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Engineer
USA
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 Posted - 13 Feb 2007 : 17:18:18
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I was wondering if theguys on here who use RCS for their battery R/C locos could give me some pros and cons of the system. I hear it is really great and a couple guys in my club use it. I am really considering this as my R/C system for my upcoming conversion and wanted to get some more knowledge on the subject. Thanks!  |
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Engineer
1st Class Member
USA
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Posted - 13 Feb 2007 : 17:28:17
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Matt,
I used one down at Marty's last summer. You can't go wrong, it's a very nice system. |
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Conductor
1st Class Member
USA
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Posted - 13 Feb 2007 : 18:11:41
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| I also have installed it in one of my loco's. Both Tony and Dave were very helpful with the installation and it works wonderfully. I haven't found anything that I would consider a drawback at all. It came with great directions and when you add in the phone help from Tony and Dave that they gave me I couldn't go wrong.... |
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Engineer
1st Class Member
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Posted - 13 Feb 2007 : 18:17:57
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I had a old Tx/Rx, got the reciever unit, works fine. Dave is great to work with.
Jerry |
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Conductor
1st Class Member
USA
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Posted - 13 Feb 2007 : 18:39:44
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I have two locos with battery power, Sierra sound, and RCS control electronics. The RCS system works well for me, and I like having a separate, small, four-and-one-half button transmitter for each loco.
Aye, aye...second the motion on the helpfulness of TOC. He went all out to coach fumblefingers me on the Mogul conversion.
Dawg  |
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Engineer
USA
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Posted - 13 Feb 2007 : 19:19:09
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I've got one with RCS installed and running, one on the property that will eventually be RCS, and one more planned. THe one I have runs VERY well, and is a mainstay of the railroad. I can't think of anything bad to say about it....
Matthew (OV) |
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Railway Exec (Moderator)
1st Class Member
Canada
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Posted - 13 Feb 2007 : 20:18:38
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I have some locos with RCS and some with Aristo TE (27 Mhz). I have seen/used but do not own Locolinc and Airwire.
Brifly my take on pros cons ...
1) Aristo (27 Mhz) ... low cost and 10 amp power handling ... clunky keypad and there can be range problems ... clunky addon board for sound or other accessories (I do not own a 75Mhz system but the guys in the club do and have had range problems at times - these are not recommended)
2) RCS ... a more expensive but fully featured system (with high amperage capability) ... very nice keypad functionality ... easiest to install in tight places ... good range (perfect for my use as I walk with the train) but the patio sitting drinkers report range problems ... best support of any system for amateur installers
3) Airwire ... most expensive ... great for MU'ed diesels if the operator is prepared to program speed tables and tweak various CVs (configuration variables) ... otherwise has the same functionality as RCS ... best range of the current systems ... has required some tweaking to handle high amperages
4) Locolinc ... i was unimpressed so should leve comment to those who have more operating experience
I do not subscribe to the theory that only one system should be chosen and once bought stayed with. I cannot think of any particular advantage (other than learning curve for installation) for not mixing and matching depending on the application.
For those needing long range and/or the abuility to MU diesels with different gearing ratios, I would recommend Airwire ... for those needing a BUDGET installation in a high current draw situation (can you say 4 motored USAT beasts like an F3 A-B), I would recommend Aristo ... for all other situation I would recommend RCS as it gives the necessary functionality in the lowest price package.
Just my opinion ... your mileage may vary as the saying goes
Regards ... Doug
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Engineer
1st Class Member
USA
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Posted - 13 Feb 2007 : 20:21:02
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Matt:
See the lengthy email I sent you (through MLS) a few weeks ago.
I am 100% satisfied with my RCS + battery + Sierra sound equipped locomotives. They are completely self contained with excellent run times. The newest TX-24 shirt pocket sized controller is great.
Happy RRing,
Jerry Bowers
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Engineer
1st Class Member
USA
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Posted - 13 Feb 2007 : 20:27:54
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I've been using them for many years. The quality and ease of installation is first rate. Range is not the best, but once you get a command to the engine, that's it. Controls are silky smooth. I use the full stop all the time as it is so slow and controlled I don't have to think about it. Acceleration is the same. Just hold the button until you are at the speed you want and let go. Smooth and slow...just the way the real ones are. Support is the best.
