Been playing with one module on an old Athearn DC GP9. Haven't really had a lot of success. From packing it into the shell, to very stubborn controlling with a Kindle HD, better on Samsung phone. Vendor has been helpful and communicates and even swapped a module that had a bad wire.
I'm trying to figure how much of this frustration is me (poor wiring, older loco) vs newness/sensitivity of the technology. I was an IT pro before retiring, so I know my way around WiFi basics. I have a couple of DCC ready Loco's and trying to decide if it worth doing another pass. I'm DC only on a small 4x8, don't ever expect to go to DCC cause I've inherited Dad's 1950's stuff and my entry into this hobby is solely to maintain his legacy. But I was hoping I would have 20-50% of my Loco's on LocoFi (15-20 engines in the stable, several are Steam, which I'm restoring to original DC operation).
So long story - but who has tried and bought in (or not) - DC or DCC?
Happy modelling, stay safe!
I have not purchased LocoFi and thus have no experience in the install process or operations. A few things that I see are roadblocks to adoption: 1) consisting not available at this time, 2) direct wiring is required for the modules versus DCC ready plugs, 3) generic sounds but user updateable, 4) expensive if have a large fleet of locomotives, 5) no available support group of users.
It is intriguing and I will continue to watch what develops in the future.
WifiTrax seems to have a better selection of options.
http://www.wifitrax.com/
No connection, I don't have any of their products even, just looking at what's available.
The recently released (with NCE's blessing) a WiFi interface for NCE Cab Bus - so you can use WiFi throttles (smartphones, the new TCS throttle, ESU's CabControl, etc) with NCE without having to hook up a computer running JMRI.
The nice thing I see about the WFiTrax gear is it seems to use the WiThrottle protocol, not some proprietary stuff that only works with their controllers. Seeing as how this has become somewhat of a defacto standard, this is a good thing. One man band proprietary protocols are pretty much an instant "no" from me, it harkens back to the pre-DCC days when everyone did their own thing. WiThrottle is used in JMRI, where it originated, so in the WiThrottle app for IOS, Engine Driver for Android, the MRC WiFi interface, the Digitrax WiFi interface, and others.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Thanks... I did look at this option, I thought it was way too complicated for what I wanted and really didn't want to rewire my layout - too many components and reading thru the instructions gave me a headache. Perhaps in a DCC layout this is a better option. LocoFi is one module. Yes, you need to deal with the wiring. But I would say its got to be the same as converting a DC loco to DCC... many folks are long past that, I understand. If I had a DCC loco, I could see that undoing that would not be attractive. And LocoFi has been cited for 2 years in a row as a MRR product of the year - so who is voting? Only 2 feedback comments...!
My updates: Got a second LocoFI module, second generation, much smaller, much better fit for the GP9. And my redo of the wiring on my GP9 made a much better fit. Probably the most important lesson learned was to make sure the WiFi parameters matched up. I have a pretty complex network in my home with multiple Access Points broadcasting different SSIDs on different frequencies. This led to connection issues as I moved from my test track (basement) to the layout (3rd floor) covered by different WAPs. Now I'm getting a better understanding and making sure my network provides uniformity through the house (probably better for all connected devices, not just LocoFi). In a simpler network, I suspect many of my issues would not be seen.
I don't see it as being any different at all - if you limit yourself to the loco modules. You don't have to use turnout modules or any of the other things.
What would you have to reqire? The both work the same way, steady DC or DCC power ont he tracks, direct WiFi control from the throttle to the board in the loco.
I'll avoid what I think of their web site design. As for the MMR Reader's Choice, well, if 1 in 100 writes in something not already listed I'd be surprised, and the choices were basically LocoFi and Ring. Why isn't WifiTrax a choice? Probably because they don't advertise enough.
Got it, thanks... I'll review again. I think I got sidetracked with their verison of DC via controlled blocks vs directly onboard Locos
Bluerail works well, Bachmann did a deal with them. Seems to be new players all the time.
Does look like you need the Trax module + DCC if you want sound. LocoFi has sound on board... it's generic but can be customized. I'm keeping this option open for a couple of DCC ready Loco's I have that I really don't want to wire by hand.
I just acquired a ZIMO DCC station and handled MX 32UF throttle.
This system is WIFI ready and don't need any interface to be WIFI connected.
It's also universal so any WIFI device like I phone could work with the system.
Zimo system could be interconnected directly with a computer again without any interface via WIFI or included USB connection.
Handled throttle also can load pictures of your locomotives on the screen.
There are many extremely advanced features the system is able to do or dialog directly with you like JMRI without any interface; the station is like a small DCC computer ; it's on the edge of the technology with DCC