Run Your Model Trains Using WiFi
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- Опубліковано 22 сер 2024
- I have started to run my model trains using WiFi. In this video, I show you how I am doing it, because you may want to use this same set-up on your train layout. I show you how I connected a WiFiTrax WFD-30 Wi-Fi Interface to my NCE PowerCab system, and how I I use an app for iPhones called WiThrottle to actually run my trains wirelessly. I really like this set-up, and I think you will, too.
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John Tanzillo "WIFI Control with WFD-30 and NCE PH Pro"
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When I put my WiFiTrax adapter in I found out I had a problem with my PowerCab. The folks at WiFiTrax were extremely helpful in troubleshooting my system and NCE got it taken care of very quickly. Both are great products from great companies, and the WiFiTrax was a quick and relatively painless way to go wireless on my railroad.
You are absolutely right: These are indeed fantastic products, and customer care is fantastic! ...Roy
This is a fabulous addition to an NCE system and I recently installed one too. I live in Australia but travel regularly and first heard about this in a hobby store in Tucson Arizona.
When I got back home I decided to buy one and realised Steve of WifiTrax lives just a few minutes away from me. What a small world.
Great review Roy.
PS - it works really well with the TCS UWT-100 and 50 throttles too.
Wow, Wolfie, that is so cool, that you live so close to Steve, I mean. It really is a small world, as you say. I'm totally pleased with the WiFiTrax WFD-30. ...Roy
Thats kinda cool how that worked out...world is a small place sometimes...
Thanks, Roy, for another high quality video, showing the new wi-fi control. By the way, I love your UP 844 engine! I have a real soft spot for the steam era, ever since I was a pre-schooler and my dad brought out for Christmas his pre-war Lionel O-scale that he'd gotten as a kid. It had an extended figure-8 layout where he ran one end under the tree and it even had a whistle unit in the tender and a remote turnout with rotating indicator lamp to a siding. Total joy!
Thanks for your comment, Bill. I appreciate it. It's always a pleasure to share the hobby with you. I'm really happy with 844, too. I model a modern era railroad, but fortunately, I can use 844 at the head of excursion trains on my layout, just like the prototype does. ...Roy
Welcome to wireless Roy. I got a suggestion for those electrics boards. Take an extra piece of wood board. Attach two hinges to it or a piano hinge. Fasten it to you fascia board and mount all your electronics to it. You could create small post and latch from scrap wood. Then you can tilt it up under the layout to protect it. You can drop it down when you need to work on your electrics. That way, nobody snags your electronics when operating the trains and it makes for a nicer looking install.
Thanks, my friend. I appreciate your suggestion. I've always thought of my current use of the benchwork for my devices as temporary. Eventually, I will put fascia on this part of my layout, and then I will create a nicer arrangement of my devices. ...Roy
Ahh! This is what I was looking for Roy. I thought your video on this was a couple of years ago, and I've been looking way back when!
Hi Roy, I am glad that everything worked out with your purchase of the WFD30. You gave a very good overview of the system. It certainly is a lot less expensive than the NCE radio control system. Both Steve Shrimpton at WifiTrax and Ryan at Iron Planet Hobbies are great to work with and truly support their products and sales......John
I am very, very pleased with the WFD-30, John. Thanks again for suggesting it to me. The customer care I received from both WiFiTrax and Iron Planet Hobbies was wonderful! ...Roy
Roy, you definitely keep up with the latest in technology!. I will probably not go wi-fi on my layout but its good to know it is an option for the future, Justin Case! haha! I truly enjoy your videos, You are my favorite Model Railroading channel!
Thanks for your very nice comment, Calvin. I want you to know that I really appreciate it. It's a pleasure to share the hobby with you. ...Roy
Connected this to my NCE system about 6 months ago. Very easy to do. Just make sure your NCE system has the most current firmware. I had to upgrade my PowerCab and my SmartBooster. That was also easy to do.
