Digitrax DT602D Throttle Review - Model Train Layout Built for Operations and Realism. S2020E24
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- Опубликовано: 8 фев 2025
- The Union Pacific Railroad Geneva Subdivision is an N Scale model train layout in its 11 year of construction. The layout is built for operations with many fun ops session successfully completed and many more yet to come. In addition to realistic model train operations, the layout strives to follow the actual Union Pacific as prototypical as possible.
This episode features a review of the new Digitrax EVOXD Evolution Express Advanced 5A/8A Duplex Starter Set.
I like your suggestion to Digitrax regarding left & right throttle display. Thanks for sharing this video and information especially the detailed review.
Glad it was helpful!
As a software tech with a lot of HMI experience - I think your suggestion for the screen layout changes makes a lot of sense. Maybe digitrax could even offer several layout options in the future including larger font on the config menus for those with poorer eyesight.
Yes!
@@EvanstonSub For once someone is being kindly considerate of model railroaders with really poor eyesight ( me ) for that I humbly thank you Sir 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🚂🚂🚂👍👍👍
Thank you for doing this review, it was very informative and thorough. It will help a lot of people who are torn between Digitrax and Nce. Going to dcc is a sizable investment and most people don’t have the info necessary to make the choice because most reviewers only give opinion in defense of the system that they have already purchased. Thank you for being unbiased in your review.
You're welcome
Great review. Thank you. I'm getting it! And, like your suggestion on the screen change. Nice job.
Thanks for the kind words. I hope it helps.
This a good video. I currently have an nce starter set. I'm ready to build a basement layout. I was looking to upgrade to a nce power pro system. After watching this I think I'm switching to this system. Thanks for posting this.
I ordered a digitrax evox from modeltrainstuff. This is my first command control system. Gonna be running some G scale models with newly added sound decoders.
I like Yankee Dabbler too, they pass on the discount they get from Digitrax products to you. So Decoders, systems ect are all at the discounted 20% off of MSRP, I have ordered a lot from them and I do plan to get the DT602D system as well myself, even though the Zephyr Express I have is handling the layout just fine. Just looking for something a little more "permanent" then the zephyr which is nice, but I can't "mount" it like you can with the 210 ect. I use the LNWI with JMRI engine driver too :) Another Note: You can hit the MU at any time during the section process, you do not need to be in the MU+, all you need to do is hit Loco, then type in the address and then you can still hit the MU (A key) and hit MU+ (A key) to still add the locomotive. When doing this you do not lose the selection of the locomotive till you hit loco again, so you can cancel it (X) at any time and return back to who you have selected. These new throttles are the Zephyr system, which is very nice. Do note, you CAN accidentally MU a locomotive to itself, to undo it, just repeat the process and press the MU- or dispatching it should also undo the MU. You can steal a locomotive during the MU process as well, JMRI Engine driver won't do it during an MU, but using a normal Digitrax Throttle can always steal. I have done this to undo some accidental MU's when the engine driver won't let them go, or an address gets stuck. This usually happens if I don't release a locomotive or MU before disconnecting from the LNWI or turn the system off before I released things.
I’m a newbie so I never had a 400 or 500, and haven’t bought a 602, and your setup is way ahead of me, but you did a very nice review. Very thorough explanations. Thanks for sharing!
Glad you found it helpful.
Good review from someone who’s just purchased this bundle over here in UK. Having a 15M run and block detection, think this will be just the ticket.
Thanks
Daryl, great video and review. This looks like it is a great product for Digitrax.. At some point I will invest in this throttle, nice upgrade for them. Thanks for the honest review. Thanks for sharing and stay safe. Ken
Go for it!
When it comes to speed matching the 402D side by side is better for me. I agree with you
Hey appreciate you showing the Digitrax system as I am on the lookout (again) for a controller for my layout. I originally went with the NCE Power CAB but after only 6 months of very light use it broke, just stopped responding. These things happen but I had to send it from the UK to USA for analysis at NCE head quarters which I am not happy about! So I am thinking of replacing it for something else possibly the Digitrax which has caught my eye. Your video has really helped me to get a clearer picture of its functionality.
