The KISS instructions for new Digitrax users
OZARKS MODEL RAILROAD ASSOCIATION
-OMRA-
Using UT-1 Digitrax Throttles
By Jim Quarles
If you have never used a Digitrax throttle before it’s different. It seems running trains on command control/DCC layouts have to be that way. More flexibility means more complex controls. It can be confusing but I thought I’d write up some hints to new users – to hopefully cut the confusion.
Beware rather than write these instructions for each throttle I’m attempting to write them for all throttles. I’m not concerned here with the details of operating each throttle – just how to get YOU to where you can run a train that has been properly programmed.
Normally in the DC world there is a power supply, rheostat or some control for track voltage (trains speed) and a switch for direction. DCC (Digitrax in particular) is much more complex. In addition to wires going to the tracks from the computerized power pack, there is a network around the layout that throttles are plugged into. This network uses 6 conductor phone plugs, jacks, and cables for communication. This is also the network more power packs are plugged in as the needs of the layout get more complex.
Throttle controls – throttles are used for several functions in controlling a train.
- Control Track power
- Loco Selection
- Control Speed & Direction of loco
- Control Functions – lights, sounds, etc.
- Programming (possibly – some throttles do not have any programming capability)
Turning on Power:
First the Layout DCC power must be turned on under the layout. You can tell if this is on by the pilot light on the power pack under the layout at Harrison.
Then the track power must be turned on any throttle. This condition is monitored at three locations where the LED is at the LocoNet panel on the fascia of the layout. Currently these status lights are at the north end of the layout at Monett, one in the staging area, and one at Harrison. When they are lit power is on the track.
OK get your hands on a throttle and look it over to see the equivalent keys on the throttle you have access to. If you are where you are able to plug the throttle in and the power is on the layout, IF TRAINS ARE NOT RUNNING, go ahead and try turning the track power on and off. Remember this is a GLOBAL command to the layout. What you do with the two key commands usually will affect all trains on the layout. Usually with many loud and pointed comments from your fellow club members.
Loco Selection:
These keys allow you to operate any locomotive on the layout. All you have to do is know the decoder address of the particular locomotive in question. Digitrax uses address 00 for DC locomotives. If you have 3 DC locomotives (without decoders) on the layout and you select address 00 to run one, they will all run, just like a regular DC layout without blocks.
To select a locomotive – let’s choose loco 07 – you would turn the right most selector knob to seven and press ACQ (acquire)
Hopefully this would bring a green light to life between the loco address selector knobs. It’s marked ST above. If you have a green light here you have the loco number selected by the knobs in your control. If it doesn’t go on, this loco may be in use by another throttle. After running this loco for a time, let’s say you want to change to another loco.
If you wanted to change to another loco – say #55 - you would first ‘dispatch’ the current loco chosen by pressing the ACQ/DISP button, this would cause the green status light to go off, which would signify you could choose another loco. At that time you would dial up loco #55, press the ACQ button the light should go green, if the loco is not in use, is in the pool of available locos, and you would be on your way.
Loco controls are the large knob for speed and the toggle switch sticking out the top of the throttle for direction on this particular throttle. Other throttles may have a push button for loco direction. Usually these buttons are contained in a box with a icon resembling ◄−►
Loco speed is controlled on all Digitrax throttles with a rotating knob,
although there is one throttle that also can be used with buttons to control
the loco speed.
The throttle shown has only 8 functions available. Many of the described functions take 10 keys. This makes using this throttle for certain jobs a two key process.
Usually the following apply to Locos that have the various functions active.
F0 = toggle lights when on the light above the key will be lit.
F1 = toggle bell on sound locos
F2= blow whistle on sound locos
Essentially that’s the gist of using one of the Digitrax throttles.
Hints – until you are a bit more proficient running trains and our layout is more bug free, I would suggest never moving from location to location with the throttle unless the train is stopped while the throttle is unplugged. There are several unexpected things that can happen when moving from one location to another with a train running. I don’t wish to get into that discussion here – so let’s just stop the train, then move to another throttle location and plug the throttle in, then continue the trip.