TX/RX issue

[Shu]

Hi all - I have a pretty good size outdoor layout running g-scale trains. I live in the Nevada desert and track maintenance is of course a major issue. I ran DCC with limited success due to track issues. Well, I finally decided to convert to an on-board battery arrangement and I was hooked. Running LiPo batteries, track conductivity issues are no longer an issue (damn I miss cleaning track...NOT). Anyhow, my first phase of battery conversion was pretty simple since I used a hidden toggle switch for on and off. This was done because I wanted to see if this battery idea was something that was going to work for me - call it an experiment if you will. Well I would like to have remote control and follow that with sound and lighting control, remotely as well. I see that there are many options available but unfortunately, my check-book just won't support a full conversion at the moment. I am also an avid radio control hobbiest flying quad-copters, etc. I have transmitters for my flying hoby and have decided to us my Turnigy 9 channel radio for the trains also... or at least try. The Turnigy supports up to 8 different 'models' or configurations so this seems like it will work. I ordered another receiver and ESC (speed controller) and the test bench arrangement is working well with one exception. I have full forward and reverse control and several other channels for discrete devices (lights, whistle, sound cards, etc). This is great - but I have to keep the transmitter turned on the entire time I run the trains which may be 3-4 hours at a time. If I shut off the transmitter, the receiver see's the LOS (loss of signal) and stops the train. Using another channel (any pot command other than throttle) on the transmitter seemed to solve the problem initially. I power up, start the train, set the throttle and shut off the transmitter and the train keeps righ on chugging along. Great. Eh, not so great. The problem arises when I turn the transmitter back on the regain control and change speed or stop. As soon as I turn the transmitter back on, the train does an instant panic stop for about 1 second and then resumes the preset speed as if nothing happened and I once again have full control. Unfortunately, the inertia of a 7-10 car g-scale train performing a panic stop for 1 second and then instantly returning to full throttle can create some very spectacular derailments. Does anyone have any ideas on this? Surely I am not the only cheapscate around that is trying to make do with conventional RC equipment for his beloved trains. Thanks in advance - Shu

[steveasm]

Hi Stu - what about trying the wireless DCC system that was described in the past few issues of GR? It would certainly fit your checkbook?