I am thinking about the Touch Cab app to control my ECU when I do get it and came across this video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGtg0DDVRDo Check it out and tell me what you think with the first steam locomotive. I would like to create the steam that pours out the bottom of the locomotive. I'm not sure how to do this but if you have any suggestions I would really appreciate it.
Thanks
Wow! The touch cab is cool. I am (hoping) to start getting into app design and was wondering if there was something like that already out on the market. I guess they beat me to it.
As for the steam-maybe another smoke unit? It's pretty cool; I'm interested to learn how they did that as well...
It does look like a second "smoke unit" with a separate control button.
On Lionel, they took a pair of lines from the smoke generator to each cylinder but it was "on" all the time, no independent control.
Operation, on a real steam locomotive:
The engineer pulls the Throttle just a little until he can see a "whiff " of steam from the "snifter" on top of the cylinder. He then pushes the lever that opens the "pet cocks" on the bottom of the cylinders. This is to clear any condensed water remaining in the cylinders. He will, in most cases keep them open, flushing with a stream of steam, for the next two driver revolutions and then they are closed. Once closed, the locomotive starts to "chug" .
Don U. TCA 73-5735
thanks DMUinCT, I appreciate that.
When I rebuild my 4-6-2 i am looking to install that and i'll be using your notes.
Question are you using the telephone network?
Are you paying for air time?
Does each engine have it own phone number?
How many engines can you run at the same time?
No, I believe the App uses the iPhone's (or compatible iOS device's) WiFi connection to connect to the base station, etc.
Yes, you can even use an ipod touch too. It uses the home wifi network so if you have an iphone with no plan then you can use the wifi and make it work. Apparently by the website you can have an outrageous amount of phones working at the same time. Even if someone comes over you can set them up to use it. I think it is really cool and by everyone else, it will take a little bit to get it working unless you know German. As for price f $600-700, it almost seems to come out to all the other systems that I have been looking at. At least that is what I have found and if anyone knows anything cheaper please let me know. I understand that there are other iphone apps that can be used with the MRC and Digitrax also. I just like the look and ease of use with the Ecos system. If anyone gets there hands on one and get to try it out, I would love to hear from you.
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