Digitrax DT602 "First Impressions" at Chadwick Model Railway | 106. 

Love it when some one shows the product and how it works, Thanks for sharing.

It's great to see another video this week as I wasn't expecting one. Nice surprise, thank you.

Pleasant surprise charlie. as always an informative video.Thanks .Looking forward to next week's Video !!!

Thanks Charlie, I have seen images of this new throttle. Your the first video about it, I am looking forward to hearing more on it. Thanks for the tip on the firmware update. Thanks for sharing and stay safe. Ken

Well again Charlie you make the mundane interesting & informative. I must admit, control systems are an essential but overlooked aspect of any layout. When I had a layout, the Hornby Zero 1 was the control system everybody wanted (there's a blast from the past for you!). Looking at today's technology in model railways, the control system has to cope with far more than was dreamed possible in my day. Nevertheless you've delivered once again with a video on your chosen method of control & teaching us a little along the way. You have a gift of explaining things Charlie & I'm sure others will agree that this is what makes your videos entertaining, informative and stand out from other channels. Take care and best wishes.

Great to see your smiling face again looking forward to next test on controller cheers mate Mike

Hi Charlie. Good Intro. I've got one on order already and will check the Firmware issue. Its basically the DCS52 in your hand. PS Brilliant series of videos so far hope to see you one day at the end of the Covid-19 Tunnel.

yet another great video Charlie really informative, cheers Ash

Thanks for that Charlie, will be really interested to hear how you get on with it. keep safe and take care.

I like that it has control knobs that you can turn to control the loco. One of the things that always put me off DCC is not having any sort of "mechanical" throttle.

Another great video, Charlie! Thank you!

Thanks for the new vid Charlie!

Many thanks Charlie. I look forward to your next video.

Appreciate your video and your thoughts. I just received my DT602D in the post today. Read the manual, watched several RU-vid videos before ordering previously I used the DT402D. I belong to the Tennessee Valley Modeler club about 50 miles SE of Nashville in a historic town of Bell Buckle. The club has O Gauge, HO & N scale layouts ( Digitrax on N &HO) Recently more members are showing up with DT602s.

Afternoon Charlie. Thanks for a Friday afternoon video as it wasn't expected 😄 Looks like a funky hand held 👍🏻 I've got a gauge master prodigy that is very frustrating at times 😝 But at the moment changing it is prohibitive due to this bloody lockdown and furlough 😩 I don't know what's going too happen with my job come the end of all this!! Anyway looking forward to your review on this hand held as you always give a good honest review 😀 And hopefully I can invest in a new bit of kit when the times right. Have a lovely weekend with your family. Thanks again for a great video cheers Stevie 😎

I agree this looks to be a step forward, they seemed to got this one with some thought...thanks for sharing....Jack looking forward to seeing more👍

When I first thought about getting back into model railways, DCC seemed an obvious way to go. Initial research showed Digitrax to be a very comprehensive way of doing layout control. However I have chosen z21, JMRI, and DCC concepts. JMRI really is the bees knees. Thanks as ever Charlie, top channel from a top guy.

Hi Charlie I have a DC602 and I find it very easy to use even though I haven’t figured everything out yet....working on it. As you say, I need more hands on. I’ve just watch this great post for the third time and found out something new again. Cheers.

Nice unboxing Charlie. Thanks for sharing. Cheers Onno.

Good review Charlie, as always. 👌

Feels like we see a lot of little things about how the digitrax system works, but not much of an overall picture? It seems way more in-depth and modular than something like a Hornby system and I'd love to see more about what components talk to what and what they do. The technical/programming stuff is by far what appeals to me the most about model railways. :) Keep up the good work!

The thing that fascinates me here Charlie is the fact I no longer even have a railway. In years gone by I had one that pretty much covered the whole house, now I don't even have a single platform. Yet I have to keep following your posts ... I think that must mean you're pretty good at what you do. Good post again mate, very interesting, thank you.

