Advanced DC power supplies/controllers

[CaptOblivious]

I think to have the complete Tomix controller, you will need all three of these (which makes it very expensive!!). Also, since it's listed as a controller for the Tomytec Railway Collection, it might only output 6V, like the current Tomytec controller. But I don't know.

 

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10102864

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10102863

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10102848

 

That's about $325 total!!

[David]

I think to have the complete Tomix controller, you will need all three of these (which makes it very expensive!!). Also, since it's listed as a controller for the Tomytec Railway Collection, it might only output 6V, like the current Tomytec controller. But I don't know.

 

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10102864

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10102863

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10102848

 

That's about $325 total!!

 

I didn't see the other items are they where not on the front page at the time, though I don't think you need all 3. It does seem to make sense of the numbers that are shown in the picture: The throttle and brake are piece #1 and cost 7,920 yen and control the train (the description text for that item does make it clear that it's supposed to be a simulator control, though whether you can adjust the max speed/acceleration to match a specific train remains to be seen). The volt meter (gauges) and door control (sound) are piece #2, and cost 7,020 yen. The last item is marked "set" and costs 14,940 yen - I think this is simply getting the previous 2 pieces as a single package.

 

The question is if you need both pieces to run the setup, or if you can use them seperately - it would make sense that the simulator component can be used to run the trains and you just won't have the gauges. The gauges might be harder - is there a seperate power supply, or is there a special feed (AC?) from the main throttle needed to run them (specifically the sound component). Ultimately I doubt the whole thing costs $325, as this would make it more expensive then Tomix's mid-range cab controller (which apart from 3 sound effects has a lot more features, like multiple power outputs). If you can just buy the throttle seperately that might be an attractive option - it would certainly cut down on the shipping cost by not having to send that bulky gauge unit (unless the bottom of the gauges is part of the throttle and the gauges just get slotted into the top).

 

Either way, I think this deserves some tracking and updates as information becomes available. It could still turn out to be a very affordable cab simulator for those of us who can't pay Plaza Japan $150 to ship a $1500 DC controller.

[inobu]

David,

 

I know what you mean and I have been weighing out the same points and I'm leaning towards the DCC/DC option first and then will probably go all DCC later. The cab control units are nice and it gives a realistic control (feel) to the driver but does not deliver the realistic control to the units.

 

Having the train to operate in its true manner is more so challenging which I think you were alluding to. DC cannot produce these effects. If we were satisfied with DC this topic would not be of interest but because we are looking for more we have to ask ourselves if DC will deliver or keep up with our wants. I'm thinking not. Notice there are not many controllers out there which puts things in an either or (DC/DCC) decision.

 

I'm going to try the DCC/DC setup if I don't like it I'll move over to full DCC. If it works out I'll stay with the DCC/DC configuration. I think this is the best route for me.  

 

I feel this is a good all around transitional move.

 

Inobu    

[cteno4]

Sorry i saw these on HW the other evening but did not get around to seeing if they had been posted.

 

i think the confusion is that you can buy the whole thing in two parts or all in one. the confusion is that hs used the all in one picture with the 1/2 labels for all of them. in the hw picts you see what you get in the partial sets as 1 or 2!

 

as usual hw is doing a great 26% preorder discount and sal will really help as this probably wont be cheap to ship ems...

 

full unit $130:

http://www.hwjapan.com/sh/TOM2009110406.aspx

 

throttle/brake unit (#1 in picture) $69

http://www.hwjapan.com/sh/TOM2009110407.aspx

 

master and door unit (#2 in picture) $60

http://www.hwjapan.com/sh/TOM2009110408.aspx

 

hopefully more info will come out soon on this and clear it all up, but thats my best guess!

 

cheers

 

jeff

[Kabutoni]

Yeah, I saw those TOMIX controllers too, but was too tired/occupied to post.

 

I'm thinking of buying one, but I don't know if that's the right choice as I'm not running EMU on my layout. Looks very very interesting though... Too bad there is too little information on the item. What I do know is that it's fed with a 9V adapter and has sound options in the full package with the driving sound, doors opening and closing and that classical Japanese whistle.

 

Now, I'd love such a bargain from HW (HS offers it for about US$166), but I'm genuinely more interested in one with diesel sounds. A nice blaring and chugging DD51 engine pulling away at full throttle or the rough ticking of an old DMU... Well, there is such a controller from TOMIX, but that's a tad too expensive for me...

 

Nah, maybe I'll better invest in some more FineTrack and freight wagons...

[bill937ca]

Hobby Search has posted more information on the Series 101 Cab Style Controller and reservations have re-opened.  It is now expected in July 2010.

 

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10102848

 

There are no ports for switches, so I presume this controller is only intended for Japanese style endless driving operation, i.e. round and round and round but with sounds of accelerating, braking, doors opening and doors closing.  Rated power output is 9V 0.5A.  Track dirt seems to be an issue and the unit is not compatible with the Tomix vehicle camera system.  But it is described as a "relatively cheap" unit

 

It strikes me that rather than competing with DCC, the various controllers like this are an attempt to make model train operation more competitive with very popular Japanese video train simulators like Densha de Go by ideally adding train sounds, operating signals and track level video. Large screen tv driving experience set ups using the Tomix in train camera are common at more elaborate train shows in Japan.  But to create a single N gauge unit with all those features in a single unit will probably carry a heftier price tag than the Tomytec controller.

[cteno4]

the tomytec controller is out now. seems it reads the voltage change as the motor starts to turn over to give the proper timing for the engine noises. some restrictions with CL it looks like, but not very clear with the translation there.

 

anyone going to pop on this? if so would love to hear how they work!

 

cheers

 

jef