Basic Throttles

I use NCE.  Visitors seem comfortable with the Cab04 and Cab06 basic throttles.  For purposes of just running a train, they function about the same as the more complex looking ProCab (i.e. you use the same keys regardless), but the small size and relatively simple appearance seem to help with perception.

I'm planning wireless

with my Digitrax.  For the longest time, I planned simply to get the UT4D's.  Because I use Decoder Pro for programming, I never thought I'd need the 402 throttle.  Last fall, though, I discovered Engine Driver.  I bought a bluetooth interface for my computer and used my daughter's phone to test it out.  There was a little lag at times, but overall I was happy with the result.  Now, I'm not even bothering to invest in the UT4D's or UR92.  We've got 4 smartphones in the house now and so I can run four wireless throttles for the cost of the bluetooth dongle.  Now I've got about $250-300 more to spend on other things for the layout.

But if you are specifically wanting to know which of the Digitrax throttles, I would still get the UT4D over the 402's.

Simple

When learning a new layout, the simpler the better as far as I'm concerned.  I really don't want others programming my stuff during the op session so limiting throttles with programming capability is a good thing.  Before or after the session is the time to discuss these things.

The more complex throttles should be used for programming--before the op session.  Punching the wrong button(s) can really screw up an op session.

The only possible exception is for MUing units although this might be able to be done before the session--Several layout I have "played" on keep the units MUed for a session and the owner makes changes between sessions.

An aside--Notes should be readily available on how to do specific authorized things and how to "reset" the throttle to get out of a wrong button scenario without changing a whole bunch of things.

Terry

Throttle Debate

When I operate on a friend's layout, we all use the DT402 throttles because that's what he has. I suspect that visiting operators would prefer the UT4 throttles because when operating, there is no need for more than the UT4 throttle can do, speed control, direction control, lights, and horn.

When I build my layout, I plan to buy at least one DT402 so that I'll have a way to program with the throttle, but I doubt I'll  ever use the capability. I'll buy several UT4 throttles for visitors, because they won't need anything more to just run trains.

UT4Rs

My club only purchases and uses UT4R throttles. We don't even have any DTs. I use JMRI for any programming needing including Command station configuration changes or resets and PM42 programming.

just the big guns

We use nothing but NCE ProCab or PowerCab controllers at the club at this point.  We used to have a couple Cab 04s for the yard, but they both had problems and haven't been used in years.  There is no real problem teaching visitors how to use the programming throttles; I even taught a visiting youngster at the last open house how to use one in a few minutes, though he had never used anything like it before.  A couple of members bring their kids out and they use them too.  We have never had any issues regarding someone reprogramming something accidentally.

It has proven better to have all throttles with the same capability everywhere than to have anything specialized.  You never know when you will need to set up a consist, or drop or lift a unit.  Having the display makes it easier to know exactly what you are doing, and the fast clock on every cab is indispensible when you are writing clearances.

If given a choice I prefer using the simpler CAB's

For the Digitrax system at the Club, I will have the newest version of the UT4 (need to look and see what it is) with Duplex throttle.  I prefer the big knob, and easier to find function keys, without having to stare at the throttle to find where X Function is located. 

For my home layout I will be using NCE.  I liek there CAB04 and CAB06 models.  I have used the powercab on a friends layout as it is his standard throttle, and I don't like it myself.  It's bulky, and I never really liked the thumbwheel.  Though for my home layout, I probably will have a few Powercab's on hand just in case they are wanted by my operating crew.

Ken L.

Use a smartphone app

If your guests have a smartphone, have them download engine driver for android or withrottle lite for apple. I use them both.

+1 for CAB04...

Dear MRHers,

_If_ / _when_ I have to use my DCC rigs (which is rarely),
the NCE Pwrcab hammerhead + PwrPanel tends to stay at the workbench,
the Cab04 + SB3 + universal I/O moves between layouts as required...
(Side-issue, I have a CAB04e and would dearly love to trade it for a CAB04p...)

As I'm rarely running "mainline" or "MU" consists, the CAB04 give access to everything I need,
and nothing that's not for my "average ops sessions". (Add/drop consisting not critical for me at this time).

Guess I am still 100% happy with my home-bruise AUD$20 tethered analog walkaround throttles
- speed knob,
- reversing switch,
- optional built-in single-switch-to-activate "auto reverser",
- and < 1-sleeper-per-minute crawl performance,
(I know, the last 2 are not strictly "human interface" issues per se,
but they do affect the percieved performance/interaction of the throttle and the layout)

and place a priority on using a DCC throttle that "looks and feels like my tried-and-true" old one...

FWIW, as I regularly take any opportunity to get the throttle into the viewers hands so they can "have a run",
(where the "viewers" range from "multi-decade modelling veterans" thru to "never seen a model train before"),

the last 5 years of "viewer response" suggests they feel most comfy with:
(In order or preference. least to most comfy)
3 - Hammerhead
2 - Cab04
1 - Analog walkaround

Happy Modelling,
Aim to Improve,
Prof Klyzlr

Something basic

My own preference / experience is the use of one of the UT4's. Keeps things simple, and there is always someone who wants to 'fiddle'....