Hi Charlie, some how blundered onto your site, I have started my first layout (digital) have power in the tracks and will start ballasting soon. Your posts/videos very helpful. Keep them coming. MANY THANKS

Nice video as always....Well done. Philip

Great video Charlie. I have been following your progress from here in Australia and have found your videos and comments a great help. I am just starting to get back in to model railways and hopefully will end up following british outline in n gauge. I had been tossing up going with the Roco z21 as this is teh jsystem my local shop carries. But after seeing your video, the greater power of the Digitrax system may be a better long term option which I can source from an interstate supplier. Thanks again.

charlie, A very helpfull video, the units have been out but I haven't seen many reviews on the D.T.602. Digitrax really had to come up with this unit as the N.E.C. controller has been cutting the old Digitrax controller for lunch in the U.S. Cheers, Chris Perry.

Glad to see this as i wasn't expecting one this week,although Charlie did say he might do a short one to fill the bi-weekly Videos Once again a great and informative, I'm still using Charlie's old favourite the Trusty but limited Dynamis it suits my needs may look into a Sprog III as only it only got one Ir sensor so i have to sometimes turn round to get the signal to the Base from the Handset as my Layout goes all around our Loft

Hello Charlie, You hinted at watching my video, but did not mention it specifically. I wish the manual had specified that I needed Digitrax brand specific devices, and not just LocoNet devices as it definitely would have saved me some headaches. The good news is that a distributor tested and was able to update his throttle with the same hardware setup (DR5000 and PR4) I have, so I am still waiting to hear from Digitrax if my throttle has a hardware issue. Another great video as usual. I always look forward to seeing your posts. Thanks!

Nice review Charlie. Great video, as usual. I've become a big fan of your presentations. As a Digitrax Dealer here in Tennessee, USA, (small family owned Hobby Shop - 'ARCY Hobby') I am always interested in how others view the changes in Digitrax offerings, especially since I am also a big user of Digitrax products personally. Thanks again.

Very nice unit! A definite improvement from that 80's remote! lol My DCC controller + gear would be pretty much the last thing I buy just before starting the layout build. Currently just collecting! 😄

Waiting for my 602D to arrive so we can install the club UR93! Thanks for the video.

I purchased the 500 the very week the 602 came out and I didn't want to shell out any more money. I know the 500 is cumbersome and sometimes the buttons stick, but it is still workable. Love your content and your explanation of 602 is very informative.

I have 2 coming with my Digitrax order. Excitement much!

Nice vid. As a new user, I'm very pleased. Options I can set or reset that I like: Ballistic encoder knobs, non-latching F2, which button groups turn on a timed out display. What I wish for is a larger speed % number.

Great 80's remote has now turned into a 90's mobile phone hahahah. Always enjoy the videos

Thanks Charlie, see you next week 👍

Hi Charlie thanks for reviewing this handset as I'm thinking of getting one. As you say the original handset is a bit button overload. It'll be interesting to see how you get on with it thanks again Andy

Hi Charlie, my layout is powered by Digitrax so I found your video interesting.....Thanks Greg

This controller looks very interesting. I have gone down the nce range and am for the most part very happy with it. Will admit the lcd screen on this looks far more user friendly than the nce controller. Will research more into this as it is very appealing. Thanks for sharing. Clint

As a digitrax user in Australia,after the expense spent in the past on digitrax gear and the lack of service here for it, I'll be sticking with a mobile phone with an app, enjoy your vidos, a new subscriber a little while ago

Hi Charlie another very informative video. I had to return my DT602 to my supplier as they had been recalled by Digitrax for a modification to the battery terminals which in some instances has caused serious problems. I did manage to update the firmware before returning them, but as usual for Digitrax the manuals are not that easy to follow. When mine are returned I will let you know. On the Digitrax web site there is a link at bottom of the home page to a Digitrax users forum, there is a lot of information on the DT602 and all things relating to Digitrax. The Z21 is a very good system an upgraded version is on the way although not released yet DIGITAL Z21 XL CONTROL SYSTEM about £560.00 according to the Gaugemaster web site.

Hi Charlie. I am have a Hornby controller and the other half bought me the laptop software, but nice to have something in reserve if I do not get on with it. As a beginner I find your videos really useful.

hey, now it looks like an early-00s mobile phone - that's progress!

