Digitrax "Decoder Wars" and News!

Digitrax's announcement today (see below) detailing the pending release of the new DH163IP decoder is another aggressive move to capture a greater share of the expanding DCC decoder market. Other DCC manufactures have also recently announced new decoder products with the same intention. The Digitrax release will up the ante for all. You may order or reserve all the new Digitrax releases detailed below, online or call us.

Here is the latest news from Digitrax. We have edited their original release to reduce content and add Tony's pricing.

Coming April 30

DN163K0a (buy)
Plug N’ Play Decoder for Kato N-Scale, P42 Genesis, PA-1, E8 and Others
1.0/2.0 Amp with 6 FX3 Functions rated at 1/2 Amp
White LEDs for added realism
$34.99 MSRP, Tony's $27.95, Tony's/4 $25.95, Tony's/10 $24.95

DH163IP (buy)
HO Decoder with Integrated DCC Medium Plug
1.5/2.0 Amp with 6 FX3 Functions rated at 1/2 Amp
$29.99 MSRP, Tony's $25.95, Tony's/4 $23.75, Tony's/10 $22.75

Specs for Digitrax,DZ143--, DN143--, DH163-- series decoders.
These new decoders have tons of great features!

Digitrax LocoMotion™ System-Your locomotives look like the real thing. Now make them run like the real thing, too with the Digitrax LocoMotion™ System:

• Torque Compensation for smooth as silk operation.
• 14, 28 or 128 speed step operation
• Momentum with acceleration and deceleration.
• Normal Direction of Travel-user selectable.
• Switching Speed easy access to yard speeds.
• 3 Step Speed Tables
• 28 Step Speed Tables -256 level resolution

Simplified Scalable Speed Stabilization
SuperSonic™ motor drive for quiet operation.
FX3 Functions for prototypical lighting effects:

• Constant Brightness Lighting
• Realistic Lighting Effects
• Dynamic and Static Qualifiers
• Function Remapping
• Master Light Switch
• Advanced Consist Function Controls

Transponder equipped
All Mode Programming
Operations Mode Read Back.
Decoder Factory CV Reset
Motor Isolation Protection
Basic, Advanced & UniVersal Consisting
2 Digit and 4 Digit Addressing
DCC Compatible

Now Shipping!

UP5 (buy)
Universal Panel

After years of service, the UP3 is being retired. The new UP5 has all the same features and UP3 with one additional RJ12 jack for hooking up throttles and other local LocoNet devices that do not have other LocoNet connections.

$16.95 MSRP, Tony's $15.95

The New Digitrax Starter Set Line-up!

Zephyr (available late summer 2002) (buy)

Includes: DCS50 Command Station/Booster/Throttle combination, PS315 Power Supply, LT1 LocoNet Tester, Easy to Read Manuals. (Decoders Sold Separately)

$199.99 MSRP, Tony's $159.95

Super Empire Builder (buy)

Includes:
DT400 Super Throttle, DB150 Command Station/Booster, UP5 Universal Panel, LT1 LocoNet Tester, Easy to Read Manuals. (Decoders & Power Supply Sold Separately)

$349.99 MSRP Tony's $274.95

Super Chief (buy)

Includes:
DT400 Super Throttle, DCS100 Command Station/Booster, UP5 Universal Panel, LT1 LocoNet Tester, Easy to Read Manuals. (Decoders & Power Supply Sold Separately)

$449.99 MSRP Tony's $349.95

Digitrax Starter Set Changes In A Nutshell:

• Decoders are no longer included in sets. This gives you the flexibility to offer the customer the decoder that best fits their needs.
• UP5 replaces UP3 in the Super Sets.
• Genesis, Empire Builder II, & Chief II are being retired in favor of the new sets.
  
• UT1, UT2, DT300 & DT300R are no longer offered as part of a set. These throttles are an important part of the product line and will remain available for individual purchase.
  
• Prices have been adjusted to reflect the removal of decoders and the increase in pricing for the UP5.

A Sneak Preview of the NEW Zephyr Set

Zephyr is a console unit that offers all-in-one simplicity. It offers many high powered DCC features in a user friendly format that makes it easy to understand even for beginners. Control up to 10 locos and use up to 10 throttles with this unit. Expand by adding ANY Digitrax LocoNet components.

Zephyr’s 2.5 amp 12 volt output is safe for N & HO locomotives. A 3 Amp 15V power supply is included with Zephyr Sets so the customer can just plug in and play!

Simple controls make Zephyr a breeze to use:

• Large Throttle Knob
  
• Forward-Brake-Reverse Knob
  
• Full Numeric Key Pad
  
• Large Easy To Read LED Display
  
• Power Supply Included with Set

DCC Features:

• 2 & 4 Digit Addressing
  
• Access Functions 0-8
  
• Turnout Control
  
• Separate Programming Track
  
• All Mode Programming with Access to ALL CVs
  
• Brake Feature Slows & Stops Trains Prototypically.
  
• Basic, Advanced & UniVersal Consisting
  
• And much, much more!

Revolutionary new JUMP Ports let customers use existing DC power packs as digital throttles.

We expect to ship Zephyr in volume by late summer 2002

We welcome comments or suggestions from readers; please write or call.