[Doug]

This looks great. It uses wireless which in my opinion is better than IR.

The basic framework of IEEE 802.15.4 wireless conceives a 10-meter communications area with a transfer rate of up to 250 kbit/s.

It works in the following frequencies:

868 MHz to 868.8 MHz range (in Europe) - 3 channels
902 MHz to 928 MHz (in North America) - up to 30 channels
2400 MHz to 2483.5 MHz (Worldwide) - 16 channels - which is the same as 2.4-GHz 802.11 Wi-Fi unfortunatly

I'll be trying to get one of these as soon as it comes out. It encompasses the quality, usefulness and simplicity of Roco MultiMaus.

 

[Doug]

The first link is English, but it came up in German the first time I saw it. You may have to go to their homepage, then select English to set an 'English' cookie, then check the link again.

 

[Doug]

For those that can't see the English:

multiMAUSPRO

preproduction sample image

multiMAUSPRO "the new standard in model railway controls"

Since its market launch a few years ago, multiMAUS has become a standard for digitally-controlled model railways. Its ease of use, attractive price and, last but not least, its ergonomic shape have already won the hearts of many model railway fans.

Now Roco is setting a new standard with multiMAUSPRO. This unique combination of cutting-edge wireless communications and the newlydeveloped multiZENTRALEPRO control unit shows how seriously Roco's development team takes its customers needs. Simply follow your train without losing control of the rest of your layout or of the other trains running on it. Use the new route controls to define routes more or less as you travel by. Drive a model double-heading train, just like the real thing, while looking at it directly and without having to remain seated at the central controls.

The handy multiMAUS format has been retained, together with the simple, intuitive user interface and the attractive price. And you know that you will be able to use it for many years to come thanks to its update compatibilities.

* Controls for up to 9999 locomotives, 1024 turn-outs and solenoid-operated articles
* Wireless in accordance with digital communications standard IEEE 802.15.4
* Extensive effective radius. The digital communications standard ensures a good connection to your multiZENTRALEPRO at all times
* Single-handed operation, for both right-handed and left-handed people
* Double-heading. Simultaneous control of two locomotives pulling the same train
* Routing control. Miniature layout mimic diagram in your multiMAUSPRO
* Ergonomic for both young and old
* Clearly legible display
* Brightness control for display background illumination
* Off-the-shelf batteries or accumulators (3xAAA))
* Long battery life thanks to energy-saving mode
* Low-battery warning

Price: 199,00 Euros

 

[Doug]

It is going to end up like Radio Control (RC). When you fly your plane at the park there is not much chance of trouble, but when you go down to the club airstrip, you have to register your frequencies.

A frequencies table is put up and if there are say 10 frequencies available, there are 10 slots that can be used by members. If someone comes in with a radio set to wont of the allocated frequencies, he does so with the risk of being kicked out of the club and paying for any damage he causes.

The trouble with wireless DCC is that it is in it's infancy and there are no standards. Every manufacturer uses their own system and even the ones using wireless radio use different technologies in the licence-free spectrum. So some systems may pick up interference from garage door openers whilst others will get interference from home Wi-Fi networks.

At the latest CES 2008 technology show in Las Vegas that had a few thousand TVs on show amongst other new products. There were a few pranksters using TV-B-Gone clickers that turned off the sets from a distance (link). They cycle through IR signals of different manufacturers until the TV switches off. Imagine if the same thing happened at a show like Warley with the trains - it would be chaos.

 

[Doug]

Very true Dogmatix. Even if two controllers are using the same channel, they should work in the same area. The reception quality may be reduced due to interference, but as the information is not continuous, it shouldn't be a problem. It is always better to use clean unused channels if other users are present.

I've just remembered that RC is now starting to use bi-directional 2.4 GHz technologies to get away from the separate channel problems. The transmitters and receivers constantly talk to each other making sure the signal quality is the best available. If interference is detected, they automatically switch channels.

 

[Doug]

I would think that the Multimaus Pro will be better than the Lenz system and do everything the Lenz does and more. You can probably use the Lenz LH100 hand throttle as an extra throttle for the Multimaus Pro rather than use the Multimaus Pro as an add-on to the Lenz.