My DCC system is Lenz LZV100. I am considering going to a wireless throttle for my dcc system, it seems the use of my iPhone makes a lot of sense as opposed to the Lenz wireless throttle.
As I am understanding I will need a laptop pc with JMRI, but I can not seem to find what is the newest required interface hardware between the pc and dcc system. When searching online there is a lot of talk about Windows XP and 7 operating systems and even the old cell phone throttle.
Is there anything I am overlooking? I am perfectly ok with keeping my tethered throttle for programming.
Thanks for any advise that clears up what I thought would be found out with a straight forward Google search.
I haven't used Lenz in a decade. There is a Lenz computer interface module that links a computer to the LZV100. You will need that module, any up to date laptop, WiFi link between the phone and laptop.
My former club uses Raspberry pi or something like that to link phone throttle to Lenz. They also have the CVP wireless system for Lenz.
Pete.
I use the CVP wireless add-on with my Lenz system. It works very well for running trains and operating turnouts with stationary decoders. I've got two throttles on the CVP system and two wired in to the Lenz.
I use the primary wired throttle for programming anything. As I recall, there are some things the CVP throttles won't do, but it's not much of an issue. I'm very satisfied with the CVP system.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
I just did some searching for a computer interface module for Lenz. The Lenz product goes for more than $200. Then you still need a computer and WiFi router.
I would look at the other alternatives such as CVP and I think but not positive that TCS has a wireless throttle for Lenz also.
OP wrote: "I am considering going to a wireless throttle for my dcc system, it seems the use of my iPhone makes a lot of sense as opposed to the Lenz wireless throttle."
My opinion only, but the best experience and easiest-to-get-running system (using a graphical control interface on a smartphone or tablet) is with the Digikeijs DR5000 universal hardware controller, running the (free) Roco z21 control app.
Also right up there is the Roco z21 hardware itself with the companion TPLink router.
I started with the z21 ("z21start" white box) about 4+ years ago. Ran fine but I found a 1/2 price used DR5000 and switched over, it's more compact and the wifi is built right into the DR5000 "box" (rather than using a separate router).
You do need a PC running windows to do the initial setup on the DR5000. I don't have a PC, but I was able to use a Mac running windows emulation via Parallels.
The z21 software can be freely downloaded and run in demo mode if you'd like to see how it looks. Go to google play or The App Store and search on "roco z21". You want the app that has a red engine on a blue background.
You can also freely download the DR5000 setup app, if you'd like to see how that works, too.
Thank you for the insight, you all have given me a bit more to think about. Friends tell me to go the route of using an iPhone, but they don't have Lenz, which seems to be a bit less than straightforward than some other systems.
Thanks
basementdwellerFriends tell me to go the route of using an iPhone,
Suggest that you try this first on their railroads. Some of us don't have iphones, and others don't care for the experience.