TCS’s wifi throttles can be use with DCC-EX, as well as ESU Mobile Control II (I don’t think you can use the native ESU software, but the Mobile Control II is an Android device and can run Engine Driver). There are also designs for DIY DCC-EX throttles on line.
When “rail fanning” or “display running” (just running in circles on the mainline) I find the touchscreen throttles fine, but when it comes to switching, I’ve got to have my hardware buttons. I hold the throttle in one hand and uncoupling pick in the other and operate without ever looking at the throttle.
Same here, except with Digitrax. Throttle preference is highly personal, and also what you spend most of your time interacting with. For the most part, any DCC system will get done what you want done, so I think it’s a wise approach to first decide which type of throttle you like and then look at systems that support that type. Also remember most system do support more than one type.
For me personally, one of the driving features to go with Digitrax was the dual throttle feature of the DT series throttles. I’m mostly a lone wolf operator but will often have two (and sometimes more) trains running at the same time, and the Digitrax
DT throttles give direct control of two trains at the same time. I’ve even held two Digitrax throttles in one hand and had direct control of four trains. However, there is on thing I am very disappointed in with Digitrax - apparently with the DT602 series throttle they did away with button control of speed.
Almost nothing is ever available on NCE’s website. Pretty much everything they build goes to hobby shops. Check out Tony’s Trains or Yankee Dabbler (the two I frequent) or probably Midwest, and I’m sure a bunch of others.
I hate running trains with my phone. Seems unnatural in some perverted sort of way (not that I can explain why). But many of my operators do that and are perfectly happy with it.
I have no dog in this fight other than to help my friend pick a system. He has been away from the hobby for a long time.
I am intrigued by the TCS products.
Reading the various replies reminds me of the DC vs DCC debates 20 years ago. Now we have the “touch screen/smartphone” crowd vs the dedicated throttle crowd within DCC.
Everyone has their own needs and tastes on stuff like this, but 20 plus years ago when I considered DCC, poor ergonomics, tiny screens, endless wheel encoder inputs, large numbers of tiny closely spaced buttons, multi step processes with those buttons, all were part of my reasons for not going with DCC then.
It is nice to see that some of these newer products have addressed some of these issues.
Just my opinions:
Being able to operated the throttle without looking at it is essential. Touch screens/smartphones are a total non starter for me.
I have NO interest in controlling more than one train from one throttle. How does anyone do
this? On my DC layout, if I want to operate display trains I have dedicated track routes and
can just turn them on and let them run. Don’t need DCC for that.
I like push button control of the loco speed, but a good knob with a positive stop is fine.
When it comes to operating turnouts I will take a single button on a control panel in favor of
pushing 5 buttons on a throttle every time.
So if anyone has an option or more info on the TCS products I will be a willing listener. And if there are any users of CVP Easy DCC out there, I would be interested in your thoughts.
perhaps one thing to consider is the cost of extra controllers if you’re going to have others over to operate. I brought my NCE PowerCab over when I operated on a friends layout. The club just upgraded and purchased 10 wireless DT602s. but i’m thinking that i’ll need 4+ throttles if I operate on my layout
the PowerCab only supports 2/3 additional cabs. So i’d need to update to 5A PowerPro for ~$650 if i want to stick with NCE. It comes with a ProCab and my PowerCab will work with it, so i’d need another 2+ cabs, possibly a cab06 which runs for ~$100. Wireless cabs are of course more $$$
Personally, I don’t get the idea of going with DCC and staying with tethered throttles? That is like 1970’s DC systems. Back then it was cutting edge - memory throttles that kept the train moving while you moved your throttle to the next plug.
I have not paid much attention to a lot of the newer DCC products in the last 10 years, so I am catching up to help my friend.
