Wifi Throttles For Your NCE PowerCab (193)

[@tex-hogger4974]

Great video Larry. I love my UTW-100. Our layout has CVP Easy DCC for a command station and boosters. I have connected a Raspberry Pi 3+ to the command station via the RS-232 interface and a RS-232 to USB dongle. The RP3 is set up as a Wi-Fi access point. Decoder Pro is set up to run once the RP3 is booted up. There are a few good how-to on the web on how to set this all up. I also have a NCE power cab set up in a tool box as a programming track with a USB interface, and another RP3 in it that I can "remote" into with my laptop. Also in that "toolbox" there is a track power out plug that can then be used to connect to a smaller layout. Then that way using the RP3 in it it can be used as an access point for any of the wi-throttles to control the layout thru the Power Cab.

[@TheDCCGuy]

You are what folks call a power user and I bet you had a great time putting all that together, congrats!

[@solimar1554]

The ESU CabControl is wifi to start, out of the box. It is compatible with iPhone and Android throttle apps. I suppose it is a German system, so not much coverage in the US, but it works nicely for me. The throttle runs on Android, has a touch pad for switch controls (and throttle, if you like that option) and a large knob for the throttle. The new firmware makes setting up stationary decoders like the Switch8 easy. I think the Loco-Net port may now be active, but as I don't use it, I am not sure. Overall, a nice 5 Amp system.

[@peterjhillier7659]

Many Thanks Larry, very comprehensive Systems Description, trust that you and yours are keeping well.

[@TheDCCGuy]

Doing fine except for the seasonal pollen allergy. Only have the grass pollen to deal with for another couple of weeks then will be good for another 8 months.

[@eveannwallis4939]

Hi Larry, great video, and good to see a UK themed layout in the US! I have a UWT 100, it connects through either decoder pro or a wifi trax wfd 30, and yes it's good, BUT it'd be great if it would be capable of 28 speed steps instead of being stuck on 128. I don't use it much because of that, I use my Pro Cabs in preference.

[@ricter591]

Thanks Larry, I will try to work this out with my Lenz System.🐾🚂 BearCreek, Cov. KY.

[@TheDCCGuy]

I used to have a Lenz system but since they left the US market I have not kept up with them. Given the others advanced options they had even back then I bet they have a usb interface.

[@nycart256]

Thanks for another great video. I started using the UTW-100 about a week ago and really like it so far. Since I have a NCE system I have been using it with WifiTrax WFD-30 so I do not have to have a computer hooked up to my layout when operating. For those that using using the Power Cab WifiTrax also makes a replacement PCP (WFD-31) with built in WiFi as a alternative to the WFD-30. I will have to try using the UTW-100 with Decoder Pro so that it can interface with my Locomotive roster. Looking forward to your video on the UTW-100 features. Aloha

[@davidhill3724]

how do you like your WFD-30. Do you have any play in your cable connections

[@nycart256]

@@davidhill3724 I think the WFD-30 a good solution for me since I really do not care to have my computer hooked up to my layout since I am limited in space with no place to put it except on the floor. The other thing is I do not use more than 2 throttles at a time (I believe the WFD-30 is limited to 4) and my layout is not room sized. The bad thing is that It does cost some extra money (still cheaper than NCE's wireless system), but for me it is worth the extra cost of having a wireless throttle. As for the cables I make my own custom length after watching Larry's video on DIY DCC cables and connectors. I use 6CF Flat cable 6 conductor cable and RJ12 connectors which make a good connection between the WFD-30 and the NCE UTP. Hope that helps.

[@bernardc2553]

Another Great Video Larry

[@wrrail4428]

Thank you another great Vid. I have a number of locos that have been in storage for 5 years, some with decoders and some without...I have forgotten which had decoders. Please can you advise a make a video a safe way to be able to test which locos have the decoders installed without damaging them if they do or don't have decoders (without taking them apart, Thank you..

[@TheDCCGuy]

Assuming you have a DCC system or access to one, you can put each on the programming track and read cvs 7 & 8 the version number and manufacturer id. There is a list of corresponding manufacturer names at www.nmra.org/sites/default/files/standards/sandrp/pdf/appendix_a_s-9_2_2_5.pdf

[@wrrail4428]

@@TheDCCGuy Thank you for your quick response, I was concerned that for the non DCC locos, the higher voltage may damage them. I must say, I have learnt so much through your channel. Thank you. William

[@jimallen4809]

Does the TCS throttle use NIMH batteries and if so does it have a connection for charging the batteries like that of a cell phone or do you have to remove batteries to charge them?

