Product Support for: Throttles -> Advanced LocoNet Throttle (DT300)

The factory setting for the DT300 is Op#2=x23 with 128 step decoder setting and IR (infrared) tetherless operation enabled.The factory setting for the DT300R (radio) is Op#2=x03 with 128 speed step decoder operation and tetherless operation for both radio and IR enabled.Throttle Default Decoder OperationEach DT300 can be set up to operate new decoders selected by them as any decoder status code you choose. New decoders are defined as decoders that have not been selected in your system. Your DT300 is set to expect to operate mostly decoders that are 128 speed step capable, so when a new decoder is ...

The factory setting for Op#1 for all DT300 throttles is Op#1=x01. This option controls Tracking, Fast Clock Display, Key/Knob Clicks and Stop, local/global.Ballistic or Straight Line TrackingWith ballistic tracking, the faster you rotate the throttle knob, the faster the data changes in the throttle. When ballistic tracking is enabled so are typematic keys. With typematic keys, when you press and hold the Y/+ or N/- keys, the values will continue to increase or decrease without having to do a separate key press for each increment. Your DT300 was shipped with ballistic tracking as the factory default setting.With straight line tracking ...

Many operators use a fast clock during operating sessions to simulate prototypical operations. Traditionally, this clock is on the wall and is set up to run at a faster than normal rate. LocoNet has its own networked fast clock for all Digitrax throttles connected to your system.To use the Fast clock feature of the DT300, you must be plugged into a Digitrax command station.When there is no activity on your DT300 for more than about 6 seconds, the DT300 will revert to the default display. Your DT300 was shipped with Lo (Loco) mode, showing the current speed of selected loco(s), ...

The DT300 is “InfraReady”. The DT300R can operate tetherless on radio or “infraReady.” Both units are also provided with a cable to attach into LocoNet when required. A 9 volt battery must be used to power both the DT300 and DT300R for tetherless operation. Using DT300 as a tetherless throttle is easy:1. For Infrared operation, plug in at least one Digitrax IR receiver (UR90 or UR91) to your working LocoNet. Because infrared signals are line of sight, more than one receiver may be necessary for optimal performance in your layout room. 2. For Radio operation, plug in at least one ...

The factory setting for Op#3 for all DT300 throttles is Op#3=x01.LCD Backlight Brightness SettingThe backlight intensity can be set for off, low, medium or high intensity. The brightness of the backlight affects battery life, the brighter the LCD, the shorter the battery life.Note: When the DT300 is untethered, the backlight automatically reduces brightness by one setting to conserve battery power.Fast Clock FormatThe fast clock can be set up to display either 12 hour format or 24 hour format. The factory setting is 12 hour format.Recall Stack DepthThe DT300 recall feature can be set to keep a list of the last ...

  The DT300 can be used to access your systems Option Switches (OpSw):1. Release all locos selected on the throttle before you begin.2. Unplug the DT300 from LocoNet.3. Press and hold the SEL key while plugging the DT300 back into LocoNet.n.b.You can also enter option setting by holding down the SEL key while installing a battery in your DT300 while it is not connected to LocoNet.Your throttle will display a screen similar to this: 4. The DT300 display will show Op#1=x## where the x## represents the hexadecimal number of the current setting for Op#1. The default setting for Op#1 is ...

The DT300 Throttle has two throttle knobs, allowing you to select and control two locomotives.  We refer to the throttle knob on the left side as the L THROTTLE and the throttle knob on the right side as the R THROTTLE. This corresponds to the L and R labels that appear on the DT300 near the throttle knobs.The throttle knobs on the DT300 use “encoders” to control speed and direction of the locomotive. The encoder can be pressed or rotated to “activate” the throttle. Pressing the throttle knob once activates that encoder. Pressing the knob twice will change the direction ...

The DT300 Throttle is a full-function hand held controller that includes 2 independent throttles and a common keypad to control up to 9 functions (0-8), turnouts and programming. The DT300 Throttle does not require a battery in normal walk-around operation, but if you do not install a battery, the throttle display will be off while you are unplugged from the system. The DT300 requires a 9 Volt battery for infrared operation.   The DT300R requires a 9 Volt battery for radio operation.

