WiFi control! Digitrax LNWI & WiThrottle

Short summary:

1. Using WiFi for train control is new in the last 11 years, works great and is the way to go.
2. Digitrax LNWI module is inexpensive and provides a dedicated WiFi network for 4 devices (phones, tablets) to control trains and the layout.  It's actually very easy to install and run.
3. You can buy a WiFi throttle device, but easier is an app for your phone or tablet.  
4. Digitrax biggest weak point - the user interface - becomes a non-issue for layout running with a WiFi throttle.  Also makes moot the problems with Digitrax radio throttles.
5. Cons: WiFi interference possible, phones can't be on cell network when being used as throttles.  See main text for solutions.

History

Walk-around train throttles have long been the preferred solution for large layouts.  They've been made easier over the years: DCC really helped and Digitrax Loconet made installation of throttle plugs in the layout facia especially easy.  But in all cases they required the user to unplug from one location before plugging into another, and train control was lost during the time.

When I started this layout in 2006 infra-red throttles were available as were simplex (one-way) radio, but neither were guaranteed to keep communication constant.  About the time I started Digitrax introduced a duplex radio throttle which I installed, using WiFi radio bands, but it had limited signal distance and was also not completely reliable.  In all cases trains might stop responding to signals and you had to rush to plug into a panel and regain control.   In 2010 some people were experimenting with WiFi control and the emerging JMRI computer standard.  I lost track after that.

LNWI and WiThrottle App

The Digitrax LNWI module was introduced roughly 4 years ago to provide a standalone WiFi network that supports 4 connections.  Unlike most Digitrax component, it's super easy to install and get running.  There are new WiFi throttles on the market which purport to be very user friendly and compatible with all kinds of DCC systems, and there are good reviews for them.  But you can also install an app on a phone or tablet.  There is one each recommended by Digitrax for Apple and Android phones - WiThrottle is for Apple.  Also easy to install the app and on your phone select the new Digitrax WiFi network and you're on your way.  The app takes a little time to get used to, like all apps, but you can turn track power on and off, have dual throttles with a variety of different setups, and control stationary decoders for things like switches.

Pros:

1. It flat out works.  Unlike the Digitrax radio throttles I've not had any loss-of-train-control issues.  At this point when I startup the layout I always pick up my iPad rather than a Digitrax throttle.
2. It's about a billion times more user friendly than Digitrax throttles.  I may be understating that.
3. In most cases it's a money saver.  I mean, do your own comparisons but throttles typically run $200 (I have not shopped for them for a long time, but they are up there).  If you don't have some old phones/tablets lying around for repurposing you can often get them used cheaply, especially since you won't care about the cell function.  For every 4 throttles you'll need a new LNWI, so add $45 or so to the price, but you should still be head.

Cons:

1. When the phone is talking to the Digitrax WiFi network it won't be reachable via internet WiFi or cell function.   This limits the degree to which you can tell visitors just to buy the app and run it on your phone.  Hence the usefulness of extra phones.
2. WiFi interference can be a problem.  By default both the Digitrax duplex radio system (UR92) and the LNWI seek out the optimal WiFi channel when they first start up, but then stick with that channel.  I experienced conflict between the two often.  

For the first Con, extra phones are helpful.  I have an old iPad that I took off of the cell plan long ago and it works great, and some older phones that may work but I'd have to check that their OS supports the app.

For the second Con, I programmed the LNWI to use WiFi channel 11 and that solved it.  There are 11 channels I learned, and they all overlap, but if you choose channels 1, 6, and 11 there will be no overlap.  The Digitrax stuff seems to look first for channel 1 and work its way up, avoiding only if it has conflict with other networks.  You have to read the instructions and that party isn't user friendly, but it only has to be done once.

Later I'll post about JMRI for programming decoders, and between the two my Digitrax setup is now more user friendly than ever.