Hello everyone, I recently got into the hobby and I'm proceeding slowly as to not waste money making mistakes. I'm modeling in HO and plan to model in the modern era (2010-2020).
I have built my benchwork and laid my first layer of roadbed, before I proceed any farther I wanted to get some information that I can't seem to find on the web.
I would like to run my trains using a wireless device (phone, laptop, tablet) my layout is currently in my barn where there is no local wifi network and future plans would also have the layout without a local wifi network.
What are my options for doing this?
Is DCC still the way to go or is there another technology coming to light?
with DCC I believe I would need to use JMRI on at least 1 laptop but can I do so over wifi or does it need a physical connection?
If I can go wireless is there a DCC commander that is specifally built for that, perhaps one that doesn't come with a handheld controller reducing the price?
How can I set it up so anyone with a phone can download the approperiate controller app and drive trains on my layout?
Thank you for any information - Troy
Take a look at Monocacy Trains‘ website and Facebook. It is not DCC and it does not have near the capabilities of DCC. It is a Bluetooth train control module that uses a smart phone app. It is not expensive and will do what you want - control a train from an app without a computer, wireless, or command station. Sound which comes from the app is not good. You could use that module up to the time you make a bigger investment in DCC.
Digitrax sells a device which I believe allows a wireless device to act as a controller without setting up a newtwork. I beleive with either Digitrax or NCE you can use JMRI, you'd only need a cheap wireless router to provide a wifi network, you don't need an internet connection. There is a physical connection from the laptop to the DCC system. I expect that someday in the not too distant future wifi will be integrated into the DCC systems themselves, but I don't think it's a huge limitation.
Jeff But it's a dry heat!
TBrock77What are my options for doing this?
It is a simple job to set up a "trains only" WIFI that is not connected to the internet. In fact, the new DCC system from ESU does exactly that.
If you want a DIY system, just get an old wireless router, you won't use the router function but it's still the cheapest way to get the Ethernet switch, wireless access point and DHCP server that you do need - all in one box. Connect your DCC system to the router, set up your wireless network as per the instructions that come with the router and you're all set.
Vail and Southwestern RRI expect that someday in the not too distant future wifi will be integrated into the DCC systems themselves
ESU does that today.
I have the right to remain silent. By posting here I have given up that right and accept that anything I say can and will be used as evidence to critique me.
carl425 TBrock77 What are my options for doing this? It is a simple job to set up a "trains only" WIFI that is not connected to the internet. In fact, the new DCC system from ESU does exactly that. If you want a DIY system, just get an old wireless router, you won't use the router function but it's still the cheapest way to get the Ethernet switch, wireless access point and DHCP server that you do need - all in one box. Connect your DCC system to the router, set up your wireless network as per the instructions that come with the router and you're all set. Vail and Southwestern RR I expect that someday in the not too distant future wifi will be integrated into the DCC systems themselves ESU does that today.
TBrock77 What are my options for doing this?
Vail and Southwestern RR I expect that someday in the not too distant future wifi will be integrated into the DCC systems themselves
I have to admit that I have been hibernating for the past several years, and have missed out! It's so easy to do, I'm not surprised in the least.
Try the ROCO Z21 system, comes complete with router and uses a cell phone as the handset.
I suppose the absolute easiest way to do it would be to buy a Bachmann engine with their "EZ App" system already installed in it. Then it's just a free download for your mobile device and you're ready to roll.
https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/ez-app.php
(BTW, if you shop around online, you can buy the engines for quite a bit below the list price shown on their website.)
Most brands of DCC systems have a wireless option. You may need to buy a separate wireless throttle and interface, but you do not need a full WiFi system or Internet connection.
I prefer to use the wired-in throttle for programming DCC decoders and setting up consists, but for simple train operation I like the convenience of a hand held wireless throttle.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
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If I were starting over from scratch, or new to the hobby, I would go with DCC without a second thought.
I am too heavily invested into DC myself, so I will stick with it, but there are so many advantages to DCC.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
it slipped my mind that I don’t need internet to have WiFi so thank you for the reminder.
So if I set up a WiFi network for my trains I’ll be able to get let’s say a MRC commander with their wireless module and then connect that to the network and then connect a laptop with JMRI to the network to control the trains, am I getting that straight?
also whike looking in ESU’s site I ran across railcom, which I understand to be a 2 way communication between the train and commander. Does anyone know if the bus wiring for that would be any different than DCC?
OP wrote: "I would like to run my trains using a wireless device (phone, laptop, tablet) my layout is currently in my barn where there is no local wifi network and future plans would also have the layout without a local wifi network. What are my options for doing this?"
Look into the Roco z21 system. As slick as it gets for wifi operation.
You can run it from iPhone, iPad, Android phone or tablet, or your computer. Or... from a wired controller as well (Roco calls these "minimaus")
Go to YouTube and search for "roco z21" videos to see what's involved.
You can go to the App Store (Apple) or GooglePlay (Android), and download the free z21 app which will run in demo mode on any device you have. Search for "z21". There are newer and older apps, try both.
I got the z21 (white, with "little z") from DMToys in Germany (99 Euro + 10 Euro for international shipping). I picked up the dedicated router from a dcc shop here in the USA (I think it was the Streamlined Backshop). You'd need either plug adapters (to use with the European power supplies), or buy US-plug-compatible power supplies (I did).
You DO NOT need to be on any kind of "network" to use the z21 over wifi, so long as you also use the dedicated TP Link router along with it. Set up this way, your iOS or Android device will connect to the TP Link and talk to the z21 that way.
Programming is a snap with the z21 app as well. Changing an engine number is as simple as hitting the "read" button (to read the existing number), then typing in whatever number you wish to use and then hitting "program". Done.
If you're going that route, the ESU CabControl system is probably the slickest system out there right now. The handheld is an Android device, with a big throttle knob and some extra buttons that can be configured as frequently used functions in addition to what you have on the touch screen part of the display. The touchscreen buttons can all be labeled with what they do, no need to remember that button 6 is the dynamic brake sound, etc. No external wifi router required, the base station itself is already a wifi router to link the throttles. End user updatable wih downloadable firmware - they already did an update to add programming on the main which was not in the original system when released. And if you use ESU Loksound decoders (and frankly, there's little reason NOT to - they're my standard but I don;t use the ESU DCC system), you just put the loco on the track and the system will discover it and map the function buttons automatically, like MTH's proprietary DCS does.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Help - I'm thinking of making the switch from DC to DCC on my small N Scale layout (3'x6') I don't anticipate running more than 3-4 locos at a time, and I expect to be the only operator. I know that a number of suppliers make entry level systems that would fit my needs, Here's the question - is there any advantage or disadvantage to choosing NCE over DigiTrax over MRC? Pricewise, they're all about the same. Is any one brand easier to use than the others? Also, how do I know if my Atlas locos are DCC ready?