I have the same setup, and it works well

I have been 100% smartphone-based since I started my op sessions (7-10 people) about 8 months ago. I use Digitrax command stations and have a few of their throttles, but these days those throttles are little more than fascia decorations!

I was previously running JMRI on an old Windows-machine-converted-to-Ubuntu-linux, but when that machine died a few weeks ago, I switched over to use a Pi. The Pi not only handles the wifi throttles, but also has some turnout routing and other logic related to hidden staging control. Haven't run a full op session since the Pi went in, but so far it seems up to the task.

John

Awesome, I grabbed the

Raspberry Pi and Bluerail cabs

My N scale layout is currently run by two Rasberry Pis which manage power to traditional track blocks and by two Bluerail Trains HO scale Bluetooth cabs which are controlled by their mobile device applications. Since almost all of my locomotives are older and not "DCC ready", I've decided to use traditional block control. The Bluerail Trains modules are mounted under the layout with the rest of the electrical components and operate in basically the same way as normal power packs.

Each of the two Raspberry Pis controls power to the sixteen track blocks by activating or deactivating solid state relays. One of the Raspberry Pis is running a web server and operator interaction with it's web pages causes the appropriate Pi to assign track blocks to cab 1, cab 2, or turn a block's power off. These web pages can be accessed by the same mobile devices controlling the two Bluerail Trains cabs as well as from a normal desktop PC.

Just like Arduinos, Raspberry Pis can be great additions to model railroad electrical control systems.

Your advise please

Bonjour Arthur & fellow model railroaders,

I'm in the building of the "AnneliesVille RR" (see trackplan & 3D) and have the NCE Power Cab that did a fine job on my previous but small layout.

This new layout has about 210' mainline run on the upper and lower lines. Most of the time I will run a train or two solo and on occasions I will host max two friends to operate the model railroad. That means maximum 3 trains running.

In the context of your interesting post - thank you ! - what is your advise to 'upgrade' and go 'wireless' - eventually using the Power Cab ? Do I need extra 'boosters' ? How is a Raspberry PI  working - where to buy ? I'm not an electronics wizard but willing to learn.

Using the PC with JMRI running I find not a 'neat' solution and I prefer a solid installation.

Thank you for your kind help,

Greetings,

Upgrade your NCE system to

Upgrade your NCE system to the 5 amp wireless version, add a few circuit breakers and if desired add a raspberry to allow your friends to use their phones as throttles. You could also add an additional throttle from NCE and call it done.

The advantage to that route is most of the equipment is things you are already familiar with so it greatly reduces your learning curve. The 5 amp booster should be plenty for three trains on that layout as you will likely be running single or small loco consists and fairly short trains. If you were running 100 car trains and say 7 locomotives per train you might need more power but I am sure that is not the case here.

I recently, added a Raspberry

I recently, added a Raspberry Pi to my large layout so that in operations sessions those that choose to use a smartphone will have that ability. I purchased my Pi from Micro Center along with a memory card, power supply and also a case to mount the Pi in. I think it ran approx $65 for that equipment. You will need a PR3 or Loco buffer or I think NCE has their own gimic that connects a CPU to the command station. 

For instructions on how to do it I followed https://mstevetodd.com/jmri-raspberrypi-access-point.  Steve has done all the work for you and with all honesty I screwed up once by typing in the password wrong, but even with that mistake I think I was up and running in less that 30 minutes. 

I am not a huge proponent of the smart phone being used to run trains. I personally like the feel of the throttle and like the tactile response as the knob moves around to increase and decrease speed. One guy that runs on my layout prefers the phone, but does admit that it is not the best when switching. Each to his or her own there. 

I would say try it out if possible before you buy it, but for less that the cost of a new (decent) throttle you can have the ability to have almost unlimited throttles by using the Pi. 

A word to the wise, the Digitrax system LNWI limits you to 4 smartphones at time. I am not sure if the NCE does the same. 

Also as an added plus the Pi can be run as a "headless" computer running JMRI. This means you will not need to add expensive things like a monitor, keyboard and mouse.

Good luck

My entire System is Arduino and Pi

I own a PowerCab but I don't use it. I have built a DCC++ base station which is based on an Arduino and motor shield, I have a Pi for wireless access. The base station goes to a 5 amp MERG booster and then to a MERG circuit breaker to separate into districts. I have 2 districts at the current time. System works great and was considerably less than a commercial 5 amp wireless system. 

Power Cab wireless ?

@ Rob & Neil & Greg: Thanks for your kind reply and explanations. Appreciated gentlemen !

