Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
The JMRI implementation of WiThrottle (uses Mac devices) is what I use. It basically overlays the existing wireless system on my NCE Power Pro. The WiThrottle uses the home WiFi system for its signal, while NCE has their own wireless node that supports the throttles. Once you get JMRI going, they're seamless and don't interfere with each other.
You get many more options with WiThrottle, as it can display all sorts of stuff with the Webserver that is part of the package, as well as control the turnouts that the NCE does via remote through their throttles.
The biggest difference between the two systems is price. A wireless DCC setup costs roughly $100 more than a wired system. The throttles are also more expensive, roughly $150 each. For the WiThrottle, the JMRI software is free and the full app is $10 at the App Store and covers the throttles app and the interface with the DCC system. You've already paid for your phone or, if you're lucky like, me, get them as hand-me-downs from family, so cost is essentially zero, way cheaper than a DCC wirelss throttle no matter how you cut it.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
There is some talk about operating a DCC layout using cell phones and the like as throttles. While I have experimented with this a little bit and am imressed with the convenience of it, I wonder how such a system compares with the use of the manfacturers equipment. Has anyone had the experience of such a comparison? Perhaps there is a published study I could read? Thank you. Old Fat Robert