HO R/C

[Anonymous]

I asked before but didn't get much responce, so here goes again. Does anyone use or familiar with remote control for HO. I have heard of two systems: HO Train Engineer from Aristo Craft ( radio control ) and RailLynx ( infrared control ). But I don't have any experience with either. Any other ideas besides DCC?
Thanks,
Matt

[Anonymous]

If you use a DCC system with the radio option you have HO R/C for all pratical purposes.

[Anonymous]

I have considered filling a head end car with rechargeable dry cells, an electronic speed controller and a radio receiver, then direct wiring into, say, a P2K E-8. Should run for a few hours on a charge, and you won't have to power the track or clean the wheels... Should give supurlative control as well.

Allan Lees

[howmus]

KSLM, I bought the Crest (Aristocraft) HO Train Engineer. I do NOT recommend it! [tdn] It is harder to set up your locos than DCC, very unreliable (finiky as to power) and has a 3 foot antenna on the transmitter which catches on everything around it. The radio receivers in the loco have a 7" antenna that has to be spread out inside the locomotive (yeah right!). The radio receivers only come in one size (which is why they claim it will fit in most HO locomotives. The system, by the time you get the receivers for the locos, buy a new power pack that will actually work with it, and layout the money for the transmitter, is more expensive than entry level DCC (what am I saying... It is actually more expensive than the Digitrax Super Empire Builder). DCC, by the way, actually works! Like a charm I might add. Don't waste your money with the HOTE (IMHO), go with DCC. If you really want the HOTE system, I have one that has never been used (at least with any sucess) that I will let you have cheap..............

[jwar]

Hi Matt.

Astro Craft HOTE in my personal openion is a monatary money drain, unless one likes weird looking bookends, but then one would have to waste some lead for them to do that.
My friend has had nothing but problems with Astro Craft HOTE train engeeneer, has fried several recievers, bought the companys suggested transformer, sent it back to the factory and get this, the parts being returned had internal damage as the batteries fried the circuit board in the transmitter during return shippment.
I have not seen one post in this past year that is or was positive, other then Astro crafts system that regulates the track power to operate, sort of like a RC to regulate the track voltage, the guys that use this system like it, however as I stated above I know there has been a lot of disssatisfaction with the HOTE system.
that uses recievers in the locomotive.

[Anonymous]

Go to this website:
http://www.cvpusa.com
click on AIRWIRE and read about the system. It is designed for garden railroads so it probably won't fit in HO equipment, but you be the judge.

[jwar]

Hi Ed
The Astro Craft has several systems andI was discribing the one they made to market for HO, using recievers in locomotives and a transmitter. The Power pack is left on and one controls operation of headlights, speed and directions, with a hand held transmitter. It sounded like a great idea as one is suppose to use a DC power pack and a simple to install filter.


The MFG has a lot to work out as this made for HO system, has had numerous problems of operating. However the larger scale system are very good....