Wi Fi running of locomotives

[dave182]

Hey guys,

 

Anyone picked up on this? I read an article on the latest MRH email recently about the following company and where they are going with train control. Basically saying 'is this the first serious challenge to DCC?' sound interesting- running your locos using Wi Fi technology!

 

http://www.crest-electronics.net/about.html

[BosKonay]

Interesting reading !

[Glenderg]

Yeah, tis indeed. As a firm DC man, I thought it had already gone this way?!? Is it a case of just one dropper and super clean track, and off you go? Will we see the advent of Lithium Ion batteries within steam tenders, 201's or egv's then and the dirtiest track imaginable? Just park your loco on the "programming track" just like you'd do with the DeWalt? Truly wireless layouts??? Patent office here I come....

 

R.

[Warbonnet]

Still think it'll go radio controlled myself. Rechargeable batteries and doesn't matter how dirty your track is. Mind you I've invested too much in DCC. Can't wait to be 'old hat' and then hoover the DCC toys up for next to nothing as their coolness drops.

[BosKonay]

Wifi could be interesting. Litium battery moulded into the loco bodies, 'charging' track when stabled to boost the battery and onboard wifi with ipv6 addressing....... hmmmm.

 

Would truley take things to 'drive the train, not the track'!

[Mayner]

The Crest system uses a 2.4GH transmitter receiver similar to RC model planes and helicopters rather than Wi Fi technology. Its a pretty good system has been available for many years the main change seems to be the mobile phone style keyboard transmitter. Mainly used for G scale with either on board or track power or HO track power like Patrick's layout. I am gradually converting the garden railway from DCC to on board battery RC using the Australian RCS system. Finding a space for a radio receiver/power controller and batteries in an HO or OO gauge loco will be challenging, its tight enough fitting the gear in a G Scale loco, many users place the batteries and control gear in a coach or box car with a jumper lead to the loco.