RB51 Posted September 9, 2017 Share Posted September 9, 2017 Hi GBM. welcome to the forum. As you have may have spotted in the posts you have looked at already there are as many opinions about these two controllers as there are ...... well, stars in the sky. Some folk like the physical control knobs of the Elite used with RM or independently, and some are happy to let RM do everything via PC control and the E-link. You can see from my signature which one I use - having used both. Do you have a model store or a club near you where you could perhaps try both and see what suits you? R- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrissaf Posted September 9, 2017 Share Posted September 9, 2017 With eLink you are totally reliant upon your PC to be functional. With Elite you can still run your layout using the knobs and buttons even if your PC and or RailMaster (RM) software are temporarily out of order. A personal view, but based upon the posts on this forum, the Elite does seem to be more reliable than the eLink when used with RM. The Elite also includes the 4amp power supply instead of the eLink 1amp supply..Hattons are selling RM for £5. This buys you an out of date CD but with a valid CD license key. You can then download the current RM version from this website and use your purchased £5 CD key with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GBMicros Posted September 9, 2017 Share Posted September 9, 2017 Hi RogerThanks for the reply.I have spoken to my local model shop who said they tried the E-Link when it first came out and said they didn't like it. But hadn't tried it since.Not thought of looking for a local club, so will look into that.I like to sound of automation as well that the software can do.Thansk for the pointers Chris, I take it I would have to buy the eLink supply seperate?Thanks Gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Howbi Posted September 9, 2017 Share Posted September 9, 2017 @GBMicros..........the Elink comes with the RailMaster software and a 1amp PSU.........HB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westernwill Posted September 9, 2017 Share Posted September 9, 2017 As you already have a Select, one advantage of the E-Lite will be that you can use the Select as a walkabout controller, you would just need a different cable. The E-Lite is quite a lot more expensive than the E-link but it does give you more flexibility. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick_ Posted September 9, 2017 Share Posted September 9, 2017 If you're happy to do everything via the PC and RailMaster go for the eLink as it's cheaper and you can quite easily get a 4A power supply for it if you need the extra power. If you like the option of being able to control your locos with knobs and buttons as well as via the PC and RailMaster, go for the Elite. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GBMicros Posted September 9, 2017 Share Posted September 9, 2017 Thanks for the posts guys.I think the Railmaster with e-Link sounds good for now and then get the Elite later.It sounds like you can have both?Gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RDS Posted September 9, 2017 Author Share Posted September 9, 2017 That is an expensive way to get an Elite (by getting e-link first).If you intend to go for Elite, go straight there. As Chris says, RailMaster is available for £5 on its own or about £70 if bought with e-link I think. The other £65 could go towards the cost of the Elite. Just my view of course! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Howbi Posted September 9, 2017 Share Posted September 9, 2017 It sounds like you can have both?GaryYou can't use both Elink & Elite connected to the same track at the same time.........HB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
96RAF Posted September 9, 2017 Share Posted September 9, 2017 It sounds like you can have both?GaryYou can't use both Elink & Elite connected to the same track at the same time.........HBBut you can use both with RM - just not connected to the track.Elite for the track and eLInk for points. Plenty of discussion about that on this forum already as to how that works and the pros and cons, etcRob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2e0dtoeric Posted September 9, 2017 Share Posted September 9, 2017 If I had seen this post by logging in earlier, I'd have sugested it would be better off in the DCC threads. 😎 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RDS Posted September 9, 2017 Author Share Posted September 9, 2017 @2e0dtoericThank you for your suggestion. I have moved the Thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RDS Posted September 9, 2017 Author Share Posted September 9, 2017 Morning allI have been doing modelling for a few months now and am getting to a point where I would like to go for the E-link or Elite controller.I am currently using just the select controller and everything is Hornby stock.I run my own computer business so should be able to pick up the Railmaster software quite easily.I have been looking around forums about the two but the all seam to be old posts.Now that E-link and Railmaster have been out for a while I was just looking for peoples opinion as to what they thought was best. E-link or Elite controller?Thanks Gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GBMicros Posted September 10, 2017 Share Posted September 10, 2017 Thanks again guys.HB when I say both I mean Railmaster software and the Elite controller.This sounds the best of both worlds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dadad Posted September 13, 2017 Share Posted September 13, 2017 Hi, being partialy disadled without the use of my left arm amongst other problems, I opted for the e-link/railmaster option and have been satified with the setup. The only problem that I encounted was the infamous windows 10 compatability. I resolved by buying another laptop that was in a sale because it only had windows 8, problem solved and a computer dedicated to my trains. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Somerset Modeller Posted October 7, 2017 Share Posted October 7, 2017 I bought the elink/railmaster option first, found it a bit hit and miss with reliability. The biggest issue for me was when you got a short you had to reset it on the PC. As my 4 year old son now wants to play I decided to buy the elite because it was easier for him to use. Since having elite shorts are handled by the elite far better and generally get going straight away without intervention. My track is setup on railmaster so decided to keep elink as a second controller to control points and signals. Finding this works very well and glad I have now got both controllers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrissaf Posted October 7, 2017 Share Posted October 7, 2017 The 'shorts' issue with the eLink is well documented on the forum and usually fixable with a tweak of the "railmaster.ini" file. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.