Modern Wireless DC control

[Scottl]

I suppose, but I do see a lot of potential here for a small DC layout.

BTW, it was not clear from the listing online, what kind of battery does the remote use?

[Ed Kapuscinski]

You know... I have no idea! I should probably look. Lol

[mmyers]

ED,
 IIRC, the issue with using a "master" decoder was crossing between blocks. Multiple blocks and what if any damage to the decoders would occur when an engine crossed into another block that was being fed by a second decoder. I don't think the TTrak layout is using multiple blocks so only one decoder would be needed. Of course that would also require runners to either own a wireless throttle or a smart phone with Engine driver or Wi Throttle app.
 Bob Mohr and I discussed trying it on our NTRAK layout and adding light bulb snubbers to the decoder outputs. My interest faded after Bob passed away.
Martin

[Ed Kapuscinski]

ED,
 IIRC, the issue with using a "master" decoder was crossing between blocks. Multiple blocks and what if any damage to the decoders would occur when an engine crossed into another block that was being fed by a second decoder. I don't think the TTrak layout is using multiple blocks so only one decoder would be needed. Of course that would also require runners to either own a wireless throttle or a smart phone with Engine driver or Wi Throttle app.
 Bob Mohr and I discussed trying it on our NTRAK layout and adding light bulb snubbers to the decoder outputs. My interest faded after Bob passed away.
Martin

Interesting thought about the light bulbs!

The throttle issue was one of the reasons I haven't been all about the decoder solution for this. I think the general requirement is to make something that requires nothing from people seeking to use it. I want to give us an option for those just starting out.

[timwatson]

@Ed Kapuscinski how did the range test go?

I am going to be building a DCC DC "box" for our COTTEN TTrak club. Thought I might try these instead of lugging around power packs.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I haven't gotten very far with the test. I want a better power supply before I do.

I'll say this though, the speed control is what I'd call "functional" but not "great".

Basically, I wouldn't want to make it the only option.

[timwatson]

Ok that’s helpful. Thanks.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Update time: I've have had some success and am looking forward to more.

I got two 14v to 12V converters along with a second controller. They're being fed from the laptop power supply that Max found me.

They put out controllable power up to 12 volts and will reverse no problem.

Even better, both of the controllers work independently. I was a little afraid that they were both "on the same frequency", but luckily not.

Pretty cool!

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[mmagliaro]

Actually, Ed, I'm pretty sure they are on the same frequency (most likely 433 MHz), but they use an ID code to pair the transmitter and receiver so the receiver will only respond to the transmitter with a matching code.   You are planning to use these on a club layout, right?   If you want to use more than 2 of them at the same time, I'd suggest testing that out.  See what happens if you have 4-5 of them being operated at once and see if you have any control problems.  Just because they work independently does not mean they won't interfere with each other.

[CRL]

Has anyone used the wireless Kato DC controllers?

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Actually, Ed, I'm pretty sure they are on the same frequency (most likely 433 MHz), but they use an ID code to pair the transmitter and receiver so the receiver will only respond to the transmitter with a matching code.   You are planning to use these on a club layout, right?   If you want to use more than 2 of them at the same time, I'd suggest testing that out.  See what happens if you have 4-5 of them being operated at once and see if you have any control problems.  Just because they work independently does not mean they won't interfere with each other.

Thanks! I had actually thought about saying "they don't interfere because of 'magic'", lol.

That's all probably true. But I'm honestly not worrying about it. If there's a show big enough to have multiple groups using this same thing (I found off eBay), I'll just take the opportunity for some good ol intra layout trolling.

Thanks for the insight!

[timwatson]

So you’re working on powering the dc throttles is that correct? Did you get the speed to be more fine tuned?

[mkearns]

Has anyone used the wireless Kato DC controllers?

Yes. I have a Kato Smart Controller. I really like it. Someone already mentioned it in the thread and I thought @Ed Kapuscinski might like it, but he went a different direction. It does require a Kato app on a phone to use it, but in addition to my normal phone, I put the Kato app on an ancient ipad that I keep with my train stuff. I'm sure Ed could rustle up a few obsolete phones. The app just needs wifi (to download) and bluetooth (to operate), so they don't need to be on active phone plans or anything.

The Kato Smart Controller gives you plug and play wireless on a DC layout. Unlike my experience with WiThrottle, the Kato app lets you do other stuff on your phone too. I find WiThrottle stops if you get a text or lock your phone. Kato keeps going, making it great for a small display or roundy-rounding for a bit with your phone in your pocket.

If you pair it with the Kato Soundbox, the Smart Controller and app then gives you wireless DC with sound. Personally, for my small home layout, one train at a time on 3x6, it obviates the need for me to try to go with DCC. The Kato electronics weren't cheap, but converting a fleet of DC locomotives to DCC ain't cheap either. I can run my DC-only Kato F7s, Model Power FP7, Kato Mikado, Atlas RS1, Bachmann 2-8-0... wireless and with sound.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

So you’re working on powering the dc throttles is that correct? Did you get the speed to be more fine tuned?

I'd say I'm more working on "giving a wireless option for basic train control" than making really GOOD wireless DC throttles. Think about your average NTRAK layout: in most cases, people don't really need fine speed control. "Slow, medium, fast" is kinda enough. These things do better than that, but probably not by a whole lot.

The thing is, when you set your requirements appropriately, it's a lot easier to meet them.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Yes. I have a Kato Smart Controller. I really like it. Someone already mentioned it in the thread and I thought @Ed Kapuscinski might like it, but he went a different direction. It does require a Kato app on a phone to use it, but in addition to my normal phone, I put the Kato app on an ancient ipad that I keep with my train stuff. I'm sure Ed could rustle up a few obsolete phones. The app just needs wifi (to download) and bluetooth (to operate), so they don't need to be on active phone plans or anything.

The Kato Smart Controller gives you plug and play wireless on a DC layout. Unlike my experience with WiThrottle, the Kato app lets you do other stuff on your phone too. I find WiThrottle stops if you get a text or lock your phone. Kato keeps going, making it great for a small display or roundy-rounding for a bit with your phone in your pocket.

If you pair it with the Kato Soundbox, the Smart Controller and app then gives you wireless DC with sound. Personally, for my small home layout, one train at a time on 3x6, it obviates the need for me to try to go with DCC. The Kato electronics weren't cheap, but converting a fleet of DC locomotives to DCC ain't cheap either. I can run my DC-only Kato F7s, Model Power FP7, Kato Mikado, Atlas RS1, Bachmann 2-8-0... wireless and with sound.

It's a very cool technology, but I don't think it fits the "needs to be as stupid simple as possible" need. In this build, I'm looking for something so simple that someone can understand how it works just by looking at it.