Digitrax Wireless operation
In June, 2009, DIgitrax announced their long awaited Duplex radio system.
This raised a bunch of new questions. Mr. DCC will try to answer them for you here!
What is the difference between the old and the new system?
The Digitrax system that has been around for years used SIMPLEX operation - that is, the throttles transmitted their data to the base and had no confirmation of receipt of the data. The throttles only transmitted when they had data to pass along. You turned the dial to change loco speed and when you stopped turning the dial, the throttle sent a new speed value to the base station who relayed it along the LocoNet to the command station. Since selecting a loco (acquiring and dispatching) requires an exchange of data, you could only do that when the throttle was plugged in.
DUPLEX communication is bi-directional, with both the throttle and the base station transmitting and receiving data. This allows you to select locos and perform all programming functions wirelessly! The new duplex radio is in the 2.4 GHz band, along with WiFi, BlueTooth, portable phones, etc. This band allows more data to flow between the throttle and the base, providing more features and range and less interference. The new system should have a 50 yard (or meter) range between the throttle and the base. With that extended range comes a lot more opportunity for interference between adjoining layouts, for example, at train shows. The added data capabilities, allow the addition of a GROUP NAME to the data being shared. Thus, Club A can have a different name than Club B, next door. Those units for A will only communicate between themselves, ignoring the B units, and vice versa.
Can we use both systems on the same layout?
Absolutely. They were designed that way, so as not to obsolete all the equipment you have installed. A UR91 simplex receiver and a UR92 duplex transceiver can be plugged into the same LocoNet system. The duplex throttles communicate through the UR92 and the (older) simplex throttles continue to communicate through the UR91.
Will the old throttles and receivers be supported?
For a period of time, absolutely! With the announcement of the duplex radio and the DT402 throttle, Digitrax included an R version. The plans, as we understand them, are to support the simplex radio system for the forseeable future. I'm very sure that they will discontinue them down the road. But for now, they are active parts in the Digitrax system, being built and updated. Be aware that all new radio sets are coming ONLY with the Duplex radio base station and throttle.
Our club already has the simplex system running,
what do you recommend we do?
If you aren't having any issues, perhaps nothing! Since the new radio sets coming from Digitrax starting in July, 2009, feature ONLY the duplex system, there will be future club members who will only have a duplex throttle and can NOT operate on your current system wirelessly. To accommodate them, we suggest you budget about $130 for a UR92 to add to your layout in the future.
However, many clubs report loss of control on their layouts with the current system. The duplex system will go a long way toward reducing that phenomenon. Adding a UR92 to your layout as soon as possible and upgrading the throttles will fix MANY of the issues clubs have. The old system got a little crazy when you had a lot of throttles active. The new system is designed to accommodate "dozens" of throttles at once.
How do all these items play together?
Perhaps the best way to explain this is with a chart! Reading across the chart, you can see what parts and items and sets work together.
| Wireless Type | Throttle | |||||
| Full | Utility | Base | Empire Builder | Super Chief 5 | Super Chief 8 |
|
| IR (InfraRed) | DT402 | UT4 | UR90 | SEBX + UR90 | SCFX5 + UR90 | SCFX8 + UR90 |
| Simplex (traditional) | DT402R | UT4R | UR91 | SEBX + UR91 | SCFX5 + UR91 | SCFX8 + UR91 |
| Duplex (new) | DT402D | UT4D | UR92 | SEBXD | SCFXD5 | SCFXD8 |
Can I upgrade my throttles and base units?
Yes and no. Digitrax can upgrade your throttles from the DT400 to the DT402 series. CLICK HERE for the Digitrax site information on throttle upgrades.
There is no "upgrade" for the UR91. Addition or substitution of a UR92 is the only way to add duplex operation to your layout. AND YOU MUST HAVE "D" series throttles to run wirelessly with it.
My country is not listed as a place where you will sell the radio system.
What can I do?
The new duplex system will be be easier to approve in more countries. If you have needs that are not being met, let Digitrax know and they will probably want to get the system approved in your country. The four countries where the simplex system is approved (USA, Australia, Canada and New Zealand) have got to be high on the list for approval for the new system. As I write this, all but Australia are approved. I expect Australia soon. Sit tight and all will be well, as it has approval in New Zealand and my guess would be that Australia's approval is just a matter of paperwork!
We cannot ship to countries where the system is not approved. Digitrax developed their infrared system for folks in countries where their radio system is not approved.