This is the first of what will probably be a million questions. I'm building a layout that is extending 20 x 30 along three walls. I'm running two lines along the length and most of the build out of the layout is in the corners.
I've been researching DCC. My intent is to run the entire layout with a JMRI server and to use the JMRI throttle app for Android for my throttle controllers. The use of the Android app utilizes my existing home wireless network and eliminates the cost of IR or RF controllers. Everything I'm reading and understadning is that I can do just about everything imaginable with the computer, the JMRI application with hardware interface, and a command station. I do have a technical background, so the technology does make sense to me, But having never built or run one of these systems I just don't know what I don't know, yet. So my questions are this...
First, can I build and run with JMRI, a command station and android throttles on the home network? (avoiding the excessive cost and clunkiness of the large controller interfaces)
Second, what platform would you recommend? I've narrowed it down to Digitrax or NCE. Most of the advantages of the NCE seem to be related to the their Procab throttle. But with JMRI to do all of the programing, do you need an expensive throttle, say the digitrax DT402? Which platform would you recommend?
A DB150 for $150, JMRI USB adaptor $62, and I'm in business?
Promise, future posts will be shorter!
Thanks
I've been researching DCC. My intent is to run the entire layout with a JMRI server and to use the JMRI throttle app for Android for my throttle controllers. The use of the Android app utilizes my existing home wireless network and eliminates the cost of IR or RF controllers. Everything I'm reading and understadning is that I can do just about everything imaginable with the computer, the JMRI application with hardware interface, and a command station. I do have a technical background, so the technology does make sense to me, But having never built or run one of these systems I just don't know what I don't know, yet. So my questions are this...
First, can I build and run with JMRI, a command station and android throttles on the home network? (avoiding the excessive cost and clunkiness of the large controller interfaces)
Second, what platform would you recommend? I've narrowed it down to Digitrax or NCE. Most of the advantages of the NCE seem to be related to the their Procab throttle. But with JMRI to do all of the programing, do you need an expensive throttle, say the digitrax DT402? Which platform would you recommend?
A DB150 for $150, JMRI USB adaptor $62, and I'm in business?
Promise, future posts will be shorter!
Thanks