Tallpaul69

It looks like the good weather is set to last until the weekend, tomorrow excepted! So I should be able to get to and from the Great Electric Show without getting wet. Hopefully this visit will help me decide the way forward on converting my layout controls to wireless operation. I started on the premise that the best way forward would be the DCC's newly announced wireless equipment designed to work with the NCE PowerCab. However, I was not too enthusiastic about the large "lump" of kit that would hang off my PowerCab handset. Respondents to my threads on the subject suggested that there were better options available. One of those receiving most enthusiasm was the Roco Z21. I was already aware of this system, so I have been investigating it further. It seems to be a more versatile system and its ability to work with an iPhone or iPad is attractive, but the need too manipulate a larger item than the normal handset in the limited space within my layout operating area could be a problem. Another system which drew favourable comments was the TCS UWT 50E, which is a wireless handset that works with the NCE infrastructure using a router that plugs into the NCE panel instead of the PowerCab. I will update you further after some conversations with sellers at the Great Electric Show on Saturday. Cheers for now, Paul

Good day one and all, Sorry WIMorrison if you thought i did not appreciate your last post- I did say "Many thanks" at the end of my reply! Also:- I was amused by Melmerby's post:- Quote- "It's amazing how often this crops up, with several posters putting their own slightly different interpretations on the data being presented." Unfortunately, U Tube, is not the only place this occurs- I have even found it on RMWeb! But enough of this frivolity, lats get back to the subject in hand? If I go down the Roco route, ignoring for the moment the z21 or Z21 debate, I have to decide whether to go for a wireless handset or a iPad. I am ruling out the iPhone option as I don't think it works for me - the screens presentation looks too small, and there could be the need for too much screen hopping, as against the greater information on the iPad screen. The handset option appeals to me, mainly I suppose because that is what I am use to, but it will have the benefit of freedom of movement. However, I am not yet clear how downloading of updates works with a handset. While the screen display and ease of operation using an iPad appeals to me, the larger physical size could be a drawback. My operating area is some 9 ft long, but the width is only 1ft 9 ins at its narrowest and 2ft 3 ins at its widest. There are few places where track is further than an inch or so from the edge. On the face of it there is nowhere to put an iPad down. So Before I spend out on an iPad, I need to borrow one to assess its useability in the operating area. Additionally, I would have to use the iPad on battery, as a power lead would negate the mobility benefits of being wireless! Doubtless I can resolve some of the above at the Great Electric Show on Saturday. Cheers for now, Paul

Okay, So the Updater App, updates the firmware in the Z21 box? This was not immediately obvious to me! The Techie stuff, was in an item earlier up the page called the Maintenance App! I started at the top of the page, and after looking at the detail in this Maintenance App, I somewhat gave up before getting to the Updater App, which , from its name, was not(to me at any rate!) obvious as to what it was, or was for! Many thanks Paul

Firstly, I did say that the U tube information was probably out of date, so I see no need to have a go at U tube! Secondly, the reference you quote is clear that there are two versions of the app and updates for both, but I wasn't talking about updates to the app, I was talking about updates to the Firmware in the Z21 box. Unfortunately, the reference is full of techie speak, so is worse than the U tube, which was merely out of date. Never mind, I am sure I will find someone to give me a straight plain speak answer at Great Electric Show on Saturday. Thanks All, Paul

Good Evening All, Dragging this thread back to its original purpose, I have been watching U tube videos on the Roco Z21. One cause for concern, which may be out of date as the videos were several years old, is that it appears that the Firmware updates cannot be downloaded via iPhone or iPad? If this is the case, I will need to acquire a non apple devise just for these updates, as I don't have access to one currently! If this is the case, is there a way round it? How often are firmware updates issued on average? If only once every couple of years maybe I can ignore them, if every few months it is a problem I have to deal with. How do users go on who only have wireless handsets? Cheers Paul

As far as I know, NCE don't do a 3A supply, if you need more than the standard PowerCap 1.5A, the only upgrade is to 5A. Alternatively a Z21 + Multimaus is around £470, so similar cost to the DCE, but more modern system? I will investigate!

