Different way to control your trains ?

This was posted on NGRM-Online forum and I thought it may be of interest to members on here.

It appears to be RC with power coming from the track, so no bulky batteries  in the loco.

Loco Genie^TM

They're the same people who make the Prodigy DCC range of command stations, re-badged in the UK as Gaugemaster.



Ed

Interesting Ed, I took a look at the second video on the linked site and was confused. Not by the fact that the system seems to run on pretty much all possible power, AC, DC and DCC and also with existing DC or DCC throttles, but more by the question of why?

Yes the system doesn't need bulky on board battery packs to run the wireless controlled loco, but if you need to wire up the track conventionally, I'm not sure where the benefit is and you also seem to need a separate identical looking wireless controller for each loco. Now that has great potential to get confusing if many trains are being operated, remembering that a lone operator still only has a maximum of two hands!

If one has a very large layout and also a lot of operators, then perhaps, but why not just use DCC and save the extra complication, as you'll still need to keep the track clean for reliable power pickup.

Wireless used on a garden layout always seemed a good idea, but then is defeated by the track power pick-up requirement.

I may be wrong, but when the video presenter says this is a winner, I think opinion may differ.

Just my initial and personal opinion, but I would be more impressed with a wireless system that captures the use of very small efficient battery-packs. Surely these can't be too far away?

Best,

Bill

Already here I think Bill.

There are a few people using RC in things as small as 006.5 (4mm scale running on Z gauge track), using Deltang transmitters and receivers.

Radio for Trains

Gaugmaster appear to have the MRC system available to order (no surprise there), but it looks a bit pricey at £44 per loco decoder.

https://www.gaugemasterretail.com/magento/model-railways/mrc-brand5/mrc-mrc12500.html

and £67 for the initial system.

https://www.gaugemasterretail.com/magento/model-railways/mrc-brand5/mrc-mrc021500.html


Ed

I think the first video explains why.
Dad has a large DC layout and his son a DCC layout & this Genie allows Dad to start to run his locos like DCC without having to change anything on his current layout & even take his genie locos to run on the son's DCC layout.

Yes, if just starting out in the hobby, straight to DCC.

Hi Ed,

Dual mode sound decoder with receiver, runs on DC/AC or DCC, uses a dedicated radio controller. Needs a fair amount of space. Most of the sounds are generic (and not that great)..

As said, if going straight into DCC why bother. For DC users it gives sound and multiple locomotives can be run without blocks as each one is under decoder control, not track voltage control. Voltage limit 15V.

Been around for 3+ years. Mantua diesels usually have this as standard. Part of MRC these days.

Nigel

[user=606]Sol[/user] wrote:

Yes, if just starting out in the hobby, straight to DCC.

Interesting, but I suspect most people starting out in the hobby use DC initially.

Unless you have a large layout, could this be a cheaper option than going DCC.



Ed

Probably less expensive at the hardware end. DC may be the conventional route into the hobby in the UK, not here (toy train sets excepted). 

Bachmann here have a similar system called EZ App that runs on DCC or DC 16v, cell phone or tablet controlled through Android/Bluetooth. BlueRail also have a similar system that uses track power or a Lithium battery system for dead rail.


NCE also had a DCC only radio controlled decoder. 


Different philosophy from the radio controlled DCC conventional systems.


Nigel

I've found Bachmann easy app



Looks like it only works on Apple devices.

There's a thread in that other place (RMweb), if anyone is interested.



Ed

Tam Valley BlueRail.

BlueRailDCC by Tam Valley - BlueRail Trains

It ain't cheap and I can't see that fitting in a GWR pannier.


Ed

Hi Ed,

EZ App - Apple or Android.

Adding an RF receiver to a decoder means no mini or micro ones, unless the receiver is separated.

As I said, different philosophy to plain vanilla DCC, or radio/BT controlled DCC via a central receiving station, where it still goes through the tracks.

Nigel