Looks very futuristic. I’m looking to go digital next year , so look forward to your opinions on this. Ron

Looks good, I must think about upgrading from my DT100. Must be about time.

Great review Charlie as always...I am an NCE user and happy where I am at mo. Always good to see others coming up to date of course...regards, Chris

Thanks ,Charlie.Very informative .I shall follow your progress.I have yet to decide on a system,maybe the Roco/Fleischmann Z21 system or ESU for DC/DCC.For my AC trains I use Marklin analogue and digital mobile station.(I have both on different lines).We had problems with Digitrax at our club,especially the ps42.System not recognizing commands or needing frequent reboots.Keep well my friend.

I well remember the H&M 5000 and Hornby Zero One, gosh they looked clunky even back then. I'd have loved digital control but never made it past the H&M Walkabout. How times have changed, thanks for the video.

I'm using a Sig-na Trak Ace 2 which is a very nice and simple to use controller. The main unit has a colour touch screen for all the configuring and programming stuff as well as being able to control 1 loco direct and accessories. Another 4 control throttles can be plugged in to it which also have 5 configurable function buttons for your favourite functions. As a beginner I find it ideal and has way more features than most entry level controllers like Hornby's and Bachmann's ones. I don't think I will ever use all its 2044 accessory and 9999 locomotive address spaces.

Thanks for the review Charlie. I'm looking to get away from the basic Hornby controllers and not sure where to look first. The Digitrax might be a good option

Eh,im confused,thought there was no episode this week, i mean im not complaining,love your videos to be quite honest 😁

Just starting out and not going DCC on purpose but do love your videos my loft layout is a bad weather mancave so if the suns out so am I.

Great review I was unaware of the new controller. I noticed that the train does not move under the throttle when you changed to the right hand side like the 402 does. I will need to check out these new ones looks great.

Hi Charlie. Great video, thought for a second during your initial discription you were going to discribe the curves as "sexy" lol. At which point I was saying, you need to get out more. Keep up the good work, take care and stay safe.

Hi Charlie thanks for the info, I use Digitrax but just have the DCS 51 Right now. After watching Humanity[c]ity I was kinda---. I'm looking to expanding soon and hopefully Digitrax comes out with a set that includes this new throttle. Again thank you for showing the good side. It really is helpful. Now they just need to drop the cost. Yeah right. 😆 LOL

Hi ya Charlie. You are absolutely correct in wanting it with the firmware upgrade. Heath over at Human(c)ity , bought one without and has had a lot of issues with the upgrade. Ergonomically, I don’t like the throttles up that high. To me they should have been placed mid-body. I’ll be interested in what you think after some real time use. Thanks, as always, for an interesting and informative video. See ya next week.

Great Video Charlie. I bought my Digitrax System last Year so it’s a bit of a bugger having to splash out more Money, guess I’ll stick with the old Hand Controller for now. It’ll be interesting to see how you get on and the true advantages over the old Controllers and whether it’s worth the extra Money, especially when there nought wrong with the old Unit. Thank you.

Hi Charlie, Always looking forward to your next video, you have an amazing way of presenting, factual and entertaining at the same time. I’m always going back over your old videos while awaiting your new ones. Have you run updates on your Digitrax DT602, if so how did it go? It seems a bit of a dark art. Best wishes Steve

I wish the Hornby select was NMRA compatable. Its sooooo easy to use! To run something like a bachmann 21 pin DCC socket loco you have to rip the socket out and hard wire it. :( .Awesome video Charlie!

So the Digitrax unit you're replacing looks exactly like a more buttoned version of the unit I got when I bought my first digitrax dcc system... in the 1980's! Definitely was time for an update. I AM a bit surprised they still don't have a proper wireless setup after all these years.

