My next project on the layout is a staging yard that will be on one side of an 8' X 14' closet. As a result, I need to be able to run trains away from the power pack to ensure that trains don't fall off of the staging yard (can't see it from the power pack). Aristocraft used to make a very good DC wireless walkaround throttle. They are no longer in business. Are there currently any walkaround throttles being made for DC? Maybe I'll post this in the want ads also in case someone has one they want to get rid of. If anyone has an idea, please let me know!!!
Kato 22-019 Smart Controller. I've considered getting one for my DC test track but haven't pulled the trigger yet. It is not standalone - you have to connect to it with Bluetooth using a smartphone or tablet and the Kato Smart Controller app (available for Android and Apple). If you have any interest in sound (not onboard), an additional feature is it integrates with the Kato Sound Box and gives you control of the sound with the same app.
Thanks for the info. I'm pretty old school (one of the reasons my layout is DC)--don't even text!!! So doing anything using my phone probably won't work for me. But the idea is greatly appreciated!!! However, I will look it up and see how it works. It just so happens that most of my layout (everything except industry sidings and the yard) is Kato unitrack. A friend found a pile of the stuff at a swap meet years ago and sold it to me for next to nothing. At the price of track today, it made more sense to use it than spend hundreds of dollars on track and switches. And the Kato stuff works great.
Use address 0 on a DCC system (that supports analog control via address 0)? Then you can use wireless throttles or phone apps with them, either natively, with a WiFi interface, or via JMRI, depending on the DCC system. Edit: sometimes these replies may not be so much for the OP, but for others reading and wondering... And sometimes I should read beyond the first post or two before posting.
Something like this should work: https://www.amazon.com/uniquegoods-Controller-Adjustable-Reversible-Reversing/dp/B01MCYHQRZ I don't know how well if would handle shorts you might need to add a circuit breaker.
It looks like a receiver in each locomotive is needed. The Aristocraft system was just a normal DC power pack addition with a walk around throttle. Maybe I'm missing something, but the link talks about sending a signal to the locomotive.
They do offer a trackside receiver as well. Looks like exactly what you're looking for, but it's an expensive solution - $175 for the transmitter and $148.50 for the receiver. It does include sound if that makes a difference.
Actually, they do have a package deal for $315, but the receiver I linked to and is in the package is PWM. That's fine as long as you don't have any locos with decoders, but if you do, they often have trouble with PWM. If that's the case, you might have to get the linear receiver for $159.50.
There are several options.......I originally found them because I was looking for a G scale option and for those you use a receiver in each locomotive. But they make a base that looks (and works) just like the Aristo system.
Dallee makes this DC walkaround [ https://www.dallee.com/Yard-Master-II-2354 ] and one with a few more features at [ https:dallee.com/Yard-Master-II-with-remote-momentum-on-off-control-2355 ] and Sympatico's [ http://www3.sympatico.ca/kstapleton3/851.HTM ].
Fun to see the options.........the units listed by Hardcoaler are all hardwired. I have one of those and they DO allow walking around up to the limit of the tether. And mine works well. They might allow enough movement for use in a yard. My layout is DCC, but I have an interchange that hides in a tunnel and I use DC on that. So a loco pushes a few cars out of the tunnel and spots them for pick up. The other half of the interchange track is DCC so my home road can pick the cars up. I did it that way so I can use some of my non-DCC stuff and switch road names on the interchange. The Dallee unit is small and light enough I just velcroed it to the front of the layout. The unit Dan linked to looks interesting, but I always shy away from things when the manufacturer doesn't list a cost on their page.......usually means the cost is not very user friendly.........but it could still be cheaper than the Crest unit. And you could watch the auction sites.......you still see the Aristo units from time to time.
Thanks for all of your replies. There's a Crest unit and an old Aristo unit on two different auction sites I'm considering. Both seem to be listed by sellers that are basically online garage sales and don't seem to know much about model railroading. It would be nice to ensure that something works before buying it...
If you are still searching for a wireless DC throttle, I have built one. It is entirely my own design. Here's a YouTube video: There is also an exhaustive discussion thread on it at: https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=55335.0 (details and development discussion) Short specs: 3 Amp capacity, operates wired with conventional controls (pot, toggles, etc) or via a wireless handheld. Has pulses that are soft half-wave sine - no noise, no heat, no confusing DCC decoder equipped locos running on DC Momentum (switchable on/off) Wireless range is about 50 feet through multiple walls, 100 feet clear line of site PM me if interested. I am not producing these on an "assembly line". But I am willing to build one if somebody wants one.
