A number of the recent questions DCC by Design has been asked are variations of “should I upgrade to the DT402D (Digitrax Duplex Wireless Throttle system). We thought it was about time for a post on this subject.
The Digitrax Duplex Wireless Throttle system, which is currently available as the DT402D, UR92, and UT4D, provides the ability to select locomotives and program them without needing to plug in the throttle. This is a major change in the operation of the throttle and wireless system. Unfortunately it comes with a major downside; the duplex system uses a different radio frequency than the previous system (DT100, 200, 300 & 400 series throttles and UR91). Thus the new equipment is not backwards compatible with the older throttles.
So, what’s the answer to upgrade or not? Ah, this is the point where I’m reminded of a request by President Regan. Upon hearing the response from one of his economic advisers in yet another meeting, President Reagan said “can anybody find me a one-handed economist.” You see, often they phrase their answers as “On one hand…, but on the other hand…”. So to, is the answer for upgrading to duplex.
Thus, her we go
On the one hand, it is probably worthwhile to upgrade if:
- You are just starting out with Digitrax
- You have a minimal investment in throttles, especially older throttles (DT100, 200, 300 or UT1 & UT2)
- Your operations require significant changes to locomotives during train operations, such as helper service, and need to add/drop locomotives on the fly
- Your operations require using ops programming while trains are moving
- You have few UP5s to plug in throttles around your layout
- You tend to operate by yourself or a small, consistent group of friends who are also planning to upgrade their throttles.
On the other hand, you probably should avoid upgrading if:
- You do not have use for the added functionality
- You typically use older throttles (pre DT400 series) and don’t want to replace them
- Your ops group is diverse or large
- You have a significant number of home devices operating in the 2.4Ghz band, such as wireless routers, cordless phones, etc.
- You have a club layout
- You have higher priorities for your $310 required to upgrade
The Compromise
Like many areas in life, there is room for compromise. Start by buying a UR92 ($120 from Yankee Dabbler), then send your DT400 to Digitrax for an upgrade ($65). This way you can keep the old throttles running on your UR91(s), yet start playing with the duplex.
For Clubs
It is difficult for a club to dictate throttles to membership. Every club has someone that always buying the latest and greatest as soon as it comes out; they will be disappointed to say the least if their new DT402D doesn’t work. Likewise, every club has their “die hards” that started on a DT100 and won’t use anything else. Therefore, I recommend all clubs invest in having both UR91(s) and UR92(s) for their permanent layouts and all Modular layout shows.