Some details on the layout:- It is an 00 gauge layout in a 12ft x8ft room comprising a continuous run and a branch. The controller power supply is supplying the tracks, rolling stock with lights, and locos. The accessories (points, signals, uncouplers) each have their own dedicated mains supply. There is another separate supply for the building lighting and one for the buffer stops lights (when they are installed). I like to have two trains circulating on the continuous run, one loco shunting the yard on the continuous run, one loco shunting the yard on the branch, and at least one locos simmering in the main line loco yard, and one in the branch loco yard. In addition additional locos might be operating if a train stopped to change loco. Another loco might be running from the branch into the fiddle yard at the rear of the continuous run, which it can do without interfering with the trains on the continuous run. In addition there is an operating turntable, which is not yet operational. The locos are all modern manufacture post 2000, the majority are sound fitted., eventually all will be. There is a mixture of ESU, Lenz, Zimo and TTS decoders. If I have missed anything, please ask, Cheers for now, Paul

I have to admit that I have little interest in meters, and fail to see their relevance to my 12ft x 8 ft layout. It seems to me that if you feel the need for meters, you are probably too near to utilising your system's maximum power for comfort? So maybe you would be better investing in a bigger power supply? Either that, or the track on the layout is in need of careful examination and improvement? Meanwhile there is a deathly silence in response to my question in my last post as to whether there are other Wireless systems I should be looking at? Cheers for now, Paul

Good afternoon everyone, Now seems a good time to amalgamate my two threads on this topic. As this thread has the most activity, I am bringing the other thread "Using a TCS UWT wireless controller to replace a PowerCab" into this thread. Summarising the results from both threads:- 1) Both the UWT and the CC are seen as more up to date and therefore better technology than the DCC Aegis. 2) The disadvantage of the CC is that currently, it is not available, and therefore not supported in UK or Europe, although this situation could alter in the next 12 months. 3) From my point of view an advantage of the UWT is that it can be integrated into a NCC based system. 4)There has been a lot of discussion on the pros and cons of including an SB5 in the system. Many believe it unnecessary but my experience of electronics suggests an system that is run substantially under its maximum rating is going to be more reliable than one run often near to its maximum rating, so I shall include the SB5. But maybe I should consider other systems? My thanks to everyone for their input, Regards, Paul

So there will be a rewiring job to do, transferring wiring from the PCP to the ICU, a location to be found for the ICU, and the hole in my facia, in full view on the layout front to be filled?

What do you get with the ESU 7amp? Do you need a wireless receiver or is that included, and if included what does it plug into - can you use it with the NCE twin socket panel which I have fixed into my layout facia? Many thanks Paul

Thanks for the correction... Does use of the SB5 mean I don't need to leave a NCE hand set plugged in while I am using a wireless controller? Best regards Paul

Thanks Nigel for your detailed reply, particularly the Z21 stuff. Below are my thoughts on your posting:- 1) possibly not, but I was trying to compare like with like- the DCC Concepts unit is 5Amp. Unfortunately, you cannot buy 3 amp on anything! 2) a) TCS handset works on any WiThrottle equipped layout, not tied to NCE for future, or visiting other layouts. - Sorry, Withrottle is Greek to me?- don't foresee visiting other layouts or exhibiting! b) TCS handset with batteries inside is way nicer than NCE handset with dangly lead to battery box carried in a pocket or hung on a belt (that lead is going to get caught on things), -Agreed c) TCS throttle is nicer to use than a NCE handset. - Have to take your word for that - might see if anyone has one I can try on the 14th at the GETS d) TCS throttle fully customisable with function names, whether functions are latching or not, on a per-loco basis (this is really useful for sound locos). Not sure this is of use to me- sounds like a lot of data entry for little reward, buy my locos are mainly sound fitted! 3) Agreed! Z21 I will follow up on this-also sounds Greek to me at the moment! DIY No thanks- Sounds too hands on for me! Might have done 40 years ago when I built an FM tuner from a kit! I want to be able to talk to someone to solve my problems on a known system- don't want to spend my precious time fault finding my doggy soldering or poor connections. Prefer everything tidy in a case! Thanks for your help, Cheers, Pauli

