es, providing they’re all associ- ated with my iTunes account. I currently have it installed on my iPhone and two iPod Touch devices, including one I bought specifically for use as a throttle. A new iPod Touch with a 16 GB capacity costs about the same as the top Lenz throttle — the LH100 keypad model. Recondi- tioned, used iPods can often be purchased for less.
Hardware Requirements Beyond having a suitable wireless device and a compat- ible DCC system, one must check for any additional hard- ware requirements. Again, the app developer’s website should list these. To use TouchCab on my layout, I needed to add a couple of pieces of hardware to my Lenz DCC system.
The first was the Lenz USB/ Ethernet interface (catalog num- ber 23151). This interface al- lows one to connect a router and/or computer to the Lenz XpressNet throttle bus.
The second was a router — in my case, an Apple Airport Ex- press. The router provides the WiFi that allows my iPod Touch to connect to the throttle bus. For home network security reasons, I liked the fact that the hardware is a self-contained sys- tem. Using TouchCab, there’s no need to connect a computer to the layout. Some throttle apps require a computer because they work via the Java Model Railroad Interface (JMRI). Also, it’s not necessary to con- nect the WiFi router to the Inter- net. I used a computer to set up the Airport Express, and it hasn’t touched the Internet since. I as- signed the router a simple name (“Trevor’s Layout”) and an easy password that I can share with visiting operators who have add- ed TouchCab to their devices. I never open my wireless home network to security breaches, viruses, or other Internet-borne
threats. Anybody who hacks into my XpressNet through my layout’s WiFi router is going to be extremely disappointed! Setting up the hardware and the app was fairly straightfor- ward, although I did have some issues the first time I tried to connect to the system. However, TouchCab’s website includes a forum, and I received great and timely technical support from the developer. Soon, I was up and running. The TouchCab app impressed me right from the start. WiFi is a robust wireless communications system that supports multiple devices without interference. It also provides excellent signal range. Meantime, the iPod’s lith- ium-ion battery provides many, many hours of throttle time plus quick recharging.
The Throttle Experience
I would describe traditional DCC throttles as being defined by their hardware. The various controls — the buttons, switch- es and knobs — are located in a specific arrangement. While it’s possible for the manufacturer to upgrade the programming inside the throttle case, that usually in- volves replacing chipsets, which means sending the unit away. By contrast, TouchCab and other similar apps are software- defined throttles. Any applica- tion upgrades, enhancements, or bug fixes can be down- loaded and installed as they’re published.
The iPod’s touch screen is a blank canvas onto which virtual buttons, sliders, and other con- trols are displayed. This means the application developer can create user interfaces with dif- ferent configurations. For exam- ple, the TouchCab application includes the ability to flip the various controls for left-hand- ed or right-handed operation. Some other apps offer throttle interfaces that may be config- ured for switching or main line running. Users can change these interfaces at any time from with- in the app — even during an op- erating session.
Compared with traditional DCC throttles, these modern wireless devices feel beautiful in the hand. The Apple devices I’m using are smaller and light- er than a conventional throttle,
Hardware Above: To use an iPod Touch as a throttle, the author added two pieces of hardware to his exist- ing DCC system. On the left, an Apple Airport Express wireless router provides the WiFi con- nection. The router is connected to the Lenz LAN/USB Interface in the center (which, in turn, is connected into the Lenz XpressNet throttle bus at right). The devices nor- mally sit on a plywood shelf under a staging yard, which is centrally located in the author’s layout space.
Above: Electronics never like to be dropped. Whereas traditional DCC throttles rarely come with cases, there are hundreds of choices to pro- tect an iPhone or iPod Touch. The author has tested two types: a wallet- style case and a protective backing plate.
AUGUST 2015 41
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100