Product:Digitrax Products

Summary	Manufacturer of Digital Command Control systems and accessories
Phone	(850) 872 9890
Fax	(850) 872 9557
Email
Main URL	http://digitrax.com
Address	Digitrax, Inc 2443 Transmitter Rd Panama City, FL 32404-3157 USA
Device Types	Mobile Decoder, Stationary Decoder, Command Station, Booster, Power Supply, Throttle, Other

Digitrax Pages...

Local Home Page Products (Mobile Decoders) Comparison of throttles FAQ Misc Hints Transponding

Starter Sets

• Digitrax Zephyr Express Basic Set - DCS53 Command Station/Booster (3 Amp)/Throttle Easy to Use All-In-One Unit, LT1 LocoNet Cable/Decoder Tester, Complete Manuals, For all scales
• Evolution Advanced Premium Set DT500 IR Ready Throttle, DCS210 Command Station/Booster, UT5 Universal Panel, LT1 LocoNet Cable/Decoder Tester, Complete Manuals, with PS615 power supply. For all scales
• Evolution Advanced Duplex Premium Set DT500 Duplex Radio Throttle, DCS210 Command Station/Booster, UR92 Duplex Receiver Panel with PS14 power supply, LT1 LocoNet Cable/Decoder Tester, Complete Manuals, with PS615 power supply. For all scales

Retired Sets

• Super Chief: DCS100 or DCS200 (8A set) with DT400 throttle and UP5 Universal Panel. Retired: 2009
• Super Empire Builder: DB150 with DT400 throttle and UP5 Universal Panel. Retired: 2009
• Super Empire Builder Xtra - Advanced Set DT402 Super Infra-Ready Throttle, DB150 Command Station/Booster 5 Amps, UP5 Universal Panel, LT1 LocoNet Cable/Decoder Tester, Complete Manuals, For all scales
• Duplex Equipped Super Empire Builder Xtra Advanced Set DT402D Duplex Radio Throttle, DB150 Command Station/Booster 5 Amps, UR92 Duplex Receiver, LT1 LocoNet Cable/Decoder Tester, Complete Manuals, For all scales
• Super Chief Xtra Premium Set DT402 Super Infra-Ready Throttle, DCS100 Command Station/Booster, UP5 Universal Panel, LT1 LocoNet Cable/Decoder Tester, Complete Manuals, For all scales
• Duplex Equipped Super Chief Xtra Premium Set DT402D Duplex Radio Throttle, DCS100 Command Station/Booster, UR92 Duplex Receiver, LT1 LocoNet Cable/Decoder Tester, Complete Manuals, For all scales
• Chief: DCS100 command station and DT100 Throttle 1996-2000
• Chief II: DCS100 command station and DT100 Throttle, with UP3 Universal Panel 2000-2005
• Challenger First Digitrax Starter Set, CT4 throttle with DB100A. CT4 is not compatible with LocoNet. 1993-98
• Big Boy: DT200 with DB100A and a LocoNet adapter. 1994-98
• Empire Builder: DB150 with DT100 throttle. 1998-2000
• Empire Builder II: With DT300 throttle and UP3.
• Genesis: DB150 Command station / 5A booster with UT2 Throttle, 22 locomotives and 22 throttles supported, with Broadcast programming. Retired in 2000
• Genesis II: Updated version of the Genesis which included the UP3 universal panel. Retired in 2002. Replaced by the Zephyr.
• Zephyr Basic Set - DCS50 Command Station/Booster (2.5 Amp)/Throttle. Retired in 2010
• Zephyr Basic Set - DCS51 Command Station/Booster (3 Amp)/Throttle with support for 28 functions. Retired in 2019
• Zephyr Xtra Basic Set - DCS52 Command Station/Booster (3 Amp)/Throttle Easy to Use All-In-One Unit, LT1 LocoNet Cable/Decoder Tester, Complete Manuals (Jan 2019)

Older Digitrax Starter Sets

• Challenger: The First Digitrax DCC System.
  • Two versions: Five and Eight Amps.
  • No LocoNet.
  • Booster:DB100 or DB200 Variations: DB100a and DB100+.
  • Throttle: CT4
  • Discontinued in 1998.

The Digitrax Challenger was the first DCC system to receive an NMRA Conformance Warrant.

• Big Boy: Second DCC system from Digitrax.