Go on then, sell me the Roco, but dont forget to price all the bits needed, not just the handset? Cheers Paul

Yes, they have, but many people on RMWeb, think it is expensive! I have two threads on the go (the other one is titled DCC Concepts ESP Aegis), trying to get hard facts rather than theory or prejudice! Hope you can contribute? Cheers Paul

Thanks for your informative reply. So does my shopping list for a 5 Amp system looks like this: UWT 50 £230 Wifi Trax 80 Router 20 DB5 170 Total £ 500 If so, it may be a better (in what respects?) solution than the DCC Concepts unit, but I don't see it as cheaper? Cheers, Paul

Can the TCS UWT wireless controller be used to replace a Powercab wired controller in a layout control system? I assume I would need to connect some sort of receiver unit into the socket in the NCE unit that the Powercab currently plugs into? The Powercab is only used for loco control, accessories such as points and signals are conventionally controlled by switches and pushbuttons on a Mimic diagram. Any help gratefully received! However, please keep the explanations simple, do not bombard me with Tecspeak, I am not a DCC expert! Cheers Paul

But are they Powercab compatable, and what is their power rating-is it 5A? Not sure what you mean by add on bits? Cheers Paul

October continues its "Indian Summer" here. My latest project is to investigate the potential of the DCC Concepts ESP Ψ Aegis 5 Amp Wireless System for PowerCab. I will need some items to integrate the separate PowerCab systems on the two layouts, so this might be the way forward. At £500 it sounds expensive, but I like the idea of going "Wireless" but retaining the Powercab. I have started a tread on the subject in the DCC controls section here on RMWeb, but the only reply so far has been someone moaning about the price!. Hopefully I can talk to DCC about the system at the Great Electric Show in a couple of weeks. Meanwhile Kadee coupling fitting to rolling stock continues.... Happy Modelling! Paul

Yes, on the face of it £500 is a lot, but it equates to two sound fitted locos, and what else is available that is wireless, ready made, and that you can be sure will work with a Powercab?

Hello one and All, What do folks think of the new DCC Concepts ESP Ψ Aegis 5 Amp Wireless System for PowerCab? It could be the right time for me to upgrade my system as I have two Powercab controlled layouts that are going to be combined into one next year. I was already thinking I would need a 5 amp system which this is. Going Wireless would be good although the transmitter the Powecab plugs into makes the control end look a bit clunky? Any thoughts welcome! Cheers Paul

Contact the seller? -or Blue/whitetac?

So here we are in October, but at least the weather (in sunny Bedfordshire), is pretty good. Discussions continue with two layout builders but one is fast becoming the preferred vendor. I have been researching the upcoming Hornby 78xxx's real lives, as i like the look of the model. After getting some interesting info on the use of 78xxx 2-6-0s from a RM thread I started on their use on the GW&GC it seems one may well go on my buy list. I think it is going to be a job for TMC or others, to weather it, change its number to 78038, and fit a sound decoder. This loco arrived at Willesden in May 63, but as I am using rule 1 to get it to the High Wycombe area, I might as well go the whole hog and backdate its arrival to mid 62! After seeing a photo of 78029 near Acton Power Station, I did consider that as my loco's identity, until I discovered that one got to Willesden later in 63 and after a few months at Watford! More news soon! Cheers Paul

Good afternoon folks, I am currently thinking to model 78038 which according to Paul Teal's Motive Power Allocations:- BR Standards and Austerities, arrived at Willesden in May 1963. 78029 while having the advantage of the photo at Acton, when it came south in June 63 arrived at Watford. It did not get to Willesden until April 1965, which is a bit late for the 1960-63 timeframe of my layout. Next I must dig out my WTT for the south end of the WC main line in 1962 and see what freight trains might have headed in the direction of High Wycombe. My GW&GC timetable for that period only offers freights from Neasden, but I guess a 78xxx could have been lent to Neasden? I will have to wait until next weekend to splash out on a 78xxx, I am spent out this month! Cheers to you all, Paul

Preserved line??