Brian 

+ 1 for Smartphone

We have recently installed a wireless network on our club track.  Wired throttles are a pain in the a## as you constantly have folks trying to get around each other. Smartphone is brilliant, easy to set up and use, consists are an absolute breeze as is most everything else except for changing switches.

Peter

...

Until, of course, your club installs a remote decoder activated switch machine on each switch... 

Clock in throttles....

To me, clocks bring in a realist element of time.

I like NCE for the clock in the throttles, but it's only on the ProCab (and maybe Power Cab).  The new Cab 06, has an LED display, so seemed like the blend of simplicity and function I wanted.  However, I've been told the clock is not supported on the 06.  So it seems the only way to get simplicity is to go with a separate clock system such as GME or network clocks.   (that opens up Digitrax into the options list).

Clocks

I use a separate clock system that was more cost-effective than handing everybody a ProCab.  For the cost of about one ProCab-R, I added the Time-Lynx system from Rail Lynx.  The majority of crews can still use the basic operator cabs they prefer, and manipulating the clock is much simpler than with the NCE system clock.  And you're right, the Cab06 doesn't support a clock repeat function.

See my prior blog entry on TimeLynx here https://forum.mrhmag.com/post/some-big-time-progress-on-the-8th-sub-12190419.

Is the smart phone suggsestion "BYOB"?

 . . . or do you keep a dozen handy for the visitors?

Its situational, Andy

If I had a large layout that I expected to have a dozen operators over to run, I'd almost certainly have UT4's or something of that ilk.  But for me in my one or two man operation, the smartphones work just fine for me.

...

You can buy a smart phone for about $100 now, the old Gen-1s that aren't 3G and all that other crap...aka, perfect for throttle use

...

compare this with the expenditure for 10 DT-402s, or 10 UT-4s.

And I still cannot get over how many people are still excited about LED displays on a DCC throttle... ugh...!  But then there's the Un-Consistable UT-4, which so many use... Sure, it's good for yard work or anywhere it's a single locomotive, but for double heading, it's limited...

Costs and other things

I haven't seen the need nor do I have the cash for the smartphone.  Seems to me there will be a monthly charge as well--there is on everything else. 

If one wants to set up a network for trains then more hardware and software (read $$) needs to be acquired.  Then there is the learning curve.  I submit few networks are the same or access the same anyway.

The UT-4 works fine with already consisted locomotives--just like the road crew expects,especially relieving crews such as those in staging yards. As I said earlier not all owners have all operators MU locomotives.

The comment about people liking to play with buttons is right on target.

Is another(duplicate) system necessary to throw switches from the smartphone throttle?

Yes, I'm learning to be a Luddite...

Terry

Costs

Terry, as I've said, I've got the smartphones in the house now.  I wouldn't go and buy one to use as a throttle if I didn't already have them.  I've already got the PR3 hooked up to the Zephyr through my computer in the layout room and all the smartphones already run on the LAN.  Just a matter of downloading the free engine driver software and connecting to JMRI through the network.  It was simple and trouble free, and it cost me nothing to have several wireless throttles.  All my switches are thrown manually.  If you don't already have a computer in the layout room, a connection from it to your DCC system and a LAN set up, yes, it will cost a fair amount to set up, but still cheaper than buying a receiver and two throttles of any system.  But if you don't have a smartphone and don't plan to get one, there really isn't a point in going this direction.

Throttles

I've had systems and throttles around since '94 and the occasional upgrade since then.  I do have a network in the house and an old computer, but none of the rest of the hardware.  I bought my radio stuff before the smartphones were around. 

I have something that works and all the pieces for the very small crew I need.  All purchased quite a while back. I know how to make it play so no new learning curve either.

Probably the 50 year career in electronics making designs and stuff work for others is part of my lack of enthusiasm in doing the same thing for myself when I have a working system I understand. 

Terry

Remote Switches

Is another(duplicate) system necessary to throw switches from the smartphone throttle?

There are systems available now that effectively put your switch operation onto the DCC network, where they are then accessible by any throttle that can dial up the decoder.  This is where GUI or computer interface software excels, seeing as how it is far easier to select a switch from a list or on a map and toggle it than it is to dial up the switch manually.

http://www.tonystrains.com/productcompare/sta_dec_jungle.htm

Smartphone question

Benny (or anyone else, if you know the answer), is it possible to download an app into a smartphone if you do not have a service plan for it?  I understand that it should work in a LAN without needing service, but is it possible to get software on and off of one?  I do not have or want a smartphone, but a $100 wireless throttle does have some appeal, if it works well.

So the question is, it is possible to set up such a system without having any sort of wireless plan and monthly service fees?

I still use a RAZ-3...

I wouldn't know, Ken, if the smartphones work without a service plan - those who know will have to speak up!

If they do, though, I see no reason to buy one of the old DCC boondoggles...

Same old discussion

There is still one thing a smart phone cannot do, and that is sprout a speed knob or direction switch.  The real question for me is whether a touch screen device can have the same intuitive eyes-off functionality of a simple hand-held throttle.  If so, I'm tempted to agree.  If not, I'll stick with my boondoggle for now.