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Post by edgecrusher on Dec 3, 2019 13:13:13 GMT -8
Hi folks,
Please note that I'm not interested in this solely because of the price. I'm building a very small layout, (2' x 8' with some staging) and I really don't need a lot of features or power.
I'm just looking to operate a single switcher and caboose with some lighting functions. Are there any potential dangers to using something like this? Like burning up motors or decoders? I was leaning twords the Digitrax Zeypher, but the phone throttle thing is pretty appealing to me.
Thoughts?
Evan
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Post by kentuckysouthernrwy on Dec 3, 2019 17:27:28 GMT -8
I’d sure like to see a 3rd party test and review before deciding on that.
I’m real happy with the NCE Power Cab that I have. While I use basically for programming locos on a setup separate from my NCE layout I know it would work very well for a small layout like you’re contemplating.
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Post by ncrc5315 on Dec 3, 2019 17:31:03 GMT -8
Just my two cents. Could be a very good deal, if you have $45 to find out, give it a try and let us know. Or you can go with the Zeypher, have more people available to help you out, know it will work, and you can add the phone app to the Zypher, down the road. Only you can decide what your comfortable with.
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Post by Colin 't Hart on Dec 4, 2019 2:11:14 GMT -8
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Post by edgecrusher on Dec 4, 2019 9:56:15 GMT -8
Colin, I'm totally ok DIYing nearly anything, but actual programming isn't something I'm very fond of. I had the chance to to take a C++ class years ago and I passed on it. Kinda wished I had. This unit appeals to me because of its simplicity. I mean heck, dollar wise I have more into the two Arrowhead hoppers I bought and they don't even "do" anything. I've certainly blown 50 bucks on worse.
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Post by jonklein611 on Dec 4, 2019 10:09:49 GMT -8
I went the Zephyr route. Picked one up from a club member that was upgrading his DCC system.
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Post by edgecrusher on Dec 4, 2019 13:02:14 GMT -8
Ok, so after some messaging back and forth with the guy that makes these, I know a little more about the system. Everything is done thru the phone app, its your throttle and base station/programmer. The only real negative point i can see to this system is that the connection is made via bluetooth. Meaning only one throttle can be connected at a time. Granted you can still run multiple locos from one throttle, that still doesn't help if want to operate with a friend. However, given the size a scope of my layout I don't think that would be a big drawback. I think I'm going to give it a try.
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Post by Colin 't Hart on Dec 5, 2019 1:10:54 GMT -8
Colin, I'm totally ok DIYing nearly anything, but actual programming isn't something I'm very fond of. I had the chance to to take a C++ class years ago and I passed on it. Kinda wished I had. This unit appeals to me because of its simplicity. I mean heck, dollar wise I have more into the two Arrowhead hoppers I bought and they don't even "do" anything. I've certainly blown 50 bucks on worse. As I understand it, a DCC++ system doesn't technically require you to do any programming -- only requiring the Arduino software to load the DCC++ software onto the Arduino computer. But for it to be able to use a WiFi throttle you need a companion computer running JMRI. Many people use a Raspberry Pi for this. Or it can use wireless throttle apps via Bluetooth -- which makes it sound to me like the system you're buying is a pre-built DCC++ system. |
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Post by edgecrusher on Dec 5, 2019 10:36:51 GMT -8
As I understand it, a DCC++ system doesn't technically require you to do any programming -- only requiring the Arduino software to load the DCC++ software onto the Arduino computer. But for it to be able to use a WiFi throttle you need a companion computer running JMRI. Many people use a Raspberry Pi for this. Or it can use wireless throttle apps via Bluetooth -- which makes it sound to me like the system you're buying is a pre-built DCC++ system. Yes, I believe your right as he also sells the PC board bare with a list of needed components to build it yourself. While it would be neat to build something like this myself I honestly don't think my soldering abilities are quite good enough to be doing PC board work. Plus I have to choose my projects wisely, it would likely take me months to build something like this. This is one aspect of the hobby where I'm more than happy to accept "RTR". |
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Post by jonklein611 on Dec 5, 2019 10:41:20 GMT -8
Awesome. Keep us posted on how it works out.
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Post by edgecrusher on Dec 6, 2019 9:08:32 GMT -8
Well I ordered it this morning. Its coming from the UK so it'll be close to a month till I get it. So maybe in that time I can get a few more inches of track laid, if I'm lucky.
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Post by Colin 't Hart on Dec 7, 2019 11:31:18 GMT -8
Well I ordered it this morning. Its coming from the UK so it'll be close to a month till I get it. So maybe in that time I can get a few more inches of track laid, if I'm lucky. Do post here again when it arrives and let us know your experiences. |
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Post by edgecrusher on Dec 9, 2019 10:25:46 GMT -8
I certainly will. This will be my first DCC system so it will be a learning curve for me. I'm hoping the simplicity of it will make it a good choice for me. I downloaded the APP over the weekend and poked around it a bit. It seems simple enough.
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Post by edgecrusher on Dec 30, 2019 13:42:23 GMT -8
Update time. So the DCC module came over the holiday week and yesterday I had a little time to poke around at it. I don't currently have enough rail down on my layout for a proper test so please excuse the quick and dirty use of my photo track. My first impression is that I like it, very nicely put together. They include a couple pages of instructions for programming the app and connecting to the Bluetooth. Its exceptionally easy, and an added benefit of doing the programming on your phone is that you don't even need to be near the layout to do the basic stuff. To alter the CV's you have to be "connected" to a loco. (This I haven't attempted yet.) But overall the interface is really simple and easy to use. I will have to attempt some screen shots of the app when I get a moment. Next up will be making some form of mounting plate for it. It comes with a neat little 3D printed box to put it in. But its nearly completely sealed, so I don't think I'll be using it. Given that it has a heat sink I'd feel a little better if it had some kind of airflow. I'm pleased with it so far, I think it will serve my small layout well. I'll keep updating this thread as I tinker with it some more.
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Post by edgecrusher on Jan 20, 2020 9:53:33 GMT -8
Small update on the diy dcc system. I grabbed some various mounting components from work and made up a simple mounting bracket for it and got it mounted under the layout. Also found a nice power supply for it at a local thrift store. (f.y.i. most thrift stores have bins full of all kinds of orphan A.C. adapters for a buck or two.) I'd say I'm still at less that $60 bucks into this thing and I'm pleased with it so far. I really think it would be perfect for a small traveling display to take to shows. With how small the board is you could even mount it topside in a small structure if you wanted. More updates to come as I progress....
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