My layout is up and running great on DC. My friend wants me to go DCC but I would prefer to go remote control. I have a Crest system for my HO layout and it works great. What I am wondering is if there is a manufacture working on one that will plug into a DCC plug. I am looking for the type that for the basics (forward and reverse) does not use DCC. I know I can buy the components and build my own but I would prefer to do the other, even if I have to wait a year or two.
Look into Railpro if you're leaning towards radio control (http://ringengineering.com/RailPro.htm). The modules plug into a 9-pin DCC socket, and it can be used on both DCC or Railpro powered layouts. It's possible to run it on a DC layout, but spikes in voltage on DC can destroy the module. All function are controlled through radio signals from the controller directly to each locomotive, no signals through the track. I've been using it for over a year now and have been very pleased.
-Kevin
What do you want to "plug into a DCC plug?' A throttle? A receiver inside the engine?
And, what do you have against DCC? Several manufacturers have radio throttles for DCC that don't require tether wires, if that's the issue.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
MisterBeasley What do you want to "plug into a DCC plug?' A throttle? A receiver inside the engine? And, what do you have against DCC? Several manufacturers have radio throttles for DCC that don't require tether wires, if that's the issue.
K-Pack Look into Railpro if you're leaning towards radio control (http://ringengineering.com/RailPro.htm). The modules plug into a 9-pin DCC socket, and it can be used on both DCC or Railpro powered layouts. It's possible to run it on a DC layout, but spikes in voltage on DC can destroy the module. All function are controlled through radio signals from the controller directly to each locomotive, no signals through the track. I've been using it for over a year now and have been very pleased. -Kevin
rrebellDCC is too sensitive and I want to have fun, not learn to program things. I know many with DCC and have not met one without problems from time to time
I am one with no problems with DCC. Ever. Not one. I have never heard of anyone destroying their entire DCC system. Ever. Maybe a decoder.
And why do you think a complex direct radio control system like you are talking about will not be sensitive and subject to blowing up the radio modules, too?
A friend of mine tried an early version of Railpro and gave up because people in the aisles blocked the signals. And it will be just as expensive or more than DCC (no competitors and no standardization) and lack the drop in modules to retrofit engines.
And you think radio plus battery will be easier to install than DCC that is designed to drop in?
I guess it is nice to have a dream.
alco_fan rrebellDCC is too sensitive and I want to have fun, not learn to program things. I know many with DCC and have not met one without problems from time to time I am one with no problems with DCC. Ever. Not one. I have never heard of anyone destroying their entire DCC system. Ever. Maybe a decoder. And why do you think a complex direct radio control system like you are talking about will not be sensitive and subject to blowing up the radio modules, too?
I've also never had any sort of problem with DCC, and think learning how to program and master the dynamic control can improve everything about model railroading.
OP, If you're afraid of heights, then say you're afraid of heights. Don't go around saying the cliffs are too high. See the point.
With DCC, it only has to be as difficult as you make it. Most engines today either come with a decoder or are equipped as such to just remove the shell, plug in a decoder and re-install the shell.
The only programming you HAVE to do, is change CV1 to the address you want and you're done.
That's exactly how I started. I bought a couple dozen basic decoders, plugged them into my engines, changed the addresses and I was off and running. My first DCC system was an Atlas Commander - extremely simple and basic. Used it for years with not one single problem .... and I still use it on occasion.
The ONLY decoders I ever had trouble with were deemed to have been defective right from the manufacturer.
Wireless / battery systems are still in their infancy right now. Systems like Rail-Pro are propietary, meaning if you buy their system, you are stuck having to buy their decoders, which, by the way, are bigger than most non-sound decoders and will be more difficult to install in smaller engines like switchers.
Mark.
¡ uʍop ǝpısdn sı ǝɹnʇɐuƃıs ʎɯ 'dlǝɥ
My wife was intimidated by, and therefor hated, computers. She is a voracious reader. I kept trying to get her to consider an e-reader, but she resisted, claiming she preferred books. E-readers were too complicated and she heard you can't use them outdoors, and the batteries have to be recharged. In short, they are too much trouble. I finally bought her a Nook for Valentine's Day and she is hooked. She was intimidated by the web and had heard all those virus stories, until she learned to access the internet from her Nook E-reader. Now she looks up stuff on the internet all the time. She has even upgraded her Nook to the newer and better model.
