SouthPenn...Also check the instructions for making and braking a consist. The difference between Digitrax an NCE is jaw dropping...
NCE:
Press "Setup". Press "Enter" to select Advanced consist. Enter consist address or just press "Enter" to accept the default. Enter lead loco address. Enter rear loco address. Enter additional loco addressess. When done, press "Enter" or "ESC".
Digitrax DT402:
Select the Top loco address on the right throttle, select a loco address to add to the consist on the left throttle. Press the "MU" key, then "+". To add additional locos, select each one on the left throttle and press "MU", "+".
Jaw dropping difference???
I use NCE on my home layout and I have operated on layouts that use Digitrax. I don't think you can go wrong with either one.
This came up a few years ago on the old Atlas forum and my reply was any system is easy to operate once you understand that systems language. Yes the NCE system is very intuitive and makes things very easy to program a loco out of the box. However I have found the Digitrax system much more convenient to operate my 16 by 24 foot layout. The battery issue can be solved by powering your UP5 panels with the optional power supply which is very cheap. I also love the ability to run two trains simultaneously and see what they are doing in the display on my DT402. On the NCE you have to hit a recall button to switch between the two.
Consisting on Digitrax is more simple in my brain as well. But, programming on the Digitrax does not work well with how I think. Therefore I program on a test track at my bench with an NCE Powercab. The best of both worlds. My only other problem with Digitrax is the pesky slotmax message I get sometimes. I'm still not sure what causes it.
Everyone is right here in that between the major players they all have their strengths, therefore its best to find somewhere to check out how they feel and operate in your hand.
Thanks
SB
Slot Max is caused by not properly dispatching a loco when done with it. Speed needs to be 0, and all functions turned off. Then the loco address will automatically be purged. My Zephyr only hold 12 addresses at a time and I've only gotten this when I was testing to confirm it really was 12 and not 10 as advertised. In normal operation I have never seen this. Haven't seen it at the club and people are forever picking the wrong address by mistake and then just changing to the right on while leaving the incorrect one still set at full speed.
--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,
Thanks for the info. This is helpful. I have found I dont tend to get it as long as I push loco, display then exit before I turn everything off. Although I am not sure the locos are ever cleared as the previously run loco number's are the first that appear when I hit the loco button the next time I turn thngs back on.
CSX Robert,
There were two operators running trains when this happened.
South Penn
blabride The battery issue can be solved by powering your UP5 panels with the optional power supply which is very cheap. Thanks SB
The battery issue can be solved by powering your UP5 panels with the optional power supply which is very cheap.
I'm confused. How does this help the battery situation in the handheld throttle ( radio control )?
SouthPenn blabride The battery issue can be solved by powering your UP5 panels with the optional power supply which is very cheap. Thanks SB I'm confused. How does this help the battery situation in the handheld throttle ( radio control )? South Penn
If you power your UP5's separately, when you turn off your DCC system you can leave your throttles plugged in and they will draw power from the UP5 instead of the battery, preventing battery drain.