Large Scale Central

The Next Generation of Model Railroad Control

Electronics
#1

Model railroaders are an interesting bunch. Its not that we invent technology but rather we tend to adapt emerging technology.

DC control of trains was a major advance in its initial days was standardized in the late 40s and will be with us going forward for a long time.

DCC was a major advance in model railroad control, first developed in the early 1990s, continues to advance and willl be with us for a long time.

I am now beta testing an LCC WiFi decoder. I suspect over the next couple years this will emerge as the next spep in our evolution. Why was this ot available years ago. Simple the chips needed to acomplish this needed to be cost effective and small.

The decoder I am testing works on DC, DCC. or LLC using WiFi. The decoder can use any power source (track, battery, solar …) and can switch between various modes automatically.

Some large advantages.

  1. It is standards based. This means that multiple manufacturers and users can develop products that are interchanagable and work together. It also means that if one manufacturer goes out ob business or stops making the product you can still evolve using other manufacturers products.

  2. It has full bi-directional communications because it uses WiFI with TCP/IP as the basic underlying protocals.

  3. Because the initial manufacturer base comes from the DCC world, the motor control is excellent and initial sound libraries are extensive.

  4. The software/firmware is all uploadable using most any WI device (androup, apple, wondows)

  5. The range is pretty impressive.

I started this thread to begin getting input on what you would like to see as featurers and also keep everyone informed as the testing.

The end user interface is also key and evolving so thoughts on this also welcome.

Stan

2 Likes
#2

I assume this is the one from TCS?

#3

This is the most important breakthrough as far as I’m concerned.

I’ve been playing with the signaling half of OpenLCB/LCC since the early days of the project, oh these many years ago. I have some of the original development boards, and have built several of my own boards for the RR. The WiFi train control is absolutely the best thing to come out of the project.

#4

Looks like you can use one of their controllers or their “android” phone app.
Lets hope there is an I phone app as well.

#5

I no longer need this for Fn3 or LGB anything.

However, I do have a need for H0/On30 remote control.
This is still a simple DC requirement.

Also,
An AC variable from 12 to 16 Volt AC.

Is this device large due to the voltage and power requirements for large scale?
Or, will there be a miniature version, perhaps only for track side control?

The $239 is about 15% of total budget and I am not sure my colleagues would want to consume that much:-(

#6

Dan

Yes, that is the one I currently have for testing. A second manufacturer is not far behind.

Below is a photo of the decoder backside. Note that the pin layout and size is such that if TCS desires they can easily release a version with pins instead of screw terminals that directly plug into a Bachmann locomotive that has a socket.

decoder backside
decoder backside1920Ă—1080 228 KB

John

There is already a IPhone LCC app. I do not have an iPhone but intend to test it with the iPhone app at some point. MRC is also in the process of final production and release of its Nexxt LCC WiFi throttle and LCC/DCC system.

Don

I am only currently testing the Large Scale version. I beleave TCS will release at the same time an HO version as that is whers the large market is. Large Scale sound decoders tend to be in this price range. HO/On30 decoders clearly less. If using track power in smaller sales 14-16 volts should be fine. Batteries in a trailing car for now. Battery technology is clearly getting more powerful, safer and smaller.

Stan

1 Like
#7

Oh, goody:-)

Now, I think I can skip all the DCC learning curve!

AND, 2 possible manufacturers, too:-)

#8

Stan,

As a guy at the low end of the tech spectrum and as a guy who got into the hobby with a pack of little kids at my side, may I offer:

Easy interface. If a four year old can do it, so can the parents.

Expandable. It might be enough to control forward and reverse for reasons of cost or preference. Flexibility in features may lower costs and ease the entry into the tech.

Compatible with other stuff on the rails. If the system precludes running other trains while it is in use, the cost bar for entry rises either in terms of units bought or equipment sidelined.

Ease of installation. Start with a common “starter loco” like the LGB STAINZ, limit yourself to a wire cutter, a soldering iron, and some screwdrivers, and then see if you can install it.

Good luck!

Eric

3 Likes
#9

At 80 years old and having had DCC on my HOn3 layout and running my LGB on battery powered Rail Pro, I think I’m good for the rest of my train running days. Both systems I’m sure will make advancement to their equipment, but I see no need to change, or upgrade.

#10

  1. Requirement, be able to load ESU sound files. Oh wait that means it has to be a ESU decoder. Sorry ESU decoders are the gold standard for me.

  2. Plug and play with ISE Protothrottle. I could potentially ignore #1 if #2 was met. But it would have to a a dern good sound system with user programming. The PT has completely open source software so interfacing is just a matter of using the same wireless Xbee.

1 Like
#11

Craig

Indeed the ability to load ESU sound files means it must be an ESU decoder. ESU is an active participant in the LCC community. Their handheld has great visualization and because it is Android based can easily incorporate native LCC communication. While nothing official yet, I would not be surprised so see something in the next year or so.

The ISE Protothrottle is one of the few current throttles that can truly take advantage of analog functions. I like it.

Currently it can only communitate to LCC through some form of gateway. They have a WiThrottle interface which has the required hardware but they currently do not have a native LCC interface. I am confident that in time they will.

John

I am much younger (approaching 77) and try to maintain a roster of aound 30 DCC sound locomotives. The SJR&P has no intention to change out all of its equipment to upgrade to LCC nor is their any need to do so. We will pick and choose LCC equipment that can easily be incorporated and fits our needs. The TCS WiFi LCC throttles are the first throttles that have the range to cover our entire layout so expect to see a few pop up on our layout in the next year.

Our first use of an LCC WiFi decoder will be in an Accucraft goose. Why? Because the goose has one of the worst track electrical pickups I have ever seen and really needs to have an onboard battery for power.

Using a powerful RC decoder that ahears to standards is a no brainer for me. Over time as more LCC WiFi products and devices become available and as we get new locomotives or decoders fail in older locomotives we intend to utilize LCC native equipment, either in LCC mode or in DCC mode. We have purchased our last DCC only device.

Stan

#12

Eric,
I too am at the low end. I’m getting tired of trying to update or fix technical
problems with the system I use (Rail Pro).
I even tried one of Del’s Railboss and I couldn’t the sound to work with the TV remote. :grinning:
I’m getting close to throwing in the towel!

#13

You asked what I want Stan in a decoder. I want a decoder that talks directly to the ISE Protothrottle. No LCC or any other interface involved.

Plug decoder in, fire up PT and the decoder and the PT work
Decoder-PT

Not
Decoder-interface board- PT.

We have the already with Martins products for wireless and battery operation.

#14

Craig

I totally agree. But to accomplish this the Protothrottle has to send out the standard LCC Train Control Protocol over Wi-Fi. Thats the way standards work. A fallback is a protocal translation device but its always better if you speek the native language with no translation.

The standards were only approved in 2025 so it will take a little time for everyone to support them.
I am beta testing the initial decoder from TCS and the second decoder from a different manufacturer is not all that far away,

Stan