In short, people are wary of the unknown. The cure is to make it known before deciding.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
Radio control for trains has been around for a long time, just wasn't very practical in smaller scales. Now with the batteries that are out there you can get up to 15 hr run time in HO. Also some new batteries are coming an the market in the next three years that will make those look like dinosaurs, that will bring it to N scale. As far as others saying they have never had problems with DCC, that is great but I have seen the opposite. To basically run a train you don't need much but if you want all the bells a whistles, that is another mater. The main reason for radio control is except for the charging track, you can run over wood or plastic rails for that mater, you don't even need metal so dirty track is not a problem. Yes I have played with DCC, a couple of the main one in fact, my buddy having an NCE. As far as computers, your wife was wize to be wary but as long as you don't do your banking online, you realy don't have to worry. Yes I do know computers and yes I could learn DCC as it is mainly run on comands but I would prefer to pick up the control and turn on the devise and run but that is just me. I was hoping to find someone that was working on advanced stuff on this forum but as you can see, not so far.
rrebell ...I was hoping to find someone that was working on advanced stuff on this forum but as you can see, not so far.
...I was hoping to find someone that was working on advanced stuff on this forum but as you can see, not so far.
Well, I suppose that depends on a person's definition of "advanced" as there are folks on this site doing some pretty advanced stuff, both modeling wise and technologically speaking (I do not include myself among them though ). I am sure people here would like to help you, it's just that most folks here seem to operate on DC or DCC and don't have the answers to your questions is all. I am a computer dunce and make no bones about admitting it. But I figured out DCC fairly easily and with no more pain then when I first started running trains on DC. Each to their own and I hope you get it all figured out. Good luck!
Happy Modeling!
Don.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I have some good news and some bad news. The bad news is that both engines have failed, and we will be stuck here for some time. The good news is that you decided to take the train and not fly."
I'm with Don: To each their own.
Nobody has to be afraid of DCC. Nobody has to choose DCC either. Either way, there are plenty of options for you. Don't let the Elitists on either side of the DC vs DCC issue berate you for your decision.
Tam Valley has a small Radio-DCC bridge system to help facilitate a 'dead rail' setup. Not a 100% match with what you are looking for, but perhaps worth mentioning.
http://www.tamvalleydepot.com/products/drs1wirelessdcc.html
Dave Loman
My site: The Rusty Spike
"It's a penny for your thoughts, but you have to put your 2 cents in.... hey, someone's making a penny!"
claymore1977 I'm with Don: To each their own. Nobody has to be afraid of DCC. Nobody has to choose DCC either. Either way, there are plenty of options for you. Don't let the Elitists on either side of the DC vs DCC issue berate you for your decision. Tam Valley has a small Radio-DCC bridge system to help facilitate a 'dead rail' setup. Not a 100% match with what you are looking for, but perhaps worth mentioning. http://www.tamvalleydepot.com/products/drs1wirelessdcc.html
I also have Dcc and have had an all Digitrax system since 1999. I haven't had any problems that a little reading didn't cure or asking someone. It is really great to have your loco's and switches work from your remote or the signaling and track detection letting you know where your train is. Sounds difficult right! You shouldn't condemn Dcc until you have tried it or used it at a club or show, a train show had a Dcc setup and it was Digitrax and 2 weeks later I had one and was using it without the slightest problem, it was the reading that took the most time. Since then I have 5 friends using it. It's nice to take your loco's to a friends home layout and run or to the local club,it's something you might want to think about before you take that step. Jim.
I have played with DCC and unlike you and your freinds, lots of issues. Imagine never having to worry about dirty track again
I'm not so sure that battery powered loco's with radio control is the ideal way to go. Some one posted that there are batteries that will fit in an HO engine that last for 15 hours. What about the 16th hour? I have the same situation with my cordless power tools. If I forget to charge, I don't drill holes.
Other then getting the signal to the engine, the complexity would still be up to the user. Each engine will need some type of ID. I would hope that would be something that could be set by the user. No difference from DCC there. Options would also need to be selected (programmed). Again no difference. The only real difference with DCC as we know it today is that the signal is sent through the rails. Other then that, if one desires lighting and sound options it will become complex.
Your Crest system works well for you. We used it on NTRAK for years. Many still do. We stopped using it on large layouts because as the layouts got larger we couldn't find enough equipment to support it.
Martin Myers
mfm37I'm not so sure that battery powered loco's with radio control is the ideal way to go.
Martin,Just for laughs that's what many said about DCC.
I suspect the batteries would last longer then 15 hours..
R/C like DCC will require learning.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
I agree. Some time it will be available. That will happen when other industries develop the components needed to assemble a model train control system. The cell phone companies made DCC possible. They might wind up making radio control possible. My point is that by the time that happens my current DCC system will be antique. First the parts become available. Then some industrious model railroader need to take them and assemble the system. Then market it and sell enough to stay in business to support it while developing new stuff to continue.
If I had waited for something better, I would have already missed the last 17 years of fun I've had with my DCC system. My point is maybe something will become available tomorrow. Maybe 5 years from now. DCC is here now. Get it, use it, move on when something better comes around. My VCR is in the basement on a shelf because I still own a bunch of tapes which are also on the shelf. Most likely, I'll never use them again.
alco_fan rrebellDCC is too sensitive and I want to have fun, not learn to program things. I know many with DCC and have not met one without problems from time to time I am one with no problems with DCC. Ever. Not one.