If an untethered DT300, operating as a tetherless throttle, detects no user throttle activity for about 3 minutes it will enter power save mode. The display will show: The throttle may flash the normal Lo (Loco) Mode screen about every 60 seconds. This happens when the throttle “pings” the system to let the command station know that it is still part of the system. This keeps the system from releasing that locomotive back to the system and making it available to be selected by another throttle.Any key strokes or movement of the throttle knobs will bring the DT300 out of ...

DT300 throttles can be converted to simplex radio by Digitrax. The DT300 cannot be converted to duplex radio. This radio retrofit must be done at the Digitrax factory because of FCC rules. Please complete the form in the warranty section of the website and send it in with your throttle.  Be aware the long cord will be cut off to 12", no exceptions.

The MODE key is used to move from one operational mode to another on the DT300 throttle and to dispatch selected addresses or consists to make them available for use by other throttles in the system. Lo (Loco) mode is the DT300’s default mode since most of the time you are running locomotives.Press the MODE key to cycle from Lo (Loco) mode to Sw (Switch) mode to Mu (Multi Unit) mode and back to Lo, and so on.The current operation mode will show in the middle of the bottom row of the LCD display.Dispatch: To Dispatch or offer a locomotive ...

Stealing an Address that is in use by another throttle If you try to select a loco address that is already selected on another throttle the DT300 will display “Steal?=Y” in the text area. This is a safety interlock to prevent operators from taking control of locos that are already selected on other throttles. Occasionally it is necessary to override this interlock to gain control of a loco that is “lost” for whatever reason. This override is called stealing and can result in having a single loco address selected on two different throttles at the same time.To Steal An Address With ...

The changing of the value in the CV of a DS54 is relatively easy if you follow the steps listed below. The difficult part is deciding which CV and CV value to program to achieve the desired effect. The following are step-by-step instructions for changing a DS54 configuration variable using a DT300 throttle: 1) Disconnect the DS54 from LocoNet, the auxiliary power supply, all inputs and all outputs. 2) Short the pins of the Enable Link. (see related article) 3) Connect the DS54 track inputs to the command station programming track. 4) Connect the yellow feedback adapter wire from any DS54 output (A, ...

  Q:  How do I program the PM42 Op Switches with a DT300 throttle? A:  The PM42 OpSw settings are used to set up the PM42, adjusting the trip current, short circuit management (including sensitivity), and/or auto-reversing. Note: The factory default setting on all PM42 OpSws is “thrown” or “t”. Follow the steps outlined below to program the OpSw settings of the PM42 using the DT300 throttle with any Digitrax command system. 1) Connect the PM42 to a DB150, DSC050, DSC100 or DSC200 with a standard LocoNet cable. 2) Connect the PM42 to an external power source; Digitrax recommends the ...

Digitrax Command Stations use three address ranges available for addressing and programming locomotives. You can use all three address ranges at any time and in any combination you choose.Address 00: The analog address used to run locomotives without decoders. All analog locos (those with no decoders) active on the layout will respond to the speed and direction commands issued to address 00.2 digit addressing: Addresses in the range of 01 through 127. Also called short addressing, 2 digit addressing can be used with any DCC decoder, shown as the two or three digits, with no leading zero, of the address ...

Each DCC decoder that is installed in a locomotive is assigned a unique address. To select a locomotive and run it on either throttle, you must know the address assigned to the decoder. Digitrax decoders are set up at the factory with the “default” digital address of 03. This means that when you take a Digitrax decoder out of the package and install it in your loco, you can select address 03 on your throttle and run the decoder. The first Configuration Variable (CV) programmed by most DCC users is the decoder’s address since it is not very useful to ...

Instructions below are for both DCS100 & DCS200 (DCS200 omitted in text for clarity).1. Refer to the DCS100 Option Switch Table to decide which option switches you want to change. Also note that there are special instructions for OpSw's 36, 37, 38, & 39. 2. Move the MODE toggle switch on the front of the DCS100 into the "OP" position . The LocoNet Railsync will go inactive & all other boosters plugged in to LocoNet, including the one that is built into the DCS100, will shut down. 3. Disconnect LocoNet from the DCS100 you are configuring. 4. Connect your DT300 ...

