RMweb Gold RedgateModels Posted July 17, 2023 RMweb Gold Share Posted July 17, 2023 Thinking about jumping and getting a Z21, but am not at all convinced of a smartphone as a controller in an exhibition environment. What wired handsets are everyone using - what is actually available and what is the functionality like? I'd love to keep my NCE powercab/power pro handsets, but I guess that's not an option Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Bigskybirds Posted July 17, 2023 RMweb Premium Share Posted July 17, 2023 I use Roco Multimaus, both wired and wireless. I prefer wired, no batteries to change. They provide nice handheld control with centre off. 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
WIMorrison Posted July 17, 2023 Share Posted July 17, 2023 Roco Multimaus - wireless at home, wired in exhibition - but both rarely used as computer drives everything better than I can :) 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Vecchio Posted July 17, 2023 RMweb Premium Share Posted July 17, 2023 (edited) You can use all lokmouse variants, or Fleischmann controller as well as Lenz controllers. For the Lenz ones you need an adapter (different connector) but this one is available for instance from Chris at A&H for reasonable money. I have one in my layout Donnersbachkogel. It is a very neat solution, looks professional and gives you the opportunity to connect 3 handsets without crawling under the layout (were my Z21 lives...). I have been on 2 shows so far, I never had a problem with the WIFI control, so the handsets were staying in the box. Will be on show with Donnersbachkogel next month and I hope the Lenz and Fleischmann handsets stay again in the box... The DIN sockets are for the Lenz handsets, the Western plug is for Roco / Fleischmann handsets. Lenz 80152 LA152 Adaptor including Front Panel This adapter is used for connecting further input devices to XpressNet. the LED is used for controlling the XpressNet voltage two five-pin DIN sockets and one Western plug at the front for connecting manual controls to XpressNet terminal screws for connecting XpressNet connections Edited July 17, 2023 by Vecchio typo Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Vecchio Posted July 17, 2023 RMweb Premium Share Posted July 17, 2023 This is how I used it on Donnersbachkogel - this is the fiddle yard (operator) side of the layout. The connector next to the board is for the mimic board (Megapoints controller) IMG20230717150940 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigelcliffe Posted July 17, 2023 Share Posted July 17, 2023 32 minutes ago, RedgateModels said: Thinking about jumping and getting a Z21, but am not at all convinced of a smartphone as a controller in an exhibition environment. What wired handsets are everyone using - what is actually available and what is the functionality like? I'd love to keep my NCE powercab/power pro handsets, but I guess that's not an option Roco list well over 40 different handsets that connect to a Z21, across both LocoNet and Xpressnet protcols. Those will work within the limits of the handset. (There will be more that are newer than the list provided). https://www.z21.eu/en/products/z21/connections-z21 A NCE PowerCab system (or PowerPro system) could connect, but only through the "sniffer" port into the Z21, so you need the full DCC command station for that option, not just a handset. It should work, but no guarantees because the NCE DCC signal does weird things with a variable pre-amble length before sending data packets. The Yamorc system designer was talking about including NCE in the protocols his new system will support (successor system to that which used to be offered by Digikeijs) - Nigel Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold bandmbill Posted July 17, 2023 RMweb Gold Share Posted July 17, 2023 (edited) 51 minutes ago, RedgateModels said: Thinking about jumping and getting a Z21, but am not at all convinced of a smartphone as a controller in an exhibition environment. What wired handsets are everyone using - what is actually available and what is the functionality like? I'd love to keep my NCE powercab/power pro handsets, but I guess that's not an option I have been using Uhlenbrock Daisy 2 throttles with a LocoNet command station for 6 years now - loco control is very good - wired via Loconet and wired through the Uhlenbrock Funkmaster box on 868 mHz - haven’t had any issues at exhibitions big and small. The new Daisy 2 WLAN can work with Z21 protocol - I’ve no experience of this though. Edited July 17, 2023 by bandmbill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold PaulRhB Posted July 17, 2023 RMweb Gold Share Posted July 17, 2023 (edited) I use the Roco multimaus in the X bus socket and Piko Smartcontrol light handset in the L bus socket. They can both be set up for individual loco numbers or a scrolling memory list. Both are good although the Piko is a little chunkier, something to consider if you have small hands. I also use phones and the wireless version of the multimaus. We did find the wifi maus got swamped at Warley and struggled to reconnect, we guess due to the lower power wifi as they are limited by toy regs. The phones and tablets were unaffected and we just swapped to the wired handsets with long leads for those that prefer a dial. Edited July 17, 2023 by PaulRhB 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold RFS Posted July 17, 2023 RMweb Gold Share Posted July 17, 2023 I use a wired Lenz LH101 connected to the Xpressnet port via a Lenz LA152. Originally had a Lenz LZV100 and retained the LH101 when I replaced it with a black Z21. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold bandmbill Posted July 17, 2023 RMweb Gold Share Posted July 17, 2023 1 hour ago, PaulRhB said: I use the Roco multimaus in the X bus socket and Piko Smartcontrol light handset in the L bus socket. They can both be set up for individual loco numbers or a scrolling memory list. Both are good although the Piko is a little chunkier, something to consider if you have small hands. I also use phones and the wireless version of the multimaus. We did find the wifi maus got swamped at Warley and struggled to reconnect, we guess due to the lower power wifi as they are limited by toy regs. The phones and tablets were unaffected and we just swapped to the wired handsets with long leads for those that prefer a dial. The Piko is a Daisy 2 with a bigger enclosure - you can update it and edit the loco roster using the Uhlenbrock software - the Daisy is a bit less of a handful….. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamesed Posted July 17, 2023 Share Posted July 17, 2023 You can still connect your Android phone or, better still, tablet to your Z21 router by wired ethernet lan connection. All you need is a usb-c to ethernet adaptor (for about a tenner on Amazon) plus any old ethernet cable. Remember to switch wifi off on your device first before plugging in. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold PaulRhB Posted July 17, 2023 RMweb Gold Share Posted July 17, 2023 1 hour ago, bandmbill said: The Piko is a Daisy 2 with a bigger enclosure - you can update it and edit the loco roster using the Uhlenbrock software - the Daisy is a bit less of a handful….. Yep but also a bit more to buy which is where the red multimaus is good as a budget option but lacks the higher number of function controls of the Piko / Daisy. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
WIMorrison Posted July 17, 2023 Share Posted July 17, 2023 4 minutes ago, PaulRhB said: Yep but also a bit more to buy which is where the red multimaus is good as a budget option but lacks the higher number of function controls of the Piko / Daisy. Paul, The Roco Multimaus provides up to F31 - surely this is enough for anyone? 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold RedgateModels Posted July 17, 2023 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted July 17, 2023 Don't seem to be available in the UK at the moment though Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Bigskybirds Posted July 17, 2023 RMweb Premium Share Posted July 17, 2023 (edited) If you are referring to the Roco multimaus, have you tried Scograil? Although they show OOS they often take them from sets and sell separately. Edited July 17, 2023 by Bigskybirds Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold RedgateModels Posted July 17, 2023 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted July 17, 2023 Just now, Bigskybirds said: If you are referring to the Roco multimaus, have you tried Scograil? Yep, they have a good price on the Z21, but not stock of the handset Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Bigskybirds Posted July 17, 2023 RMweb Premium Share Posted July 17, 2023 It would be worth giving Neil at Scograil a call to see what he can come up with. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Bigskybirds Posted July 17, 2023 RMweb Premium Share Posted July 17, 2023 He sometimes has the Fleischmann branded model, which is identical taken from N gauge sets. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold PaulRhB Posted July 17, 2023 RMweb Gold Share Posted July 17, 2023 52 minutes ago, WIMorrison said: Paul, The Roco Multimaus provides up to F31 - surely this is enough for anyone? I thought there were only 20 but on re-reading I see you double tap for up to 28. Cheers Iain Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
WIMorrison Posted July 17, 2023 Share Posted July 17, 2023 12 minutes ago, PaulRhB said: I thought there were only 20 but on re-reading I see you double tap for up to 28. Cheers Iain And triple tap to get 30 and 31 🙂 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Vecchio Posted July 17, 2023 RMweb Premium Share Posted July 17, 2023 Handset prices are eye watering. I am happy that I have mine... What about the solution by Jamesed? Tablet connection via ethernet cable. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold PaulRhB Posted July 17, 2023 RMweb Gold Share Posted July 17, 2023 32 minutes ago, WIMorrison said: And triple tap to get 30 and 31 🙂 That’s not even in my manual! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold RedgateModels Posted July 17, 2023 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted July 17, 2023 I can do the tablet/smartphone thing via the Hornby Legacy Dongle. I'm just not convinced I can safely operate my layouts at an exhibition without a handy thumbwheel Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold RedgateModels Posted July 17, 2023 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted July 17, 2023 Maybe I just need to get my powercab/procab combination fixed...... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold bandmbill Posted July 17, 2023 RMweb Gold Share Posted July 17, 2023 3 minutes ago, Vecchio said: Handset prices are eye watering. I am happy that I have mine... What about the solution by Jamesed? Tablet connection via ethernet cable. Handsets aren’t cheap but the price is comparable to a loco with a decent sound chip fitted so not unreasonable…. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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