Again available as a five or eight amp system.

• DB100 and DB200
  • LocoNet appears.
  • DT200 Throttle

• Boosters:
  • DB99: booster only
  • DB100, DB150, DB200

Chronology:

• Challenger, 1993
  
• Big Boy, 1994
  
• Chief, 1996
  
• Genesis and Empire Builder: 1998
  
• Challenger and Big Boy are retired at this time.
  

• Zephyr, 2002
  
• Retirement of the Genesis (Replaced by the Zephyr).
  

• Zephyr Xtra, 2015
• Zephyr Express, 2019

Evolution Advanced with DCS210, 2016

Comparison of Digitrax starter sets

Command Stations

Starter sets come with a command station, so see the appropriate starter set for details on the command stations.

DCS 240

The DCS 240 Advanced Command Station isn't part of a starter set.

• Three LocoNet ports
• Supports up to 400 slots and 400 throttles, full read and write programming, route capacity, USB connection and separate programming track connections.
• Five or Eight Amp output depending in power supply.
• EZ Routes and Loco Reset
• Integrated USB connection for use with computers.
• Two and Four digit addressing, up to 9999 addresses, 30 functions available.
• Automatic shutdown if command control signal is lost to prevent runaways.

DCS210

This Command Station/Booster is not available separately. It is part of the Evolution Advanced starter set.

Features

• Three LocoNet ports
• Full LocoNet Capabilities: Easy plug ‘n' play installation and system expansion
• Run up to 100 locos and 100 throttles in command station mode.
• Provides additional power in booster mode.
• Intelligent Auto Reversing Booster.
• Read/Write programming with CV readback.
• Two DCC outputs.
• Built in 5/8 Amp Digital Command Control Booster.
• Many options are user customizable.
• Pushbutton Routes & Clear Loco Stack.
• Over temperature & short circuit protection, auto reset.
• N, HO, and large-scale layouts with custom voltage trim
• Track Status indicator shows voltage and signal type (DCC or “Zero Stretch” Analog Signal for conventional operation.)
• Stabilized Track Drive Output.
• Over Voltage Protected.
• Auto shutdown on signal loss to prevent “runaway” trains
• DCC Compatible.

Note

This command station does not have a USB interface.

Retired Digitrax Command Stations

DCS100

The DCS100 is a combination DCC Command Station & 5A Booster. Support up to 120 locos and 120 throttles (See slots). Full read/ write programming, route capability, and a separate programming output: run and program at the same time.

The DCS100 was the base command station/booster for the Super Chief/Super Chief Xtra sets.

DCS200

Eight Amp version of the DCS100

DCS50

Digitrax Zephyr Command station and booster. 2.5A output. (Retired in 2010 when the DCS51 replaced it.)

Great for upgrading your basic LocoNet system.

Boosters

DCS50

Uses

The DCS50 is a basic All-in-One booster. You use the DCS50 as a booster to power the decoders.

Features/Capabilities

1. Throttle/Command Station/Booster All-in-One
2. 1 LT1 LocoNet/Decoder Tester
3. Approximate size: 7.25" x 5.5" x 2.75"
4. Ten slots
5. 2/4 Digit Addressing
6. 2.5 Amps - 12V - Safe for N/HO scale
7. 2 Jump ^TM Ports
8. 9983 Locomotive Addresses
9. 999 Switch Addresses
10. And More...

Note: The DCS50 and DCS51 are superseded by the newer DCS52

Official Website

http://www.digitrax.com/prd_boost_dcs50.php

DB150

Uses

The DB150 is a command station/Booster.

Features/Capabilities

1. Command Station/Booster
2. 5 Amps
3. Twenty two slots
4. And More!

Official Website

DB150

DB200 Plus

1. Eight Amp output
2. Auto Reverse
3. No command station capability

DB200 OPTO

Opto-isolated version of the DB200 plus. For use on common rail wiring.

1. Eight Amp output
2. Auto Reverse
3. No command station capability

Retired Boosters

• DB100, 5A booster, 1995 (1st generation)
• DB100A, Auto Reversing version, 1998 (2nd)
• DB100+, similar to the DB100, with auto reversing, 1999. Third Generation of the DB100, shipped with Big Boy set.
• DB99: Early booster, discontinued in 1995.

Throttles

Digitrax offers a number of throttles with a variety of features. Some throttles are included with a starter set, but can be purchased by themselves as well.

