I'm looking at getting one of the new UT4 throttles from Digitrax, and was wondering what is the big difference between the infrared version ($79.99) and the radio version ($129.99)? I currently have a 3 x 7 layout using Digitrax Zephyr, but will eventually build a much larger around-the-room layout. I do not want to buy any equipment that cannot be used on the larger layout (1-2 operators max). Therefore, I'm wondering is it worth the extra jack for the radio version versus the infrared version?
You might check to see if your local NTrak club uses Digitrax Radio. Those that do generally ask users to bring their own throttle, and you never know when you might want to run at a show or convention, so having a radio capable throttle might be a good idea in any event. I bought a DT400R for just this reason (the UT4 had not yet been announced). For cost reasons, I plan to give IR a try at home (which my old DT100 also supports). I'm thinking of mounting the UR90 on the ceiling. If it doesn't do the job, I'll then shell out the bux for a UR91.
Our NTrak club also uses Digitrax Radio. But we also mount UP5s (the throttle jacks) all along the modules every 8 feet or so. I own a DT300R, and plan to purchase a Digitrax Radio Super Chief system for my home. The big difference between IR and Radio, is that the IR needs direct line of sight between the throttle and the receiver, much like between your TV and its remote. So, if something is blocking that line of sight, it probably won't work (you can bounce IR signals around stuff, but it doesn't work well). The radio signal works through basically any material and doesn't require line of sight. My own experiences with radio throttles are; you have to plug in to aquire your locomotive or dispatch it (release it from the system). I believe this is a default safety feature built into the Digitrax system, and may be configurable? I have also noticed both on a large NTrak setup as well as at a large home layout, that sometimes the throttle looses contact with the radio receiver, necessitating you plug back in to re-establish a connection. As I don't yet have my own system, I'm not sure what causes that and how to minimize it's effects.
The main difference between IR and radio is that IR is line of sight and radio is not. When you use an IR throttle, it is just like using your TV remote. If there is something between you and IR receiver, your command won't get through. I have been using Digitrax radio for about 6 years now and love it. I have a single receiver mounted under the layout in a 24' x 40' room. I have never had any problems with reception from anywhere in the room. I have tall mountains between many places in the room and the receiver. If I had IR I would probably have to put receivers in several places. David
So what you are saying is that I have to purchase not only a UT4 or UT4R(?), but then also a U90 and/or U91? That's a whole lotta loot just to have walkaround. Or is it simply buying the UT4, plugging it into the back of my Zephyr to have walk around control?
Yes. You have to purchase the UR90 or UR91. If you go infrared, the throttle is already equipped for the $79 bucks. If you go radio, you have to spring $120something for the radio throttle. UT4R I have been contemplating the samething and have a QUESTION. ?? I have noticed in literature on line that Digitrax recommends plugging directly into the bus (hardwire) when programming, MU'ing, etc. I have a Super Empire w/ the DT400. My layout is 25' x 6'. I usually follow trains around and just plug in. For you guys already on radio, how iron clad is the requirment to be hardwired for programming and other commands that are not done that often?
Digitrax radio is one-way (throttle to receiver). For two-way communication between the command station and throttle, the throttle must be plugged into LocoNet (not hardwired, which implies a permanent connection). To aquire or dispatch a loco (select or release it from the throttle) you need to plug in. Once that is done (10 seconds), unplug and run trains. You do need a wireless receiver to do this, the UR90 ($37) for infrared, or the UR91 ($120) for radio. A UR91 can support multiple simultaneous radio throttles. For programming locos, you must also plug in (this is a safety feature), however ops mode programming (programming on the main to an addressed loco) can be done via radio.
mightypurdue22: (How can I not respond to a fellow alum?) You should be able to just plug the UT4 into the back of the Zephyr (I am assuming the Z has a Loconet jack as I have not seen one). You would just need a cable long enough to be able to reach everywhere you want to go.
I've used IR for several years and am happy with it. I do have two receivers to give me adaquate coverage. That's because I have a 19x25' layout with a ceiling height backdrop down the center peninsula, so I have a receiver on both sides. I have 5 throttles so the savings over radio were significant. Don't the radio receivers also receive IR signals? I mention it because if a club uses radio throttles and a member has only IR I think he can use it as long as he has line of sight to the radio receiver. Tho this probably wouldn't be the case, as the receiver is most likely under the layout somewhere. Gary
Yes, the UR91 radio receiver is both radio and IR. It also has a plug in socket on the front like a UP3/5 panel. For a long time the UR91 was the only plug in I had. David
If you decide to hold off on getting a radio throttle (ALL throttles are IR capable), then get a UT4 now and have it upgraded to radio at a later date. Digitrax has done this in the past with the DT100, DT300 and DT400. Cost for the upgrade was $50 I believe.
Our club has been using Digitrax DCC for many years. In fact, that is what got me hooked on DCC! I bought a Super Chief set with DT300R throttles, even before I had a home layout just so I could have my own throttles (and command station to do programming and testing before shows). The radio feature can't be beat, especially when working on a large NTrak setup at a show (~ 24'x72'). Harold
