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Post by Mark R. on Oct 13, 2017 14:02:55 GMT -8
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 13, 2017 14:14:23 GMT -8
I half was watching at work. How do the throttled connect to the command station? Do they use the JMRI with withrottle protocol, or is it a different one? If so, is it open?
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Post by tony on Oct 13, 2017 14:41:31 GMT -8
I think the virtualization of the function buttons is a huge leap over other systems - the ability to flash updates to the command station, the automatic awareness updates is pretty smart stuff.
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Post by edwardsutorik on Oct 13, 2017 15:54:10 GMT -8
Having a "real" throttle is pretty neat. Lotsa things it's not a problem looking down at the panel, push button or virtual. But the throttle especially needs to be hands-on.
I wonder if there's any other "buttons" that need to stay tactile. Whistle/horn, I would think. Bell, slightly. Direction, not so much.
We'll see. ESU makes some neat stuff. But they sorta fall down a bit when it comes to explaining it so you can use it.
Ed
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cp9002
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Post by cp9002 on Oct 13, 2017 16:36:12 GMT -8
I half was watching at work. How do the throttled connect to the command station? Do they use the JMRI with withrottle protocol, or is it a different one? If so, is it open? I was told that the command station has WiFi built into it, so you don't need anything else to connect the two. |
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Post by edwardsutorik on Oct 13, 2017 18:00:36 GMT -8
I had a look at the video, and I see that my worries about not having "buttons" are for naught. Good.
One other bit of anxiety: what happens if there's "a failure to communicate"? That is, if the wifi connection fails, does the train go off the end of the track?
Other than that possibly highly sad possibility, the thing looks pretty neat.
Ed
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Post by Mark R. on Oct 13, 2017 18:23:11 GMT -8
I had a look at the video, and I see that my worries about not having "buttons" are for naught. Good. One other bit of anxiety: what happens if there's "a failure to communicate"? That is, if the wifi connection fails, does the train go off the end of the track? Other than that possibly highly sad possibility, the thing looks pretty neat. Ed If the signal from ANY wireless throttle fails to communicate, you lose control .... Mark. |
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Post by SD90 on Oct 13, 2017 18:52:05 GMT -8
I like my ESU system, I have that throttle as well, it works great!
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Post by edwardsutorik on Oct 13, 2017 20:29:20 GMT -8
If the signal from ANY wireless throttle fails to communicate, you lose control .... Mark. Well, that kind of concerns me. Although I suppose I could put big foam bumpers at the end of every stub track. Ed |
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Post by kentuckysouthernrwy on Oct 14, 2017 6:07:55 GMT -8
ESU makes some neat stuff. But they sorta fall down a bit when it comes to explaining it so you can use it. Ed Indeed they do. Documentation gets short changed severely. |
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Tom
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Post by Tom on Oct 14, 2017 13:28:36 GMT -8
ESU's decoders are well documented, and this system was available a couple of years a go when it was released in the EU by Piko. There are four programmable physical buttons, and it does indeed use 802.11x OR, for those who want LocoNet, and ECoS link to L-net adapter is available and it works with Digitrax, Fleischmann, Roco, (not NCE as they use their own CabBus) wired throttles (this works like a champ). If you want to extend the range of the radio, a simple 802.11 router will work. Here's the 80-page manual in English, for those who desire to actually read: www.piko-shop.de/index.php?vw_type=1&vw_name=download&vw_id=14259 |
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Post by riogrande on Oct 14, 2017 13:31:51 GMT -8
I definitely want a knob for speed control at minimum. Thats a huge one on the ESU control but you never know, it might be good. I have a Radio Chief system and have found it difficult to remember how to consist and acquire etc. So I'm thinking about a different system for a future layout such as NCE or maybe even the ESU system looks like possible contender.
If the ESU controller works with Loconet but is easier to operate, maybe I could use them together?
here is the description:
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Post by edwardsutorik on Oct 14, 2017 13:52:49 GMT -8
I did a bit of that reading thing tmurray suggested, and found this in the directions:
Act as main controller
This is a safety feature. It allows you to choose how the system reacts when the connection between PIKO SmartBox® and PIKO SmartControl® is lost.
If you activate this option and the connection is lost, the PIKO SmartBox® will switch to emergency stop.
