Subject:
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Re: LEGO 9V Train Communication II
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.trains
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Date:
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Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:55:48 GMT
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Viewed:
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15945 times
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In lugnet.trains, Jordan Schwarz wrote:
> > That would need to be in software since the RCX is perfectly
> > IR equipped as far as I am concerned.
I'm pretty sure the RCX could be programmed to throw PF control messages... and
while this would be a lot cheaper from a HW standpoint at the moment, I'm not
sure it would be long-term. Right now the RCX is cheap(er) on eBay, but as they
become rarer over time, you will have less HW to play with, and fewer people
writing custom SW to get it to do it. On other words, if you move towards a HW
solution that is no longer currently produced, there are other issue to
consider.
But if the RCX can control the Manas, it should be able to handle the PF stuff.
> Of course, that will cost $250 for the NXT plus another $50
> for the sensor plus whatever you pay for the train)
True, but given the amount of money spent on the large (or even medium sized)
layouts, I'm surprised the cost is too much of a barrier. At S@H right now, you
could grab an NXT & a rechargeable battery set for $189 (less if you already
have enough transformers). Add an IRLink for $47, and you have a DIY three-train
control system for $236*. Not cheap, but when I look at the cost of the track,
rolling stock, and brickscaping (!) that people will pay for, I'd be surprised
if this is too great a barrier. How much does a DCC controller cost, $30-$40 or
so per train or device? So for an LDCC system, you need a minimum of the 1.0 RCX
($50 if you wait for it on eBay) and three decoders (another $90 to $120 or
so?), so you're already edging towards $200.
--
Brian Davis
*I'm not sure why it says "up to three trains" - I was guessing up to four, with
four channels, but the IR train commands may be different... and may change
further with this possible new system.
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Message has 1 Reply:
 | | Re: LEGO 9V Train Communication II
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| (...) Brian, the more I read this, the more I am with you. I think I really need to re-think my LEGO budget for next year... Three trains sounds like fair enough to me, since our house is not supposed to grow and the trains need some space to be (...) (16 years ago, 19-Dec-07, to lugnet.trains)
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Message is in Reply To:
| | Re: LEGO 9V Train Communication II
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| (...) Hi Jerry, I certainly agree that this might not be a cost-effective solution or a very efficient way to implement DCC (although there are surely those out there who will pursue it anyway). I was just trying to emphasize that there isn't reall (...) (16 years ago, 19-Dec-07, to lugnet.trains)
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