Brilliant video as ever Charlie, but for some reason every time I watch it I keep thinking of Joanie from Mad Men. I might need to get out more.

happy Friday Charlie

You would think that when it is powered it would stay on, rather than going off every 30 seconds. I can understand when it is on battery it turns off but not on mains. Another excellent video, didn't know digitrax were bringing out a new controller, can't wait to see how you get on. Keep safe. Frank

Well it took a while but I’m finally changing to digitrax and must say excellent so far..... going to be expensive though lol 😬... hope you’re getting on with the new throttle ok I love mine

G'Day Charlie. Thanks for the intro to the new DT602 throttle. I was wondering if you'd be getting one! Now we know. :D I have a DCS52 myself as I prefer the more tactile controls over the knobs, but I must admit I really love the colour LCD screen and the backlit buttons on the DCS52 so I'm pretty sure you will too on the DT602. I run my DCS52 through two DB220's just for the brute grunt they provide and my DCS52 is fixed down near my main shunting yard. I use the DB220's as the power bus for all the track DCC and the DCS52 power bus for all the signal/switching DCC. I'm getting another DCS52 to use as just a throttle (there is a way to do this) and plug that into the existing DCS52 for another yard I want to build but I'm thinking I'm going to need a wireless throttle next for the walk around of the layout. I'm looking at a Proto Throttle for that because again it has the more tactile styled controls. Anyway I hope you have lots of fun fiddling with your new fangled toy, just don't forget to speak to SWMBO every now an then ok. :D

I just started into DCC and my unit came with the 602 (with no beeps). Being new, I am unable to compare to old throttles. I do like the 602, although the auto shut off is annoying, especially when I have it tethered and do not need to save battery power. i hope they come up with an upgrade to turn the power save feature on and off. Easy to read, easy to use, and comfortable in the hand.

That looks a good bit of cit Charlie far cry from the other one look forward to you full review mate. thank you.

Oh this is cool, I remember seeing this video, but actually today I just bought my first DCC system, and it includes the DT602. I'll have to re-watch this. I didn't want to get the zephyr because I wanted to be able to have something handheld and be able to move at least a little bit with the cord. I didn't want the NCE because I didn't feel it would evolve as well with the supply of parts, as I've been told. Plus more people around me seem to have digitrax. I've only got a very small n scale layout right now, but hopefully it'll move to something around the outside of a room in a few years. Wish me luck!

Nice feline figured (36DD-28-34 LOL) controller, a Pamela Anderson that fits in your hand, LOL. I'll have to check them out on the website to see all the info etc, but keep us posted with an update later.

Digitrax is by far the best DCC ecosystem there is. You can control every aspect of your layout with a single remote

Informative as usual. I will be upgrading my old system soon; looking forward to part II. Note: I have noticed your last two videos have been rudely interrupted by a brief advertisement that just cuts you off. Very unprofessional so I assume RU-vid is responsible.

Hi Charlie, Really enjoy your weekly videos, I am a ardent Digitrax and Loconet user so looking forward to your next video about this throttle. On a different subject have you had any dealings with the Lux-Modellbau wheel cleaner?, I know they have one at Mckinley. Cheers Dave.

Found it. There is a setting to turn the power saving mode off, on, or adjust the power saving time. As they always told me in the Marines, RTM (read the manual).

Hi charlie I love your Friday videos gets me motivated for work on my model railway. If I purchased this controller can I just plug into my lenz master controller.

Hi Charlie .... Good informative video as always, watching this confirms why I'll stick with my Z21 thanks... No trailing cable to trip over/Tie yourself up with... No Loco Inventory to have to produce.... No Functions to have to find..... No Turnout numbers to have to look up ... Keep up the great work .... Stay safe and well.. Regards Nigel at west hatton model railway...

Hi Charlie. Hmmm... Swings and roundabouts, I think. Yes, there are fewer buttons, but maybe many more button pushes getting through various menus to achieve the same result. I have also "knelt at the altar of Digitrax" (I'm sure that's all your fault - LOL). I bought the Digitrax starter set that came with the DT602. As I mentioned in my last comment to you (re skateboard-like trolley) I have literally just set up my baseboard(s), so it will be a little while before I get to try out my DT602.