[@TheDCCGuy]

No, it uses 2 AA batteries. I use rechargeables and they seem to last much longer than the 9V batteries I use in my Digitrax throttles.

[@anzac1959]

Thanks for the vids , but do you have a vid for connecting an Android to the withrottle ? You stopped showing what to do to connect a mobile phone TIA

[@TheDCCGuy]

I don’t have any android devices so could not show that but I have done it with a friend’s phone and can tell you it is essentially the same as with an iPhone or iPad. I believe the app is called Engine Driver.

[@donaldshroyer8633]

Nice vid. Can you go over for the DecoderPro Function Labels screen what Lock, Off, On, and Shunt do?

[@TheDCCGuy]

Here is a link to the JMRI explanation of those. I admit I don’t completely understand in all cases what they are talking about. However it mainly seems to apply to the virtual throttle in DecoderPro and some of the phone/tablet apps. One of these days I hope to get time to experiment with them. The lock option seems to convert to latching or non-latching which would useful on the UWT-100 if it works on them.

[@donaldshroyer8633]

Very much appreciate the reply Larry, but I'm not seeing a link.

[@TheDCCGuy]

Sorry, guess I forgot to add the link. Here you go. www.jmri.org/help/en/manual/DecoderPro3/Adv_FunctionLabel.shtml

[@donaldshroyer8633]

@@TheDCCGuy No worries. Thanks again.

[@canadianlocomotivelogistics]

when you say that the locomotive roster will be downloaded into the TCS throttle. Do you know the limit? Will it download a roster of 9999 locomotive? I'm assuming it uses 2.4 wireless connection. Im hoping it uses the 5G.

[@TheDCCGuy]

I am sure I asked that at one point but darned if I can remember now. The units have a lot of memory and can also download the accessory decoder addresses as well so it is big. I am sure if you send the TCS tech support those questions they will answer.

[@doublediamondrailroad5949]

I want to get a UWT-100 for my NCE Power Cab. Is This the USB Interface I need to make it all talk? NCE-0223 - USB Programming Accessory ?

[@TheDCCGuy]

Yes Part Number 05240223 is the one. Please watch my videos on using this interface and keep in mind you will need DeciderPro on a Windows computer. Another option is the WFD-30 available from www.ironplanethobbies.com .

[@douglasallen511]

Can that utw-100 be used for control of stationary decoders which are used for switch machines and turntables?

[@TheDCCGuy]

Yes, matter of fact there is a dedicated button for selecting accessory decoders.

[@douglasallen511]

@@TheDCCGuy Thank you for your response.

[@jimlawson4100]

Larry, once you have downloaded your roster from DP and setup WiFi connection do you have to have DP open when running trains?

[@TheDCCGuy]

Yes, you have to have the WiThrottle interface in DecoderPro running for the throttles to connect and operate.

[@gonebamboo4116]

Thanks much. Can you describe the process for double heading? New to DCC, hoping it gets as easy as DCS

[@TheDCCGuy]

There are several ways to do that. First you can just give each loco in the consist the same address and each will respond to the same commands. Second you can use universal consisting which combines them in command station memory and sends out the same commands to each loco. Third is advanced consisting with which you insert a consist address into the decoder and then each loco responds to the consist address. There is a fourth method introduced by TCS with their UWT-100 throttle called in-throttle consists. It basically is like universal consisting but done in the throttle. Watch my videos on consisting.

[@gonebamboo4116]

@@TheDCCGuy Thanks again

[@bryanmaloy4797]

would like to know what other companies are going to come out with a wifi throttle ?

[@TheDCCGuy]

I am sure they’re out there but are playing there cards close to their chest. Even of I knew at this point I couldn’t tell you since these folks swear me to silence when they tell me stuff in advance.

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

Hi Larry, I have a 5 amp NCE system, need some info on the interface between the NCE and the Wifi control , what do I need to buy

[@TheDCCGuy]

Which system? Some have a built in serial interface.

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

Hi Larry I have the 5amp NCE procab system, did find a wDF-31 PCP/UTB cab bus wi-fi interface , would this work

[@TheDCCGuy]

For questions like that I suggest contacting Ed Wilson at NCE. I thought I read about a serial to usb interface but can’t recall the mfg or specs.

[@SirLANsalot]

its 32 throttles per an LNWI and you can have up to 8 LNWI's on a loconet for 256 total "throttles" running purely off of WiFi. The apps WiThrottle (iPhone) and JMRI Engine Driver (Android) can have multiple throttles running, as can other WiFi Throttles. However during an op session, you obviously would only have 1 throttle running (aka your train) per a person, so even just 32 throttles for a single LNWI is plenty of "throttle" space for most layouts, even some clubs.