All Digitrax throttles currently in production support infrared (IR) wireless communication. This requires a line of sight to a UR90, UR91 or UR92 Utility Panel. When in IR mode, these throttles operate in simplex mode, so they must be plugged into a utility panel to acquire a locomotive or steal one.

The R suffix indicates the throttle is radio equipped. R Throttles are also simplex mode, operating in the same way as an IR throttle. Radio communications require the UR91 panel.

The D suffix indicates a Duplex mode radio throttle. They function exactly the same way as a wired throttle. The first time they are used during an operating session they must be plugged into a utility panel, so the system can identify and configure the throttle. Once that process is completed, the throttle can by used wirelessly for any operation, including programming. Duplex throttles require the UR92 panel to operate wirelessly.

DT500 Advanced Super Throttle with IR Capability

All the features of a DT402, plus a Soft ON/OFF key, built-in flashlight, IR Ready, 30 functions, simplified 2/4 digit addressing, Cab Signalling, Transponder Find, Device Query, Input Mode, Fast Clock Display, and a recall feature.

DT500 Advanced Duplex Radio Super Throttle

Radio version of DT500

DT402 Super Throttle

All the features of the DT400 Super Walkaround/IR Throttle, plus, control of 30 functions (F0Fwd, F0Rev, and F1-F28).

DT402D Duplex Radio Equipped Super Throttle

Duplex Radio Super Throttle. Control 30 functions (F0Fwd, F0Rev, and F1-F28).

DT402DCE Duplex Radio Equipped Super Throttle for Europe

Duplex Radio Super Throttle, for use in the EU.

DT402R Simplex Radio Equipped Super Throttle

Simplex communications. Plugin to select or dispatch locomotives, then unplug for radio operation. Control 30 functions (F0Fwd, F0Rev, and F1-F28).

DT400 Super Walkaround/IR Throttle

The DT400 super throttle gives you direct control of two locos at a time. Run trains and consist, control up to 12 functions such as sound, program decoders, set up and operate routes, and much more.

Discontinued in 2009.

DT400R Super Radio Throttle

Offers Simplex wireless radio control with a UR91 simplex receiver.

Discontinued in 2009.

UT4 Utility Throttle with 4 Digit Addressing

Features 4-digit addressing, F0-F12 for lighting and sound decoder operation.Direction switch with centre break position, with a large knob for precise throttle control.

Traditional walk around operation.Automatic locomotive selection and speed matching features, does not allow programming or turnout control.Infra-ready out of the box (with UR90, optional).

UT4D Duplex Radio Equipped Utility Throttle with Four Digit Addressing

Duplex radio version, approved for use in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

These throttles do not support turnout control or programming of decoders.

UT4DCE Duplex Radio Equipped Utility Throttle with Four Digit Addressing for Europe

For radio throttle approved for use in the EU. KATO Japan offers a version certified for use in Japan.

UT4R Simplex Radio Equipped Utility Throttle with 4 Digit Addressing

Simplex Radio version

DCS52 All-in-one Command Station/Booster/Throttle

Otherwise known as the Zephyr Express, Zephyr Xtra (DCS51) and Zephyr (DCS50).

WTL12 All-in-one Command Station/Booster/Throttle/Sound System for Walthers' Trainline RailTech Train Set

Simple DCC system sold by Walthers. Similar to the Zephyr in concept. Fully expandable with Digitrax products.

Retired Throttles

The DT-400R is listed above.

• 

  UT1

• 

  DCS50 Zephyr

DCS50 All-in-one Command Station/Booster/Throttle

Digitrax Zephyr, superseded by the Zephyr Xtra DCS51, which was superseded in 2019 by the Zephyr Express.

BT2 Buddy Throttle

The BT2 was a simplified throttle with limited capability designed to get people up and running quickly. The BT2 was discontinued in 1999.

CT4 CT4 Quad Throttle

Part of the Challenger Set. Discontinued in 1998, this product is no longer able to be repaired. CT4 throttles can ONLY be used with a Challenger Set. They were not replaced with another similar product when discontinued.

DT100 Advanced Throttle

DT100 Series Throttles were discontinued in 2000. DT100 Series Throttles were shipped with early Chief Starter Sets

DT100R Advanced Radio Equipped Throttle

Discontinued in 2000.

