[Gary]

Very often consoles have to be updated and this costs. It is an area often overlooked when comparing consoles.

Over 10 years what might the typical update costs be?

And does every console manufacturer offer this service or are you expected to buy a replacement console when the old one can no longer be updated?

I am anticipating that my Elite will be update cost free over 10 years but who knows. I am also anticipating that DCC will make such big strides in 10 years that a new console at the end of this time may be required anyway! So it is an initial investment of £100 with no service costs over this 10 year period.

Happy modelling
Gary

 

[john g]

hi gary, there could be at least another two new consols out or. maybe three, here is an instance cars and computer software is up-dated every 6 - 8 months, software " microsoft " they stop up-dating software every 5 years and then bring out a new version and stop supporting the old version after this time. apple on the other hand is something simular. but they bring fair size up-dates approx every 6-8 months.
car manufactures up-date the same way and once in a blue moon sometimes in the 6-8 months time frame, it's either cosmetic or some modification to the engine or in extremes there is a new car being launched,

so in a 10 year time frame your talking about at least about 3 new versions of a controller. will be out, it again comes down to how you use it, constitily,
fair part of the day, or occasionally. and the software side of things too, how long before the manufacture decides to stop the up-dated for a particular model of controller when a new one comes on the market from the same manufacture.

(i'm not getting at hornby here.) hornby has 2 controllers out, they stop producing the select. then they bring another version of the select out. how long before they stop supporting the old select. the same goes for all manufactures.

john

 

[Oakydoke]

Systems that can be up-graded over the 'net will have an advantage cost-wise.
Hornby are OK here. (You wanted to hear that Gary, didn't you

Others like ESU have a similar facility.

Systems that require returning to the shop or manufacturer will undoubtedly incur extra cost over time.
Similarly with systems that have EPROMs or whatever, sent out to the customer.

As far as replacement products are concerned; we shouldn't be suprised if a manufacturer withdraws software support.
As long as your old system still works, why worry?

p.s. I'll bet the Select is replaced within a year or two, if not dropped in the short term; and we'll se an enhanced Elite 2 in due course.

 

[Gary]

QUOTE p.s. I'll bet the Select is replaced within a year or two, if not dropped in the short term; and we'll se an enhanced Elite 2 in due course.

Wouldn't be at all surprised as Hornby have a policy of constant ongoing development. Its not an issue as long as enhanced units are compatible with what has been marketed historically. If this is Hornby's method (and indeed the method of any manufacturer) of updating consoles then it should be factored in by customers.

Happy modelling
Gary

 

[neil_s_wood]

QUOTE And does every console manufacturer offer this service or are you expected to buy a replacement console when the old one can no longer be updated?

I hadn't thought this far ahead. My ECoS can be easily (now I know how to do it) updated by updates over the internet and so will last for some time but as was siad there will come a time when they will want to sell a new product and will stop supporting this one. I wonder how long that will be? Lenz'z system is at least eight years old so it would be good if they kept it going at least that long.

 

[Sol]

Never had this problem with analogue controllers

 

[Graham Plowman]

QUOTE (Sol @ 23 Jul 2007, 09:56) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Never had this problem with analogue controllers

That's true, but then you retain iron-age motor-style control (and associated poor performance) on a permanent basis!

Graham Plowman

 

[Brian Considine]

QUOTE (Sol @ 23 Jul 2007, 00:56) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Never had this problem with analogue controllers

Maybe so, but if you buy decent kit in the first place unless you want to keep up with latest developments you don't have to update.

Same as everything, TV's, Radio, Music, Computers - then again some people still have Gramaphones & 78's.