My ideal RC controller

[Moonraker]

On another thread, there is a debate raging about the "best" RC system. I won't enter into that one except to say that the system chosen needs to have sufficient current rating for the loco it is to be used with, at the point where the loco stalls under load.

However, the purpose of starting a separate thread is to reveal my wish list for an ideal radio control system controller as follows:
[*]Small enough to fit easily into one hand[*]No long aerial to poke people's eyes out.[*]2.4GHZ for reliability and long range[*]A rotating or sliding speed control which can be operated by the thumb without looking at it[*]At least three function buttons for whistle, lights, etc.[*]Easily switchable between locos.[*]A forward/reverse switch[*]An emergency stop button[*]A means of limiting maximum speed to (say) half normal for when my 4 year old granddaughter uses it.
Regards
Peter
MyLocoSound

 

[Del Tapparo]

Peter - I look forward input on this topic. I'm always working on improving my products. I think your list certainly covers the basic requirements.

 

[Tony Walsham]

Peter, with the exception of # 1, all of those requirements are features of my existing RCS PRO series ESC's for modern 2.4 Ghz R/C systems.
It was my plan originally to eventually stick Digital Proportional R/C equipment found in say a Spektrum DX6i (which has an emergency throttle off function) into a small one handed controller. All it will take to achieve that is money. Something I don't have much of nowadays.
Would such a compact DP hand piece system sell? Assuming it was cost competitive, you bet your sweet bippy it would sell. Not only to battery R/C users, but to live steamers as well.

 

[beavercreek]

Aristo Revolution excepting No4 of your requirements as it has arrowed buttons and an on screen indication of speed. Momentum can be adjusted for acceleration and deceleration

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcS4...44/ddcfb15084664fe3a55f69b64f9ca96a.jpg[/IMG]

 

[Dtsteam]

This is an interesting thread for those of us considering wireless in the future.
Do any of these systems allow for multiple transmitters ? Particularly the ability of one handset to take to take over a train from another ?

 

[Tony Walsham]

Yes.
The Spektrum 2.4 Ghz R/C RX's (and the low cost DSM2 clone RX's) can be bound at will to another TX.
It does require stopping the train so that an accessible binding button/switch can be activated.
Likewise speed matched locos can be added to others for simultaneous operation by one TX.

 

[Cliff George]

I'd want a handset that was based on a communication standard so that a handset from any manufacturer would be able to control a loco fitted with equipment from any other manufacturer. Manufacturers would have a large market and would be able to inovate to produce different types of handsets to meet different needs, consumers (us) would have a larger choice of what to buy, prices should go down. The failure of any one manufacturer would not be the death nell of any system.

I actually think it would be quite easy to do this. DCC already does a lot of things well and there is little point in reinventing the wheel. Unfortunatly it doesn't do battery or systems with no central point very well at the moment. I think the standard that is needed is to allow a DCC command station to send the commands it generates to a booster wirelessly. There is already an NMRA command station to booster communications standard (it is RP-9.1.2) and all I think that is required is for this standard to be extended to allow it to work wirelessly.

I'd have locos fitted with standard decoders, then I'd have a booster on a chip fitted in the engine (in time these would be combined into one device). The booster in the loco would get its power from either the rails or batteries (or mini generator, or ... etc). The command station functionality would be in the handset and would communicate via the standard mentioned above with the appropriate engines.

Massoth are coming out with the DRC300 soon, it is, in my opinion, a step in the correct direction, but is still not ideal since it depends on a proprietary command station to handset interface. My understading of the model used with the DRC300 is that both the command station and booster functionality are in the engine. I'd only have the booster functionality in the loco.

Unfortunatly I don't see this happening anytime soon. I am going to try out the DRC300 when it is out.

 

[Don Gilham]

Aristo Revolution excepting No4 of your requirements as it has arrowed buttons and an on screen indication of speed. Momentum can be adjusted for acceleration and deceleration

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcS4UiX6HwE

handset

That's what I use - and Dudley too - and it's highly recommended. (And I use your soundcards, Peter )

 

[Bram]

This is an interesting thread for those of us considering wireless in the future.
Do any of these systems allow for multiple transmitters ? Particularly the ability of one handset to take to take over a train from another ?

You can have multiple TX's with the Aristo Revolution system but you need to stop the loco first to pass from one TX to another

 

[beavercreek]

When using the Aristo Revolution system, the reason why you cannot have two (or more) TX (controllers) working with one loco is that the transmission is bidirectional so the 'chip' can be in communication with the controller and vice versa. So if two controllers were controlling one loco the chip would have a problem as the two controllers would more than likely be at different sttings..the chip would have a quandry..which one would be the one to chose?
So Aristocraft circumvented this by making it that you only pair the loco with one controller.
Of course the controller can be set up control up to 50 locos at once (if you had that many!)

