Let me start by saying I’m still a DC guy. I have a small volume of DCC ready locomotives. I recently listened to a youtube video with this system. Wow !
I like the idea of this Proto Throttle and trying to find a DCC system to start with.
You guys who’ve been in the DCC game for a while.
Is this Proto Throttle for beginner DCC ? Is it highly technical ? Is it worth the coin ?
Patrick
It actually seems pretty simple, however it is really only for diesel. I spoke to them and they told me it isn’t desigened for steam. So if your engines are diesel give it a try although it is a bit pricey
It’s a clever idea but doesn’t look ergonomic to me. I would rather spend my time and money making my layout more realistic, than that throttle. Other people like running their trains with smart phones and tablets.
For some people, even though it is not a real loco control stand, it gives the illusion of it and that may float their boat. You may be one of those. I’d get a DCC system first and see how I liked the controls before springing for that throttle.
Personally I prefer using a dedicated throttle for running trains. But I haven’t tried using my phone yet.
Steven,
The ProtoThrottle is not a app for your cellphone but a dedicated throttle that uses buttons, toggle switches, and rotary switches to operate the bell, horn, throttle, and lights:
It mimicks the controls you would typical find in a diesel cab.
Tom
Man, that thing looks huge. Neat, but huge…
I’ve never used one and don’t know a ton about it, but here’s what I’ve gathered from all the fanfare I’ve seen recently…
From what I understand, they only operate on DCC because what it does requires DCC to make it work. (Not sure if they plan to come out with a DC version.) The selling point is that using it is supposed to closely mimic the full-size version better than any other control interface on the market. So it’s not so much of a case of “look what DCC has to offer”, but “look how authentic your train running experience can be.”
From what I understand, that experience goes beyond the simple shape and configuration of the levers. It has something to do with the way the controls use DCC to make the trains move, as well as how the controls physically “feel” when you use them. From what I’ve seen, those who are really in to operations rave about it. Supposedly it forces you to think and operate a train like a real engineer would operate the full-size version. It apparently takes your operations to a whole new level of train-running nirvana, from simply shuffling models around a layout to immersing you in the operating environment… or so they say.
I would liken it to the difference between playing a car-racing video game with a standard XBox controller versus using one of those desktop steering wheel units with the built-in shift lever and foot pedals.
Bottom line, I think the decision point is not DC vs DCC, but rather how much you are into “operational fidelity” and value that authentic operational experience. For me personally, I’m satisfied using my Digitrax Zephyr or smart phone controller. For those who want something closer to the real thing, the Protothrottle just may be the ticket.
And cost is a major factor, of course. If the price ever drops below $100 (not likely), I might think about it.
I can think of other things to spend 600$ on. I am not hung up on prototypical diesel cab operation.
If you are truly a novice modeler, there are a lot of FAR MORE IMPORTANT modeling tools and materials you will need and can get for $600!
I never knew the price until now. Steve move this thread to the “This hobby is too expensive” thread. [:D]
I have been using DCC for years. If I was starting from DC I would be purchasing a new system, it would be RailPro. The only things you would need to buy is the hand controller and decoders. Your present DC power supply will work fine. No boosters, no CVs, no buying more equipment to go to radio control. RailPro is radio control out of the box.
You could look here or here for prices. A lot cheaper than $600.
I rather doubt it since as you pointed out, it requires DCC to work, there is no “throttle” in the controller, its just an interface with the DCC system.
Correct. It also requires changing the momentum settings on your engine. If you open the throttle wide open it should take a while for it to speed up. If you shut off the throttle the engine will more or less not reduce speed quickly, it will just roll along at the same speed. If you want to stop it, you need to apply the brake. Then depending on how much brake you apply the engine/train slows down and stops.
If somebody gets one, to really appreciate it, they will also have to learn a bit about how a real engineer uses the train controls.
I recently saw a post from a couple of layoouts where they had everyone operate with Proto Throttles. It’s not exactly huge, and some people were using it with one hand. Plus they come with a lanyard so you don;t have to worry about dropping it.
Sure looks like a lot of fun to use, after watching some videos. $600 worth of fun? I dunnoo. I would say this is not something you should go out and pick up as a novice model railroader though.
Don’t forget, since for whatever design reason they went with a zigbee radio module in the unit, you need the actual ProtoThrottle plus one of the base units, there is one for NCE and Lenz and another for Digitrax, which ALSO needs the LNWI WiFi interface.
–Randy
I picked one up at the NMRA convention in KC. I am still learning some things about it but overall I really like the ProtoThrottle. In my case, running a small-ish HO switching layout, it adds a layer of realism that I am enjoying. I would say it’s not for the novice, however.
Having operated 1:1 locomotives for a short time helped me adapt to it pretty easily.
As someone mentioned to help get the proper effect it is best to set CVs to allow for more momentum. As a start I set CV3 to 125 and CV4 to 255, then tweaked others as I went along. That, and having sound, really makes you feel that you are operating something with mass.
I am aware that ProtoThrottle is not a cellphone app but a separate throttle.
In a word, no. This gizmo, IMO, is without a doubt the goofiest thing ever created in the hobby - strictly for the “more dollars than sense” crowd.
As much as I like that throttle I would need to think long and hard before shelling out $600.00 for a fancy DCC throttle.
[quote user=“swoodnj”]
It adds a layer of realism that I am enjoying. I would say it’s not for the novice, however. [/Quote]
Not the majority of the folks here based on the responses here.
The layer of realism factor seems to be a major like to folks on another forum where there has been a great deal of postive feedback. The cost is listed as $482 on ISE website.
[quote]
Having operated 1:1 locomotives for a short time helped me adapt to it pretty easily. [/Quote]
That is the big pull for some of the proponents. This throttle is not aimedat many in the general hobby gjenre thus all the it’s not worth it comments.
In short, The Proto throttle is probably not worth the coin for a novice. But that is probably true for a lot of pricey things; it’s most likely going to be appreciated by a certain group of experienced diesel fans.
Thank you all for your insight & response.
Yup,didn’t realize it was that pricey or complected. Maybe after a few years of experience working with DCC first.
Thanks guys.
Patrick
Its not worth it. You can get similar buttons and switches on Bachmann train apps or even lego ones. I am not sure how accurate it is, but if you want to make you existing throttle more realistic, you can take it apart and add some toggles in place of buttons, or just take a side of a cereal box, paint it a “realistic” grey, and redecorate your throttle with it, cutting holes for each button. Its practically free, and, its customizable!!!