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Running with Digitrax
Lloyd asks:
“I have an HO layout and I have had it up for about 6 years. I have not been able to run it for the last two years. My problem is I can not remember what I have to do to get it running. I have about 10 engines with each having its own number. I am 74 and have not been able to work on it because of an illness. I would like to return to the pleasure of running the trains. Thank you for any help.”
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13 Responses to Running with Digitrax
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I Know what you mean. I am going on seventy two, myself.
I have some problems remembering some things myself.
I had an layout in HO. I had about everything on it. I would get to the scenery
part of it. Then I wouldn’t do anything else to it, except maybe Run the trains
around it.
I guess I like to work on them, but I took it all down.
Now I am playing around with Lionel Gauge. Right now I can run 2 trains
at the same time,
I Guess I’m still love to play around with them.
Timothy Cover
I’m 72 and have a 5×14 foot HO layout. I used Digitrax for years and finally got tired of fighting with it, I recently switched to an MRC Prodigy Plus system. It is much easier to use, just 2 wires from the base to the tracks a d 2 wires to the programming track. The only problem was the 3 foot cable which I switched for a 15 foot cable. When I address a loco. I put a label with the address on the bottom of the loco.
Good Evening, Ron. Very sensible idea of putting a label with the address on the bottom of the loco I have twelve engines and was always taxing my brain to remember the details. Now, I got a very good idea. A small query, how many engines can be effectively run with MRC Prodigy Plus system and whether it takes care of operation of Bachmann Turntable. Thank you once again.
The address on the bottom of the loco makes it easy to check to enter the correct number for running – I used white paint but I am told that a ‘Tipex pen’ does the job just as well since it does not get rubbed off in normal use.
One of the things I got was a Stenographer’s tablet.
As you work around the layout, tab location numbers with masking tape. (Do not press too hard on the tape.) Suggest a grid with letters on one axis and numbers on the cross axis. As you go along, list the location “letter”-“number” on the left side and notes on the right relevant to the location square on the layout. It will take some time, but you will end up with a catalog that can be transferred onto a spreadsheet in a computer.
The above sounds very basic. But it is a good way to keep up with what you have. And what it does. At the back you can list your rolling stock.
I’ve been in this hobby too long to switch and the more I see and hear of DCC screw-ups the more convinced I am to stay with straight old DC. It’s the most reliable and least expensive.
Hi…I’m 84 and blessed with steady hands. I have been building a 4 x 8 layout in N scale for the past 7 years. I don’t get much done on the layout itself because I am always fiddling with engines, rolling stock, points, point servos etc. But I am having fun, and that is the main thing.
I use the Digitrax system. I am happy with it and have had no problems.
Now about your engines, I am using a DCS-51 throttle. I would suggest putting each engine (one at a time) on the CONTROL TRACK, then cycle thru with the PROGRAM button until it indicates DIR, then press the LOCO button until it reads either AD2 or AD4, which ever you prefer, then press the CV-RD button. That will give you the programmed address of the decoder in the engine. Should you want to change the address, then after you have done the above “button press procedure”, just enter the new number and press CV-WR.
I hope this helps…Good Luck
what i would try is with the engine off the track set up the system to change the address code then put the engine on the track and give it the same number as the running number on the loco this way you can’t forget the address number any more just look at the number of the loco and you have it hope this helps stay safe and happy rail roading owner operator & builder of the “Round- To-It RR” Bruce Webb Utah USA
I tend to disagree about Digitrax being “difficult”. I have a DCS50 and do most everything I need to with it. If you don’t need to diddle with CV’s, etc.. the simple Zephyr is sufficient. And yes, I may have multiple engines. But – I can only run one or two at a time. At the age of 81, it isn’t going to get easier. What I did was pick 3 locos that run decently and pretty much play with those 3. I can always get others out and use them should I want to. It’s when people start talking about boosters, etc. that I just shy away. K.I.S.S. is MHO.
I also use Digitrax & love it.If you are using it don’t change.
find or download your quick start guide, following it is easy.
Use the loco # on the side & you can’t forget it as it is always in sight.
Good luck.
Robert in Kelowna B.C. Can.
I got into DCC back when Digitrax was the only game in town. I liked that I could have 2 locks at a time. Ht other than that, it was trouble. Address a loco and it would go OFF LINE and I had power down and up go get things running. Many times, one day nothing would run and the next day it would be fine not changing a thing, calling Digitrax did t help, and I finally just got fed up. This last time, for 2 weeks nothing would run (no shorts, good tra k power, but nothing), but as soon as I hooked up the MRC e everything ran fine.
I only run 1 engine at a time, so I can’t answer your question. But here is another idea, I have a list of engine type, road number, a d address number next to my power supply, and on small clipboards that I use for train cars cards.
IM LEARNING DISABLE AS FAR AS READING. DIGITRAX IS TO CONFUSING . SO I WENT TO NCE WHICH MIKE FIFER SUGGESTED TO DO.
AS FAR AS PROGRAMMING IS CONCERN, THERE IS A COMPUTER BOARD THAT AUTO. PUTS POWER TO THE TRACK OR WHEN U PUSH THE BUTTON ON THE HAND HELD FOR PROGRAM IT AUTO. GO’S TO PROGRAM THE ENG. ON THE PROGRAMMING TRACK.
U PROGRAM THE ENG. AND THEN U CAN RUN THE ENG. ONTO THE MAIN LINE. OF COURSE THE PROGRAMMING TRACK IS BY IT SELF.