Your DT300 has two infrared LEDs in the cable end of the throttle case. These emitters send infrared signals that can be used by LocoNet compatible Infrared receivers such as UR90, UR91 & UR92 to give you tetherless operation via infrared signals.

  Whether functions 0-8 are on or off for the currently active loco address is displayed on the top line of the LCD. The number for the activated functions for the active throttle (the one with blinking smoke) are displayed. Up to eight functions can be controlled by the DT300. To view the function status of either throttle, simply press the throttle knob to display the active functions for that throttle.

The mode indicator, located at the bottom center of the LCD, shows the DT300’s current mode of operations. The DT300 automatically defaults to the Lo (Loco) mode and returns to this mode after about 6 seconds of inactivity in Mu (Multi Unit) or Sw (Switch) modes.

The direction indicators are located in the LCD Display of the DT300 directly below the Loco Icon. There are separate indicators for the L (left) and R (right) throttles. If the arrow points to the front of the loco, the throttle is in the forward direction. If the arrow points to the back of the loco, then the throttle is in the reverse direction. If there is not a locomotive selected on a throttle the loco icon and direction arrow will not appear. Note: These direction indicators are for DCC equipped locos only. They will indicate direction based on the ...

  The DT300 controls devices and operations in different modes:

The STOP key has two uses: as an emergency stop for the locos on the layout and as a shift key used in conjunction with other keys.Emergency Stop keyThe factory setting for the STOP key is for Local Emergency Stop which stops just the locos controlled by the two throttle knobs on the DT300. The STOP key can also be set for Global Emergency Stop which will stop all of the locos on the layout.  This is done by setting throttle option switches.Using the Stop key as a Shift KeyThe STOP key is also used as a shift key in ...

  Note: DT300 radio or infrared versions must be plugged in to LocoNet to edit the fast clock settings.1. From Lo (Loco) mode, press the MODE key to change to Sw (Switch) mode.2. Press the FN/F0 key to change from Sw (Switch) mode to E (Editor) mode.3. The mode indicator in the center of the bottom row of the display will show Ec (Edit Clock Mode) and the text area will show the current system time in either a 12 or 24 hour format.4. Use the L and R THROTTLE knobs to dial up the desired start time. Use the ...

There are two throttles in the "300" series: The DT300 connects into LocoNet by a 7' cable. The cable allows flexibility in movement. The throttle can be disconnected to move to another point on the layout and reconnected to LocoNet without losing the acquired locomotive. The unit will also work wireless using Infrared signals when used with either a UR90 or UR91 or UR92.   The DT300R is a simplex radio control throttle with a 1' cable to connect into LocoNet. The throttle is plugged into LocoNet to select a locomotive or to program a locomotive and then can be disconnected ...

  To control the speed of a locomotive with your DT300:1. Activate the loco address on either throttle by either pressing the C/R key or the R THROTTLE knob to gain control of the loco on the right side of the display and the L/t key or the L THROTTLE knob to gain control of the loco on the left.2. Turn the THROTTLE knob clockwise to increase speed and counterclockwise to decrease speed or3. Use the Y/+ and N/- keys to increase and decrease speed. The percentage of full speed will be displayed in the text line of the display ...

  To run a locomotive, you must first select it.1. Choose which THROTTLE (L or R) you want to use to run a locomotive. Make it the active throttle by turning it a 1/4 turn in either direction or by pressing down on the knob. If there is no active address selected to the throttle, as shown above, SEL will blink to let you know that the throttle is ready to select an address.2. Press the SEL key. The active throttle display will begin flashing the Loco Icon, the last loco address selected on the throttle and the Lo mode ...

When the command station is sending commands to a loco address that is in-use on one of the DT300's throttles and that address is being changed by another throttle or computer, it will cause the DT300 to “click” every time it sees a remote throttle change its locomotive settings. If that locomotive is in the active throttle, its speed display will also show the changes. This is called slot following. This allows two DT throttles to run a single locomotive address with both throttles being able to send commands to the loco. Both throttles will show the current speed and direction of ...