I am one with no problems with DCC. Ever. Not one.
Baloney!
Alton Junction
mfm37 I agree. Some time it will be available. That will happen when other industries develop the components needed to assemble a model train control system. The cell phone companies made DCC possible. They might wind up making radio control possible. My point is that by the time that happens my current DCC system will be antique. First the parts become available. Then some industrious model railroader need to take them and assemble the system. Then market it and sell enough to stay in business to support it while developing new stuff to continue. If I had waited for something better, I would have already missed the last 17 years of fun I've had with my DCC system. My point is maybe something will become available tomorrow. Maybe 5 years from now. DCC is here now. Get it, use it, move on when something better comes around. My VCR is in the basement on a shelf because I still own a bunch of tapes which are also on the shelf. Most likely, I'll never use them again. Martin Myers
I believe in new things,as I stated before,,,but getting back to your last sentence,about charging stations..I believe that is one of the reason's the automaker's are having trouble selling their new,EV's,Ford,Chevy,and the others that make them,have dropped their price's from,4,000 to 7'000,dollars and they still can't sell them..I guess no one to get rid of their gas and diesel auto's...Instead of you or your wife asking,did you put gas in the car?? They will be asking,did you charge the car?? A lot of people just are not ready to change because someone else thinks it's great......Just My Opinion....
Cheers,
Frank
Frank:
General Motors Tripled Sales Of Chevy Volt In 2012
It seems that a lot of people don't agree with you and Fox.
Phoebe VetGeneral Motors Tripled Sales Of Chevy Volt In 2012
Sold, or leased? Apparently GM is offering very good lease rates which makes the car somewhat attractive. $40,000 is a lot of money to pay for a car that goes 38 miles on a full charge and then you have to plug it in again.
http://money.cnn.com/2013/01/03/autos/chevrolet-volt-sales/index.html
However, to keep this train related, if the choice is to operate the trains now or wait another X number of years for someone to make another viable control system available, I chose not to wait.
It doesn't stop when the charge is exhausted. It just starts the gasoline engine to run the generator. The Volt continues on. If you work and shop within 20 miles of home, plug it in when you get home each night and you will seldom have to buy gasoline. If you work on the road, it is not for you.
Phoebe VetIt doesn't stop when the charge is exhausted. It just starts the gasoline engine to run the generator. The Volt continues on.
Yes, I'm aware of that. However, having the gas engine sort of defeats the purpose does it not?
On the other hand, I am interested in seeing the minature gas engines that will be provided to back up the new batteries that are being proposed/installed in HO locos. I guess that every consist will need a dummy B unit for the engines, plus a tank car with minature pump behind the consist for the gasoline.
Pure battery is not the way to go. They need to have charging from the rails. What this buys you is pretty much infinite run time, yet you can simply ulate a reverse loop and not worry about it.
I have no problems with DCC, my locos always run, my system always turns on, and I have no problems programming anything. But I don;t use complex programming, I model an era before ditch lights, and I don't model a road that used all sorts of extra Mars lighs and beacons on their locos - so all I usually program is an address and simple front and back lights (and on cab units, no reverse light!).
Given the small 4, 6, and 8 cylinder model engines I've seen, an internal combustion powered 'diesel' electric should be possible today in ) O scale and larger. Outdoor use only, though. Hmm, might be an idea for G scale, instead of battery power or trying to keep outdoor track clean enough for track power.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
I'm interested in RC WiFi control and batteries too. I have been questioning DCC is right for me after 15 years of advanced use. I'm interested in exploring other control systems.
Chris
Dave,
Just to try to clarify my statements,,,I did say buy,,,,what you probably heard were leased sales and I got my info from,''Fortune 500'',I do not watch the news,I'd rather read it....And plugging your vehicle in to charge it is fine,,unless of course you live on a third floor apartment in the city and have to park on the street....I believe Model Railroad batt power,,may have it's time,,,but long after I'm gone,,,,as another poster said,I'm not waiting.
Phoebe Vet It doesn't stop when the charge is exhausted. It just starts the gasoline engine to run the generator. The Volt continues on.
It doesn't stop when the charge is exhausted. It just starts the gasoline engine to run the generator. The Volt continues on.
When the Volt is running under gasoline consumption, does the generator recharge the battery?
Rich
Rich:
I don't know if it charges the battery, but it continues to be electric drive at the wheels with all the torque advantages of that. Railroads adopted that model 80 years ago.
I didn't intend to start a war, I was just countering the claim that nobody is buying the Volt or Leaf. Incidentally, a lease is still a sale by the manufacturer. As automobile prices keep rising faster than inflation, more and more people are leasing instead of buying.