norman

OK it is clear there is a problem with using WiFi at large shows and we will probably only use one wireless throttle in combination with tethered others. Thanks for the advice Iain and Nigel

Signal swamping at shows is said to be a potential problem with using WiFi. Does anyone have experience of using WiFi at shows? Yes I know that there are no shows on the horizon but hopefully now the vaccine is being rolled out we can look to the future, perhaps August 2021. Norman

Thanks Nigel appreciated but I'll stick with the 602. I guess time will tell about whether the WiFi signal swamping is really an issue for us. Norman

Hi Nigel Thanks for the advice. We are considering buying a 602 for several reasons including use by members who are disabled and wheel chair bound operating at the front of the layout and a DT602 would seem to be really useful for this. I wonder if the 602 has been used on trial in North America. The swamping you are referring to I assume would affect any WiFi device not just Digitrax like Roco Fleishman Z21 and the new Lenz radio throttle if it ever does emerge. Norman

I've heard rumours about conflicts with mobile phones in the UK and possible clashes with other systems at shows and exhibitions. But does anyone here have any first had experience/knowledge of the use of the DT602 please? The youtube reviews are good but do not address these radio wave "compatibility" issues.

I think it's probably more that Hatton's supplier not of the wood as has been suggested but the supplier of the baseboards has decided its not viable. Hatton's prices were competitive but if you take Hatton's margin away that leaves their supplier struggling to make the business viable. Essentially I do not believe that Hatton's statement about the quality of the wood is accurate. Norman

Hi Jonathan I'm not familiar with the micro and maybe the ESU manual for the power pack is wrong but I doubt it very much. Have you read the power pack manual? 5. 5. Connection to the decoder The PowerPack comes with loose connection wires. The module itself is wrapped in heat shrink plastic to protect the fragile components as well as simplify the installation into the locomotive. Please leave heat shrink intact during assembly, as it prevents possible short-circuits to metal parts within the locomotive. All LokSound and LokPilot decoders of the 4th generation series can be connected to the Power- Pack, such as LokPilot, LokPilot micro, LokSound, LokSound micro or LokSound Select , LokSound Select Micro and LokSound Select Direct. All decoders have soldering pads on which the PowerPack´s wires need to be soldered. The respective manuals of the ESU decoders described show the typical soldering locations. Refer to Figure 1 for the most common wiring diagram. In order to be able to reach the soldering surfaces, it is permissible to remove the heat shrink sleeve here. Best this happens through cuts opening the corner of the concerned decoder’s heat shrink. Leave the remaining heat shrink sleeve on the decoder. Norman

Jonathan The connections you need to make are at the other end of the board where your black tack is. You will need to cut the plastic insulation away. See 6.11.2 Power Pack in the manual Norman

Oh dear, so all those who have pre-ordered will by now have heard that the base board project is ended - No product available what a pity. My pal who ordered is really unimpressed to say the least. But I'm betting that there will be a relaunch at a later date with higher prices - watch this space! Norman

If Heljan know when items are to be available I believe we would know. The reality is that until the models are on a ship bound for the UK it's an unknown. Manufacturing in China is about who shouts loudest however, the volume is not measured acoustically but in US$. Experience over the last few yeas demonstrates that Chinese manufacturers are very fickle and money talks. Norman

OK it is important that you understand that the GM autofrog device senses a "short" and before your system reacts changes the polarity of the frog. So in order to test whether its working correctly you need to operate a train through the point and check the polarity after you have done so. If the train runs through the point both ways then it's safe to assume its working ok and no need for a meter. The polarity will only change when the "short" is sensed not before. I hope this helps!! Norman

Yes, the 37s were the same as delticfan describes. Norman

Owain Don't despair, A&H Models for the Lenz fault/repair. A&H and Lenz are very good at sorting out problems and if A&H have to send it back to Germany it maybe sometime but I'm sure you'll get a good result in the end. Mean while if you need a replacement you could go down the digikeijs DR5000 route - Lenz and Z21 etc compatible gives you options on using your LH90 and your smart phone.

Programming on the main to change the address will not work for many DCC systems, they are designed to protect the operator from inadvertently changing all his locos to be the same. To change the address on a decoder with no motor as for a coach then place it on the programming track with a loco and proceed to change the address of both loco and coach then simply remove the coach and program the loco back to what you had originally. I think NCE will allow you to change an address on the main but don't know of any others. Norman

I think that's pretty unlikely. There is no reason why they would not run on DCC and DC, certainly the auto coaches are all OK. So false news I'm afraid and Darstaed run on both!

Any CEO is well advised to maintain a good understanding of their customer’s wishes and deal with concerns they may have. The CEO of Heljan regularly attends shows and generally makes himself available to talk to customers, so it seems he fully understands. Norman

Dear Hull Paragon I heartily do agree with you Heljan's attitude is not the best. I have spoken with Kim face to face and by email and he does not demonstrate any empathy with his customers. Yes, he is the CEO of Heljan. All I can suggest is that you either find someone to do the install as a favour, perhaps at your local club or pay someone to do it for you. It is not difficult but experience makes it easier to achieve a good result.

Have you tried reading the address of the decoder?

I wonder who owns the tooling. After producing the A3 they produced the A4 and I believe that to be the same manufacturing source. Another run of the A4 is expected shortly. The tooling exists but ownership and storage of it is likely to be an issue. However, that said you would think that spare parts like gears especially with Heljan's track record would be available. Is that not part of a service that a good supplier like Heljan would ensure.

The price differential for DCC sound fitment is at the RRP level so discounted it will be a bit less. I think I read somewhere that there is to be space for two speakers so maybe that accounts for some extra cost but don't forget the DCC fitment is carried out in the UK and our labour costs are higher in the UK - just look at how much your local car dealership charges! Norman

I don't think the Chinese do repairs, Heljan in Denmark also, so you are left with selling them off cheaply in the hope that there are mugs who will buy them.

Seen on Hattons web site today. Looks like a return due to gear problems. Pity about the design and build quality though. Heljan H7-A3-002-PO O Gauge (1:43 Scale) Class A3 4-6-2 4472 "Flying Scotsman" in LNER Grass green with unstreamlined corridor tender - "Record Breaker" - Pre-owned - sold as seen - motor runs but slipping gears - Good box

You can't use a banana as a throttle that's a no no never.

The Heljan railcar is £466.65 at Tower. It seems that the retail cartel of Tower, Hatton's and Rails control the price these days to 15% less than the Heljan RRP .

Pete Seems like confused.com to me Norman