Setting the clock rate to rate=00 will stop the fast clock for the entire system at the currently displayed time. Fast time will re-start when a new non-zero rate value is set.

You can view the fast clock time even if you do not have the display option set to view the current fast clock time as a default display1. From Lo (Loco) mode, press the MODE key to change to Sw (Switch) mode.2. Press the FN/F0 key to change from Sw (Switch) mode to E (Editor) mode.3. The mode indicator in the center of the bottom row of the display will show Ec (Edit Clock Mode) and the text area will show the current system time in either a 12 or 24 hour format.4. Press the FN/F0 key twice more to ...

The SEL key, called the Select Key or Select/Set Key, is used for selecting loco addresses on to the throttles. This is sometimes referred to as “assigning locos to throttles.”This key is also used to select or complete (set) an operation.

  Each throttle has a bar graph located just above the text area of the LCD. Each of these indicates the speed setting of the L THROTTLE and R THROTTLE graphically from a single dot (0% throttle) to 20 dots (full throttle). This is useful when the text area is showing information other than speed.

The Text Area of the LCD consists of the eight characters in the middle line of the display. This is where information like locomotive speed, decoder status, turnout position, fast clock, text prompts, messages and programming data are displayed.

If a throttle knob does not have a locomotive address selected when you make the throttle active by turning or pressing the L or R THROTTLE knob or L/t or c/R (direction) key, a flashing “SEL” will appear in place of the locomotive address in the LCD display. This is a prompt for you to select a locomotive address on that throttle.

Option # 4 sets the throttle ID of your throttle. Each throttle in your LocoNet system can have its own unique ID to support advanced LocoNet functionality. Products that use this feature will usually require each throttle in your system to have a unique ID.We recommend changing this ID only when specifically directed to do so by the manufacturer of a LocoNet compatible product that requires unique throttle IDs for operation. You may use any ID in the range of values x00-x7F (hex) and you must be sure that every throttle in your system has a unique ID #.

  The Smoke Icon is located just above each Loco Icon and appears with the Loco Icon when an address has been selected on the throttle. When a loco is selected on a throttle, the Loco with Smoke icon will appear below the THROTTLE KNOB and beside the address of that loco. If no address is selected, there will be no Loco icon and the address area will show SEL. A Blinking Smoke icon indicates that the THROTTLE is currently active. Since both throttles must share the keypad, only one at a time can have access to the keypad and ...

  The decoder address selected on the L THROTTLE is displayed on the bottom line of the LCD to the left of the Mode Indicator. The decoder address selected on the R THROTTLE is displayed to the right of the Mode Indicator. The address can show as either the 2-digit or the 4-digit decoder address. If no address is selected the display will show “SEL.” If a 2-digit address is selected (00-127), the display will show two or three digits (25 is shown in the example). If a 4-digit address is selected (0128 -9983), the display will show all four ...

  Many prototype trains use multiple locomotives to provide the necessary power to pull or push the train. This practice is called Multiple Unit consisting, usually shortened to MU or consisting. The DT300 Throttle can provide three methods of consist control:1. The Basic Consisting method, which is not commonly used, is to program all the locomotives in a consist to the same address and run them on one throttle. In this case all the locomotives must be headed in the same direction, head to tail, head to tail, head to tail. If you use decoders that allow you to set ...

Track Power IndicatorThis very small star shaped dot located just above the bar graph display in the LCD on the right side indicates the status of the track power.No indicator = System track power is OFFIndicator On Steady = System track power is ONBlinking Indicator = System is in “STOP” and track power is ON Tetherless IndicatorThe tetherless indicator shows when your throttle is using either infrared or radio communications.L and R Semaphores-Cab SignalingThe L and R Semaphores are used when cab signaling is implemented on the layout. The L and R Semaphores will display the following:

When you are finished running a locomotive address, you should release it from your throttle so that the locomotive address is available for other throttles to select and run.  This also clears a slot for a different address to be used in the system.Radio and infrared throttles must be plugged in to LocoNet to release an address from your throttle. You can disable this safety feature by setting your DT300’s OP#3 to one of the values that allows tetherless release. To release an address from a throttle:1. Use the THROTTLE knob to select the loco and make its speed zero. This step ...

