DCC news 08/07/00 [Lots of news, the NMRA 2000 convention  21^ST Century Limited San Jose, CA is history]

I want to take a minute here and personally thank Digitrax for inviting the wife and I to be their guests at the 21^ST Century Limited NMRA convention in San Jose, CA. It is because we were there, that we got to meet a lot of good people, had a great time. And am able to give this update on what is new in DCC from the convention.

Digitrax - Showed the BDL16's with Transponding working on both RR&Co and WinLok software's. All worked as advertised was really nice watching detection, and transponding loco ID show on the CRT. 

They also introduced the new DT400 throttle. Custom made dual encoders, 36 buttons, and custom backlit alphanumeric display. All functions F0 to F12 and modes are direct entry as well as loco addressing. The encoders are mechanical rotational indented and also are push buttoned for recall and direction. A new edit mode for routes, fast clock and signaling, etc. Loco control is always maintained regardless of mode used. A new key or two works with the transponding, such as the find button for use with transponding. The DT400 will be available in 3 wireless flavors, IR, and Radio both simplex as used now, and also duplex, for full wireless operations. 

Also introduced was the new DN121 Nscale decoder. This is the low end counter part to the popular DH121 low cost decoder. The DN121 is still a full 1 Amp decoder, as is the low limit on all current Digitrax decoders, as the number system indicates, DN for Nscale, 1 for 1Amp, 2 for two function controls, and 1 for the rev number. One really nice feature of the DN121 is it is the same physical size of the DN140, but less then half the thickness. It is ultra thin, approx. that of the thickness of two credit cards, and that includes the shrink wrap. So the Nscale group should end up with a decoder in the $20 US price range on the street. And being so thin, an easy install at 1 Amp for both N and HO scale.

EasyDCC- Spent some time talking with Keith Gutierrez, and looked at the new EasyDCC Booster10 kit. This is a dual input, full 10 Amp booster, with a true 200+ Watt capacity. An ideal booster for the large scale group.

KAM Industries - Had a great hands on training lab for their new Computer Dispatcher® pro software!. 100% prototype dispatching software integrated into KAMs train server technology base, runs on 21 Class 1 and regional railroads, release date Nov/Dec 2000.


NCE - Jim Scorse introduced the new decoders, and had two wireless throttles there. The decoders are the new SR series with new FX function abilities and silent drive from a 16kHz PWM motor drive. Demo'd was a 4 amp version, full function re-mapping, 8 function generators, and 16khz PWM.  The wireless throttles were not working, but the radio module was passed around, and a simple plug in for the NCE throttles.

SoundTraxx - Steve and Nancy introduced the new LC line of decoders. These are PnP type sound decoders. I had been beta testing the DSD-B280-LC a PnP decoder for the BachMann 2-8-0, simply remove tender cover, remove the NMRA DC jumper plug, and plug in the LC decoder, NMRA plug and speaker are built onto the decoder. As simple of install as it gets, and you have sound to boot.  Also introduced were the DSD-AT100-LC for typical Atlas light board replacement as well as the DSD-KT100-LC for Kato, and DSD-LL100-LC for LL P2k. Also included was the DSD-100-LC a wired LC decoder. The new decoders were also being demo'd at the train show. They sport a few new features,
such as 3 selectable Horn/Whistles, and each sound effect now has it's own volume control, all via CV selection.

DCC news 08/01/00

ZTC  ZTC Systems, the only British manufacturer of an NMRA Compatible DCC multi-train control system has been taken-over by ZTC Controls, a division of Closed Loop Consultants. ZTC was founded by Robin Palmer, (who developed the whole concept of digital railways back in the late seventies), has recently retired from the model railway scene. All future sales, service, support and spares will now be available from ZTC Controls at their Headquarters in Wells, Somerset. See Web site for additional information.

