while i assume most modeler like the engine interfaces (e.g. throttle, brake, horn), i'm curious about what modelers like or dislike about the LCD interface and using the 4 buttons to change configurations and options
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
While I don't have one yet, I don't see that as much of an issue since it's something you don't do very often. Once set, it's set.
There's no room for a full keypad and a big color screen, and if it had to be connected to a computer to configure it, even more people would be annoyed. 4 conrext sensitive buttons and a simple screen accomplish what is needed to set the device up without making it ridiculously large to carry around.
It's a bit like the postage machine at work. The old one was easy to use with a simple 2 line LCD. The new one has a color touch screen and runs Android and it was difficult to set up (annoying, more like it, long multi-step process and before I could even start, as soon as I powered it up, it had to download updates - this is an improvement?) and users are not finding it as simple to use as the old one. The old one did the job just fine, weigh evelopes, input destination ZIP code, and print approriate postage. The new one does that, but requires more steps to accomplish the same thing.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
gregcwhile i assume most modeler like the engine interfaces (e.g. throttle, brake, horn)
Incorrect assumption in my case at least. I have always disliked anything that promoted the idea of "playing train". Even as a kid I preferred the knob-based power packs to the ones with the big lever on the side.
Running trains for me is about putting on a show for whoever is watching (even if the audience is just me). The railroad is the stage, the trains are the actors and I am the director. I only run trains so I can watch them. If I had to interact with all the controls on a ProtoThrottle it would distract my attention from watching the show.
Work is work and hobby is hobby. It makes no sense to me to turn my hobby into a simulation of work. I practice my hobby to get away from work.
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.
I do not have a proto-throttle, and I do not run DCC.
However, if I ever get to build my outdoor "ISL" in G scale, it will have a single GP7 or GP9, and I would love to operate it with a proto throttle. Combined with a single operating unit in G scale, with a BIG onboard speaker and amplifier, I'll bet that would be pure pleasure.
As far as set-up goes, I would only have one locomotive, so that is a one-time chore. No big deal.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
rrinkerOnce set, it's set.
curious in particular about selecting a different locomotive
The NCE groups.io had some discussion about it in February. Reportedly 450 units have been sold. Setting momentum and braking can be fiddly.
There is also a Proto Throttle @group.io You might want to join that and see what people who have real world experience to say, if you are going to drop $500. I would imagine very few naysayers would join that forum just to say they would never use it, no one needs such a device.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
I can see it being a little fiddly to select locos, since you have to step through each digit position one at a time. But this is not the throttle to be using if you are switching between multiple locos every few minutes. This is something to use when you take the yard switcher job, select the yard switcher,a dn have at it for an hour or more. This is not the throttle to hand to the person running the hostler job, who is constantly selecting different locos and running them through the service area and out to the ready track.
Maybe I'll feel al ittle funny running an Alco with an EMD control stand, or more off base, running a Baldwin with an EMD control. Unfortunatley, if they ever decide to make ones with the different controls to suit the different prototypes, I'd need to buy at least 4, to tun EMD, Alco, Baldwin, and FM locos. And that will get expensive fast.
I've used the throttle. I don't care HOW much fiddling it is to change engines. I wish I could afford ten.
Disclaimer: This post may contain humor, sarcasm, and/or flatulence.
Michael Mornard
Bringing the North Woods to South Dakota!
As an owner of 2 Protothrottles IMO there is nothing like it. Easy to set up and run. Do you want to change CV's, no different then anything else. My layout is a ISL and switching is what the PT is best at
TomO
SeeYou190 I do not have a proto-throttle, and I do not run DCC. However, if I ever get to build my outdoor "ISL" in G scale, it will have a single GP7 or GP9, and I would love to operate it with a proto throttle. Combined with a single operating unit in G scale, with a BIG onboard speaker and amplifier, I'll bet that would be pure pleasure. As far as set-up goes, I would only have one locomotive, so that is a one-time chore. No big deal. -Kevin
I'm similar to Kevin on this. If I was running just one, large scale locomotive, in the intimate setting that large (outdoor) scales create, I would want a proto action throttle of some sort.
But for HO, no thank you.
I like my ARISTO TRAIN ENGINEER throttles, which use buttons.
Accelerate, decelerate, east, west, emergency stop are the only functions on the wireless throttle, easily identified by feel and operated without looking at the throttle.
It is my firm belief that the selectively compressed distances of our model layouts do not really lend themselves to duplicating every action of the prototype, even when we desire to simulate actual operations.
It is a simulation. As mentioned above I want to enjoy watching the train.
That is why my signaling and CTC are simplified as well.
It is about putting on a show, for visitors, fellow modelers, or just myself.
The other shortcoming of the proto throttle? 40% of my locos are steam..........
Sheldon