WiThrottle is my current means to use wireless control - I have the iPhone anyway, I have the wifi anyway, and I'd still have JMRI and an interface even without WiThrottle. You can get away with a computer with wifi without having to buy an access point, there are some utilities that set up ad-hoc networks on the computer so your iPhone, iPod TOuch, or Android phone could connect, but most people seem to have wireless routers already. I'm goign to see if I can test out the ad-hoc method at the show coming up next week.
A friend has a Digitrax IR receiver in his train room, mounted high up on a backdrop. He also has a fairly bright white drop ceiling. The IR works pretty much everywhere int eh room except at extreme angles (basically the doorways on either side of the wall where the receiver is mounted) as long as you don;t point the throttle at the floor. Pointign it in a general up direction seems to bounce off the white ceiling just fine. In an unfinished basement, or with a darker ceiling color, it's not goign to work as well.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
For my currently fairly small L-shaped switching layout, I've found Digitrax infra-red with two receivers works OK. As the layout expands I'll add more, but as it is I can control an engine from across the basement (approx 35') with no trouble. I was interested in radio control but read something from a hobby shop owner (IIRC) saying that he had several folks who bought radio control systems, only to find out that they really couldn't have paid less and gotten similar results with infra-red.
Digitrax hand-helds come with infra-red built in so you don't have to pay for the more expensive radio versions, and one radio receiver and one radio handheld cost about the same as 5-6 infra-red receivers.
Don't forget WiThrottle. Of course this requires the use of the JMRI software and an iPhone or iPod Touch.
American Flyer TrainsIs there any dcc system that is wireless, so no cord is in the way? Thanks to anyone who can help......
Lenz also has a system where one can purchase wireless phones and use them for a throttle. What I found with those is that many beep when one presses the buttions so that when running the train it ends up being beep, beep, beep... beep beep, beep.
At the Greeley Museum we use the NCE wireless. I don't care for the big hammerheads running all day long they get heavy. But the smaller wireless utility throttles are really nice.
After trying several options, I went with the NCE 5 amp wireless system right from the start. I recently bought a second wireless paddle. I have not regrets, it works great!
John
I do Digitrax. I tried the IR and it was terrible. It worked untill I really needed to stop an engine. I went to radio and it is wonderful. There is the short wire used to aquire an engine. I think of it in terms of the engineer has to at least go somewhere to get the engine. After the one plug in to aquire, it works flawlessly on my modest layout. I see no need to upgrade to duplex but orthers will disagree.
FWIW, years ago corded operation was the way to go...it's what we all wanted. A cab throttle we could carry around attached to the layout with a cord! That's back when most of us used a power pack and set in one position in front of the power pack while we operated flipping toggle switches as the train moved along! Thank God those day's are gone...even if they were the good old days!
I like the Digitrax Duplex system and the regular wireless. I prefer radio since it's not dependent on line of sight.
Richard
I have a MRC wireless and I love it , as I am sure most folks with wireless do. No tripping over cords etc. Once I decided to see how far the signal would go , I could toot the whistle thru 2 walls and around corners with no problem, so I suspect it would have to be rally big layout for this system not to work. As i said , it us cool
American Flyer Trains Is there any dcc system that is wireless, so no cord is in the way? Thanks to anyone who can help......
Is there any dcc system that is wireless, so no cord is in the way? Thanks to anyone who can help......
I have an NCE PH-Pro 5 amp system with two tethered throttles. I recently sent in one of my throttles for a repair to the speed dial and while it is in for the repair, I have requested a conversion of the throttle to wireless. Meanwhile, I have purchased an NCE wireless base station and antenna. So, shortly, I expect to be operating in wireless mode, no cords, total freedom of movement around the layout.
Rich
Alton Junction
Wireless will cost more but is well worth it. I had an NCE wireless and currently have Digitrax. Was satisfied with both.
Springfield PA
Am Fly
Not all wireless is created equal, so go into this with your eyes open.
Cheapest is generally Infra Red. Both Bachmann and Digitrax have this available. Advantage is the lower cost, the downside is the usual need for line of sight between the throttle and the receiver. Just like the IR TV remote
Simplex wireless is radio and is the older Digitrax radio solution. It is not completely wireless as you have to plug in to acquire a loco.
Duplex wireless is the latest Digitrax wireless and is what is also offered by MRC, NCE and CVP. For someone that says "I do not need an annoying cord" this is the wireless solution for you.
Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum
I am new to dcc, and am happy to know i do not need an annoying cord, so thank you very much for your help, TSWARZ
AMERICAN FLYER,
Pretty much any of the DCC systems out there can be wireless. I personally use and love my CVP EasyDCC system which has a great wireless system. I have also operated on layouts that use Digitrax Wireless both Simplex and Duplex, and NCE wireless, MRC wireless, and I am sure a few others that I have neglected to mention.
So the simple answer is that the majority of the DCC systems out there can be used wirelessly.
Tom
Modeling the Pittsburgh Division of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad from Glenwood Yard to New Castle Yard following the old P&W Mainline.
Visit my website at: http://www.baltimoreandohiorr.com