Subject:
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Re: New Press Release about Power Function Trains
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.trains
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Date:
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Wed, 26 Mar 2008 19:02:13 GMT
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Viewed:
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10500 times
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In lugnet.trains, Chris Gray wrote:
>
> A big issue for our group is that we do train shows with a large layout. The layout
> has big buildings, mountains, etc. The IR (infra-red) stuff on the RC (Remote Control,
> not Radio Control) trains is blocked by big chunks of Lego, and does not have very
> much range. Also, I believe they said there are 4 channels. That doesn't allow for
> much expansion - I would like more.
>
> It occurred to me that a WiFi system could work nicely. It could have greater range,
> reaching 50 feet or more even through big piles of Lego. If the system were designed
> so that it had 10 "domains" of 10 channels each, it could even work well at a big
> Lego train show - allowing up to 10 layouts of 10 trains each. In the next couple of
> years, I think the cost of using WiFi will be minimal, so perhaps we should all lobby
> Lego to switch to WiFi in a couple of years. If the power functions system ends up
> modular enough, this could be done as special-order items on Shop@Home that are not
> normally included in train sets. Or, it could be custom-built stuff.
>
> -Chris Gray (NALUG)
This was precisely what I was discussing with Abner at a recent show. What
happens with the IR trains at a show like Brickworld? I have to admit that it
will be pretty funny to mess another layout's trains...for the first 5 minutes.
Once the joke has been had, it will get annoying quick. Does this mean we will
have to space all the train layouts out to make sure nobody interferes with
anyone else? I assume you could have two trains using the same frequency in the
same room if they are far enough apart. Perhaps we will have to start posting
on our layout what frequencies we plan to use?
Does anyone have any thoughts on this? I know it probably won't be an issue
right away since most people will probably stick with mainly 9V for the time
being. But at some point...it will be an issue.
-Dave
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Message has 1 Reply:
 | | Re: New Press Release about Power Function Trains
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| (...) I agree that IR is not ideal for all the reasons previously listed. I hope WiFi is a consideration for a later release. Line of site controlers just are not practical for large layouts but I would guess we will find a way to manage. The (...) (16 years ago, 26-Mar-08, to lugnet.trains)
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Message is in Reply To:
| | Re: New Press Release about Power Function Trains
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| (...) Several people, myself included, have tried Lithium camera batteries in the RC trains. They run for 4-6 hours, and can be recharged in 15 minutes. I would hope that the Lego battery box would be similar. That, coupled with fixing the traction (...) (16 years ago, 26-Mar-08, to lugnet.trains)
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