Any suggestions on a wireless dcc cab?

[ct.ken]

Hi I am starting an outdoor layout about 30'x60' and would like to be able to control switches, sound and train. I was looking at an nce procab and aristo craft 2.4 train engneer. Also how much volts are people running on a track like this size I plan on 2 tracks or 2 loco's at a time. Thanks to every one who repleyed so far and those who would like to. THANKS, Kenny

[Greg Elmassian]

I'm very happy with my NCE wireless DCC system, 10 amp radio system.

I run all turnouts by DCC

see my site, and search for "air operated" for the turnouts and go to the DCC section...

Regards, Greg

[altterrain]

That's the longest title for a post I have ever seen! 

 Welcome to the forum but try writing in the "Message" part next time.

Good luck with the DCC. Track and battery power here!

 -Brian

[Rex in Pinetop]

Kenny,

I use the Airwire system with battery power.  The decoders are not cheap and the system requires one for each engine.  The system does control the on-board sound system but I'm not sure how to do the off engine functions.    

Greg,

I just completed three scratch turnouts that have air operators.  Right now the control is manually flipping an air switch.  I can see that may be a problem with switch location being somewhere on a stationary board.  I like your remotely controled solinoid solution versus the physical switch.  Is there a way to have the Airwire throttle remotely control the switches?  Does that require a dedicated decoder for each switch?

Thanks,

Rex

[Greg Elmassian]

Yep, you need 2 components from Airwire, there is a "receiver" and then there is a 4 unit switch controller, if I remember correctly. I think the "receiver" is good for several switch controllers.

Then you would use air solenoids like I did, and you can pick from several different voltages, depending on the power you want to apply. I did not look up the specs on how much current the Airwire controller will handle, and of course, the lower the voltage of the solenoid, the more current it draws.

Regards, Greg

[Rex in Pinetop]

Okay I looked up the parts on the cvp website.  The receiver is called a "Linker" and it's priced at $199.  The switch controller is called an "Activator" @ $119 and has only 4 outputs.  That's $318 without the solinoids to control switches with the throttle!  I may stick with the manual mode for awhile.

Rex 

[ct.ken]

WOW!! Greg I got cought up in your web site. This is the kind of guidence I was looking for.I am leaning to the pro cab(nce) thank you so much kenny

[ct.ken]

Sorry Brian I fixed the post thanks for the heads up!!  Kenny

[ct.ken]

Hi Rex, Looks like Greg ansered your question. I am so new at this I Didn't know. Thanks for writing. Ken

[Greg Elmassian]

 After re-reading this, I think some posts are missing after it has been moved.

Are you looking for a AirWire type wireless system, or track powered traditional DCC with wireless throttles?

If you are going track power, the decoders are much cheaper, especially the accessory ones.

Regards, Greg

[lownote]

 

I've been using the NCE ProCab wireless controlle, running DCC on my layout. It's been entirely painless and fun. It's easy to control switches with the handheld, and once you get over the initial cost of the DCC gear, it's cheap to add remote control to additional locos.