That's good advice, John. I ordered the PowerCab version 1.65B module (with a "B") a few days ago and will install it in my PowerCab when it arrives. ...Roy
Hi Roy, Thank you for the video. I will probably will not be converting the Long Valley Branch to WiFi because of it's small size, but I have been running trains "remotely" on a friends layout using my WiFi "Engine Driver" app on my Android phone. The technical advancements in our hobby over the past 30 years are simply amazing. I'm now able to sit at my home and using my computer as a monitor and my phone as a throttle, operate a train on a friends layout that is physically 223 miles away from my home. Also Roy thank you for the information on the TCS WiFi throttle. Since these folks are fellow Pennsylvanians, I like to support them as much as possible. Shameless plug, but I simply love their CN and CN-GP decoders for older Atlas / Kato locomotives with the split light boards. The CN and CN-GP decoders are not plug and play, but unlike most hard wired decoders, the CN and CN-GP have LED's right on the boards and those boards replace the split light boards. So there is no need to find replacement lights for the headlights and numberboard lights. Now the disclaimer, I'm not associated in any way with TCS, just a satisfied customer. Cheers, Rich S.
Thanks for your comment, Rich. It's always good to hear from a fellow Pennsylvanian. As you say, the technical advancements in model railroading in recent decades have been positively astounding. I left the hobby in the 1980's, and I couldn't believe how much everything had changed and improved when I came back almost 30 years later in 2014, especially in N scale. Now I had to re-learn everything I had forgotten over the years, and I had to learn a whole bunch of new stuff such as DCC, for example. Model railroading is now better than ever! ...Roy
That's pretty neat Roy! I might have to get one of these for when friends come over to operate. - Jason
Thanks, Jason. I'm really having fun running my trains wirelessly with this device. It's a really easy and fairly inexpensive way to go wireless. I think you would enjoy it, too. ...Roy
Roy glad you like it 👍I've used Engine Driver on my Android phone both NCE and Digatrx and loved it even used the consisting so mush easier than with the throttle. .. with this being this easy I can't believer ever running trains another way....
Thanks, Jack. I'm having tons of fun with it. ...Roy
It's good to see you running your trains, Roy.
I'm having tons of fun running my trains with this new device, my friend. ...Roy
Roy - Great video. I installed one of these a couple of months ago. I’m thrilled not to be tethered to my layout as it opens up some awesome new views of my running trains.
It's a marvelous device, David. ...Roy
Roy I just seen you video on operating trains using WiFi wireless. It is very informative and when I make the decision to go wireless I will be visiting Litchfield Station in Avondale, AZ which sells many model railroad electronics and electrical items for the model railroaders. This will take place once I go wireless and have my second Level all set up. Kato will have the Big Boy 40414 in N scale by mid year this year. I recently bought the 160 years service Microtrains 60 ft. Union Pacific boxcar which brings my freight car inventory to 106 freight cars.
Thanks, Christopher. Good to hear from you. Sounds like you're having fun on your layout. ...Roy
Great to see that all works with WiFi on your Layout. I'm using EngineDriver for Android to control my DC trains on my track. At the moment I can Control 2 trains on the maintrack. It's lots of fun to do
Thanks for your comment, my friend. It's always good to hear from you. Using WiFi is so much better than getting tangled up in all those cables as I try to walk around the layout with my trains. ...Roy
Hello Roy it is nice to see other ways of doing things. I am a heavy JMRI user and have Wi Throttle setup on JMRI so I can control my trains using the app on my iphone. This looks very interesting.
Thomas, one of the nice things about model railroading is that we have so many alternatives in just about any phase of the hobby. I used WiThrottle with JMRI for a long time, but I'm very happy with the WFD-30. ...Roy
Hi Roy, great job showing of the WFD-30. They really are a great device. You can also use the ESU Mobile Control II throttle running Engine Driver.
