. . .

I am using a Digitrax DCS50 as the Command Station. Wifi throttles using used IPODs: small and good enough. The WiFi is thru the house wifi router to a computer running JMRI Withrottle Server.  It works just fine apart the occationnal lost communication / restart / hickups. 

Digitrax also offers a Loconet based Wifi Router (LNWI)  that can be used which negates the need for JMRI/computer/house wifi.

This is but one option of the many out there.

Marc

Almost any name brand DCC system will work

Just using NCE or Digitrax as an example:  They have come out with a wifi adapter so their system will wifi connect  with a device (cell phone/Ipad).  Then you just need to down load an app to the device like witrottle or engine driver. 

Our club runs our trains with our cell phones, but this was before the commercial DCC systems came out with wifi.  We connected the DCC system to a donated computer with JMRI installed.  Then we connected a wifi router to the computer.  JMRI has a server function that will communicate through the wifi route to the cell phones.  So the cell phones talk to JMRI on the computer and then JMRI talks to the DCC system.  This sound complicated, but it really is not.

NCE DCC at Home

I have an NCE Powerhouse Pro system I bought back in 1998! It is connected to a Raspberry Pi running JMRI and I can use my Android phone through Engine Driver and JMRI to control my trains. So far I prefer the NCE controllers, but it can be nice to change off for more mobility.

we moved a few years ago

My club converted to DCC with a SPROG DCC system several years ago. JMRI runs on an ancient laptop, although we're about to replace the laptop with a new Raspberry Pi (~$45). We found some old model Android phones on clearance for $20 each. They basically have only Engine Driver on them. Most members don't use the phones since they use their own, or a couple have recently bought the new TCS wireless throttle. (We haven't met in person since that happened, for what should be obvious reasons in 2020.)

At home I too have a SPROG, driven by JMRI running on a Raspberry Pi. I have a dedicated phone for it - my old iPhone 5, in fact. It has WiThrottle (iOS equivalent of Android Engine Driver) on it and nearly nothing else.

A couple of other club members have similar setups: phone/TCS/ProtoThrottle connected to JMRI running on an old or cheap computer with a SPROG (or in one case, a DigiTrax PR3) DCC.

Pi Sprog at home

I used to use NCE, but I've found that a Pi-SPROG system is way better for the stuff I want to do. I can remote into the Raspberry Pi, and do decoder programming, list builds, etc. from any phone or computer in my house through a VNC network (easy to do).

As for running trains, any phone can be used, and they come with all of the functions and features labeled to the individual locomotive, so I don't have to remember what F5 is supposed to do.

Tons of options

WiThrottle (protocol) has WiThrottle (iOS app), Engine Driver, and a few others. Roco Z21 and Digikeijs have the Z21 app, ESU has their own app for their system. I find for operating, using a touchscreen app isn't too much fun, but some prefer it, mostly for fun running on modular and club layouts. The Digitrax DCS52 Zephyr has a USB port built in, so for under $200, you can set up JMRI WiThrottle and be off and running!

Ipad throttle

  I can use an ipad with my Digikeijs DR5000 DCC command station , nothing extra needed as the DCC unit has built in wifi. I use the RocoZ21 app. It works okay but I prefer a throttle with knob and buttons so I mostly use a digitrax UT4D throttle instead of the ipad.....DaveB

Thanks so much!

Thanks for the information Gents.

Had not seen the use of wifi devices in the videos so wasn't sure they had become common place yet in DCC.

Other than my Grand daughter, occasionally, I would be the only one using the layout so I figured entering into DCC along with Legacy and DCS, having everything on one tablet would make life a lot easier.  I guess now I need to figure out which system I want.  Ease of use with some options for scenery animations (water tanks, rocking chair, just some stuff for the grandkids to enjoy) would be nice.

There are a lot of systems out there!  Lots to research now.  Thanks again

the one thing about a tablet ...

Is that it is not even remotely like hand-held. The other WiFi throttles - phones, TCS etc - are all the sort of thing you hold in one hand and don't really look at whilst using them.

I don't think I'd use a tablet for this reason, but of course that's a purely personal thing. It certainly *works*.

  "it( a tablet) is not even

Yep,  that's why I prefer my UT4D over a tablet. When using the tablet I found that I'd accidentally hit the throttle slider when focused uncoupling,throwing a switch, or other operational  tasks .As long as I focused on the tablet it worked fine but there's  a tendency to touch the wrong spot when just carrying it along and not thinking about it....DaveB

In defense of a tablet...

...I found out with an Amazon Fire that if you use Engine Driver, it automatically lets you control 2 locos on the same page, without switching back and forth between them.

WiThrottle does the same on IOS.

Working LocoFi Test Setup

I have a LocoFi test setup in an F7 that I run as an ABBA set.  It currently draws power from the existing NCE DCC track power.  It uses my home WiFi network for connections on the 2.5 MGHZ band.  The control is through a cheap Amazon Fire tablet which has the proprietary LocoFi app installed. 