Too bad about the NCE. I've been very happy with my Digitrax set
Nice vid. I appreciated running across this as I was considering upgrading my DCC setup. There are many features of this system that I like, but if I could change one thing, it would be to make the speed % display larger. Doesn't have to be like the address, but large enough to stand out and be easier to read with a quick glance.
Yes, I already suggested to them to change how speed is displayed. Maybe they'll change it.
Daryl, thanks for the review. I am a Digitrax user myself. I was tempted to change to NCE based on comments from a couple other video channels but I have quite a bit invested in Digitrax supplies, plus I am not an "electronics guy" so I wasn't interested in learning a new system. I would rather spend the time playing with trains. The new throttle looks MUCH less intimidating than my 402D throttle. I would like to upgrade in the future. I appreciate your comments and the information presented.
Thanks
Just bought the Evolution Express Adv. 5/8 Amp Duplex Starter System for my son and I to learn DCC on. The manual is an outright embarrassment to Digitrax and folks like yourself are making it tolerable to try to learn how to set this up. I am looking for the proper way to run power to the track from the Digitrax DCS210+ and if anybody knows of any solid source/manuals, I would be forever in your debt. Thanks for the great video and for keeping me sane while trying to understand the new world of DCC.
Beautiful layout! And a great review!
Thanks
Great video, just got mine, so very informative.
Glad it was helpful!
Great video brother definitely helping me learn the new throttle better really enjoyed it
Glad to hear it!
Nice job on the layout
I'm glad you like it
Good review video, I am looking at getting the non-duplex version in the future so am watching all the videos I can on the system, how to update firmware, how to control DS64 using the throttle, that sort of stuff.
Glad I could help
Update on my side just ordered the DT602D from Yankee Dabbler , joined the Tennessee Valley Modelers club in Bell Buckle TN. We currently have O, HO, N scale layouts. 23 March 2003 received DtT602D….. 18:35
Nice. Have fun!
It reminds me of the digitrax zephyr dcs52... I upgraded from the 51..so far I like it..
Really well detailed video. I am looking for a DCC system currently and looking for well done reviews, which your is definitely a great review.
One question: I will be running steam on a large HO mountain layout here in NJ. How do you control sounds on the Digitrax DT602D Throttle? (Bells, whistle, etc). Thanks and super nice video. Gave you a sub.
Phil
Thanks for the great review
No problem 👍
I have not updated to this latest firmware release yet, so it was interesting to see some of the differences.
Considering getting this - |I have a very small layout, approx 5ft x 8ft - I believe the 5A is overkill already, let alone the 8A.
Yankee Dabbler always has great prices.
Made in the USA.. wireless.. use of other cabs for my nephew. . Take my money
Hello from the UK. I have just had a look at this as I’m trying to decide which DCC system to go for. A friend of mine has the Zephyr set-up and notice from that it has brake. Can one of the buttons be programmed as a brake function on the DT602? A very interesting and informative video by the way so thank you so much for sharing it.
No, braking would be through CVs on the decoder and Function keys on the throttle.
Need some cable management!! Nice narration and great looking layout!
Agreed! But not going to happen.
Did your cost summary towards the end include the 8 amp power supply?
No
I enjoy your videos and the attention you give to represent the area for which you enjoy to model. Base on the experience you have, which system do you feel is best for a beginner of DCC, expecting future grow and expansion. I have read NCE, but all of the experienced modelers i follow all, yourself included, use Digitrax. I'm worried that in a year or two I will have spent several hundred dollars on brand A and think why did I do this as I switch to brand B. To be honest, i'm not concerned about price or availability. Thank you for your honest opinion about the product in this video.
Definitely recommend Digitrax, especially if your plan to expand in the future. There recent products can be updated with new firmware as improvements are made. A definite plus.