1. Choose which THROTTLE knob (L or R) you want to use to run a locomotive. Make it the active throttle by turning the throttle knob a 1/4 turn in either direction or by pressing down on the knob.2. Press the SEL key. The active throttle display will begin flashing the Loco Icon, the last loco address selected on the throttle and the Lo mode indicator. Sel loco will be displayed in the Text Area of the LCD display.3. To select a 4 digit address, rotate the L THROTTLE knob to dial up the first two digits (1000s and 100s) of ...

Digitrax's “safety selection” is an important operational safety feature. Digitrax chose not to allow one way address selection to prevent multiple operators from being able to select and send commands to the same addresses at the same time. Having multiple operators sending commands to the same address can result in serious problems in an operating session because locos can appear to be out of control. Simplex radio throttles like the DT402/R, DT400/R, DT300/R, UT4/R and similar throttles operate as one-way (simplex) infrared or radio transmitters. The DT402, DT400/R, DT300/R, UT4/R must be plugged into LocoNet to select an available locomotive address to run on ...

Q:  I have three engines lashed together. The sound is coming through . However when I turn the knob there is no response. The engine in the window is blinking and there are two stationary dots above A:  If you are using a DT300 series or DT400 series throttle, make sure that the Track Status Indicator dot in the upper right of the display just below the right throttle knob is on solid.  If it is not on at all Track Power is OFF.  If it is blinking, Track Status is in Idle and the throttle knobls will not move the locos.  To ...

There are times when it is necessary to reset the Super Empire Builder. Because this is a system reset, there are special instructions: There are different levels of system reset. OpSw 36: Clears all mobile decoder information, including locomotive consists. OpSw 38: Clears the locomotive roster (such as when you receive a "slot=max" error report). OpSw 39: Full reset, clears all internal memory states. The factory default setting for all DB150 option switches is t or "thrown" The Initial Procedure 1. Determine which DB150 option switch you want to change, 36, 38 or 39. 2. Move the Mode toggle switch on ...

The LOCO Key is used for selecting loco addresses on to the throttles so that the address is controlled by the throttle. Sometimes people call this “assigning locos to throttles.” DT100, DT200, & DT300 series throttles used the SEL or SET/SEL Keys for this throttle task.

Can the UT4 or UT4R be set to have its own unique throttle ID like the DT300/DT300R and DT400/DT400R? There are several uses for this functionality, including it being useful when looking at logs of LocoNet traffic from PanelPro/DecoderPro when trying to diagnose problems and identify potentially faulty throttles. This from A. J.: Each UT4 has a unique ID programmed as serialization at manufacture, and is distinguishable from DT400's etc. The UT4 has values of EX1 as {x74/x75} in the LocoNet messages with EX2 equal to the unit factory serial number.

If you break or lose the battery cover for your DT500 series, DT402 series, DT400 series, DT300 series,DT100 series, or UT series you will need a replacement cover.   With these throttles being discontinued, we no longer have any battery covers availabe.  Serpac produces the throttle case we used.  You can order a case through them or other big box electronics warehouses.  

Chief was superseded by Chief II, which came with a DT300 throttle.

Empire Builder was superseded by Empire Builder II, which included a DT300 throttle.

Genesis was superseded by Genesis II, which included a DT300 throttle.

Although the UT1 can only handle addresses between 00 and 99, it can be used to operate one four digit locomotive address. 1. On the UT1 dial up 992. On a DT100, DT300 or DT400 series throttle, dispatch the four digit address you want to run on the UT13. On the UT1 press the ACQ (acquire button) to run the four digit addressNote that dispatching is a special state and the first UT1 throttle to press the Acquire button after the dispatch from another throttle will acquire that address to run.

As technology has advanced so have Digitrax throttles.  In the early days, it was not possible for the throttles to display decimal notation so hexadecimal was used.  The downside to hex notation is that you need to use a conversion table or a formula to determine the hex value to use for CV programming.  As better components and CPUs became available, we were able to move to the more user friendly decimal notation that you see in today's Digitrax throttles.  The move to decimal notation made DCC much easier to understand for everyone.  All current Digitrax throttles use only decimal notation for ...

