Large Scale Central

Cordless Renovations closing the doors

General Discussion
#61

Greg

I find it annoying that when a new comer asks something akin to “which is the best R/C system for to begin with?” on various fora they are bombarded with “System XYZ is the best, oh and it just so happens that it is sold by me”, as far as I am concerned that is commercial advertising by stealth.

>>>>>> completely agree, and while the “story” may seem good to the newcomer, the story often has holes in it only an experienced person can point out, and it’s really not good for the hobby long term, people get frustrated and give up…

A disclaimer of vested interest would help overcome this situation.

>>>> agreed, we had this situation some years back, but seems to have gone back in the shadows since the hobby is struggling, and people don’t want to hurt anyone’s business…

Thanks for the offer of the links Greg but I have dealt with the ACMA on numerous occasions plus I have 2 near neighbours who are licenced radio operators, not to mention all the comms engineers where I work, who provide me all the information I require regarding the Aust frequency spectrum.

>>>>> that’s cool, my only point is that 900 MHz is possible in Australia, and the 900 MHz products that exist could have their frequency put into the Australian band plan… I was only responding to the accuracy of the statement, from the reading I did about the cell operators in Australia, 900 MHz would be an area most people would avoid. You stated: but the frequency was 900MHz and in Aust, making was OK but using it breached the communications control regulations "

Not actually true… just correcting an incorrect statement.

Maybe I did not explain myself as well as I could in my post, I was suggesting that a mention of DIY may be appropriate to add to the site, my point being is that if a person offers to be a mentor to new comers (I am out here to help) then perhaps presenting all options should be should be the norm and not direct them into a particular direction.

I believe a hobby should involve a component of experimenting with new skills, including basic electronics (not just plug and play), weathering, scratchbuilding etc.

>>>> Those 2 paragraphs above yield the most interesting discussion:

Yes DIY could be mentioned on my site, you can make stuff with inexpensive Arduino boards and bluetooth or wi-fi… Just as my site could also address weathering , scratchbuilding, live steam. etc.

But the purpose of my site, from my home page is: “The purpose of this site is twofold, to be a repository for myself and to share with others. The goal is not to copy what is out there, but to provide supplemental or corrected or missing information, and to share things I have learned on how to use / fix / improve things.”

So while I could mention that DIY is another alternative, I have nothing helpful to offer that isn’t already out there on the Internet, just as I don’t have the experience to add anything significant about weathering, scratchbuilding, live steam that is not better served elsewhere on the Internet.

So, I’ll take you suggestion under consideration, and would ask if there is a good site I could link to that would help people get a start in DIY remote control systems.

Greg

#62

Good luck…everyone has their own idea of the best remote control…and what the REQUIRED features just HAVE to be… I suspect that if you’re into DIY, you just go ahead and take a look at Dave Bodnar’s stuff and modify to your own liking. (https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-foot-in-mouth.gif)Or skip that and design and build from scratch!

#63

Greg Elmassian said:

Greg

I find it annoying that when a new comer asks something akin to “which is the best R/C system for to begin with?” on various fora they are bombarded with “System XYZ is the best, oh and it just so happens that it is sold by me”, as far as I am concerned that is commercial advertising by stealth.

>>>>>> completely agree, and while the “story” may seem good to the newcomer, the story often has holes in it only an experienced person can point out, and it’s really not good for the hobby long term, people get frustrated and give up…

A disclaimer of vested interest would help overcome this situation.

>>>> agreed, we had this situation some years back, but seems to have gone back in the shadows since the hobby is struggling, and people don’t want to hurt anyone’s business…

Thanks for the offer of the links Greg but I have dealt with the ACMA on numerous occasions plus I have 2 near neighbours who are licenced radio operators, not to mention all the comms engineers where I work, who provide me all the information I require regarding the Aust frequency spectrum.

>>>>> that’s cool, my only point is that 900 MHz is possible in Australia, and the 900 MHz products that exist could have their frequency put into the Australian band plan… I was only responding to the accuracy of the statement, from the reading I did about the cell operators in Australia, 900 MHz would be an area most people would avoid. You stated: but the frequency was 900MHz and in Aust, making was OK but using it breached the communications control regulations "

Not actually true… just correcting an incorrect statement.

Maybe I did not explain myself as well as I could in my post, I was suggesting that a mention of DIY may be appropriate to add to the site, my point being is that if a person offers to be a mentor to new comers (I am out here to help) then perhaps presenting all options should be should be the norm and not direct them into a particular direction.

I believe a hobby should involve a component of experimenting with new skills, including basic electronics (not just plug and play), weathering, scratchbuilding etc.

>>>> Those 2 paragraphs above yield the most interesting discussion:

Yes DIY could be mentioned on my site, you can make stuff with inexpensive Arduino boards and bluetooth or wi-fi… Just as my site could also address weathering , scratchbuilding, live steam. etc.