Being able to just put the Tx in my shirt pocket was what initially sold me. Small and no clunky antenna to deal with. |
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Engineer
1st Class Member
USA
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Posted - 13 Feb 2007 : 20:51:31
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Matt
It depends on what your personal need is and how your going to use it.
I started with AC TE trackside unit and it has done well. But now they are not made.
The RCS units I have has handled my need for POWER and running long trains with many engines.
Very simple to program once you've done it 6 times. ( as with any controler).
I'm brain dead and simplier the better.
I have had good luck with their wip antenna in my battery cars.
Plus the service is ,,I mean it 2nd to none. |
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Brakeman
1st Class Member
Australia
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Posted - 13 Feb 2007 : 22:36:38
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Dude!
I have got RCS in my LGB 0-4-0 and in my Live steamer. It's great.
The club where I run have got the Aristo system, me another guy there have got out locos converted to battery and RCS. The aristo guys seem to be always having problems with range, responce etc... Where as us RCS'ers seem to spend more time running trains.
I like it cause:
- the fact that I can stick the controler in my pocket,
- not have to worry about my loco not responding (I have no range problems)
- It has only 8 buttons
Fairly simple to install
Tony has published some examples of installs on the RCS-C web site, I used them as a guide for mine. As mention, after sales service is exceptional.
Stan |
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Brakeman
1st Class Member
USA
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Posted - 14 Feb 2007 : 05:16:44
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The RCS system is beautiful. I agree with all that’s been mentioned:
- Glitch free
- Excellent advice & direction from Dave during installation.
- The Marlboro box size controller is convenient to carry and use
What hasn’t been mentioned is the ability for “real time” control of the whistle / horn.
You can “play” the system like an instrument… and create unique variations and develop your own “signature” toot.
Call or email Dave, I’m sure he would be happy to answer any questions about your particular installation.
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Engineer
1st Class Member
USA
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Posted - 14 Feb 2007 : 11:02:57
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RCS ROCKS!
I just completed my Annie(Elite 3)-LOVE IT!
Also have a Trail Car setup w/RCS (Basic 2) that may soon find a home in my Saddletanker...you will not be disappointed!
Range for me has been outstanding thus far..even testing on the bench, in the attached garage, controlling from master bath room (furtherest away I could get....through all the walls!
there are those who have their favs', but for me and my house-we'll use RCS!
And most importantly: The service is the BEST!
Matt, if you need more shoot me an email...... |
Edited by - on 14 Feb 2007 11:06:24 |
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Engineer
1st Class Member
USA
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Posted - 14 Feb 2007 : 12:03:04
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I have 2 RCS systems and I feel they are bullit proof!
I also feel the support from TOC..is worth the price alone!!
All the prices are pretty much the same..I feel it is better to have more then one type of control anyway!
Some are easier to program then others....each should be experienced.
It's better to see for yourself and then decide which one fits your needs...then sell the ones you don't like! There are always buyers for stuff.
Bubba
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Engineer
1st Class Member
USA
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Posted - 14 Feb 2007 : 15:40:13
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I have four RCS converted engines (a Bachmann Shay, Climax, Connie and BBT 280 converted Annie all with Sierra sound) and am waiting for my fifth locomotive to come back from Dave Goodson at NWRCS (who has done all of my conversions) which is an LGB Mogul. Obviously, I wouldn't be investing this much in this system if I wasn't totally satisfied! I have never had problems with range but I also don't have a large layout. What I do have is an intollerance for cleaning track (in fact, I hate doing it!! ) I'm sure that other r/c systems are quite good but as for me, I will stick with RCS because it is everything I want in an r/c battery system! |
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Engineer
USA
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Posted - 14 Feb 2007 : 21:12:50
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| Thanks for all your replys everyone. I really appreciate it! I have decided to go solely with RCS for my battery powered R/C loco(s). Thanks again! |
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