DCC news 06-10-00
Digitrax has released the PM4 since last month.  The Quad Power Manager, is quite a device. Consisting of 4 separate sections, each with it own circuits and DPDT relay. It may be wired up in multiple and different configurations. Which include, but not limited to, short circuit protection, auto-reversing, dual output sections, etc. With a computer and software such as WinLok, it is even possible to control the relays manually. See the PM4 Tech Notes at DigiToys for more info on this. And in keeping with the idea of a LCB, Digitrax has made the PM4 usable with any DCC system. In fact any any type control system, not just DCC. $79.95 msrp (Less than $20 per section) For more info see the PM4 FAQ.

Digitrax has also released their Schedule for the 21^ST Century Limited San Jose, CA. 
July 30-August 6, 2000 NMRA National Convention Members of the Digitrax crew will be there all week!
National Train Show Booths 244, 245, 255
Junior College Program: Evan Rimmel-DCC Training Layout for Kids of all ages! Come and try your hand at "train games" that use your brain!
Clinics: Zana Ireland-DCC: The Wave of the Future. Introduction to DCC. AJ Ireland-Advanced Topics in Digitrax Command Control Armin Bacher-PUTRA, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Rapid Transit Training Layout. A real world DCC application. Digitrax User Forum will be held Thursday evening so make your plans! 

RailRoad & Co. has a new URL, http://www.railroadandco.com/ please mark your bookmarks as required.

Wiring for DCC has a new URL, http://www.wiringfordcc.com/ please mark your bookmarks as required.

DCC news 03-20-00
EasyDCC CVP is now offering their system with 4 digit addressing. With the following specifications: 
99 Throttles, 99 Consists, Address range from 1-9999 (1-99 = short; 100-9999 = long), 127 Active addresses (sometimes called slots) Automatic loco (slot) management, 4-digit system manual is on their  website at the doc center.

DCC news 02-18-00
Digitrax  The The Digitrax Big Book of DCC is out and in stock at your dealers. They have also released 3 new decoders, the DN149K2, DN142, and the DH142, all include transponding, Scalable Speed Stabilization (High Resolution) [B-EMF],  and FX. The word is that the PM4 Quad Power Manager has been delayed till March 2000.

Digi-Toys  of WinLok, PR1 Windows, Show DCC, Chief Config, fame has updated it's web pages, all new and very nicely done. Now including on-line ordering and some new hints and tips. If you have not visited the site in awhile, you may want to stop by and check the new site out.

DCC news 01-10-00
Digitrax  It is reported that the DH140U B-EMF decoder is now shipping. As well as the new DN149K2, with B-EMF and Transponder.  The Digitrax Big Book of DCC has been put on hold till some time in Feb. 

Norcross Southern This is a Nscale layout being built at Digitrax as a demo unit for Digitrax products. A Photo documentary of the Construction of the Norcross Southern Railroad.

TTX Has updated the DCC comparison chart to show the newer DCC systems. Also you might find the Tony's Off the Cuff DCC Comparison (January 2000) interesting reading.

DCC news 11-01-99
Digitrax There is so much news here it would be impossible to cover it all here. Digitrax Transponding, DZ121 B-EMF decoder with Transponder, DH140U with B-EMF and more and more new stuff.  So if you want all the news here, then just take a look for your self at the Digitrax New Product Announcements page. While you are there you might also want to look at the new Applications Note page.

DCC news 10-21-99
Digitrax Current production DZ121's are now interoperable with Easy DCC, MRC & Lenz. We apologize for any problems this may have caused. If you are using Easy DCC, MRC or Lenz and you have problems with the DZ121, please return it to Digitrax for replacement. Digitrax, Wangrow & NCE users do not need to replace their DZ121's.

DCC news 10-15-99
Digitrax Keep an eye out for The Digitrax Big Book of DCC $24.95 msrp  By John Palmer Shipping November 30, 1999.  Also check out the new pages Digitrax Transponding FAQ

DCC news 06-20-99
EasyDCC  CVP Has announced the release Digital Wireless Throttle Unlike other wireless technologies, you are free to move about your layout while maintaining direct control of your train. The Digital Wireless utilizes 900MHz RF technology to output the maximum legal power allowed by law. The penetration power of the 900MHz transmitter provides excellent coverage for all types and sizes of layouts.

