I was at a Narrow Gauge Convention here in Oz recently. This Raspberry Pi system was demonstrated. I missed the part about whether or not DDC chips/boards were required in every loco - none of mine have them - and a query on this forum produced an answer of a very complex nature... so I was put off a bit. And, l still don’t know the answer although I am assuming the locos do need chips/boards.
I am hoping to return to the topic (however I am now in hospital with back troubles) and will be watching this thread with great interest.
One question at the Convention stood out.... “Does this system make obsolete the $4000 worth of Massoth, or similar, equipment just invested in?”
Answer: Yes.
I hasten to add that it was not my question... I run Remote Control Systems controllers on my layouts and have done for about 12 years.
Sorry to hear of your troubles. I hope your back is on the mend.
The answer to the board in every loco is 'yes. That being said, a full size Rasperry Pi (RPi) is $35 and the size of thick credit card. The RPi-Zero is smaller and cost $10 for the WiFi version. It has the close the to same capaibility of the regular pi, but draws less power and is much smaller.
It is a shame the presented in a confusing manner. The RPi is simply a computer. It loads an operation system just like a PC and can run programs and applications. For our purpose you have direct access to the 40 pins to control sensors, motors, lights, relays, etc.
I came to the same conclusion regarding the $4,000 obsolete equipment.
I have LGB MTS III on a simple layout. I was investigation automation. Historically, I have kept everything LGB whenever I could. I did so to avoid vendor incompatibility. Over time learned of Massoth's relationship with LGB and as I investigated automation, it seem I had to start thinking about Massoth, give LGB has stopped issuing electronic products. (I realize Massoth made them for LGB)
As I investigated, I got the usual sticker shock along with low function. $100 for a simple box to connect a Rs-232 to the Dimax or LGB Bus. RS-232 is ancient. They don't even provide USB. Wireless costs $120 for a receiver and you need at least two to start and then another $120 if you add additional. The LGB wireless uses a proprietary protocol. LGB or Massoth track sensing is done with reed switches that cost $15-30 and $10 for the magnet.
In discussing this with one of my employees, I smart computer programmer, he says, "why don't you use RPi"? I thought RPi was a programming language. I start looking into it and I see this whole new world.
A full function computer for $10 that can handle many many inputs or outputs !
Hall Effect sensors for $5 with $3 magnet. (Much cheaper and more reliable than the reeds)
IP based WiFi that gives immediate access to cell phones, tablets, PCs, etc.
A full programming environment that allows for all kinds of logics, display, etc.
Radio Frequency transceivers for $5
On and on. Google "50 sensors for Raspberry Pi" and see what you get
Having said all this, I do realize there is a big difference with using commercial products that exist and fiddling with this stuff. I have no visions of being the next Massoth. I do think over time they will be greatly disrupted by this technology.
My hope is that it lowers the cost to do this stuff and attracts younger people to the hobbyy. I am 60 years old. I wonder if I will be able to pass my trains on to anyone. Kids today play video games. Trains are for old farts. Now I see a future. Kids now play with flying drones and radio controlled cars. Kids like to program computers. I can see now that a young lad or lass might have a good time playing and learning with this stuff.
If you have interest, watch the 7 or so videos this guy has. It will open your eyes. The first few are about set up. The latter ones show a simple example of what you can do with it. After that, your mind and creativity are the only limit. There is so much open information out there and so many people working with this stuff.
(Note, his videos use the full size RPi. The Zero would work the same)
This is a classic disruptive technology. Similar to steam taking over for sails or electricity taking over for steam. It will be resisted by those who are vested but in the end things will change.