How to read back and change BDL168 Option Switches (OpSw): 1. Power up your BDL168 and connect it to LocoNet. 2. Connect a DT series or UT1, UT2 Digitrax throttle to one of the the BDL168's LocoNet connectors. NOTE: The UT4 will not work as its design is different for the original UT series throttles.3. Press the switch behind the red option LED for about 1 second, then release it. The red option and green ID LEDs will flash alternately to let you know that you are in option switch setup mode. 4. Go into SWITCH mode on your throttle. ...

DT400 is designed to maintain a close similarity in function & feel with Digitrax DT300, DT200, & DT100 series throttles. This family resemblance makes it easy to add new throttles to your Digitrax Command Control System and be able to use them in ways similar to the existing throttles that you are already used to. DT400 can be used with any Digitrax LocoNet System or other LocoNet compatible DCC system.   User friendly Multi-line Backlit LCD with easy to read icons and messages.   Prompts in the display guide you every step of the way. To make operation easy and ...

Over the years, different Digitrax throttles have used a combination of decimal, modified hexadecimal and hexadecimal numbers for entering CV numbers and CV values.  The following information is provided as a programming reference to show you how these different schemes work so that you will be able to use your throttle to program decoders.UT1 & UT2 Utility Throttles use decimal numbers exclusively for CV numbers and CV values.  Because these throttles use 2 selector switches that can access the numbers 0-9, you are limited to programming only CV#s and values from 00 to 99.DT100 Throttles use a modified hex numbering ...

Adding duplex radio, infrared or simplex radio to your existing Digitrax system is simple because of LocoNet.InfraRedYou probably already own a DT300, DT400, UT4 or DT402 series throttle. All of these are "InfraReady." These all come with two IR emitters pre-installed. All you have to add for IR operation is one or more UR90 Infrared Receivers to your layout. Most layouts require multiple UR90s because the infrared signal is line of sight. This means that your receiver will need a sight path to the throttles.Simplex RadioDigitrax throttles with an "R" at the end of the part number are simplex radio ...

When the BDL168 is connected to LocoNet, it will communicate coded detection information to the system. If you wish to report BDL168 status to LocoNet and attached devices or computers that can interpret these messages, you will probably want to set up a unique board address for each BDL168. This is done so that the BDL168 Board ID does not conflict with the Board ID of other devices on the railroad. Board addresses can range from 01 to 999. It is recommended that you make a record of the addresses you use for all devices connected to your layout. Setting ...

  CV29 is assigned a single value which chooses a combination of specific effects: 1. Speed step control. 2. Speed table On or Off. 3. Analog mode conversion On or Off. 4. Normal Direction of Travel (NDOT). 5. 2 digit addressing or 4 digit addressing. 2-digit or 4-digit Addressing The decoder's address is the identification number programmed into specific decoder that lets that decoder recognize commands sent to it by the command station. Once you program the decoder's address, it will be remembered in the decoder until you re-program it. All Digitrax current production decoders can be set up with ...

Q: I connect my DT400 to my DCS100 and it works fine, but when I add a DB150 working as a booster the DT400 stops working. What is wrong? A: A number of things may cause this, so you can use the diagnostic features of the DT400 to solve this problem. Experience has proven that the most common LocoNet problem is related to pins 3 and 4. By following this diagnostic procedure, you can narrow down to the source of the problem. Starting with DT400 without a battery [The throttle has no battery for this test to assure it executes ...

Before sending your Digitrax DS54 stationary decoder in for repair try these steps to see if you can “bring it back from the dead” and save a trip to the shop and possible repair charge.If you find you need to send in an item for repair, click here For Digitrax Repair Procedures and InformationAre there burn marks on the DS54 decoder?You'll need to send it in for repair!Understand CV programming with different throttleCV values shown are 00 or 000 for decimal and x00 for hex. Read your manual carefully to be sure you are using the appropriate values when programming ...