But the purpose of my site, from my home page is: “The purpose of this site is twofold, to be a repository for myself and to share with others. The goal is not to copy what is out there, but to provide supplemental or corrected or missing information, and to share things I have learned on how to use / fix / improve things.”

So while I could mention that DIY is another alternative, I have nothing helpful to offer that isn’t already out there on the Internet, just as I don’t have the experience to add anything significant about weathering, scratchbuilding, live steam that is not better served elsewhere on the Internet.

So, I’ll take you suggestion under consideration, and would ask if there is a good site I could link to that would help people get a start in DIY remote control systems.

Greg

Greg,

The guidance on this site is what I have used in the early days, I found it simple cost effective and a good stepping stone to where I am now.

http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/satr/electronics.htm

For a beginner starting out I would recommend that it be considered as it requires the acquisition of some basic electrical/electronic skills plus the added bonus of triggering an interest is learning basic soldering skills. Any gaining of skills I view as a good thing, you can never stop learning.

There is also a part on making basic sound cards using microcontrollers used to teach school children which I have built and learned to modify the programs to suit my trains. Not comparable to commercial offerings but they did pass the wife and friend test ie they got “that sounds good” comments.

All in all basic entry level stuff that encourages experimentation for those who are game to give it a go.

"but the frequency was 900MHz and in Aust, making was OK but using it breached the communications control regulations " was the advice I was given at the time.

I have since spoken to the Senior Comms Officer at work and have been advised that 915-928MHz @ 1W output power would be allowable which puts Airwire just inside the band @ 915MHz.

I was advised that as the device I was building was specified as a 900MHz frequency device that put it outside the band, so I will not risk it (I do not look good in prison garb). ACMA has already raided a neighbour over a transmitter that was not approved and was taking out the digital TV in the street.

#64

I’ve enjoyed reading some of the posts on this thread. I am one who invested a few $$ in the RCS system. My son’s Thomas collection is running the RCS (Australian version). I’m frustrated a bit to see RCS go…like the maker of my 3D printer…not in business nor supported any longer…oy!! So I guess I’ll run what I have until it dies and by then something newer and amazing will have been invented. But in the meantime I have a Bachmann 2-truck shay, LGB Porter, and some other interesting engine that was given to me to outfit with RC/Battery so am shopping around…would be nice to find something that will stay around a bit.

Richard

#65

Hello Richard.

I have been making reliable R/C for Large Scale model trains since 1988. I am still doing so and intend to keep doing so for as long as I draw breath.

Sure, what I make is different to what I used to make. That was because the old 27 Mhz equipment was first approved for use in 1975 and was getting a bit long in the tooth. So10 years ago I made the move to 2.4 GHz.

Today I concentrate on producing R/C for Live Steam users. A side benefit is it can also be used for battery R/C.

It is definitely not proprietary. It will work with any brand of 2.4 GHz R/C using DSM2/DSMX protocols.

Because I am a small batch builder using a core TX2 module made by Deltang in the UK and fitted to a basic model hand piece, it is possible for me to make a variety of different models by simply adding different modules in the TX hand piece during assembly.

I no longer make my own OMEGA series ESC’s but am now using and recommending the UK made VIPER series Centre OFF ESC’s. They range from 3 amps at 12 volts (nominal) to 12 amps at 24 volts.

The RCS and EVOLUTION brand R/C systems cater for basic entry level equipment up to a mid range standard with up to 5 x sound triggers or four digital proportional channels.
Programming is at an absolute minimum. There are no complicated CV’s to decipher. As many locos as you wish can be bound (linked) to just one Tx handpiece and the Rx’s (locos) can be swapped around between TX’s.

#66

Hey Tony,

I reread my post above yours which made it look like I thought you were the one closing the door. I meant the RCS America by Rick. Yes, I started with you way back about 12 years ago with my first Bachmann Consolidation. Have had zero issues with your equipment…Still have the system but now it’s in my son’s Thomas engine. I have a second one of yours that runs both Percy and James. I originally started this whole gig by going through TOC and purchasing your stuff, then moved to the RCS America in my Consolidation and 3 truck shay. I’d be interested in hearing what you suggest for the 2-truck and the little LGB Porter…but we can do that through PM. Of course when you start talking about DSM2/DSMX protocols my head starts to explode and find myself curled in a fetal position plugging and unplugging my soldering iron…(http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif)

Richard

#67

Thanks Richard.

Whilst I will discuss with you the details of my recommendations in PM, I would like to pass on the generalities in another thread for others who may be interested.

You are quite right about the various 2.4 GHz operating protocols being like head spinning gibberish. Just like HTML code is to me.

It is actually quite simple, but seemingly needs an explanation in non technical terms.

I am traveling today and tomorrow on my way to Sydney for the weekend. Will be in touch over the weekend.

#68

Back to cordless rennovations… anyone know who purchased the last of Rick’s “train stuff”?

Does anyone live close enough by to go over there and purchase? Surely there must be some goodies, and the timetable to close the doors is by the end of the month according to the site.

Greg