 

[Tony Walsham]

..........and had the manual/mental dexterity to actually be able to separately control more than two locos at a time from one TX.
I often wonder how many users who have been seduced by that sort of theoretical capability have actually tried to do it on a regular basis on the same track without crashing their trains.
To the best of my knowledge all regular 2.4 GHz stick radios can bind unlimited RX's to one TX. Not just 50.

 

[beavercreek]

To the best of my knowledge all regular 2.4 GHz stick radios can bind unlimited RX's to one TX. Not just 50.

And operate them individually by switching between them? Or do the same thing to every linked loco?

 

[Tony]

The Revo can operate 50 locos at the same time but that is not the idea of it......... the point is that if you have 50 locos or 30 locos in your stable and 20 sets of points you can pre program each into your handset and be ready for which ever loco you choose at any given time
i did have 6 revo powered locos but only got to run 4 at the same time which given time would have been usable but in the brief run i had i did take time to fathum which loco i was connected to..... but it was quite successfully achived with no major problems if all the locos were running at a slowish scale speed.... the other point is that it is very easy to bind or link multible locos together for double or triple heading
one slight down side with the revo is the emergency stop.... It isnt.... unlike the previous TE when you press the E stop button all recivers go off together ... with the revo it switches each one off in squence and takes 10-15 seconds to scan through all 50 channels so if the loco that is about to run into the back of a droped wagon whilst rounding the pond happens to be programed to number 49 channel you might as well go straight to your shed for your fishing net.
To be honest is there many times when you or even a real railway would have more than 6 locos moving in the the space that most of us are limited to.............


Tony

 

[Tony]

This is an interesting thread for those of us considering wireless in the future.
Do any of these systems allow for multiple transmitters ? Particularly the ability of one handset to take to take over a train from another ?

You can have multiple TX's with the Aristo Revolution system but you need to stop the loco first to pass from one TX to another

Its simple just pass the transmiter to the person that wants to control that loco... all the revo controlers are the same size and colour

Tony

 

[Del Tapparo]

................ you can pre program each into your handset ...............


As I see it, this is actually a problem. The programming parameters are stored in the transmitter, not the receiver. When stored in the receiver, the number of locos is unlimited, and they don't have to be searched for in the Tx. Just turn them on and run. (I must admit, my current thinking, and software, is limited to only running two locos, or consists, at one time. But I think this should be adequate for most folks?)

 

[Tony]

................ you can pre program each into your handset ...............


As I see it, this is actually a problem. The programming parameters are stored in the transmitter, not the receiver. When stored in the receiver, the number of locos is unlimited, and they don't have to be searched for in the Tx. Just turn them on and run. (I must admit, my current thinking, and software, is limited to only running two locos, or consists, at one time. But I think this should be adequate for most folks?)

My simple mind doesnt understand the point your making about programing the reciver im not sure why that makes a difference ....?
Tony

 

[JRinTawa]

I'm using the Revolution on the H&MGR and it suits our RC battery powered needs well, however as I have no experience on other systems I would say this is the only or best way to go. But I have found it easy to use and install, and I'm no electrical wiz by a long shot.
I like the fact that the display tells me which loco I'm controlling/talking to, and that the one Transmitter is used for all our loco's.
I regularly operate two trains concurrently off the one transmitter, usually circulating in the same direction, but I have had great fun running opposing trains (With no crashes I should add.)

 

[Bram]

If you want a bit of fun John 3 locos is a good number to run, 4 however now that does your head in.

 

[KleineDicke]

..........and had the manual/mental dexterity to actually be able to separately control more than two locos at a time from one TX.
I often wonder how many users who have been seduced by that sort of theoretical capability have actually tried to do it on a regular basis on the same track without crashing their trains.

It's probably the same folks who are seduced by cable/satellite TV systems that offer hundreds of channels - and still there's nothing worth watching.

 

[Andrew]

I need a TX & RX for each of my locos. The reason is that when visitors come around, they recieve a loco to drive.
I have to admit at times it would be great to operate some of my locos with one RX.
That is the reason why I went to Hobbyking - Greg Hunter (Sandstone & Termite Railway) system because of total cost, not only TX & RX but batteries, chargers & bits. About $60 - 70 AU per Loco
I have Aristo Revolution in one train, great system but costly as I only use forward, reverse & stop with various speeds inbetween. Lights are converted to led's and no smoke. Each onboard RX for aristo is $129 AU plus postage from Sydney. That is equivelent to 2 x Hobbyking systems.
If I had more money AND needed a replacement I would use Tony Walsham's gear for each train. Small hand size and reliable and good price.
I also use Mylocosound - basic chuff for steamers or diesel, sound increases as speed increases.
I am not against other systems, just that when I needed to convert to battery Hobbyking seemed the easiest for the cost.
I agree with Peter (Moonraker) on his points, but as I said I need a RX for each loco not one for all.
Cheers - Andrew