certain Digitrax sound decoders.

I hope this helps.