Model Railroading > DCC Cordless Controllers

New to the DCC game here and with a local model RR club. We are looking to aquire a few additional DCC handheld cordless controllers. The clubs older versions are  handheld battery powered and have an extension, telephone like cord, they plug into the layout for programming loco's.

Anybody got any good ideas which way we should look?

Thank you!
 

What kind of DCC system is being used.  Most of the major DCC systems have the ability to handle WiFi throttles, but may need an additional component to do WiFi.

I would strongly suggest WfFi controllers.  Most DCC systems can be adapted to WiFi these days.  For example, Digitrax has a WiFi adaptor which allows WiFi hand held contollers to connect to the DCC system and control loco.s.  It is the Digitrax LNWI Loconet  WiFi interface and they run about $65 and can handle up to 4 WiFi throttles.

Some install an app on smart phones which allows the smart phone to act as a WiFi throttle.  Using a smart phone can be a low cost Throttle.

Train Control Systems (TCS) sell Wifi Throttles that have buttons and either a thumb wheels or knob to control trains speed and functions.  They are the UWT-100 and UWT-50.  They are pricey but very nice.  I"ve purchased 3 for my home layout and feel they are well worth it.  

There is a discussion topic at the MRH forums to read up on if you want:

So, what WiFi "throttle" do you Actually use? - the MRH Forum

Cheers,
Jim



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/21/25 11:39 by SPDRGWfan.

Everyone makes them now. What system is your club currently using and are they willing to go Wi-Fi are the first questions I would ask. 

Wi-Fi, TCS,  done! Nothing else left to say!!!

Mike ONeill
Okahumpka, FL

mcdeo Wrote:
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> Wi-Fi, TCS,  done! Nothing else left to say!!!

I'm a fan of the TCS throttle.
https://www.tcsdcc.com/uwt-100

I like the 50's. Operated 43 sessions on my former layout, zero issues. Up to 8 people at one time, for 4 hours, every session. Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi. I didn't even have any utility ports on the layout, no need for them. Saved me some wiring for sure. 

Mike ONeill
Okahumpka, FL

Let me make this clear.

WiFi + TCS wireless throttles, for the win.

 

Thanks to all for the replies. I'll have to dig into this.

WrongWayMurphy Wrote:
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> Let me make this clear.
>
> WiFi + TCS wireless throttles, for the win.
>

Amen.. I use TCS UWT-50E throttles with WiFi.  The UWT-100 isn't bad either.  Both provide a much more tactile, and enjoyable user experence than using a smartphone for a wifi throttle, and better than most exisitng DCC throttles too.

Cheers,
Harry

It sounds like your club has Digitrax Simplex (“R” suffix) equipment. The throttles only transmit commands and do not receive, which is why you have to plug in to select a locomotive. As mentioned, you can buy an LNWI module and plug it right in to your current system. Then you can use WiFi throttles from other companies such as TCS to communicate and run via the LNWI. Digitrax makes a duplex system that requires no plugging in at all, but the WIFI is much more universal and robust

Sean

Posted from iPhone

Hate to sound like a broken record, but like the others, adding a Wifi receiver and using a TCS UWT-50P throttle is the way to go.

Ted Curphey
Ontario, OR

---

bigmc83 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> It sounds like your club has Digitrax Simplex
> (“R” suffix) equipment. The throttles only
> transmit commands and do not receive, which is why
> you have to plug in to select a locomotive. As
> mentioned, you can buy an LNWI module and plug it
> right in to your current system. Then you can use
> WiFi throttles from other companies such as TCS to
> communicate and run via the LNWI. Digitrax makes
> a duplex system that requires no plugging in at
> all, but the WIFI is much more universal and
> robust
So noted and thnks for the info!

funnelfan Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hate to sound like a broken record, but like the
> others, adding a Wifi receiver and using a TCS
> UWT-50P throttle is the way to go.

Wi-Fi is our issue. None in the building at the moment

IAMTRAKN2 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> funnelfan Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Hate to sound like a broken record, but like
> the
> > others, adding a Wifi receiver and using a TCS
> > UWT-50P throttle is the way to go.
>
> Wi-Fi is our issue. None in the building at the
> moment


A Digitrax Loconet transmitter will fix that problem.

IAMTRAKN2 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> Wi-Fi is our issue. None in the building at the
> moment

The idea is to have your own private Wi-Fi connected to your Command system.

Definitly not a public Wi-Fi.

Should be able to purchase a Wi-Fi Router and then follow instructions from numerous Model RR sources, the Throttle manufacturers or Hobby Shops might be able to advise. No connection to the ' Internet ' needed and probably best not to connect it to the outside world for Virus or Hacking reasons.

DutchDragon Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> IAMTRAKN2 Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > funnelfan Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > Hate to sound like a broken record, but like
> > the
> > > others, adding a Wifi receiver and using a
> TCS
> > > UWT-50P throttle is the way to go.
> >
> > Wi-Fi is our issue. None in the building at the
> > moment
>
>
> A Digitrax Loconet transmitter will fix that
> problem.
I'll look into that. Thanks!