To reactivate your system just press “STOP” again to switch back to normal mode (LED will turn to green).
If this option is not activated nothing will happen after a connection loss. The last information and settings will be stored by the PIKO SmartBox® and the layout will go on like nothing happened.
*a connection loss is de ned as a unwilling loss of WiFi connection between PIKO SmartBox® and PIKO SmartControl® in this case.
So, unless I am misreading (as if THAT ever happens), I can set this thing up so that my trains can't go "off the end".
I am definitely warming up to this "thing".
Ed
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Post by edwardsutorik on Oct 14, 2017 14:02:34 GMT -8
But wait! There's more!
It says you get to "name" your locomotive. As opposed to giving it a number from 1 to 9999. Or so.
Therefore, it looks like MAYBE I can call a loco "GN 464D". Because that's what it is. Or, for folks of a different persuasion: "ATSF 50L".
So neat, if true!
The absolute frosting on the cake, here, would be if "thing" could be piggybacked on an existing system. That is, if I'm at a Free-mo setup, where they require Digitrax, can "thing" be hooked up also, and no one has REGRETS.
Ed
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Post by riogrande on Oct 14, 2017 14:26:15 GMT -8
Well, reading some of the ESU info, it's a bit like having a smart phone device but specialized for train control. Many use smart phones with any system via blue tooth or something don't they? Ok I'm not up on the stuff but...
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Post by sd80mac on Oct 14, 2017 14:40:30 GMT -8
I don't see it mentioned anywhere, but I'm going to "assume" that this system supports advanced consisting (ala NCE) when consisting locomotives so one can take advantage of the Full Throttle feature on ESU's sound decoders. The lack of advanced consisting and being unable to easily use FT on consists of engines has forced me to look into getting rid of my Digitrax system.
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Post by Mark R. on Oct 14, 2017 16:22:14 GMT -8
I've named all my engines on my ESU system as well. Makes it very easy to find what you are looking for. For example - D&H U23B 2310. At a glance, I know the road, type of engine and its number. Consists can even be named as well !
The throttle knob overhangs the throttle body slightly, so it's easy to control the knob with your thumb of either hand. The knob is metal AND is also motorized. Why is it motorized ? Say you are running two trains at the same time at two different speeds. When you swipe the screen to access the other train already in motion, the throttle knob automatically positions itself to match the speed of the other train you now want to control. Or if you take over control of someone elses train, the knob will set itself to match that speed.
The throttle can be used on any system hooked to a computer interface (JMRI is the most common) utilizing a wifi router. If you can use your phone throttle on it, this throttle should work as well.
Mark.
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Post by edwardsutorik on Oct 14, 2017 17:43:28 GMT -8
Mark,
I know "our" Digitrax setup will work with phone throttles, 'cause I see people doing it. Are you saying the ESU throttle will, also? That's how I read you last sentence.
Half the time I'm on the "layout" at home, which can, of course, handle any system--just connect it to the wires. But Free-mo currently requires a Digitrax command station. Hence my wondering if I can somehow "connect" the ESU throttle/system to the Digitrax layout.
Ed
Ed
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Post by Mark R. on Oct 14, 2017 18:20:38 GMT -8
One of our local clubs uses DigiTrax and one of the members is using an ESU throttle on it .... says it works great ! As long as the layout is connected through a computer / wifi router (which it must be if guys are using their phones) then the ESU throttle should work as well. It's really just a phone with a knob. All you have to do for set-up is enter the wifi connect screen and hit connect. You may have to manually enter a password access code if the system requires it, which is a one-time thing.
Mark.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 14, 2017 18:51:00 GMT -8
So, is this system designed to be a stand-alone system?
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Post by edwardsutorik on Oct 14, 2017 19:24:49 GMT -8
Thanks, Mark
Ed
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Post by Mark R. on Oct 14, 2017 21:44:12 GMT -8
So, is this system designed to be a stand-alone system? Yes. Mark. |
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Post by riogrande on Oct 15, 2017 5:03:11 GMT -8
If you click on the link in the first post, it shows what looks like a base station with the controller so it looks like a complete system, but might be the throttle can be used with others too. If so that's true it is very flexible.