I was a pleasure, my friend. The WFD-30 really is fantastic. Thank you for making it available to me. And thank you for the information about the ESU Mobile Control. It's a pleasure to share the world's most amazing hobby with you. ...Roy
Hi Roy, great you have it, Have mine for 2 years now and very happy with it.
Im on androyd and used 2 cell phone an old one that I keept after change it for a new one.
That give me more engines to run
Thake
That's a great idea, Ronald: Using two phones to run more locomotives, I mean. Twice as much fun that way. ...Roy
Glad to see a new video from you Roy, hope your feeling well in the New Year.
Thanks, my friend. Good to hear from you. ...Roy
This is really cool stuff! My trains aren't well suited to DCC (Japanese domestic stuff doesn't accommodate it as a matter of course and EMUs would require no fewer than 3 decoders per trainset to function properly) but it's great to see the tech progress and become more convenient. I hope more affordable and straightforward conversion solutions will emerge on the market in time.
More affordable and easier to use! Absolutely, Sorrell. Let's hope the hobby is heading in that direction. ...Roy
Very amazing technology Roy. Thanks for making me aware of the product.
It's always a pleasure to share the hobby, my friend. ...Roy
Wifi is the way to go in my opinion. I looked into this card but found that JMRI and an old router would better suit me. But really, what's best for you is what matters. Especially if you can get cheap devices to run either App. Thanks for sharing Roy! - Cameron
Good point, Cameron. One of the nice things about model railroading is that we have so many options available to us in just about every phase of the hobby. It's always a pleasure to share the hobby with you....Roy
This is great info. I'll have to try this on the droid. Moving right along with the new build, and very happy with the plan.
It's extremely quick and easy to connect, Craig, and non-stop fun to use. ...Roy
@@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569 Some places on my new RR are just far enough that the power cab won't reach (no matter where I set it up. It will be an ideal addition.
@@craiglordable Absolutely, Craig. No more cables to struggle with when you're trying to get to those far-away places on your layout. ...Roy
Thanks mr Roy for sharing and for the demo. Very cool device. Have fun! 🚂😀😀😀😀
Thanks for your comment, my friend. I really am having tons of fun running my trains with this new device. ...Roy
👍 thanks for this product awareness, it looks simple to set up , I'm not Teck savy, But this looks simple I'll keep en eye open for this looks almost like a plug and play system.. thanks
Thanks for your comment, my friend. This device really is easy to set up and quite inexpensive compared to other ways to go wireless. And best of all, I'm having tons of fun running my trains with it. ...Roy
@@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569
Ya no strings attached, . . ok wires !
This is pretty cool! I will most likely end up doing this when I move in to my new place
I certainly think you will like it, my friend. ...Roy
Very nice Roy. I use the digitrax myself and really enjoyed it.
Thanks, Dave. It's always good to hear from you. ...Roy
Nice video Roy very informative however I'm on my phone 6 days a week and the last thing I want to do is use my phone to run my trains, LOL. But it looks like a good system. Gary
It is indeed a very nice way to be able to run trains, Gary. We model railroaders are lucky to have so many choices in just about every phase of the hobby. ...Roy
🇧🇷🚂👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Great Roy!!
Nice explication!!
Congratulation!!
Nice, things are getting better. Thanks for the video. Now the 10.00 payment is that a one time deal or is it monthly?
Ben, it seems like model railroading is getting better and better every day with more things to choose from. That 10 dollars is a one-time payment. You buy the app and it's yours. Of course, you may want to try the free "Lite" version first, to see if you like it before moving on to the paid version. ...Roy
Eventually I will probably do a couple wifi throttles on the barn layout, mainly for the through trains that will require a lot of walking for the crew. But I am not likely to ever fully go wifi throttle.