It works okay. I used a Stewart-Kato powered unit with the receiver above the metal frame. It was a somewhat tight fit. I don't run it too often and have to remember to charge up the Fire Tablet before hand. LocoFi receivers come with a prewired speaker with a basic sound package. The receiver has a micro SD card that can be used with custom sound tracks. i haven't tried an alternate sound package as I am half deaf so it makes little difference to me. 

The tablet app is workable. However, I do miss the throttle wheel and tactile forward reverse and functions buttons I have on a Procab/Powercab throttle. That's after 15 years of a hand held throttle and many many years of MRC DC throttles. 

I am planning to move the receiver to one of the B units and add a keep alive. Keep alives are absolutely required to maintain the WiFi connection between the throttle and locomotive. Momentary loss of power on a  turnout will cause a reconnection. 

Longer range the B units could easily house batteries for a complete dead rail locomotive. The ABBA set is mostly cosmetic on my still building fairly small layout as it runs on the through mainline trackage which is only 15 feet long. More of a technology exploration. 

LocoFi has been promising steam sounds and a steam engine control app but has not delivered as yet. It would be easy to install in plastic tenders but I am not sure about reception inside a brass tender.

Smaller diesels such as an Atlas S-2 might require some changes to the metal frame to install the receiver and speaker.  A keep alive will be necessary as well as a form of track power as I doubt I will get battery power that fits in these smaller diesels in the very near future. 

Anyone Considered Phone/Tablet Overlay?

Wondering if a clear plastic overlay with cutouts for touch points would be a welcome compromise? Would allow tactile feedback (perhaps with additional bumps on surface of overlay) of finger placement..

Straying from DCC

Ken-

At least LocoFi uses Wi-Fi, but those proprietary systems all make me nervous, like RailPro and the like. If Digitrax goes out of business or stops making stuff compatible with my system, at least I can get a Digikeijs, Roco, ESU, TCS, etc, DCC system, and it will work with all my decoders.

I get dead rail for outdoor G scale, otherwise, it seems like a lot more hassle than it's worth when we have DCC.

Direct radio will make a lot more sense when it can connect via LCC and it's standardized so that if the company goes out of business or whatever, you'll still be able to connect with other equipment.

Alex

OP wrote: "Would appreciate

OP wrote:

"Would appreciate some advice on a DCC system that could also be linked up to my iPad to run the short lines when they are ready."

This is easy. Grab your iPad and do this right now.

Go to the App Store and search on "roco z21".
You should get several hits.
Download the free app that has a red engine on a blue background.

This is the "control software" for the Roco z21 system.
You can run it in "demo mode", try all the functions, see how it all goes together.
(Of course, it won't run any trains on your layout without the hardware "box" that goes along with it).

On the iPad, I suggest you set it up with TWO cabs viewed horizontally.

Now that you've seen how the software and control interface works, it's time to look at the hardware.

On the net, search for "Roco z21".
There are TWO versions:
- the black box Z21 (big Z) -- kind of expensive
and
- the white box z21start (little z) -- this really has "all I needed".

There's also a "companion router" by TPLink that creates the "control network" (closed network) between your tablet/phone and the z21.

The z21start is a little "harder to get", being sold only by some European sources. That's how I got mine. I had to wait about two weeks for international delivery, but no problems otherwise. You can find these on ebay now and then, along with the companion router.

But there's another way to use the z21 software independently from the Roco hardware:
The Digikeijs DR5000 dcc controller.

This -is- available here in the USA, and it's actually cheaper than the z21 box. Also, it has the wifi built right into it -- no router necessary.

You do need a PC running windows to use the setup software for the DR5000.
If you're a Mac user, you could use bootcamp to run windows, or, it might work using a Windows emulator such as VMWare Fusion or Parallels.

AGAIN -- if you're looking for a graphical control interface using your iPad, try the z21 software to get an idea of what's possible ...!

BTW, the z21 works seamlessly with JMRI Decoder Pro as well.

Z21

Z21 looks really cool. The Z21 itself is a nice system for a small layout, and works with LocoNet throttles, but there's no documented way that I can find to use Digitrax boosters, whereas the DR5000 has a connection for Digitrax boosters as well as LocoNet for throttles. I'd skip the z21 and go for either the DR5000 or Z21.

The Europeans are WAY ahead of the US manufacturers technology wise, with RailCom, Wi-Fi, and support for multiple busses (i.e. LocoNet and XPressNet on the Z21 and DR5000).

  "the DR5000 has a

Yeah, the Digikeijs DR5000 is very flexible, I've used my Digitrax Zephyr with it as well as my digitrax Radio transmitter and UT4D throttle. The only drawback I've found is that it requires a PC computer to set up which might be a problem for some folks. It doesn't a very fancy PC though, I used an inexpensive laptop with no problem so most folks might have something that would work with the DR5000......DaveB

Lots of great information - Thanks Gents

Wow, lots to digest and try out.  I was used to the "either/or" with DCS and Legacy.  I have been researching the multitudes of options for this.  Actually, too many choices for my brain.  May I assume that all the systems are compatible as far as protocols go?  Meaning I can put any sound card into any DCC regardless of brand and they work as everything is using a standard DCC platform? 

