|
|
Post by Donnell Wells on May 7, 2012 17:24:00 GMT -8
I don't know much about it, but I thought it was neat enough to share. Some of you may already know about it, but if you don't, check it out. I may be the next evolution of independent locomotive control. Or, it could go the way of Betamax and Divx... 
ringengineering.com/RailProVideosPage.htm
Donnell
|
|
|
|
Post by shoofly on May 7, 2012 21:35:19 GMT -8
Th late Jack Parker from Central Valley Model Works envisioned on board battery power that charge in live areas like yard n such then would be independent from track power when operated over the railroad. As batteries and wifi get better, this is becoming a reality.
|
|
|
|
Post by Donnell Wells on May 8, 2012 13:19:15 GMT -8
I believe Railflyer is pursuing a similar type of control system.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mark R. on May 8, 2012 13:20:16 GMT -8
There's also the Stanton Radio Cab which is already available. It will run on DC, DCC, AC or onboard battery power .... www.nwsl.com/S-CAB_Radio_DCC_Control.htmlI agree, this is a coming trend. I can't see a lot of people readily converting a fully equipped DCC system, but I can see it as a very attractive option for new layouts. Mark. |
|
|
|
Post by rhpd42002 on May 8, 2012 17:41:51 GMT -8
It will be interesting to how these all develop, as eliminating slow speed stalling at crossings and turnouts would sure be a big advantage and perhaps selling feature of a quality system.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mark R. on May 9, 2012 13:07:41 GMT -8
And no more reversing sections either !
You could even rust up those little used sidings and still run on them like you just cleaned them. If I wasn't so heavily entrenched into DCC with what I have already, I would be seriously looking into this option.
Mark.
|
|
|
|
Post by rhpd42002 on May 9, 2012 16:13:08 GMT -8
Not having had a reversing section in quite a number of years, i'd completely forgotten that aspect.
Could be something to "experiment" with on a small ISL, wouldn't you think, Mark?
|
|
|
|
Post by Paul Cutler III on May 11, 2012 9:06:07 GMT -8
But what does one do about detection?
|
|
|
|
Post by sd40t2 on May 11, 2012 13:52:55 GMT -8
I am not an electronics wizkid but I think that a resistor between the wheels of one axle would work fine just like we do it now. Furthermore one could limit the voltage on the tracks to 5Volt or so. This would be enough for the detection circuit but too low to get the batteries in charging mode.
|
|
|
|
Post by Paul Cutler III on May 19, 2012 6:43:13 GMT -8
Adding resistor wheelsets means you can't have any painted track. And how does limiting the voltage help? I would think that would make it worse with voltage drop issues.
|
|
|
|
Post by fmilhaupt on Jun 2, 2012 3:17:30 GMT -8
Tam Valley Depot is getting into the act, too. I like his approach of simply taking the signal output from an existing DCC system and putting it into the air better than the other full-wireless command control systems out there so far. It allows you to adapt existing DCC throttles and decoders. In this way, it doesn't tie you into a single-vendor solution from throttles all the way to decoders like in the Not-As-Good-Old-Days of proprietary command control systems. See www.tamvalleyrr.com/wirelessdcc.html for details. He's not quite ready to market it yet, but I really like the direction he's going. Duncan McRee described his progress on this system when he was interviewed on Episode 35 of the Model Railway Show podcast ( themodelrailwayshow.com/episode_listings.php) a couple of months ago. |
|
|
|
Post by fmilhaupt on Jul 23, 2012 2:37:28 GMT -8
I find it rather disappointing that none of the companies currently or planning to offer direct radio control are listed as attending the National Train Show next month.
|
|
|
|
Post by fmilhaupt on Aug 7, 2012 3:15:02 GMT -8
|
|
|
|
Post by dcfixer on Apr 4, 2013 8:58:00 GMT -8
I like the stand alone feature of RailPro. No DCC required and ready for battery power. Since the receiver input is full wave rectified, you can run RailPro trains on AC, DC or DCC. Ring Engineering also makes a auto reversing module with DC circuit breaker, 4 output trackside accessory module and a DC power supply - everything to set up an entire layout, with the protective features offered with DCC. Maybe more protection, considering the full feedback, and the protections built into the hand control unit and receiver. The RailPro receivers are impressive with sound, 800mA continuous output (2A on stall) and 4 functions, 100mA sinking aux outputs. Ring Engineering is currently developing a smaller, non-sound receiver.
I just received my system, but am waiting for some 9-pin JST wire harnesses. The receivers fit in all my locos, even my Bachmann S4 switcher. In most cases, though, the existing light boards need to be removed. That's OK, don't need them with RailPro's lighting effects/control. I did have to do some experimenting/calculating to fine the right resistor for the 1.5V and 5V incandescent light bulbs. LEDs are a piece of cake: 1k Ohms.
I have talked with Tim Ring, extensively. I am impressed with his emphasis on customer service, and the direction he is taking with radio control. They have been developing this system for 10 years. They are getting ready for the large scale application of RailPro.
|
|