Thanks for your comment, my friend. One of the nice things about model railroading is that it offers us so many alternatives to choose from in just about every phase of the hobby. ...Roy
Great information Roy and it looks pretty easy. I remembered seeing John's video about this product as well. I already have an NCE Pro-Cab wireless system that I use on my layout. However, I wonder if this would be something I could add to my current layout so guess operators could use their own cell phones as a wireless throttle. Also, I wonder if there is a certain limit to how many wireless wifi cell phone throttles it can handle. I guess these are items I need to do some research on. Thanks, Tony
Tony, I understand this device has a limit of 4 phones, but the limit can be increased by making some adjustments which I don't really understand. The only thing I'm really sure of at this point is: I'm having tons of fun running my trains wirelessly using it. ...Roy
Way cool, Roy! Going mobile! WiFi seems like a good way to go. No more hassle with cords. Does this require a fast WiFi?
It is a fabulous way to go, Ron. I'm really pleased with it, and I think you would be, too. No, I don't think fast WiFi is required. ...Roy
Looks like fun Roy but nothing will ever convert me from DC !!! Goodness knows I have enough trouble with that after 60 years of using it. Cheers, Bob
I hear you, Bob. I'm getting a little too old to be making significant changes myself. ...Roy
Hi Roy... that was a very interesting and informative video.. I can see where if you have a wired plug in system it is a perfect upgrade.. I have a NCE ProCab wireless system so Im not sure what I would gain other than the cool factor but neat none the less... take care.
DD 😜
Thanks, DD. It's always good to hear from you. For a long time, I was planning to get the NCE Pro Cab wireless like you have. But, while watching other peoples' videos (as I often do), I learned about the WFD-30/WiThrottle set-up and decided to give it a try. I'm very pleased with it, but of course, model railroading offers us new choices every day. Who knows what will catch my attention tomorrow? But it's always tons of fun. ...Roy
@@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569 Im glad you did a video its always neat to see what is out there and it's always nice to hear from you too...
I took a decent hit with the storms we had and luckily my tree that went over in front of my garage/layout room wasn't big enough to do any damage... working on fence panels yesterday... hopefully Ill do a video in the next few days just to take a break... I went to a OP session @ a friends house on Friday and had a great time... all of was were current or retired Railroaders which made it fun... if you interested this is a link to his layout... it is highly detailed... take care DD 🤗
ua-cam.com/video/2Q-kPslEpuM/v-deo.html
Nice video Roy!
Thanks, Manny. I appreciate that. ...Roy
Roy, thanks for a system I can possibly use. I have a basic nce system and no jmri. I have an android phone. Hopefully it will work out for me.👍!
I encourage you to go ahead and try it, Stephen. I think you will be happy with it, because I know I am. ...Roy
I have this exact setup, the NCE PowerCab and android phone running Engine Driver. It works great. You need the latest firmware (1.65) and you're good to go.
Hi ya Roy. Very cool. Thanks for the info.
I am really, really happy to be able to run my trains this way, Norman. ...Roy
Really cool there my friend
Thanks, my friend. I'm just having a ton of fun running my trains wirelessly now, thanks to this device. ...Roy
Hi Roy, thanks for sharing this amazing new tech with us. I just bought one right after watching this video.
Quick question...
I understand that you are using NCE Switch Kat for your turnouts, just wondering if you are able to program (per WiThrottle manual you need to add them to JMRI turnout table) the WiThrottle while using the app only?
Thanks in advance.
Louis
Thanks for your comment, my friend. I think you will have fun with your WFD-30. No, I haven't had a chance to program my Switch-Kats yet, but that's important and I hope to do it soon. I will try to do a WiThrottle programming video at that time. ...Roy
@@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569 Looking forward to your next video on WiThrottle. Louis
Wow didnt even know this existed.
It's a really neat little device, my friend. And it's a lot less expensive than running your trains wirelessly by other means. ...Roy
This is really neat Roy. I already use the NCE wireless system with my sb5. I wonder if this would work with that. ? I’ll have to look into it
Thanks, Dave. The WFD-30 should work with any NCE system. ...Roy
I just installed the WFD31 into my NCE ProCab 5 amp system with radio. It works fine…. Now.