DT200 Command Station & Throttle

DT200 is a throttle and command station that was shipped with Big Boy Starter Sets. Discontinued: 1998.

DT300 Advanced LocoNet Throttle

Compact full featured walkaround handheld. DT300 comes Infraready. Discontinued in 2005.

DT300R Radio Equipped Advanced LocoNet Throttle

A compact full featured walkaround handheld. DT300R comes ready to run simplex radio when paired with an optional UR91. Simply plug into select a loco then you're ready to go wireless. Discontinued in 2005.

UT2 Utility Throttle

These simple, cost effective throttles feature one large knob for speed control and a direction switch for direction control. Great add on throttle for all Digitrax Starter Sets. (Discontinued: 2005)

Replacement Potentiometer

If a replacement potentiometer (pot) is required for a UT2, the device is a 50kΩ Linear pot. Online sources indicate the ALPS RK09L1140A5P is a suitable replacement.

UT1 Utility Throttle

These simple, cost effective throttles feature one large knob for speed control and a direction switch for direction control. Great add on throttle for all Digitrax Starter Sets. (Discontinued: 2005)

See the Digitrax website for all the details on current and retired products.

Mobile Decoders

Please see the Digitrax Mobile Decoders page for a complete list of mobile decoders.

Stationary Decoders

Debating which decoder is for you? Check out the Digitrax Stationary Decoders page for tips, suggestions, and comparisons.

DS64

The DS64 Stationary Decoder allows you to install and operate your turnouts directly through any DCC system that has turnout control. The DS64 can operate various turnout motors - solenoid turnout machines to slow motion motors. A summary of the features:

• Operates four turnouts.
  

  DS64 mounted under layout, driving 8 slow motion machines
  • Slow motion machines. Can drive up to 2 per output
  • Solenoid (snap) machines
• Switch inputs for turnout control
• LocoNet Control
• Integral capacitor discharge.
• Operates from track power or a separate power supply.
• Buffered switch inputs.

DS44

Although this may be Digitrax's lowest cost stationary decoder, it still packs a punch for those needing turnout control for slow motion machines. Summary of features:

• Control 4 slow motion turnout machines from your DCC throttle.
• Quick set up for sequential addresses (like the DS54)
• Independent address set up also available (you can choose any stationary address for each turnout machine)

DS51K1

Stationary decoder for single Kato Unitrack turnouts. Recommended for HO scale.

SE8C Signal Decoder

The SE8C can drive as many as 32 signal heads with many popular LED signal types.

It can also be used to control up to 8 slow motion turnout machines as either turnout control or control for semaphore type signals.

Power Management

PM4

PM4 PCB. Four relays, one per channel. Card edge connector behind relays connects the PCB via an edge connector (not shown)

Power manager, 4 outputs, each output can function as an auto reverse module or circuit breaker (not both). It can be supplied by multiple boosters, or only one. Various parameters can be altered, including trip current for the circuit breaker.

This unit requires some patience soldering all the wires to the edge connector. Amendment: HO Scale rail joiners can be soldered to the wires making up the harness. The rail joiners may then be slipped onto the solder tails of the card edge connector and soldered in place. Slipping heat shrink tubing over the joint will protect it from accidental shorts and cross-connections.

Mounting the unit requires #5 or smaller screws, or the edge connector can be mounted and the card inserted. Amendment: If the card edge connector is cross-drilled at the mounting flanges and attached to the face of a board or panel, the screw should pass through a 3/16" spacer sandwiched between the screw mount end of the PM4 and the mounting surface. This should be used to keep the board level in the connector and not strain the contacts unevenly.

Auto Reversers

Digtrax offers the AR1 for auto reversing in reverse loops.

The Digitrax BXPA1 is a LocoNet Auto reverser with added features for Detection, Transcending, and Power Management.

Utility Panels

Digitrax makes a number of utility panels, which are used to connect throttles to the throttle bus, in this case, Digitrax's LocoNet.

Utility Panel Notes

Also see Digitrax Wireless Notes

The Utility Panels provide power to the throttles plugged into them when connected via LocoNet. For more reliable operation, the use of an external DC Power Supply is recommended. There is a jack for power.

Track Status LEDs: Two screw terminals are provided on the rear, which may be connected to the power bus. This is optional and not required for normal operation.

* When track power is on, the LED will be lit.