[@TheDCCGuy]

Yes, it is a very powerful system indeed. I doubt even most clubs would need more than one.

[@nelsonchesterfield7488]

Larry is the app called WiThrottle or WiThrottle Lite?

[@Ron_Ventura]

Both. The Lite version is the free version of the program. The other is a paid version, which adds more abilities, in particular having dual throttles on the screen at once, and controlling turnouts and routes, which the lite version doesn’t have. The full version is AU$14.99. But the Lite version might be all you need.

[@TheDCCGuy]

It also makes it easy to check it out, just download and see how you like it for free.

[@mountainman0]

forget everything Larry just said in the video and go buy a Wifitrax WFD-30. it just plugs into to an empty port in your UTP panel and presto instant wifi where ever you may be - at a train show or at home. it is a stand alone device that generates it's own wifi signal and you can then use either the enginedriver app for android or withrottle for apple devices. no need for the NCE usb interface or other external modem. unless of course your layout is over 100ft long.

[@TheDCCGuy]

Yes, but it only works with NCE, cannot download the roster or function labels unless you connect it through DecoderPro, is limited to 4 throttles, and costs $110. Most folks already have a wifi router, the NCE usb interface is $45-50, can support more throttles than you can keep track of, and DecoderPro is free. Most important you must upgrade your PowerCab to firmware version 1.65B.

[@ianmugford9459]

Just a note, the usb interface does not work with a nce pro cab. A db9 serial cable works though but you’ll need a older computer with a serial port

[@StuartClaggett]

You can get db9 to usb converters

[@donaldkormos5529]

Thanks for a great video as always Larry. Question: I use DCC++ (and now DCC++EX) to run my layout with JMRI. I use Wi-Fi throttle with Engine Driver on my Android cell phone. Can I also use the TCS UWT-100 at the same time?

[@TheDCCGuy]

Yes, the Engine Driver and WiThrottle apps both use the same protocols to connect to WiThrottle in DecoderPro. I actually tested this during an operating session at a friends house where we had both types of devices working at the same time.

[@donaldkormos5529]

@@TheDCCGuy Thanks Larry ...

[@jasonlinhardt7811]

Great vid, Larry, but just as a note, saying you must connect to the same ‘router’ isn’t technically accurate because you can have multiple networks on the same router. You must be on the same network. Anyone with guest or other additional networks broadcast via their WiFi could be thrown by this.

[@TheDCCGuy]

Jason, actually the device will attempt to connect to the last router it was connected to. It cannot connect to any other router or account unless you tell it to and provide the password. Even if it is an open account with no password protection you still have to tell it which named router to access. Its just like my iPad which will only connect to my account on my router and not the half dozen others located near me. To access them I would have to tell it to use the other router and provide a password. And when I open my iPad it automatically reconnects to the last router used. As soon as I turn on the UWt-100 it connects to the last router used without me having to do anything. If I want to use it with another device such as the Digitrax LnWi I have to open the menu and tell it to switch to the device.

[@jasonlinhardt7811]

@@TheDCCGuy again, a router and a network or not the same things. They must be on the same network. Some router owners have multiple networks on the same router. They must be on the same network, not just the same router.

[@nicksanto882]

Hmmmmmm.......great video! Gonna cost me some money shortly! Hahahaha! Thanks!

[@TheDCCGuy]

Just sell another batch of Decoder Buddies.

[@Blue68Camaro]

Thank you for the very informative video. In my opinion it is way over priced at $299.00. A used cell phone or even some new cell phones running WiThrottle is a cheaper option. Cell phone doesn't have to be activated, just use it on WiFi. This should cost between $75 to $99 to be more attractive. Once again, just my opinion.

[@donavonrobbins1908]

Exactly!

[@OlivierGabin]

Agreed. All DCC equipment is awfully overpriced. Look at, for instance, a scientific calculator for around 100-150 €, with its degree of sophistication, and go to your local hobby shop/your favorite internet provider, and check what you get in DCC for the same price. Don't tell me a basic DCC system with a throttle, developped and sold since at least 15 years, can have the same price as a recent Casio of HP scientific calculator without having the same degree of sophistication. And you can have a basic wifi tablet for half the price of this device, if not less.

[@donavonrobbins1908]

@@OlivierGabin same thoughts here. I'm surprised some of them still have suppliers that can still supply the 20 year old comments they still feature.