curious if anyone else is using this new app for their I phone or I pad’ I’ve found it to be better and easier to use than my Digitrax DT 400R which at least on our club layout tended to lose contact with my engines and had to be plugged back in to reaquire the signal, its also a bit more comfortable holding my I phone with its touch screen as opposed to the small push buttons on the DT 400.
There is the Wi throttle lite which is a limited free version so you can give it a test drive to see if you like it also.
forgot to mention this throttle I believe only runs with JMRI so youll need Decoderpro3 on your DCC system.
I have, and it is a very nice backup. I had a throttle die a while back and Digitrax repaired it for me, but while I was waiting I set up the iPhone Wi Throttle.
I wrote a blog post about it (that references another blog post, LOL):
I picked up 3 used Android phones at $20 bucks a piece. Remember you don’t need the phone part to work, just the Wi-Fi. Now when Nephews come over everybody gets their own throttle. If they are dropped by accident, its no big deal, I only paid $20. I might not feel the same way if it was a Digitrax Radio throttle.
Don’t forget you can use a tablet using iOS or Android or an itouch to run either Wi-Throttle or Engine Driver (depending on operating system of particular device)
I use WiThrottle on iPad exclusively now: there is another killer feature. Turn on the “JMRI Web Server” application and a panel open on the computer is available on the iPad screen as a web page. You can throw switches by touching the switch in the panel. Signals and block occupancy is available as well.
The only drawback for me is that the throttle is not sensitive enough- somehow the ergonomics of the touchscreen experience feel worse than grabbing hold of a dial and going through clicks. I think the UI could be improved there.
I am in the process of adding supports on my facia board to place the iPad …
I’ve got it on my phone but there are good and bad points to it.
Before that, just to head off questions, The DCC is NCE PHP and I do have the latest version of JMRI.
Pros.
Very easy to set up and use.
Why supply operators with throttles, if they have a phone and all the throttles are busy, they can still operate.
Why take my throttle to another layout on run nite? (provided the have JMRI hook up) Have phone will travel!
Cons.
Not tactile feel, like a button or knob can give, forcing me to look at it for a function application. I don’t need to look at my NCE throttles to operate them.
Along that line, sometimes sluggish to respond to commands, Like a weak radio throttle at times.
Real battery killer. 2-3 hour run session and the battery is DONE! Better plug into a car charger before you call the wife to tell her you are on your way home!
All in all, I think its a great little gadget. But just a gadget, not something I would recommend for constant heavy use.[:^)]
My [2c], Your mileage may vary, batteries not included, no animals were harmed, see your dealer for details,blah de blah de blah,[:-,],
My converted to Android tablet had horrid battery life. Under it’s native OS, it lasted all day. But no Throttle app for that. My iPad lasts multiple days, and my iPhone with WiThrottle runs plenty long. Definitely more than 2-3 hours. It all depends on the device, but in my experience, Android is less able to maintain long active times than the other options, even on the newest devices (GF has a Galaxy S4, thing dies rapidly despite full charges).
At least on some devices, you can use the volume rocker to control the throttle, so touch isn’t necessary other than to turn functions on and off. The iPhone version has an adjustment for the throttle slider sensitivity - I have no problem adjusting mine in 1 speed step increments, but some people do have differing skin resistance and can;t interact well with touch screens.
Yes, you do have to look at it, sort of - if you keep your hand on the throttle you can tell by the speed of your train what’s happening, take your hand off and yeah, have to look at the screen to place your finger. However the bonus is if you need to read a car number - just flip to your flashlight app and light up the place.
I just got enough track laid down to run trains on phase 1 of my layout a couple of months ago, and only using the base NCE Powercab system. I had already loaded JMRI on my spare laptop for programming CVs before discovering the WiThrottle app. And I had just upgraded to the new I-phone.
Pros:
For less than $10 I now have a second throttle which has already been useful for guests.
Wireless operation lets me walk all the way around the layout and watch closely as trains run back and forth over newly laid track and turnouts. Useful for close observation and tuning/debugging operation.
It can be set up to run two locos on one screen which is much more manageable than switching back and forth on the Powercab throttle.
I haven’t experienced any delays or glitches in response. I am actually impressed by just how smooth the controls are.
Cons:
Having to boot the laptop and initialize communications takes a few minutes.
Like others have said there is no tactile feel to the touchscreen. But it is laid out nicely.
I am never sure what to do when someone calls me on the phone during operations!
Since my phone is new battery life is not an issue and I can run trains for many hours. We will see how long the battery lasts a year from now.
If you do decide to go buy a used Android phone you can prolong the battery life by turning off or eliminating software. Remember you only have to have the Wi-Fi working. Turn off the cell stand by which uses a lot of battery. Also some standard apps on those phones operate in the back ground and eat battery life.
Since I’m not a programmer or hacker I had to ask a teenager.
