I have been reading about the Rail-Lynx digital control system with wireless handheld throttle/transmitter. It seems to me that it is a very simple system to use and wire. Sound is not a must have. Cost is what attracts me. I am planning a layout in HO, a size of about 12' x 30' aroud the walls with a peninsula. I would like to hear any feedback on this system.
durwood Cost is what attracts me.
At $40+ for each receiver and $140 for the controller. You can buy a Power Cab and 2 decoders. Plus one question I have is can you use the converted locomotive on another DCC or DC layout. The company said it can be used on another DES layout but I have no idea what or where one is. It kind of looks like a proprietary system like the MTH DCS system. Another thing is the line of sight control.
Pete
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
The review that I read says that Rail-Lynx equipped engines can run on a DCC layout and on the same track with a DCC decoder equipped loco and that Rail-Lynx will not interfere with the opperation of DCC, and vice versa. On the sight control side, if it looses the signal, it will continue at its last command until it recieves the signal again.
durwood The review that I read says that Rail-Lynx equipped engines can run on a DCC layout and on the same track with a DCC decoder equipped loco and that Rail-Lynx will not interfere with the opperation of DCC, and vice versa. On the sight control side, if it looses the signal, it will continue at its last command until it recieves the signal again.
It is my understanding that a Rail-Lynx engine will operate on a DC layout(it just needs the constant 12VDC track power). A DC engine will operate at full speed if it is on the track. I suppose you could use a recifier to change the DCC signal to DC). The 'line of sight' is a real problem. Two club layouts installed loads of Rail-Lynx with repeaters for the tunnels - Still had loss of control issues. That ' keeps running at the last command' sent is a real problem if you cannot get it to stop! Most DCC throttles have an emergency stop feature. Rail-Lynx has an emergency STOP feature, but if you do not have 'line of sight' - It really means nothing.
One of the clubs that had a failed Rail-Lynx install tore it all out and went back to DC cab control. A lot of the members will not even entertain a DCC conversion because of the bad taste in their mouth for any 'command control'(Rail-Lynx). Also the issue of either having the receivers in the cab window or drilling holes in the top of the engine turns off most folks.
DCC can be very inexpensive now, and you have something that is compatible with others. Rail-Lynx is about $140 for a throttle, and $40 & up for receivers. It is 'wireless'. A starter DCC system like a Digitrax Zephyr or NCE Powercab can be purchased for around $150. Thise do not have 'wireless' built in at this price, but you can add 'wireless' as the need/finances are available. The decoders are in the $15-10 range. With Rail-Lynx, to add another throttle - it's another $140, and the cost of receivers can eat you alive. All for a system that is not compatible with anything else. One of the reasons systems line this, or the various CTC** systems never really went mainstream is that they were not compatible with other command control systems. With DCC, most any decoder will work with any DCC system.
I purchesed my DCC system back in the late 90's - it is still going strong. That original 'investment' has not had to be replaced as I added new features(wireless/booster/fast clock). Those original $40+ decoders now are about $15/engine for a basic decoder. I have decoders from at least 5 different manufacturers and they all work with my DCC system unit.
Jim Bernier
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
The club I used to belong to installed Rail-Lynx, and it was horrible, Even with the repeater units for tunnels and hidden track, there were control problems. They have since switched to standard DCC.
It's a neat idea, btu liek any IR control system there are issues with signal bounce, interference from lighting, and absorption of the signal by scenary materials and paint. It's also a proprietary system supported by only one company.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
jrbernier...It is my understanding that a Rail-Lynx engine will operate on a DC layout(it just needs the constant 12VDC track power). A DC engine will operate at full speed if it is on the track. I suppose you could use a recifier to change the DCC signal to DC)...
If the company that makes Rail Lynx goes belly up, you're stuck with no available receivers or anything else. With DCC, there are many manufacturers and practically everything is made to NMRA Standards and Recommended Practices so decoders are all interchangeable. Even boosters can be intermixed between brands of command stations.
With Rail Lynx, its their components or nothing -- a dead end system if something happens to them.
From the sound of your two messages, you have convinced yourself that you want to use Rail Lynx, so go ahead and purchase it.
I haven't convinced myself of buying it. It sounded like a good system. That's why I had convinced myself of discussing it in this forum to find the real truth on the system other than to rely on a review that has only good things to say about it. Thanks to all that replied.