TCS Universal Wi-Fi Throttles Are Shipping

[C855B]

   

Forgot to add... very comfortable in the hand. I'm right-handed and, worse, don't have the best fine motor skills with my left, but I still prefer to run trains with my left while my right is free for tasks like... uh... rerailing errant rolling stock. The throttle is totally natural in my left hand. Great to use.

[Maletrain]

I am wondering how this throttle will work without JMRI.  Now that NCE has a direct WiFi device for its cab/throttle bus, like Digitrax and MRC, it seems that some folks are going to want to use a throttle like this without needing to set-up a computer interface.

[peteski]

Good info - thanks Mike!  I'm glad you like it.
But I cringe and want to curl up under  the layout in a fetal position anytime someone uses that silly "thrown and closed" terminology!      We discussed that here in the past, and it is not a real railroad nomenclature - I suspect some silly engineer at DIGITRAX coined those terms. I hope TCS does not start using them. 

[Steveruger45]

Yes, thanks for the write-up Mike.
I am interested in this one too.  Cost about $300?
I was going to get an ESU cab control but I’m still on the fence with that, I just think the screen is too small and the F keys too.  I am wondering how this will work with the ESU cab control system, or even if it can as I think there maybe some IT proprietary gremlin preventing it.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

I am wondering how this throttle will work without JMRI.  Now that NCE has a direct WiFi device for its cab/throttle bus, like Digitrax and MRC, it seems that some folks are going to want to use a throttle like this without needing to set-up a computer interface.

How did I miss that? Does that mean you can use an ESU throttle with the NCE base station?

[Steveruger45]

How did I miss that? Does that mean you can use an ESU throttle with the NCE base station?

I dont know of an nce unit for that but pls see reply 26 with the link to WiFitrax unit.  It does look interesting.

[C855B]

I am wondering how this throttle will work without JMRI. ...

So am I. First opportunity I have to try it with Digitrax's WiFi module will be in a month, however. Maybe we'll know more before then.

... that silly "thrown and closed" ...

Yeah, I know. I can't recall if there was a consensus for something else. Bent and un-bent?   

[wcfn100]

I am wondering how this throttle will work without JMRI. 

It has other DCC protocols built into the unit.

Jason

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Ugh. Why is it that every designer in the world is trying to kill tactile feedback?

I really like these, but damn, I HATE the smooth scroll wheel of NCE throttles and I have a feeling I'd feel the same way here.

[railnerd]

Ugh. Why is it that every designer in the world is trying to kill tactile feedback?

I really like these, but damn, I HATE the smooth scroll wheel of NCE throttles and I have a feeling I'd feel the same way here.

Perhaps there is no inexpensive supplier for right angle encoders with tactile feedback?

The NCE throttle uses through hole tech, so it could be possible to swap out the encoder if one exists.

-Dave

[greenwizard88]

I ordered a really replacement encoder for a mouse wheel. It has tactile feedback and cost my $4 from China. I haven't gotten it yet, so that  can't comment on quality, but I'm sure cost and part availability isn't an issue for one of the primary input mechanisms.

[ncbqguy]

Most of my operating experience has been with NCE and Lenz throttles.   I have used DigiTrax but not as much.
None of them have been ideal from an ergonomic standpoint....
But, this Monday I operated on a layout that had a combination of throttle controlled, local toggles, and hand thrown turnouts.   What a pain in the toushe the Digitrax buttons are.... even for regular things like direction, horn/whistle, and bell...much less trying to read what the other multitude of buttons are for. 
I will seriously consider other throttles, especially when they can be used on a variety of systems and will be watching your comments on non-proprietary units!
Charlie Vlk

[Steveruger45]

   

Forgot to add... very comfortable in the hand. I'm right-handed and, worse, don't have the best fine motor skills with my left, but I still prefer to run trains with my left while my right is free for tasks like... uh... rerailing errant rolling stock. The throttle is totally natural in my left hand. Great to use.

Well @C855B, Mike, your executive summary has finally sunk into my long drawn out deliberations on whether to get this throttle or go for the esu cab control.  @davefoxx has also helped me finalize my decision.   Thanks to you both.   

I’ve now bitten the bullet and ordered the TCS throttle from YankeeDabbler while his 5% off is still active.
 I run a power cab so the similarity in design is a positive to me.
Unlike many, I like the scroll wheel plus it appears you can program the TCS chevron buttons to replicate the power cabs 1 speed step and 10 speed step buttons, which I use a lot. 
I can get by with 1.8 amps or so of the power cab for now.
The other buy it now point for me is the future 5 amp TCS command station due end 2020 or so and it’s ability to allow nce plug in throttle.  Then I could still use my power cab as a teathered throttle on that system should I need more amps.
Looking forward to playing with it when it arrives. 

[Steveruger45]

Well, I just received my TCS WiFi throttle.    Dead easy and quick to set up and very intuitive. 
 I didn’t have to program the single and double chevron keys as they were already set up for 1 and 10 speed step accel and decel.  It is a little smaller than my power cab but big enough and very comfortable to hold and use one handed.   Great wifi reception such that I can leave the garage, where the layout is, and go to the kitchen and still have 2 bars signal strength. No discernible function/operational delay either.  To me it appears instantaneous.   Wow, I love this throttle.