Would there be any interest in a DC Only power station that: - Has two independently controlled 3A outputs - Local control (via rotary encoder and LCD for feedback) - Optional wireless control with a phone/tablet via Bluetooth? - Optional dedicated wireless throttle via Bluetooth? I am a DCC guy, but I constantly see people asking about wireless DC control on forums, Facebook, ect and they always get suggested one of these DCC-like systems that requires a decoder for each loco. But what if you just want to run blocked DC? From what I gathered, there are people who just want DC control they can use with blocking, but would like a wireless option. I did some searching and I can't say that I saw a single product that does what I described above. I routinely see DC guys using two single DC transformers or a dual output DC transformer. So I think making a device dual output is a valid design requirement and more flexible. Just looking for some feedback on this idea. Thanks!
Short answer: I like the idea of a separate throttle very much. Long answer: I am a 'DCC person' I guess, but I just got into model railroading about 2 months ago and might have some thoughts that help at least describe a new users perspective coming from the 'makerspace' side of things as a former techshop member etc, few arduino projects and FDM 3d printer builds. Typical hobbyist stuff these days. College for me was Product Design, studied things like history of sales of various interfaces of high end stereo equipment while learning the redesign process for product improvement, generally from a designer that was involved or directed the studied products design and revision. Lots of random product design stuff like that. Personally, I think of using a phone or tablet as an added cost these days. I can't take a photo or video of the train with it, I cant talk to someone on the phone about it, it locks up the device to a task preventing its most attractive function of allowing the user to multitask, talk on the phone, record images, and access information. When I am running my DCC++ layout I am thinking of 3d printing a frame that has a physical overlay and mechanical sliders for throttles, which is to say I want to know what I am pressing without looking. I generally use the Ipad 10.5 as a 4 throttle controller, and the Galaxy Note 5 as a switchboard panel. It works really well in some ways, it provides a feeling of control and power over the multiple trains running at once, but for actual throttle control I want a physical dial, I dont think any scroll wheel or sliding lever is as good as a rotating dial for slow speed switching. The larger the dial, the more a user feels in control, gear ratio matters. Looking at the industrial uses of touch screens, the user is generally in a position of data recording not direct control of an industrial process. Direct control input is usually still very tactile. In the video gaming world the choice of keyboard key switch internal spring mechanism has become an important choice for professional gamers, because it matters when one is using a mechanism through tactile feedback while looking at some kind of visual data directing decision making. I was looking at input devices for other projects over the last few years and am continually impressed by the design and function of the prosumer audio recording after market products. Panels and dials and control inputs of all kinds. Nothing like an audio board to get a user interface designers head spinning with ideas. Worth looking at as you consider this products form factor and ergonomics.
