DCC system recommendations for a medium-sized HOn3 layout?

[Dave V]

I wonder if my old command station can handle those higher functions.

[nstars]

The command station won’t be the problem, only the throttles may limit the number of functions.

Marc

[AKNscale]

F0-F28 are available on a 402

I stand corrected, but again, they don't all have their own button like ESU does, therefore not as simple, especially for newbies.

[reinhardtjh]

Here's a good comparison of Digitrax advanced throttle capabilities

http://www.fritzmilhaupt.com/dcc/digitraxadvancedthrottles.html

and utility throttles

http://www.fritzmilhaupt.com/dcc/digitraxutilitythrottles.html

And Command stations, too

http://www.fritzmilhaupt.com/dcc/digitraxcommandstations.html

Too bad it doesn't compare ESU, NCC and Digitrax but you can't have everything.

[Dave V]

I would want to upgrade at least to infrared.  I'm kinda burned out on tethered throttles.

[John]

I would want to upgrade at least to infrared.  I'm kinda burned out on tethered throttles.

Dave . If you keep your Digitrax, I'll send you the UR90 to do IR ..

[Dave V]

Dave . If you keep your Digitrax, I'll send you the UR90 to do IR ..

Sweet!  Thanks!

[GP40X]

I think recovering the DB150 from the JD is your best bet. Technology on the control station end isn't much different now. You're already familiar with the frequently-obtuse Digitrax system, so leverage that knowledge. Just add a UR92 and DT500D and you've spent less than trying to migrate to a completely new system with a new UI.

If you want to stay with Digitrax but want to update the technology, think about getting a Zephyr Xtra to use as a command Station then maybe use the DB-150 as a booster.  Depending on what functions you need, a UT4D throttle with a UR-92 is hard to beat.  Also the LNWI Wireless interface will allow you to use up to 4 phones as throttles without having to boot up Loconet.  I like Android over I Phone so I use Engine Driver instead of Withrottle.  What throttles do you currently have?  If you have a DT402 throttle, I believe Digitrax is still updating them to a D radio throttle if you send it in and pay for the upgrade.  HTH

[Lemosteam]

Dave, My LIRR IS uses an ancient super chief.  I got the new Digitrax wireless module for Christmas as well.  It works good.  I have apple and android, so Wi throttle on my iPad mini, and engine driver on my disconnected LG G3 (but i cannot get that to connect and run properly), so iPad it is.

Was up and running nearly immediately.

Guess what I am saying is that your old system is infact not outdated and can handle all of the bells and whistles of the newer sound decoders and such.

You can also use your old throttle just for programming purposes leaving it on Loco Net by your programming track.

The Wifi unit allows both types of throttles to be used simultaneously.

I wouldn't drop a dime on a new setup if you don't have to and like you said, you be able to use that cheese on new decoders and speakers for your new locos.

[jdcolombo]

I'm late to this discussion, but I agree with the clear majority sentiment here:

Keep the Digitrax, and upgrade it to wireless.  I wouldn't use IR for a walkaround system; go straight to radio.  HOW to upgrade is the question.  If you don't mind the loss of tactile feedback and are OK with using a smart phone as a throttle, getting the Digitrax WiFi interface and running WiThrottle on your iPhone (or an old iPhone you may have sitting in a box from a prior upgrade) is simple and effective.  You can put together and break apart consists, and easily access 20 functions with this system.  But you won't be able to do ops mode programming (or, actually, ANY programming) with it.

If, like me, you really want tactile feedback and need to access high-number function keys, you can get a UR92 (duplex radio) and DT402D throttle.  This will cost a LOT more (in the $300 range for both the throttle and UR92), but Digitrax's duplex radio system is pretty robust and an upside is that you can use the DT402D in wireless mode to do all sorts of programming, either on a programming track or on the main - it can access CV's above 255 (unlike the older DT400's), and I use one to program stuff on my ESU LokSound decoders all the time using ops mode programming.

I do think that the "Holy Grail" of throttles is the ESU Mobile Control: WiFi radio, nice large knob, hard buttons on the side, and a customizable touchscreen for function keys.  Unfortunately, right now you can't get the throttle to work fully with anything other than ESU's command stations.  If someone in the JMRI project updates the Engine Driver code so that the knob would function correctly, I'd go that route, but I've got too much invested in Digitrax to switch to a full ESU system right now.

John C.

[Santa Fe Guy]

I sold all of my digitraxx stuff when I sold my SFRSD.
Now for my new HOn3 layout I have bitten the bullet and gone NCE 5 amp radio following having used it on three friends layouts. Easy to acquire a loco, no dispatching and nice easy to see buttons on the throttle.
New unit and latest specs.
Some good deals round at under US$500.00
Just another thought.
Rod.