TCS Opens Pre-Orders for Universal WiFi Throttle

[C855B]

https://tcsdcc.com/preorder-throttle

[peteski]

Here is my not-impressed response:
https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=47069.0

New DCC product - it was a tossup between posting it here and in the DCC forum. 

[C855B]

I'll repeat my question from the other thread... is the ESU throttle WiFi?

[peteski]

I'll repeat my question from the other thread... is the ESU throttle WiFi?

Hmm, Since it is WiFi and Android-based, I assumed that it was a WifI throttle compatible with the JMRI standard. But you're right - it seems that it uses proprietary protocol, as JMRI is not mentioned anywhere.     Interesting.

[thomasjmdavis]

I did find a mention of JMRI below the bullet points....

Use the LCC protocol, WiThrottle protocol, or WiFi interfaces for popular DCC systems - even communicate directly with JMRI!

[/s]

Never mind.... I got confused about which throttle was being referred to

[thomasjmdavis]

Now, correct me if I am missing something here, but the TCS throttle ad is assuming that I already have a DCC base station connected to a wireless router, right?

[C855B]

Now, correct me if I am missing something here, but the TCS throttle ad is assuming that I already have a DCC base station connected to a wireless router, right?

Yes. It is assuming JMRI interfaced to a DCC command station of your choice. Will also work with the Digitrax LNWI module on Loconet.

[wcfn100]

I do like the fact that it's all-in-one out of the box.  You don't have to worry about installing any apps and it works on all(?) systems.


Jason

[reinhardtjh]

I'll repeat my question from the other thread... is the ESU throttle WiFi?

Yep.  It's basically an Android phone without the phone and with a rotary knob.  The app is Engine Driver and it works with JMRI.  As I remember @jdcolombo has one and can probably tell you more.  I have one but I haven't been able to hook up with anyone to operate with so mine is unused currently.

[C855B]

Does Engine Driver use the knob now? Last I had read (quite a while ago) was ESU hadn't released the API for the custom controls.

[reinhardtjh]

Does Engine Driver use the knob now? Last I had read (quite a while ago) was ESU hadn't released the API for the custom controls.

Hmmm. That's a good question.  I remember that now.  I'm not sure.  Most of the discussion was on the ESU Facebook page and it impossible to find now.

[wcfn100]

Does Engine Driver use the knob now? Last I had read (quite a while ago) was ESU hadn't released the API for the custom controls.

I thought one of the phone apps said they could use it.  I know that ESU said they would release the API, but I can't find it on their site.

Maybe here:

https://github.com/esugmbh/mobilecontrol2-sdk

Jason

[delamaize]

Here is my not-impressed response:
https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=47069.0

New DCC product - it was a tossup between posting it here and in the DCC forum. 

Sooooo.....Have you actually tried one of these throttles? Or are you basing your opinions on pictures, and the very brief text that is on their site?

Because, Myself, and a few more of us from MRNS actually TRIED and USED the prototypes at one of our shows recently, and I really like it.

Yes, It is wifi, and it works with JMRI, and (as tested on the MRNS layout) Digitrax' LNWI. It should work with pretty much any Wifi system. Basically, If you can use a phone app with your system, Then this will work.

It's comfortable in the hand, and the controls feel good to me, I was really happy with it, and I'm planning on ordering one, once I can afford it. the thumb wheel is in a good place, feels nice, and was pretty intuitive to me. The buttons feel very similar to the buttons on any other remote control. I like that it has 8 buttons that can be reprogrammed to your needs. Battery life seemed to be pretty good, I don't remember the exact figure. Using AA Batteries is a huge advantage IMHO, because of ease of access, and the amount of different type of batteries out there.

[peteski]

Sooooo.....Have you actually tried one of these throttles? Or are you basing your opinions on pictures, and the very brief text that is on their site?

Because, Myself, and a few more of us from MRNS actually TRIED and USED the prototypes at one of our shows recently, and I really like it.

Strictly on what I see presented by TCS.  Cwe are coming to the end of second decade of the 21st Century - high-res color LCD displays are dime-a-dozen and so are inexpensive microcontroller chips with lots of memory, and all they could muster is a crude monochrome LCD display?  Meh.  I'm also not a big fan of thumbwheels or up/down buttons for controlling speed.  But that's me - if you like it, all the power to you. I'm just voicing my opinion here.  Having one of those in my hand is not going to make me like its design any more than I do now.

Yes, since it is a dedicated throttle device, it is better than a throttle app running on an ordinary smart phone, but it is too bad that its design seems somewhat antiquated (at least to me).  Especially with all the sound decoders, it would be nice to have an icon or a label on the screen describing what each sound function button is.

[reinhardtjh]

Does Engine Driver use the knob now? Last I had read (quite a while ago) was ESU hadn't released the API for the custom controls.

Apparently John C. gave a pretty good review and the following discussion indicates the knob does work  Mobile Control II and JMRI Thumbs Up

This review is probably why I bought one.