Digitrax graciously donated their very first production sample to us (T-TRAK layout) at the National Train Show in Orlando this past week...Terry Nathan and Josh Murrah had it plugged and functioning within minutes. We've also been using a raspberry Pi so that we can use our phone or pad throttles in addition to the UR92 for our setups...but Terry's Raspberry Pi actually started giving us a few issues at the show. The Digitrax unit operated flawlessly. the support of only 4 throttles limits it somewhat, but, we've found that, even in a large setup, 4 wifi throttles has been plenty since we also use a UR92 and most operators are equipped with their own throttles. Of course, more than one unit can be used to expand operator usage, but the next four must log in to a separate address-not really an issue. Just assign groups of 4 to different addresses.
Here are some quick comments he posted Sunday afternoon at the show; they are obviously directed to those who were, as of then, unaware of the announcement of the product.
"Digitrax just donated the first LNWI Wi/Fi interface module off the production line to the T-TRAK layout at the National Train Show. We hooked it up to the control unit we are using at the National Train Show and were running trains with our phone within a couple of minutes. The interface was announced at the NMRA convention on Thursday and Digitrax was generous enough to donate it to the T-TRAK layout (thanks to Fay Chin and Bill Nash's petitions). The unit will retail for less than $79 and creates a wi/fi network which will interface with the existing JMRI apps (Engine Driver and WiThrottle) to allow anyone with a smartphone or tablet to control trains on a Digitrax control unit. Another great new development for their product line, and hopefully an indication of more new innovations to come.
Thank you Digitrax for having such confidence in T-TRAK as a showcase for their new products. Generous donations were also received from Kato, Woodlands, Showcase Miniatures, T-Kits, and other great vendors. Kato even featured a T-TRAK layout in their booth. The recognition and vendor support that T-TRAK has received at the National Train Show has been outstanding - a true indication as to how far our format has progressed in the world of model railroading.
For more information, see the description and user manual on the Digitrax announcement, see their web site."
~Bruce