That’s not all, Digitrax has back emf, which means that the system sends info both ways. People are fond of jmri but it is not needed with Digitrax. You can control trains, switches, and signals without any additional programs and they all report back to the Digitrax command station so the system knows the status of each of them.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the new throttle. Question, the Meanwell power supply, are you using this to power the DCS and not the black power brick that came with the system?
Yes. The power supply that comes with the system is only 6 amps. I wanted to use the 8amp capabilities of the DCS210+, so I used the Meanwell 15v, 10amp PS.
How many trains can you run at a time?
Db150 camand station disconnected from the layout showing short circuit it will be no good dead. That is what happened to me on my layout
Not sure what you mean.
Which is a better systemNCE or DIGITRAX?
Last layout I had DCC was an infant and many refused to recommend for a home layout.
Digitrax is superior in my view. Many people went with NCE because they did not like the digitrax throttles, especially wireless. In the past very years digitrax has come out with two excellent wireless throttles. The Dt602d main throttle and the UT6D utility throttle. Digitrax is much more expandable for layout control, signaling, etc.
Digitrax is superior in my view. Many people went with NCE because they did not like the digitrax throttles, especially wireless. In the past very years digitrax has come out with two excellent wireless throttles. The Dt602d main throttle and the UT6D utility throttle. Digitrax is much more expandable for layout control, signaling, etc.
@EvanstonSub that's
I have noticed in video's that it's also pointed out Digitrax has easier ability to add on without going out of house for peripheries and hoping it compatible.
Again
Thank you for your information.
I would like to know what all the usb connection does. Will it work with Decoderpro to program, either in the main or the programing track? Does it run the throttle app in Jmri? Does it connect the loconet to read and control, blocks and signals?
Connects to your computer. And yes, you can then used DecoderPro, read blocks, signals, etc.
Which DCC system are you going to use on your new layout?
A question instead of a comment. Can someone tell me if the "D" "E" and "F" keys can be programmed for quick access to the whistle, bell and light functions?
I do not believe they can.
Ten amps sounds like a lot of power for even a large N sale layout. I'd like some advice on how much power a typical N scale locomotive with sound can be expected to draw. I do understand length of a power bus is a factor, but that can be resolved with boosters.
This seems to be a starter set only in the aspect that it has all you need to run most layouts. Looks like a nice package if you''re into Digitrax, which I'm not. Finally, a Digitrax throttle which is easier to understand. Perhaps a recognition that more friendly competitor systems were gaining market share? When looking for a DCC system many beginners seem to conclude Digitrax must be the best because it is so prevalent. I personally feel the early entry and smart marketing account for some of Digitrax popularity. It is a robust system and no one is going to go wrong selecting Digitrax. However, there are other equally solid systems available which, for many modelers, have features making those systems preferable over Digitrax.
Most locos have 1amp decoders, but seldom use half of that. I've used a 5amp DCC command stations up to this point, but that was living on the edge. 8amps is much better.
Daryl, Thank you for doing this review for us. It's nice to see Digitrax issue a more user friendly Throttle. Not before time. Now that you have the power set up will you buy more throttles for when you have an operating session? The only drawback I could see was the screen going off every 20 seconds. I suspect it might not be such an hassle as much as it looks. When you get used to the system I hope you'll but up another video on operating the layout with the Digitrax D.T.6020D. Cheers, Chris Perry.
I already have a number of utility throttles that operators can use. Many operators have their own digitrax throttles, most with duplex radio. So, I am glad to now have duplex radio that they can use. The screen going off can be adjusted via the menu settings. It can be made longer before going off or even not turning off at all.
@@EvanstonSub Daryl, Thats nice to know that you can adjust the screen time. One day you''l be able to buy a " speed knob" that you plug into a port on your phone. Cheers, Chris Perry.
How to turn track power on with a dt602d throttle?
Press the bottom of the power rocker button.
10 Amps for the H0 scale layout!?? Madness!
Too many amps or not enough?