DCC news 06-01-99
Digitrax Lots of news here. Now that the Genesis and Empire Builders are in production, Digitrax has added the Instructional Videos for Genesis, Empire Builder and Chief Sets. If you received a starter set without a video, please be sure to send your registration card to Digitrax with a note letting them know that you need a video. They will be happy to send you the appropriate video at no charge. If you would like to purchase a video, they are available from your local dealer for $10.00msrp.
The new DN148K Plug N Play for Kato N-Scale RS2 & RSC2 should be Shipping by May 15, 1999 at $34.99 msrp
Also shipping at around the same time, The Digitrax Solution for your Kato HO RSC2's! The new short NMRA harness makes it easy to install Digitrax decoders in Kato HO RSC2's  DH121PS $24.99 msrp, DH140PS $54.99 msrp, or the DHWHPS Short NMRA Harness $6.00 msrp

DCC news 05-28-99
Soundtraxx Has added even more Sound Decoders to their lineup. Their first P&P decoder, is for the Bachmann 2-8-0, at MSRP $155.00. This is a drop-in place decoder with speaker already installed. Next is the new line of DSX decoders, these are the same as the DSD, but without motor drive, these are Sound only decoders. Ideal for those who already have a decoder installed. Same sounds as the DSD but in a smaller 1.25"x.625"x.25" package, with a MSRP of $129.00

DCC news 05-20-99
Loy's Toys Is currently moving from California to Arkansas. During this time period May 28th to June 7th. DO NOT ship anything to the old or new addresses. Loy's Toy's web site and Calf. phone numbers will be active to except orders. After the move is complete, the new Phone numbers will be, as of June 3rd,  501-456-2888 [voice] 501-456-2886 [FAX] New shipping addresses will be:

DCC news 12-27-98
Logic Rail TechnologiesHas the LNFC or LocoNet Fast Clock module. The LNFC provides remote fast clock display capability and works in conjunction with the network fast clock found on Digitrax command stations such as the DCS100. Take a look. I have one and it works great.
Digitrax has added a Decoder/Loco database to their web sight. You can now select the proper decoder for your loco by searching on either the decoder number or loco type.

DCC news 11-20-98
Digitrax  more news on the new DH121 decoder. Still the same great decoder at the new low pricing below. But there has been as new feature add. The DH121 will support Advanced Consisting. Same basic decoder with the added feature of Advanced Consisting, for a low street price in the $15.00 to $16.00 price range. This is beacuse current changes in electronic and Digitrax now builds enough decoders to move in to the next level of bulk pricing for electronic parts. And best of all they are willing to pass the savings on to us the consumer!

DCC news 11-07-98
Digitrax  has announced a new decoder, the DH121. The same basic decoder as the DH120, with one very important difference. The MSRP is under $20.00 with a street price in the $15-16 dollar range. There is also word on the new DZ121 decoder, though not official or released yet. It is still designed to fit the LL SW Nscale loco, it also said to be the first Digitrax load compensating decoder [Back-EMF].
There is also a new "field upgrade" on your DB150 to change it to a DCS100. This means the command station/booster of the Genesis and Empire Builder can be converted to a Chief DCS100. A great upgrade path.
Also reported that the new UT1 and UT2 throttles can be converted to wireless Radio control. And that the UR90 IR wireless will be able to use cheap Universal TV IR remotes for throttles.
Bachmann 2-8-0. It has been reported that the problem with the miswired NMRA socket on the first run of these locos has been corrected on the second run. The shorted pin 3 and pin 7 of the NMRA socket on the DoodleBug still remains, as do the improper directions to correct it.

DCC news 10-05-98
Digitrax has received NMRA Conformance Warrant # 98-78 for it's DB150 command station for the Genesis and Empire Builder systems.

Digitrax has also replaced the DT100 throttles with the DT100IR. This is the same basic throttle as the DT100 with Infra-Red transmitter added. And will function the same as the DT100 for tethered operations. By adding a UR90 or UR91 to the system, you will be able to use IR wireless. Note: also for none IR operations, no battery is required.
The Empire Builder and New Chief systems will ship with the DT100IR. The Chief wireless will ship with the DT100R for wireless radio operations.

