Nice hints

Thank you, Bruce, for the hints on the Digitrax Duplex system 
I live in Norway and am using the Duplex myself. I like it.

I remove my batteries, but do not close the lid when I am operating on my own, because I hope this will help the lid last longer. 
You did not mention, I think, that the Duplex needs good batteries.

Any resons you placed the UR92 on the facia and not higher up?
I find my is a little sensitive if there are to many people (and stuff) between the UR92 and the UT4D.
And yes, it does help to connect a power supply to the UR92  Don't ask me why I know..

After reading your column, I am wondering if we need to connect the UD4D to an UP5 each time the battery is removed and replaced. I find I almost every time need to do that, but I am not sure about this though.

You also mentioned the IR functonality of all Digitrax throttles. Yes, they need line of sight, but they are pretty powerfull and I have found I can stand with my back to the UR90 panel and the IR signal will bump via the walls and roof. You will need a fresh battery though.
A friend of mine with a larger layout mounted three UR90s high around a column in the middle of the room.
That worked pretty well.

But the Duplex is way better.

Once again, thank you for your excellent column!

Very Helpful

Thanks Bruce for another very helpful column. I have been contemplating upgrading to duplex and your concise column has helped me with the decision. Please keep your columns coming.

Joe Knapp

You are welcome, guys.

I try to guess what folks will like. My three-column series on battery DCC operation bombed in the ratings, being dead last in at least one issue.

Thus, it is nice when folks suggest topics of interest.

@Bruce

Hi Bruce: Thanks, for the

Hi Bruce:

Thanks, for the information on how to install and operate the new Duplex system. Your article along with a great phone conversation to Nate at Digitrax confirms my decision to go wireless and I'll be ordering the UR92 and UT4D throttle this week.

Because this system uses 9 volt batteries do you have any suggestions as to where to purchase re-chargeable ones and a charger?

Thanks,

Barry

Batteries

@ Barry

Give serious consideration to using the Powerex Imedion 230mAh batteries and the Powerex charger.  The Imedion 230 is a 9.6 volt battery and will provide adequate power for the throttles much longer than the typical 8.9 volt rechargeable batteries.  

Dave

Batteries

Barry, 
I agree with Dave on the Imedion 9,6V batteries . I am using these myself.

You can get them many places, amoung MRH-sponsor Litchfield Station:
http://www.litchfieldstation.net/product/imedion-9-6v-230mah/
They also have chargers.

My batteries are in the charger as I write this preparing for tomorrows op session 
 

 "any suggestions as to where

My UT4D seems to be very easy on batteries, I don't run long sessions or very often but for occasional use the batteries last months. Any good quality rechargeable would probably be fine, I'd start by looking at your local sources and compare their products for price and capacity. .......DaveB 

Firmware updates

The 402D's and the UR 92's can get their Firmware updated from the Digitrax site

To do that requires you to upload 2 programs from Digitrax(or off the PR 3 Xtra CD),

DigiMon and DigiPLII.

The New Command Stations(DCS 210,240) will also be able to get Firmware upgrades,

When the duplex system first came out...

and I owned Litchfield Station, the Imedion batteries were the best thing to use in the duplex cabs.

I've since found a better battery, with almost three times the storage capacity of the Imedion ones.

They are a 600 mAH lithium battery from EBL. Be aware that EBL also makes a 280 mAH non lithium battery. I'm talking about the 600 mAH version, although I've used the 280. These batteries are available on Amazon in packages with and without a charger. THEY DO NEED A SPECIAL CHARGER. However, EBL's charger will work just fine with the 600 mAH batteries and any of the "normal" 9V style rechargeable batteries.

Here is a link to the 2 x 600 mAH battery plus two-hole charger package on Amazon, currently about $17.

http://amazon.com/dp/B00ER10DZ0

​For other options search on Amazon (or elsewhere) for EBL 9V rechargeable.

There are probably more options, but this is what I use in my Digitrax throttles at this point in time.

Beware, these batteries are just a touch larger than standard 9v batteries. I found out when I slid one of them into a device (not related to DCC) that captured all four sides of the battery and had to pry it back out. Darn near broke the battery pulling on the snaps.

Paul Schmidt

I appreciate your comments on the triad of columns. I can see how you'd believe that it was only aimed at the large scale group, based on the photos. That was what I was working on at the time.

Volume 1 discussed lots of things, including the Stanton system that is widely used in On30 and may find use in HO. More on that in later columns.

Volume 2 had a lot of information about battery types and charging that affects everything, including the comments here on batteries for Digitrax throttles.

Volume 3 had details of a trailing battery car for garden use. Many of the concepts could be appied to HO or larger scales. But you had to read between the lines, perhaps.

As for N-gauge locos, I don't do N well, so I stay away from commenting on it. Sorry.

Batteries More

PowerEx (Imedion) has several versions of the 9 Volt rechargeable battery. 

They have two that are called TRUE 9.6V 

The link a couple of posts above shows the version with a Black coloured body (SKU  MHR9VI).  According to the manufacture this battery will retain 85% of its capacity after a year.

The other TRUE 9.6V PowerEx battery is chargeable up to 1,000 times.  This one has a white body (SKU  MHR9V).

Thanks Again Bruce

I always enjoy your articles, and this one is right up my alley.  I have a Simplex system with five throttles, and have been concerned about obsolescence for a while now.  I always seem to be behind, as I'm still using my DB100A from my Big Boy system as a booster!  But I haven't started real OPs yet, and I don't know all of my needs.  I had been considering buying some UT4R's "just in case", but now that I know the whole shebang is discontinued, I think I'm going to go for a UR92 and UT4D instead.  That'll get me moving into the next generation (late, as always).

Thanks!

Michael

I've been recommending folks add a UR92 as finances allowed for close to a decade now.

Just wanted folks to see how painlessly it can be done. Glad you liked the column.

Me too

No, no, not behind, but smart use of an old booster.
Although i have the duplex throttles (I live in Norway and could not use the simplex) and a Zephyr Xtra (DCS51) as command station, I am still using the DB100 as booster. And I do have op sessions.

Free Batteries!

We've used Digitrax on our modular NTRAK layout since 2001. For years, our simplex radios loved to eat batteries. One year I had a bright idea.

I asked my neighbors to give me the "old" 9-volt batteries they removed from their smoke detectors. Most people (me included) change batteries once per year. Almost every removed battery tests at, or just below, 9 volts on my meter.

They work great in our throttles. And cost nothing.

As soon as the Duplex came out, we added duplex receivers and some of us went to 402D throttles (some new, some converted). Our "recycled" batteries now last for days of operations! 

Now our problem is: how do we use all these batteries before the next onslaught in October? < grin>

My personal "best" in a 402D was a battery that tested below 6 volts when I finally noticed a few problems and replaced it. Not recommended, of course, but it proves my point: there are days of usage left in your neighborhood's smoke detectors. Plus, they don't have to worry about recycling. I do it for them!

AL