forum members assessment of the various RC vendors set ups [?]

[imrnjr]

Thanks for the replies.  I will continue to do a little more research, and I'll post an update when I decide to move forward.

Mark

[calenelson]

I too use the RCS brand of control. 

I have been pleased with the range with the newer TX24-(80-100 feet, line of sight, although I usually operate much closer). I currently have 3 (almost 4) engines converted. 

When I began in LS Trains, I opted for RC and Battery...and have been Very Happy with the RCS product and the Superior service from Tony Walshman and Dave Goodson (TOC). 

I do not own any other brands so I can't compare units, but I can tell you the RCS is a breeze to operate....my boys handle it just fine (5 and 3 years). 

Good Luck!

 

cale
 

[Rex in Pinetop]

I have limited experience but I can say that battery power RC beats the heck out of polishing track and maintaining continuity plus the kids can play with it.  Airwire was about $300 plus another $75 for the battery and charger.  The next loco should only need the receiver and battery however that means one kid has to try and keep track of two trains with one throttle which is probably disaster.  Since I have a second throttle I'll probably go with RCS next just so I can compare the two systems.

Rex

[kstrong]

I've been using the RCS system for around 10 years, and have been pleased with it. The range of the transmitter is the biggest limiting factor, but for most applications it should prove adequate. (The newer transmitters have better range than the older ones I'm using.) While you can buy one transmitter for all of your locos, I tend to buy a transmitter/receiver set for each one. The savings isn't all that much to not buy the transmitter. Figure on around $300/loco.

My dad recently switched over from his self-built R/C system to the AirWire system, and has been very pleased with it. Range is more than adequate, which on his railroad can be a fair distance (100'+) The cost is comparable to RCS, though the cost-savings from buying only one transmitter and multiple receivers is greater. If you're only running one train at a time, then it's fine to have just one transmitter. (Just make sure not to lose it.)

I've not used the Train Engineer system in a long while, but I know many folks are using their LiIon batteries, if not the system itself. I toyed with LocoLink when it was first introduced years ago, too, but wasn't impressed with the interface. That may have changed since then.

As far as cost comparisons to DCC, I can't really say, since I don't personally do DCC. The problem with DCC is that you still need clean track. There is a new system coming out (it may already be out) that uses a battery back-up to compensate for dirty track, but the bottom line is that you still need to clean the track. I get the impression that you're finding that just a bit frustrating. If you're going to go through the trouble of stuffing batteries into a loco, just go with R/C and be done with it.

Later,

K

[cabbage]

OK -well here in the UK -we have my personal favourite ELECTRONIZE. I did originally start out with their HX and HV series controllers (which were available as kits) and now I use the FR series controller.

http://www.electronize.co.uk/index.htm

There is also the MACH 5 controller which is used by "quite a few" of my friends -but it does tend not to like the higher amperages that I require for my models.

http://www.brianjones.free-online.co.uk/

There IS one person at the "club" using LocoLinc -I do quite like the functionality of of it -but the very low amperage of the on board controller -probably rules it out in my usage.

regards

ralph

[imrnjr]

O'kay.....I've been attempting to run track power, got hundreds of dollars of clamps, got cleaning cars, got a PITA every time I think about running.....

What are the pro's and con's of the various RC vendors in "G"??  I understand that most (if not all of them) utilize proprietary recievers, so that kinda locks you in to them. 

Anyone got an assessment of capability/utility versus cost? Repair/maintenance issues?

How does the cost to outfit 3-4 locomotives compare to doing the same thing with DCC equipment? 

As you can see I'm full of questions..... .... and somewhat confused.

Thanks in advance

Mark