• When Zero Stretching is in use, the colour of the LED will change according to the direction of the locomotive.
  • To check, select Loco 00, set throttle to "99", and toggle the direction. The colour indicated will change.

There are five RJ jacks.

• Two on the front for throttles
• Two on the rear for Loconet
• One on the side for Loconet
  • This jack lacks Rail Sync. It is used to connect one accessory to your LocoNet

LNRP LocoNet Repeater Module

(Discontinued) The LNRP LocoNet Repeater Module isolates and protects large LocoNet configurations. It permits greater expansion of the LocoNet bus system. The LNRP allows "protected" sections of LocoNet to continue operating when a fault occurs, automatically reconnects to the faulty section when the fault is cleared. (Discontinued)

This UP has been replaced by the LNRPXTRA LocoNet Repeater Module

UP5 LocoNet Universal Interconnect Panel

The basic Utility Panel, which allows you to connect two tethered throttles, and includes additional LocoNet connections. There are connections to allow the track power to be indicated on the panel front.

The rear has two connections for LocoNet, and a third connection on the side. The side connection lacks RailSync, but can be used for a throttle or another Loconet device that doesn't need Rail Sync. It cannot be used for connections to more than one device.

UP6Z LocoNet Universal Panel and 3 Amp Z Scale Voltage Reducer

This device has 6 LocoNet jacks, and reduces the track voltage by 4 or 6 volts for Z scale DCC operation. It does not look like the other utility panels.

UR90 IR Receiver Unit

Similar to the UP5, except it has an Infrared (IR) eye to detect IR signals from IR capable throttles. Can handle up to 10 throttles. For stable IR operation, several are usually needed, as the throttles work best in line-of-sight mode with the panels. (They work much the same as the IR remotes for a television.)

UR91 Radio Equipped/IR Receiver Unit

(Discontinued) Adds simplex radio operation. Operates in the 900 MHz band, can support up to 10 radio/IR throttles. Supports simplex radio and IR simultaneously.

Usually only one is needed for radio operation. Simplex throttles must be connected to the panel by their cable to program, select or dispatching a locomotive.

UR92 Duplex Radio Transceiver/IR Receiver

Go tetherless, duplex radio throttles do not need to be tethered to select or dispatch a locomotive. Supports up to 20 duplex throttles. Most installations will only require one UR92. Also supports the IR throttles.

Duplex radio operates in the 2.4 GHz band, simplex is not supported. Includes Group Mode, to minimize interference at shows when several Digitrax Duplex systems are in use.

UR92CE Duplex Radio Tranceiver/IR Receiver for Europe

Version for the EU.

UP1, UP2 and UP3

These Universal Panels have been discontinued.

Networking and Computer Software

LocoNet WiFi Interface

LNWI or LocoNet Wifi Interface is a device that allows you to connect WiFi devices to LocoNet.

• Wi-Fi interface to a Digitrax LocoNet
• Connect four compatible mobile Wi-Fi devices and Apps.
• Compatible with most Android and Apple devices running supported throttle apps
• Works ‘out of the box’, with no additional configuration required.
• Provides up to 32 LocoNet Throttle functionality per LNWI, with compatible apps and Command Station.
• Up to 8 LNWI can be supported per LocoNet, allowing up to 32 wireless devices
• Multiple LNWI units automatically resolve SSID with no additional configuration when track power is turned on.
• Optional Wi-Fi WPA security. This prevents unauthorized throttles from connecting (such as at a show).
• Customize all device settings
• LocoNet Compatible

When using the LNWI your devices will not be connected to the internet. Maximum of 4 connections, additional attempts will fail.

Instruction Manual Product Page

This device was announced in August 2017.

===UR92 DigiGroup Setup Utility===

Software provided by Digitrax to enable advanced users to configure their duplex system. Requires an IBM PC compatible computer.

If the software detects a UR92 on LocoNet you can read the current Duplex Group Name, RF Duplex Channel and the Password.

Edit any of these settings and upload these values to any UR92 connected to LocoNet. The start channel scan allows a quick scan of the available channels to see how much signal (and possibly interference) may be present at your location. The graphics show the peak signal and average detected during scanning. Useful in helping setup the layout for optimum Duplex performance.

JMRI now includes a utility called the Duplex Network ConfigurationTool. This tool will do the same things as the DigiGroup Setup utility.