Entry-Level Wi-Fi or Bluetooth DCC Controller - When?

There are remote cars that are controlled with iPods/iPads for under $70! Why not a reasonably priced “first” DCC Controller that works directly from an iPod, iPad, or similar device? The hobby is missing a BIG opportunity to add people!

Bob

 

Systems are expandable to accept wi-fi from a mobile device. Several throttle apps are available. The hobby is capturing a BIG market and adding people.

 

JMRI make an app for the iphone/ipod that uses their computer interface, DecoderPro, and allows you to use the phone/ipod as a throttle. And its a free app.

 

Thanks for the Information guys.

The new people the hobby is missing are the ones that already have “iPod, iPad, or similar device” (a large and fast growing group) and want to personally-try-the-hobby-out without spending a lot of money or time.

JMRI with a computer connection is certainly an interesting approach, and one I have look at and have on my future interests list. But I can’t see this as a “reasonably priced” “Entry-Level” DCC controller.

Bob

 

I would rather have people come into the hobby who are prepared to spend a lot of money and time.

As for those who don't want to spend money or time, I won't miss 'em, and neither will the manufacturers.

DCC manufacturers would be kicking themselves in the butt by offering WiFi/Bluetooth interfaces that will work with iPods or smartphones because they'd be constricting their throttle sales...which would be bad business.

You're basically asking "Why don't any DCC hardware manufacturers conceive, design, prototype, market-research, prototype, fund, patent, re-design, manufacture, introduce, advertise, wholesale and deliver to retailers' shelves a new, low cost, entry level product for modelers who don't want to spend either money or time in the hobby." Hmmm...is it just me, or is the answer too obvious?

It's interesting to note that the JMRI app is suitable for twenty two (22!) DCC hardware manufacturers, yet not a single hardware manufacturer offers anything similar. I don't think it's because the hardware manufacturers are stupid.

As for myself, being a modeler who is perfectly willing to spend a lot of money, and expend a lot of time at model railroading, my top o' the line Digitrax DCC Radio system works flawlessly for me. I prefer my dedicated throttles and think that dinking around with an iPod/iPad/smartphone for running my trains would be a big step downward.

Cheers!
Bob Gilmore

 

WiThrottle is an app for ipad/ipod/iphone devices that will allow you to use your device as a wireless throttle provided you have a wireless network and a computer with a program such as the already mentioned JMRI connected to the layout. You'll still need some sort of layout interface.

Personally, I find my Digitrax throttles way more comfortable to carry around all day than my iPad.

 

Thanks for the input!
It is amazing how people will spend BIG money on something that they just happen to have gotten interested in. How many people in the hobby are spending significantly more money than they first thought they would? Two years ago I thought I was just buying a train set for my grandkids to play with when they came to visit. I had no idea that such a thing as DCC train control existed. Now I am working on a 78”x160” DCC layout. I am afraid to even look at how much money I have spent!

This subject is not a threat to JMRI ...; it is a way to get more involvement and interest.

Why does the original subject about a DCC controller need to be changed into a software subject?

What does an Entry-Level DCC controller for a new user have to do with a Full-Blown controller for a power-user?

Bob

 

You were asking for something compatible with your iDevices. That's where we get the software solution. As far as an entry level system, either the Digitrax Zephyr or NCE whatever (Powercab? NCE guys fill in here) are not terribly expensive as DCC systems go and you ought to be able to get a fair chunk of your money back if you decide it isn't for you and it's still in reasonably decent shape.

 

I will assume that you mean this rhetorically; otherwise you are way off base with your assumptions about me. I am not asking anything for me. I am beyond looking for an Entry-Level DCC controller. I have no iDevices (to old I guess). I am asking on behave of my grandkids (and other iDevice kids) that may miss out on a very interesting and fun hobby. If I had not had an interesting train set as a kid, I doubt I would have thought of getting one for my grandkids.

This may well be a harebrained idea. I do not know. But I will not be surprised to see such a controller in the not too distant future. And yes, if was not too expensive, I would buy one for the kids.

Bob

 

I wasn't trying to be off base. I read your initial post, in which you asked about iDevices.

Anyway, good luck with what you're planning.

 

While on the face of it, the statement above holds a lot of truth, JMRI is not the only solution that works on smart phones.

Digitrax announced ( though I am not sure it has been released yet ) a WiFi access point for their systems.

The most recent Lenz computer interface includes an Ethernet connector.

The ESU ECos includes an Ethernet port on the command station.

There are probably other systems with either WiFi or Ethernet adapters available that I can't think of right now too.

I know ther is an iPhone OS app ( touchcab ) that will talk to the Lenz system directly through the Ethernet interface ( though the Ethernet interface has an 8 connection limit, if I recall correctly ).

When Digitrax announced the WiFi interface, they indicated apps would be available as well.

There are also other systems that do the same thing JMRI does ( which is to just act as an intermediary between the DCC system and the throttle. RocRail is another open source alternative.

Since I am one of the JMRI developers, I can't comment on how well any of the alternatives work. ( as a general rule, I try to avoid doing something that might cause me to accidentally infringe on someone else's copyright ).

Paul

 

I just did a google search and came up with what you're asking about: the Roco/Fleischmann Z21 wifi dcc system, not exactly as cheap as my $140 NCE Powercab, comes in about $440.

http://www.z21.eu/en

 

I take it that you envision a command station/booster with a WiFi or Bluetooth hand-held throttle. No computer required. That would require development time/$ and a market capable of ensuring a reasonable chance of commercial success. No slam-dunk.

You can come pretty close to that with a Digitrax Zephyr, a UR92 and a UT4D throttle. Prolly set you back a bit north of 3 bills,. and granted it uses a different wireless interface, but so what? If you want to use WiThrottle or Engine Driver for 'droid, you will need JMRI, a computer and Locobuffer or PR3 LocoNet interface.

I'm sure you could put together an NCE variant on the above as well, at similar cost.

If you are the entrepenurial type, do you due diligence and go for it!

 

Everything we're talking about will be here very soon. It's all being fine tuned behind the scenes and companies are scrambling to get source prices down to mass market.



In the mean time at the local HO club, here's how simple we've made things for your, our, or any tech-savvy kids & grandkids:

1. Visitor can enter clubhouse free of charge during posted open house hours.
2. With the help of a club member, set a locomotive on layout
3. Remove iphone from pocket
4. Enter our wi-fi network password
5. Access any free throttle app they downloaded on their way down to the clubhouse
6. Run a train!

Model railroading is fun!

 

Many Thanks!!!

I was beginning to think I was relieving myself upwind and that I should just shut up and do my own layout thing.
There is a BIG difference in a kid’s experience when he/she can actually run a train, verses watching the trains run. But I know I do not have to tell you or your club this, because I am sure you see it in their faces and reactions.

(For anybody who happens to be in the doom and glum group, YES, kids can also be a BIG pain in the whatever, just like we were at that age!)

Bob

 

THE app should be downloadable & be able to read the signal so it can command lights & sound & any other cv's sorta like jellybean

 

Do you think that an “Entry-Level Wi-Fi or Bluetooth DCC Controller” will be available before people start spending their Christmas money?
Bob

 

I'm guessing no. Products like that are usually released in the summer after major conventions. Only word I've heard is the one post above. No other group is talking about this.

Martin Myers

 

Interesting.


Greg Amer
The Industrial Lead
gregamer.com