First venture into computer control. Now I don’t want hands off automation for my layout, So why computer control? I used the Gaugemaster Prodigy advance and always find swapping between Locos on the controller a bit of a faff, I didn’t want to go down the train controller software route so decided to use the MRC software (American Designer of the Prodigy system). This gives me two throttles on the screen of my laptop and four accessories. It also allows you to create a Loco roster which you can also add extra info E.G. Decoder brand installed, stay alive fitted, etc… The link wire from Gaugemaster cost £75, I’m sure I could make my own much cheaper, however I didn’t want to void my warranty. It allows you to make it as automated as you wish without it ever being totally hands free with Route setting options available. You can still plug in more Prodigy handsets if you wish. Decoder programming options –
Me too, I took the easy way out by buying extra handsets for my Lenz DCC system including some second hand so that I could have some cheaper units assigned to yard shunters. Connected to the command station by XpressNet sockets at each yard. Jim
Hi Andrew, it is annoying that Lenz and others, would not sell a simple speed and accessory handset rather than a complete programming tool handset, that's life Presumeably it is more than just a piece of wire with connectors for £75 ! Jim
I believe it is just a USB to Serial adapter. I guess it is an opto isolator adapter to protect the laptop and DCC base station from different voltage/current levels.
NCE have simple handsets that do not program locos - I have 6 of the small controllers plus 5 of the big hammerhead units that can program as required. But then I am not a one man band in operation - with myself as Train Control, my 5 drivers are OK with both types depending on which station they are at.
I too went the Lenz DCC route, for both my 00 gauge and 0 gauge layouts, going into the computer control setup for the 00 gauge. I bought all the Lenz stuff on Ebay at relatively reasonable used prices several years ago, no idea what it's like pricewise nowadays, but it is robust, repairable and updateable, which is both important and useful. I couldn't get on with the rotary speed control handsets but have 5 of the pushbutton ones which I personally prefer, each to his own I suppose. Like Jim, I fitted several Expressnet sockets at intervals around the layouts which made close control in each area easier when not controlling via the computer. Keith.
The LH01 rotary handsets are a real pain to use, too much functionality on that control knob, I get lost on it, I also find the clicking operation is unreliable. The older rotary handsets with the Fwd/Rev switch are much easier to use for resident yard shunters. The push button LH100 which I did not like originally is by far the easiest for general use and is now my prefered Lenz controller. Jim
