Anyone using old/used smart phones as dedicated throttles. If so, what do you buy and where do you buy them. I do not need to use them as phones, only need to connect to wifi. I understand they can be had at a very reasonable price.
Thanks in advance,
Mark
I got mine from my wife when she upgraded her cell phone. At that time her old phone had no trade in value.
So I guess that would be considered "free". Of course you know what they say about payback.
I'm sure you know about the available WiThrottle apps. There is a "lite" version which is free, and the "regular" version which costs a small amount.
I tried the 'lite" version and wasn't really happy, except for the free part.
I also presume you know that the ease of connectivity to your DCC system depends upon which DCC system you have, as well as where you operate.
At home I have NCE but don't have it connected to Wifi. So an adapter board was required. Two friends also have NCE, one connected to Wifi and the other connected to an adapter. Another friend uses Digitrax connected to Wifi. No adapter needed there.
I bit the bullet and purchased a TCS UWT-50. Much happier with that.
Hello All,
Maxman has some great points about compatibility and connectivity.
maxmanI...presume you know that the ease of connectivity to your DCC system depends upon which DCC system you have, as well as where you operate.
I have been using Apple computers since 1996.
Our computer, phones, and tablets are Apple.
I chose the NCE DCC system because of the ergonomics of the throttle, how advanced consisting is handled along with the wireless function.
maxmanI'm sure you know about the available WiThrottle apps. There is a "lite" version which is free, and the "regular" version which costs a small amount. I tried the 'lite" version and wasn't really happy, except for the free part.
I also "upgraded" to the regular version of WiThrottle for added functions- -specifically, the ability to control two (2) locomotives or consists with one device- -essentially adding two (2) additional throttles.
I also run JMRI DecoderPro with a Digitrax PR3 (superceeded by the PR4) for a standalone programming track.
An NCE USB Interface for Power Cab is also required.
"Used" devices can be sourced from family- -as Maxman said- -cell phone repair shops in your area, and online auction sites.
"Refurbished" devices can be found at the above sources listed along with your cell phone carrier.
With "used" devices the phrase, "Caveat Emptor" comes to mind.
Paying a little more for a "refurbished" device can save money in the long run, especially with battery life.
Otherwise, your "used" device might need to be tethered by a power cord because of a worn or faulty battery.
Which defeats the purpose of adding a cellular device.
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
My DCC system is Digitrax. I've been using JMRI for years now and have occasionally messed around with wi-throttle apps using the Android 'Engine Driver' and connecting through my home wi-fi network through any one of several 'vintage' Amazon Fire tablets that have been passed down to me from my sister who would buy each of the latest iterations of the tablets. There's over five thousand Amazon Fire tablets presently on eBay right now.
Connecting was simple. Running trains was OK but I would say it was more of a novelty for me since I have plenty of wireless Digitrax throttles on hand.
There's more information here:
https://www.jmri.org/help/en/package/jmri/jmrit/withrottle/UserInterface.shtml
Recently I treated myself to a Proto Throttle which requires its own wireless interface. I'm still in the learning stage for this endeavor.
Good Luck, Ed
There are stores that sell used phones. Ebay as well. I bought the Digitrax Wifi adapter and use an old Android phone. Works fine. There is no need to install JMRI to do this if you go with the Digitrax Wifi system.
Simon
jjdamnit My iPad does not have "phone" capabilities, but it does require a SIM card for data only to upload apps like WiThrottle.
My iPad does not have "phone" capabilities, but it does require a SIM card for data only to upload apps like WiThrottle.
Huh? All iPads are have WiFi. That's all you need for throttles. If you need cell service for apps, you're doing something wrong.
Just ask around, old smart phones are free, just gave one away (wife didn't like it so got one like mine which she loves).
AEP528 you are correct.
A WiFi connection is all that is needed.
Thank you for pointing this out.
I amended my post.
No, as soon as I wanted an "unused" smartphone, they all disappeared. There's more of a trade-in now than there was and with an extended family that my wife and I maintain payments for all, the trade-ins dried up any chance of my getting an unused or unwanted smartphone.
Ebay was a good source, but there SO MANY of them, you have to work at it. I'd say a good Samsung Android can be had for $30 if you try hard. That's still a great savings over any wireless throttle. I use one almost constantly with my test track and a DCC-ex command station. On the layout, it's much different when having to look down to monitor speed settings. That said, even wireless throttles are not flaw-free, at least with my UT6Ds from Digitrax. They have digital encoders instead of pots and the result is that you can't easily tell where the "0" speed is without looking, either. You can spin the knob as far counter-clockwise as you can without looking, but if you were up significantly on the speed curve, it's not enough to get to zero.
Back to the rare, "unused" smartphone - the biggest issue, besides price, is the battery. Almost all, even bought in great condition on Ebay, have batteries that have long ago left behind any semblence of a good charge. Replacing the battery, even if you are willing to attempt it, can be as expensive as buying the phone in the first place. Be prepared to always have it hooked up to a charger when not in use. Otherwise, you'll never be able to use it when wanted.
I found that a tablet (either Android or iOS) works better than a phone, mainly because of size (and legibility).
I use a Samsung tablet, about 9.5" diagonal.
For software I'm using the Roco z21 app, controlling either a Roco z21start (white box) or a Digikeijs DR5000.
A very nice feature of the z21 app is that it will present you with TWO side-by-side locomotive control surfaces when the tablet is in horizontal orientation. I'm not sure if other software apps do this or not.
I also got a rubberized case for the tablet, covers back and sides. I can lay it right on the track and it won't short the system out.
I originally started with an old Samsung Galaxy Player device -- the same size as a phone, ran Android apps, but there was no "phone" capabilities. It runs the z21 software also, and I still use it upstairs on my test track when needed.
But the tablet is much, MUCH better as a "control surface" in actual use.
I own a TLC (Android) phone that is about 3 years old, and a Samsung that is about 6 years old. Batteries are not an issue - nothing compared to the battery limitations of a Digitrax wireless throttle. I use the Enginedriver app, which is free on Android phones. Enginedriver can accomodate 3 engines on the same screen. I never used a tablet, but I like to walk around and follow my locos on the layout, so a cell phone is probably less bulky for that purpose. For some locos with faster starts, the screen throttle can be a bit more difficult to use. Using JMRI, I just slowed down the first speed steps of these locos and the problem was solved.
Battery life sohuld not be an issues for any recently released phone unless it's been abused. When I traded in my last phone, it had 92% battery capacity at 4 years old.
Now, having said that, it's possible to buy new phones for less than the price of a WiFi throttle. Here is one example.
I've found the best sources for used devices are family, friends, and co-workers.