I got an email from a club member with a link to this attached.
http://www.iascaled.com/store/MRBW-CST
Steve
If everything seems under control, you're not going fast enough!
They have some videos showing it in operation. Pretty neat, but pricey - add $100 to the price for the interface module. Not sure why they didn't just put a wifi radio in it instead of Xigbee and then use another module to translate. Since the thing uses WiThrottle protocol, if the DCC system is supported by JMRI, it would work with it, no questions asked.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
They haven't been released yet. Taking pre-orders now. If you search around, you can find a video of one of the developers using it.
They have a couple of prototypes out that they have had a train shows, to show them off.
Mike.
My You Tube
I have been following the development of it. Yes, it is a neat accessory but I would also need the LNWI reciever for Digitrax adding another hundred to the cost...
I'm still on the fence
I sure don't like the idea of having to unscrew the faceplate every time I need to change batteries! For $500 couldn't they have internal rechargeable batteries like a plain-old cordless phone uses?
From the user manual:
"To access the battery holder, unscrew the 4 phillips head screws on the corners of the throttle’s faceplate; remove the box; IMPORTANT: when removing the batteries from the holder, use one hand to hold both sides of the holder to prevent it from bending away from the printed circuit board; insert batteries and reattach the box. Do not over tighten the screws."
Maybe I'll wait for the MarkII version.
Cheers, Ed
It's clever and I like the concept. But there's a design problem I wonder how they got past.
There's separate light buttons for forward and reverse and dcc protocol really doesn't allow for full strength forward and backwards lights.
Also functions like brake vary from decoder to decoder and each would require a function remap and they may not remap to buttons beneath f4. (Soundtraxx)
Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions
Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!
Honestly sounds like someone had a really good idea but not a lot of real world design experience. Why not just have the battery holder mounted to the case adn wires to the board?
If you have a computer interface and JMRI, you don't need the LNWI, you can just launch the WiThrottle server in JMRI and it will connect to that.
I tried one at TrainFest in Milwaukee last November.It was great and if I could poop gold nuggets I'd get a bunch. But they are WAY out of my price range.
Disclaimer: This post may contain humor, sarcasm, and/or flatulence.
Michael Mornard
Bringing the North Woods to South Dakota!
rrinker If you have a computer interface and JMRI, you don't need the LNWI, you can just launch the WiThrottle server in JMRI and it will connect to that.
I do
Thanks Randy.
Ed
Bayfield Transfer RailwayI tried one at TrainFest in Milwaukee last November.
Thats where I seen it. I think the MRH both had one to try.
Anyway, way to much money for me, and I believe you can only run 1 loco at a time. I'll stick with my old DT400.
I tried this out at Trainfest as well. Works fine, but it is not .one hand operation' - It is not comfortable when switching.. This is really a two hand device. What I would like to see is a small hand-held throttle with a knob that is JMRI capable. Sort of like the Digitrax UT series throttles...
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
is it intended to represent the controls in the cab or of a remote control system, which straps around your waste and is operated with two hands?
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
gregcis it intended to represent the controls in the cab
Yes. Generic EMD or GE control stand but with Voloco lever horn valve instead of a more recent pushbutton.
GE_control by Edmund, on Flickr
Regards, Ed
It was designed by Iowa Scaled Engineering with lots of input from the forums at MRH. There were many real RR engineers who gave their input and lots of beta testing on real layouts. I also used it in Milwaukee at Trainfest and I loved it. I have regular sized hands and while some could use it one handed it is a 2 handed device. It was designed to duplicate the actions of a real diesel control stand. It can run multiple engines in a consist but it was designed mainly for switching. Pre-production orders started 4/6 for delivery in June. $449 for the throttle, $99 for the receiver to interface with the DCC systems. Go to Utube to see Tim Garlands video on his beta testing. It is not for everyone and it is not cheap and they are targeting a small audience. The 1st order is for 150 units and yes I have ordered one. It is called Protothrottle and try googling it.
TomO