My research into wireless DCC continues. My old basic MRC Prodigy is in need of being replaced.
I know I would like to have a wireless DCC system. While I am open as to which system to go with I am now considering the possibility of using an iphone or iTouch with the JMRI software and WiThrottle app to control the trains wirelessly.
Is anyone doing this who can comment on what they think of this technology?
I have available a PC with Windows XP that I could dedicate to the layout. I have wireless router set up currently, and I know the kids have an extra iTouch laying around that I can use, so that side of things is covered.
My thinking is to go with a Digitrax system so I have an up to date system to fall back on should I ever have PC trouble etc, but then use the itouch / WiThrottle app to have the wireless option.
Thoughts.
Thanks Martin.
I use it and I think it's great. It essentially gave me a free wireless throttle. 3 now, since I have 2 iPhones and an Android tablet. The computer, I'd have even if I didn't have a model railroad. Ditto the wireless router, the iPhone, and tablet. Therefore, the only real cost involved was the Locobuffer to interface the computer to my Digitrax layout.
This setup works with any DCC system supported by JMRI, which means basically every one on the market currently except MRC. Throttle control via WiThrottle or the on-screen throttles in JMRI is system independent, all you need is an appropriate device to connect the computer running JMRI to the DCC system. All compatible systems have at least one, there's at least 3 options for Digitrax - the PR3 from Digitrax, the Locobuffer-USB from RR_CirKits, or any number of DIY Locobuffer devices (I have one I built using a circuit board from Hans Deloof).
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Martin,
I also use the WiThrottle server connected to a Digitrax system with WiThrottle on an iPad, Engine Driver (the Android app) on a DroidX, a Kindle Fire and an Acer tablet, all at the same time. I have also used the WiThrottle app to run a train remotely over the internet while watching the train via a live video stream. It is a great product and highly recommended.
Regards,
Dave
From Mt Pleasant, Utah, the home of the Hill Valley and Thistle Railroad where the Buffalo still roam and a Droid runs the trains
Thanks for the replies, I may have more questions as I learn more about this. My imediate concerns are regarding running two trains each of which have consist's of MU'd locos. 2nd is sound operation, any issue with either?
You can select and control a consist. And you have access all 29 functions. Even with a Zephyr command station which only has F0-F8 natively. Just like when you connect a DT402 throttle - all the extra function are available.
I just got done with a modular group running NCE with the JMRI/Withrottle. It works great, but we had all consist created by the NCE pro cab and then I just grabbed the lead loco in the consist and ran. This is also how I ran consisted locomotives with digitrax.
Chris
Check out my railroad at: Buffalo and Southwestern
Photos at:Flicker account
YouTube:StellarMRR YouTube account
Thank you for all the replies, everything I have read about this has been very positive.
I think as far as the new DCC system I will most likely go with Digitrax and most likely the Super Chief system, any thoughts in regards to choice of system?
Martin.
If you need the full capacity, by all means. If your layout can only support a couple of trains at a time, you could save a lot by getting the Zephyr Xtra instead, the only real differences being the total loco/throttle capacity (20 vs 120) and total output power ont he base unit, 3 amps vs 5 amps. Both have dedicate program tracks with readback capability and all the other goodies.
I have the older Zephyr, 10 locos and 2.5 amps. I've had as many as 8 locos running at once, half with sound, without overloading the 2.5 amps. That was all I could managed without them crashing into one another - my layout can really only support 2 maybe 3 running trains at any time. I do have some extra throttles plus the JMRI/WiThrottle setup so the stationary console aspect of the Zephyr is not an issue. In fact I have mine stuffed up under the layout and never touch it.
Some day I will have a large basement and be able to build a much larger layout, in which case I will probably add a DCS100 to make a Super Chief, the Zephyr will still function as a booster and not go to waste.
In general terms, the Loconet bus used to connect Digitrax equiment is more capable than any of the others, as far as bandwidth and communications features go. All devices are peer to peer - that's why there haven't been many significant updates tot he command stations in years - they aren't needed. The original Zephyr I have only has buttons for F0-F8. By using JMRI, or plugging in a DT402 throttle, I have access to all 29 functions, no need to modify anything on the Zephyr itself. Plus there is tons of third party support for Loconet when it comes to adding block detection and signalling and stationary decoders for turnouts. You can build a complete system without even using Digitrax branded parts - there are DIY projects if you like electronics, from ready to assemble boards to purely experimental boards using Aurdino processors. Ready to go products are available from companies like Team Digital, CML, RR-CirKits, and Tam Valley.
Thanks Randy. My layout can handle 3 trains comfortably, I have been giving a lot of consideration to how much system I need if i go with this JMRI and WiThrottle.
I learned there is a DCC store in Cincinnati that has this set up so I am going to go and check it out.