Install per instructions. It appeared the wfd31 was working but not communicating with the command station.
After several emails with wifiTraxx and Iron Horse it was asked what version… hmmmm.
Well……The CS I was using initially was a 1999 version. So I swapped into my spare CS which is of the 2007 version.
I am ordering the new 2021 eprom for both command stations, which is a user changeable item. This version is needed to fix issues with cab06.
Big thanks to both Steve of WifiTraxx and Ryan of Iron Horse Hobbies for their support in figuring this out.
Oh, difference between the wfd 30 and 31? The 31 is a direct replacement for a NCE utp and mountable in the fascia.
Happy customer!
Congratulations on going WiFi!
I've thought about doing this too and probably will.
Are there any security recommendations from WiFiTrax to keep your home network safe?
Thanks for your comment, my friend. No, I haven't seen any security recommendations from WiFiTrax, but I will be looking for them. I'm glad you mentioned this. ...Roy
You don't have to connect it to your home network, it creates a stand-alone short range network just for the railroad.
Absolutely, my friend. Good point! ...Roy
Hi Roy,, this looks like a great and easy way to get Wi-Fi for the layout.
What is the difference between the free app and the 10$ app
did you have to buy the app to use the Wi-Fi system?
It is absolutely the way to go, Sparky. I'm really happy with it. It's extremely easy and quick to set up and use, and inexpensive compared to other wireless methods. The paid version allows you to do a few things that the lite version doesn't, such as consisting. But you definitely can go with the free lite version, especially at first. That's what I did. You don't have to get the paid version. ...Roy
On your recommendation, Roy, I just received my own WFD-30; not hooked up yet. I'm wondering, what is that big unit at the left of everything, with a long coiled cord apparently for use with the NCE PCP panel?
This looks like an easier solution than mounting additional PCP panels to reach more distant locations, even with my small 4 x 8 layout.
My friend, the unit on the left is a NCE USB interface 5240223. I use it to connect my Power Cab to my MacBook Pro in order to use JMRI. I think you will have fun with your new WFD-30. I certainly am. ...Roy
I'm still not a convert to DCC but maybe I'll be doing it when I'm 75! 😂
We'll see, Mark, when you're 75. The hobby gives us so many choices. ...Roy
already trains (like Lionel) are by passing this old complicated setup by having blue tooth built right in...turn on, run off your phone
Absolutely, my friend. Model railroading is getting better and better. So many options available to us. Sometimes it's hard to keep up with them. ...Roy
Is the app available on Android phones?
Hi James! WiThrottle is for iPhones, but you get the equivalent app called Engine Driver for Android phones. ...Roy
Far to long between videos. You have been missed. Why NEC vs Digitraks? Cliff notes version.
NCE is cheaper, simpler, and more user friendly. Digitrax is more complicated in everything.
Ken, when I was first looking at DCC systems back in 2014, I found it to be very difficult to make a choice. Ultimately, I went with NCE, because it seemed to be easier to use. You are right: it is too long between videos. I need to energize myself. ...Roy
@@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569 I understand the energize comment. Trust me you have more energy than I do. My list of things to do is ever increasing. I look forward to your videos. They are informative and entertaining. Hope all is well with you and your wife and by the way happy new year!
@@kenshores9900 Ken, it seems like the older I get, the slower I get. That's why I often call myself the world's slowest model railroader. LOL! ...Roy
First!
This is Frank from That Train Couple
Congrats, my friend. ...Roy
This system is just incredible , I use DIGITRAX , and ANDROID phones , I can use up to 4 telephones at the same time , so when you have visitors they can use their phones if they download the app . I use old telephones and it work with too . Easy to recharge too .
You are so right, Louis. Thanks for your comment. ...Roy