With so many brands of DCC systems and sound systems I am hoping that many of these are compatible, otherwise these Bachmann On30 locos that folks previously installed DCC and sound into would have to be "normalized" as they have come with different brands of cards in them. Several were never used and are only DCC ready so that should be relatively easy to sort those out. (I am ASSUMING)

This was not the case with DCS-to-Legacy until very recently and then only with limited functionality of many of the "bells and whistles" (pun intended).  I never understood the "proprietary" system between MTH and Lionel.  Both would have benefitted significantly from a standardized protocol.  Myopia is a common affliction in manufacturing.

Thanks again Gents.

Meadmaker - Just to clarify,

Meadmaker -

Just to clarify, generally any DCC command station can drive any brand of DCC decoder.  The command station to track to decoder communication is standardized.

In most cases, the branded throttle can only talk to the same brand of command station. There are a few exceptions.

For wifi - every brand of command station either has a built-in, or available adaptor, to run wifi throttles such as the WiThrottle app for iOS or the Engine Driver app for android.

There are a couple of nice throttles out there that say they can talk to anything. If they are doing that through the WiThrottle protocol they are really just a cell phone with a knob and buttons.  (Not bad, just nothing as special has you might hear.)

Bluetooth has a much narrower application. In your early part of the hobby, I'd forget it.

gs

RailPro Direct Radio

...by Ring Engineering. Look into it. Lots of large scale modelers use it as well.

https://www.ringengineering.com/RailPro.htm

DCC is a trademark held by

DCC is a trademark held by the NMRA, and specifies data transmission from command station to locomotive via rail. Therefore, no system using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth IN THIS PATH can properly claim to be DCC. This is how universal interchangability of locomotives on various DCC systems is maintained. 

Throttle communications to the command station are unspecified, and can use any protocol desired. Several manufacturers have Bluetooth or Wi-Fi throttle capability, either built-in or available with additional hardware,

So simple and far in advance

When I read all the answers seems to be a bit complicated to have a good wifi control with DCC

I use a ZIMO DCC system in place of my old Lenz system.

This DCC system is far in advance from the other system for access of the DCC protocols and to communicate with the central station of the system.

Zimo system is full wifi compatible ready to use without any interface or translation module or any special programs.

Zimo has a direct interface to communicate with your computer and you can access all the protocols without the need of any intermediate program, when you connect to the central, automatically the Zimo send a open conversation program to your computer

Zimo has a direct access with JRMI protocol without the need of any interface.

The Zimo central station as a very fast processor and a big memory capacities which is extremely accessible with your computer by wifi or with USB if you prefer.

It has also the capacity to work with my Apple pro directly

The Zimo system can also include a huge library of pictures of your motive power which is displayed on the screen of the wireless throttle when you call the locomotives.

Zimo  is far in advance from the other DCC system for many features and wireless access; it's not a US system and is a bit expensive but so easy and fun to use.

The quality is recognized in all the world for this system and also for the very little decoders which are powerful in  regard of their size.

Ring Engineering and Wi-Fi Throttles

There's always a RailPro fan that pops up somewhere. That system is NOT DCC, is completely proprietary, and has two MASSIVE problems:

1. It's proprietary. If Ring Engineering goes out of business, you're SOL. If Digitrax goes out of business, I can get a system from Digikeijs, ESU, Roco, soon TCS, or one of several other companies and continue to use my DCC-equipped locomotives. If a decoder manufacturer goes out of business, it will still interoperate with my Digitrax equipment and with locomotives with other brands of decoders.

2. You're stuck with their interface. With DCC, there are the UWT's, WiThrottle/Engine Driver, ProtoThrottle, plus the system's own throttles, often several generations of them. In some cases, like with Digikeijs, you can have multiple types of throttles, like Digitrax, CVP, and Roco all together, in addition to throttles that work with WiThrottle.

Also, while RailPro locomotives can operate on top of DCC, using it only for power, not command signals, if you want to have a layout with RailPro but still be able to have other locomotives run on it, you still need a DCC system, defeating the whole concept of RailPro.

Direct radio really only makes sense for dead rail applications in G and F scales where you're outdoors and have weather issues. In that case, CVP is the current market leader with AirWire.

The TCS UWT's are the best in the business. They are extremely well designed, have easy to use software, are designed ergonomically, and will work with any system.

There's sort of a standard now for throttles, it's LCC/OpenLCB running over Wi-Fi, but most manufacturers haven't jumped on board yet, and it may be years or decades before they do, so we still have a lot of proprietary throttles out there that have limited cross-compatibility between systems.

Zimo is a great DCC system. I've heard a number of people who love it. However, it is astronomically expensive, and as a result will never be mainstream. They make NCE look cheap!

Just for a sense of price, this is what a wireless starter system costs from each of the following manufacturers:

Digitrax- $485

NCE- $624

CVP- $529

Digikeijs- $298

Roco- $570

ESU- $400

Zimo- $2,250

One is not like the others.