I use engine driver on my phone as a controller
I have done so as well. I miss having a dial to adjust speed. I wish someone would made a dial that could be plugged in your phone and used with engine driver.
Just be extra careful when inserting individual batteries to avoid blowing up the internal noneresettable fuse . A situation that requires sending the throttle back to Digitrax. This could have been avoided by simply and clearly marking the Correct battery orientation inside the compartment.
Yes, I did that once and had to send it back.
@@EvanstonSub Did they fix some marker/ sticker to show the correct orientation when you received the throttle back ?
Thanks for the great review, I too ordered this new DT602D, and was very excited to have the tactile feel of the throttle , I too had been using withrottle with my phone, it was flawless.
However the Digitrax has not worked for me, I have had continuous connection problems, it worked well for about 4/5 minutes and then would loose connection and the white light would flash. reconnect using plugin and would connect again and then not ??--I sent the original throttle back to Digitrax and they quickly sent a new one---same problem, so this time I sent back the throttle and the UR92 ( at the time no UR93 ) they are sending it back, the note I got from Brenda "DT602D IPL'D /NEED TO ADJUST SCREEN SAVER MODE UR92 NO ISSUES FOUND" I have no idea what that means.
Sorry for your issues. Mine has worked well. I have the UR93.
I had this same issue and resolved it by changing the channel. keep changing it until finding one that works best.
@@DomNyce I tried every channel available, some would stick for a short time, then nothing, I have finally given up and have gone to a TCS UT 100 wireless, works every time never a drop out, I am only able to use the Digitrax tethered.
I used a basic Atlas Master DCC system for years on my layout and never had any issues. I decided a year ago to upgrade to the dcs210+ and now more than 50% of the decoders I have wired into my locomotives aren't compatible with the system, I've literally sent dozens of messages back and forth to digitrax and tried everything that they've said with no remedy. Also the emergency stop is a joke, it literally only stops the locomotives that are already being controlled by the controller, if the address isn't already typed into the controller then that locomotive continues to run and eventually crash after using the emergency stop. And then there's the controller, I'll be running at 15% and slowly turn it up four notches and it'll randomly jump to 80%, this thing is a joke. I even shipped the system to digitrax to get it fixed and they told me there was nothing wrong with it so I'm guessing they never actually even looked at it. Anybody want to buy a barely used dcs210+ POS?
Sorry for your troubles. I've had 0 problems with the system.
@@EvanstonSub In the end I asked them to replace it with another while it was still under warranty but they refused. They just kept sending me the same message over and over again, if it didn't work the first few times it's not going to work the next 10 times. They're warranty reads like you have no worries in the world and that they'll take care of everything but they literally leave everything up to the person purchasing their products. I even had to pay to ship the system to them while it was under warranty. They're really not interested in helping anybody.
nce more easier to use had one of these unit and book hard to under stand and to re set to factory defaults go nce thousand better
It is tougher to use, but only because it has more features and can do so much more.
Look like it catching up with NCE.
Digitrax is way beyond NCE even before this throttle.
@@EvanstonSub really. Do not see how, NCE now out selks them and is far easier to use.
@@arthurhouston3 Have to agree with you. NCE is fantastic, throttle is a great design and no picture keys making you wonder what it does. Just my opinion
If its a 5 amp booster and you are using 10 amp power supply that does not add up. Over kill on power supply.
The DCS210+ is a 5A/8A booster. I am using it as an 8A booster.
It sound like you need to resign your electrical systems.
I have no idea what you are trying to say.
@@EvanstonSub You have a large layout and with only one DCC station powering it all That means you have very long wire buss runs. I don't know what size wire you are running and the placement of your command station and your PM-42's, but you are sounding like voltage drop and or noise at the end of some of your busses.
I would keep your old command station and turn it into a booster, also get some NCE snubbers for the end of the busses to kill some of the noise. you may want to get a Digikeijs DR5097 Diginethub for loconet www.digikeijs.us/weekly-deal.html.