DCC news 9-22-98
Digitrax is now shipping the Empire Builder.
Empire Builder advanced starter set. Replaces the Big Boy, and $50 less! ($325). Details: Comes with DT100IR infrared throttle. (Requires optional UR90 IRreceiver). DB150 command station/booster. All the functions of the Big Boy, while eliminating the DT200 requirement to keep one throttle plugged in. The command station is now in the booster. Optional radio throttle, $525.

DCC News  8-21-98
Click Here to Join the Digitrax Users Group Chat List. The Digitrax Users Group Chat List is devoted to discussions about the Digitrax DCC system. This list is privately maintained. It is not the property of Digitrax, Inc. All comments  and opinions are the responsibility of the author of the posting and not that of Digitrax, Inc. Many thanks to Peter White who has volunteered as Digitrax List Moderator!

DCC News 7-21-98
CVP Products EasyDCC. Current EasyDCC software supports 100 addresses for locomotives (4 digit coming soon) and the entire NMRA-DCC range of 2048 addresses for accessory decoders.
The new accessory decoder has officially passed all the conformance tests and will be the first kit accessory decoder to receive the "football.". It will appear in the September issue of Model Railroader Magazine. Kit price
for the decoder is $24.95 each or $19.95 for 6 or more. It will drive 4 turnouts.

DCC News 7-18-98
The new book  'Digital Command Control' -the comprehensive guide to DCC- is now available. If you are just looking at getting into DCC. Have just purchased your new DCC system. Or are seasoned veteran. This is an excellent book with a little of something for everyone. And a welcome asset to the DCC community. This book is published by Allt om Hobby and should be available at your local hobby shop soon.

DCC News 6-27-98
Digitrax  has updated it's web pages to show a few new things that are instore for the DCC community. Here are a few new things I have picked up, about that is comming from Digitrax.
The Challenger and Big Boy are to be discontinued. Replacing them:  Genesis entry-level set. MSRP of $250. This combines the new DB150 command station/booster with the UT-2 throttle. Has a large knob for speed control, and a switch for direction on the throttle. Release 9/1/98. Other highlights:  Dials for address selection. (2 digit addresses, unless you add a DT100. Functions 0 through 5.  Basic consisting. Have up to 22 throttles. Full Loconet capability. Will come with a radio throttle option later, price TBA.

Empire Builder advanced starter set. Replaces the Big Boy, and $50 less! ($325) Release 7/1/98. Details: Comes with DT100IR infrared throttle. (Requires optional UR91 IRreceiver). DB150 command station/booster. All the functions of the Big Boy, while eliminating the DT200 requirement to keep one throttle plugged in. The command station is now in the booster. Optional radio throttle, $525.

The Chief will stay as is.

UR90 Infrared Receiver, for use with DT100IR throttles. $45.95, can also use TV remotes as throttles!
DZ121 decoder - Small enough to fit in P2K SW1200 N scale. Price TBA
LT-1 decoder and Loconet tester, $4.95.
DN145K decoder for Kato PA-1/E8. $44.99.
Plug N' Play decoder harnesses for Athearn! DHAT $8.95 each. DH120 and DH140 decoders will be available with this harness as well. ($36.99 and $55.95)
The Digitrax Athearn DHAT harness is completely pre-soldered and allows the user to replace the existing Athearn motor clips, and then press clips on the track feeds and light connections.

News 6-26-98
Not DCC related, but just as important. Sandia Software makers of CadRail have released Version 7 of CadRail. The best just got better.  As well as a new CadRail Junior. Upgrades are available.

DCC News 6-7-98
Soundtraxx has their new web site up and running, this is a must visit site. See Link page for more details.
Loy's Toys now handles the ZIMO MX61/N back EMF decoders. These are great back EMF decoders.
There is wind of new and exciting things coming from Digitrax this year.

The latest 5-4-98
Model Railroader Magazines Reader's Choice '97 Award Winner  Digitrax Plug n' Play Decoders !