Meanwhile I checked the NCE website and learned that the Power Cab can run wireless with the addition of a Radio Base Station RB02 + a radio equipped Cab06pr. The Power Cab itself can be modified to a radio cab as well. In addition a SB5 smart booster can upgrade to run more loco's. But after all quite expensive ! 

I might go a different route: sell the Power Cab and buy a more up to date 'modern DCC system'.

TCS is working on a new command station + wireless cab's. Maybe worth the wait to the end of the year ???

Tam Valley Depot also seems playing closer to the ball... and Dead Rail is not dead at all !!!

Eureka !

Greetings,

Was looking at going down

Was looking at going down this route with Digitrack, atm I just have a Zephyr unit. But I think im going to go with ESU CabControl DCC system, that is if I can find one to buy....

phil

Alternative to ESU CabControl

@Phil,

Did you have a look at the same product / system under the name of PIKO SMARTCONTROL 55040 ?

Maybe a bit more budget friendly for the same or similar (?) features as ESU. Need to check.

To consider in the more 'advanced'  DCC world anyway !

Greetings

Another alternative

If you like the ESU Mobile Control II throttles, maybe you could add a Digitrax LNWI to your existing Loconet and use the MCIIs with the Engine Driver Android app. No need to purchase the ESU ICU then, just the throttles. That's what I'm doing and I think the MCIIs are the best throttles I've used so far. Until my ProtoThrottles arrive at least...     

and NCE ???

@Pete & co

So the same COULD BE thru for NCE IF they had a type of LNWI ?

Is there a change NCE will commercialize a wifi connection ?

After all their market share seems important...

filip

Did you have a look at the

 Hi  filip timmerman  

Will have a look at it seems from first glance similar to ESU product.

Phil

I’m a member of the

I’m a member of the TexasOutlawsOn30 modular club and we run NCE wired and wireless throttles. We only setup modules at train shows. The problem is other clubs running the same NCE setup. Crosstalk and no control with the radio throttles. 

I am a complete moron when it comes to electronics. Thanks to the generosity of one special member of the California South Coast On30 modular club we now have an Rpi/jmri Wi-Fi system. It works flawlessly with Apple and Android phones and tablets. Our last show was a big success running the system. The only time anyone ran with an NCE throttle was when I setup the DCC and was trouble shooting. It worked all weekend without a single fault.

I prefer a throttle with knobs and buttons, but for the low cost of the Raspberry Pi system and the simplicity of setup and integration, it is hard to beat, and everyone has a smart phone already. So no out of pocket expense for a new throttle.

don g.

Mention of flood in August 2016

Kato Smart Device Controller For DC

Greetings:

I feel compelled to jump in here with news of Kato’s Smart Device Controller. A little off topic but related in that it uses your smart phone or tablet as a walk-around throttle for DC over Bluetooth. Each controller looks to be the equivalent of a Kato power pack with knobs replaced by your smart device. Very cool! (Pls see web site for details). 

I’m a retired engineer who has been (slowly) building an n-scale Unitrack layout since about 2003. Long time lurker on MRH and enjoying the great variety of model railroading adventures displayed here. 

Looking forward to learning and contributing as we build and operate our layouts. 

Best regards,

Ken

Welcome

@Ken - Welcome to MRH forums. We always go off topic a bit and it is always educational and/or entertaining. Thanks for the heads up on the Kato smart controller. 

https://www.katousa.com/N/Unitrack/Smartcon.html

I might just have to pop for a couple of these new Kato gadgets!

I've been using two Blue Rail bluetooth boards to do the same thing on my N scale railroad, but if I pick up a couple of these new gizmos, it would free up the Blue Rail boards for installation in my HO locomotives.

Now to find the cash in my modeling budget...

Options

@filip, the cheapest wireless option for you I believe is with the Raspberry PI running JMRI connected to the NCE system via the USB interface:

https://ncedcc.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/204247459-USB-interface-for-Powercab

And you may need to add a smart booster for the size of the layout:  https://ncedcc.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/200913385-SB5-Smartbooster-for-Powercab

Since you are in France you should look at this to find a retailer that may have more friendly pricing, there are two listed in France.

https://www.farnell.com/raspberrypi-consumer/approved-retailers.php#europe

I'm using the Pi-Sprog combo

I started with the NCE PowerCab, and then added the NCE USB connector and a laptop to try wireless.  That led me to the Pi-Sprog combo.  Since I invested in the Pi-Sprog, I haven't looked back!  Took out my NCE system completely, and only run my layout with an old iPhone.  Love it!