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Post by SD90 on Oct 15, 2017 11:05:33 GMT -8
I use Wii throttle for my ESU system, for use with iPhone, however, it doesn't work with iOS 11, so I'll have to wait until they come out with an update.. :-(
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Tom
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Post by Tom on Oct 15, 2017 13:51:02 GMT -8
If you click on the link in the first post, it shows what looks like a base station with the controller so it looks like a complete system, but might be the throttle can be used with others too. If so that's true it is very flexible. This is correct. It's a standalone system, and the WiFi throttle can be used on on other systems - that are 802.11 enabled. Three is one drawback, as with all wireless systems; battery charging. It's hopeful (hint) that there are certain accessories in the works, such as a throttle holder that can be mounted, and charge the handheld while it is placed in it. There are contacts at the rear of the throttle to allow for charging. |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 15, 2017 14:08:06 GMT -8
Hmmm. Pretty cool stuff. Don't know if I'll ditch my Digitrax system...but I like it. I like the idea of the Railcom stuff...if I ever wanted automation of my staging yards...but I seem to be getting more and more "refined" with regards to what I am modeling...and I don't really have a need for extra traffic.
On the other hand, I could see BN trains running on their own with sound between Neilson Jct and Vienna Jct on the southern end of the sub...like this video on my Youtube page...So, who knows?
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Post by raptorengineer on Nov 2, 2017 12:43:04 GMT -8
so this new esu cab control system has integrated 7 amp power suppy. so dose that mean it will power large layout from one track terminal. cause right now i have 3 power track terminal areas to supply power throughout my large layout so i don't have dead spots, and yes my tracks are pretty clean. also i'm using bachmann dynamis system witch has 2.3 amp power supply.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2017 18:51:27 GMT -8
so this new esu cab control system has integrated 7 amp power suppy. so dose that mean it will power large layout from one track terminal. cause right now i have 3 power track terminal areas to supply power throughout my large layout so i don't have dead spots, and yes my tracks are pretty clean. also i'm using bachmann dynamis system witch has 2.3 amp power supply. Electricity lesson time. If voltage is the speed limit on a road, the amperage is the number of lanes on the road. Model trains use somewhere around 16 volts, which is more or less constant when it comes to DCC. The more trains you put on the track, the more "power" is used, so the more power needs to be supplied, and the more "lanes" or amps you'll need, to get the power from the source to the engine. The Dynamis system is 2.3 amps, so that's ~2-3 engines, depending on sound or not. The ESU system is 7 amps, so you'll probably be able to run 5 or so sound engines from it without issue. Having said that, if you're having power problems with just one engine, there's only one problem - you need better connectivity between your track pieces. If you're having issues where it cuts out with 3+ engines on the track, then this will help you. |
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Post by raptorengineer on Nov 2, 2017 20:06:36 GMT -8
so this new esu cab control system has integrated 7 amp power suppy. so dose that mean it will power large layout from one track terminal. cause right now i have 3 power track terminal areas to supply power throughout my large layout so i don't have dead spots, and yes my tracks are pretty clean. also i'm using bachmann dynamis system witch has 2.3 amp power supply. Electricity lesson time. If voltage is the speed limit on a road, the amperage is the number of lanes on the road. Model trains use somewhere around 16 volts, which is more or less constant when it comes to DCC. The more trains you put on the track, the more "power" is used, so the more power needs to be supplied, and the more "lanes" or amps you'll need, to get the power from the source to the engine. The Dynamis system is 2.3 amps, so that's ~2-3 engines, depending on sound or not. The ESU system is 7 amps, so you'll probably be able to run 5 or so sound engines from it without issue. Having said that, if you're having power problems with just one engine, there's only one problem - you need better connectivity between your track pieces. If you're having issues where it cuts out with 3+ engines on the track, then this will help you. ah ok that good to know. i have once run 3 locomotives in a train. also i upgraded wire from 18 to 12 gauge it fix alot of issues even dead spots but i still have 3 areas of power terminal tracks since it 11 x 15 layout. i will get this dcc system next year cause it seem alot better and it can keep getting updated time to time. |
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Post by riogrande on Nov 3, 2017 3:29:45 GMT -8
If for any reason a hobbyist is running more engines than a DCC command station can handle on a layout power-wise, the solution is to break up a layout into power districts which are isolated from each other and each has it's own DCC booster and power supply. Normally if you break up a layout into enough power districts, the layout can handle many many engines with multiple operators.
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