Missed this one. Wasn't expecting it so I stayed in bed. I'm on NCE. I find their throttle very user friendly. Like a hammer head shark. You pays your money, as I heard someone say...........once or twice. Thanks, Bob

I have the DT6602 D coming today, I'll let you know how it works out, I have been using my iPad (the mini) with a LWI interface and I liked how it worked, however I found it inconvenient to change the speed and a wheel seemed uch more logical, almost went with a TCS UT 100 for the wifi aspect, but in the end decided to go all Digitrax, so for untethered operation, I had to also purchase the UR 93, hope it works out as I expect

The updates can be done successfully using the Digitrax loconet to USB Interface device together with a Digitrax command station plus a PC or a laptop. I assume the throttle in the video is the European version with the radio duplex operation and if so 230 pounds is rather steep for this throttle I got the European model from the states for only $199- ( last minute update I do apologize for not noticing the loconet cable attached to the throttle) which means this is not the duplex model of course. As for infrared I agree it is not always reliable.

Nice quick-review Charlie! I will say that if your original controller felt like an "80's TV remote" then this one looks like a late 90's remote. :D Anyhow, l will look forward to seeing how you like it once you have it all run in. Cheers

Hi Charlie, a very imformative video, i like this handset, i'm very new in this hobby so what else would i need to go with this handset to control trains, Ron.

i have 2 of them just wondering when they plan on making a holder for it

Bit old hat now but have successfully applied the latest firmware upgrade from 14th Aug using a Digitrax PR3 USB interface and DCS100 command station. Worked first time using a set of instructions I got off the 'Digitrax-Users' Groups.IO

When I got back into the hobby I decided to go the analogue route. I’m wondering now if I should have bitten the bullet and opted for digital.

I’m currently building a layout. Already have a bunch of DCC sound steamers. In all my modern stuff I put RailPro in it. Really RailPro blew this DCC tech away 10 years ago. If it got the same advertising as the big guys nobody would use DCC anymore. Maybe just for the track power. But since it seems to be sticking around I might get one of these DT602Ds and will play with both. I’m just saying these DT602s are still like a Model T compared to the RailPro touchscreen wireless controllers but it’s being billed as 21st century. I still like it and want to buy one, it just doesn’t compare. Fwiw.

Hi charile Sorry to hi-jack you comments but i thought this was a good place to let your followers know that theres been another firmware update released over night for the throttle according to the Digitrax page the new version is Sept. 18, 2020 (version 0.1) - Sub-Version: 0.3 so there are chages afoot .. as always i will update later and see what goodies we get Tony

Another good video Charlie. May I ask, what is the other knob for? Can you control two trains at once? Or is it for another purpose? I’m not a Digitrax user, so I’m unfamiliar with previous handsets Thanks, Dan

Uh oh. Finally a modern looking controller. and Curves! Oooooh. How many days until Christmas?

good video, thanks for the presentation. Does it have built in WiFi capability ?

"It has curves" Oh my Charlie, LOL

I use the radio controlled throttle DT500D I've never had a problem bringing up any of the functions 0 through to 28. The receivers has also worked well. However beware of low battery, as that may have been the cause of the problems you had?

Hello Charlie When can we expect a follow up video with your opinions and experiences of the DT620? Have one myself, but i'm curious of your opinions.

Hello Charlie, I know it's not your fault but I sadly gave up watching this video because i was inundated with adverts in the first few minutes of watching. They just seemed to come every few seconds or so. Sorry about this. As far as I'm concerned you are still up there among the greatest.

Hi charlie Really like and prefer the new handset for digi traxs looks well smart hope its easier for you to control. I have a quick question would you recommend doing droper wires for every piece of track or just a section of track ??? Great video as always your friend and subscriber. Peter from Birmingham

Hi Charlie, Amazing video as usual, Im in 2 minds to go for the digitrac controller as at the moment i have the Gaugemaster Express and i also have a ZTC. The digitrax does look nice and very compact but have you found any issues programming any of your trains or has it been straight forward. Thanks

6:55 the inner immature child in me didn’t half laugh here.😁😂😂 Sorry Charlie, just my sense of humour.😆😇 Nice video by the way.👍🏻

Hi Charlie i was just asking do you need to have a digitrax system to use that controler such as the command bot that the controller plugs in to?

Very nice Charlie but where was the programme button?

Hi Charlie, I'm thinking of buying one of these, how have you found this unit to work so far? Great videos, always a pleasure.

OK, now I'm jealous. Give it a good wringing out for us. 😉