eLink

[Chrissaf]

What is the benefit of using e link and a laptop ?

[Chrissaf]

The big advantage of using a software based controller such as eLink / RailMaster is the benefit of point and click control of DCC devices. No more having to memorise the DCC addresses of points and accessories and/or locomotives.

 

These DCC addresses are all pre-configured by you into the software and represented by icons on the screen. Such that just clicking the icon operates the configured device.

 

An additional benefit of point and click icon control is that even if you do memorise all the addresses, a hardware based controller will typically require several sequential button presses to navigate through a controller menu system, then enter the DCC address to be operated, then use the controller knobs and buttons to operate it. Thus the use of a software based point and click controller significantly decreases the amount of time needed to action a specific DCC task.

 

RailMaster means that you can create a mimic logical track-plan of your layout. The plan shows the operational route that the points are set to [the point switched left or switched right position]. Clicking a point on the screen, operates it and the icon changes to show the new selected route. The same with signals and other DCC controllable accessories.

 

Talking of routes. RailMaster allows you to configure 'routes' such that operating a route will set a whole multiple number of points with one mouse click to create an end to end route through the points on your layout.

 

RailMaster allows you to create 'programs' these are like very sophisticated 'macros' which allow you to write or record a list of sequential DCC events for RailMaster to follow autonomously at your command or as a timed event. This allows for a basic level of layout automation.

 

RailMaster database. Where Hornby branded locomotives are being used on the layout. The loco has been profiled and included in the database to allow 'scale speeds' to be deployed as standard. Scale speeds means that the locomotives will operate on the layout in a prototypical real life manner and relative to other locomotive types and classes running on the layout. i.e a shunter will operate at a more sedate scale manner compared to an Express loco on a main line.

 

In RailMaster the locomotive throttles are in software i.e little windows, but you can scroll quickly through a list of throttles to select the locomotive you want to control. Two large throttles can be on screen at the same time, but selecting which throttles to display is a very quick select and click action. This is not such an easy task with a hardware based controller.

 

In RailMaster you can use two controllers. One [Controller A] is dedicated purely for operating the track and for CV configuration activities. The optional second controller [Controller B] is dedicated purely for operating accessories such as points. The advantage of this is that if the track controller is shorted out due to for example a loco driving onto a point set against it. The B controller continues to function, thus the point that caused the short circuit can be reset to remove the short and train operation can continue with less hassle. This dual controller capability also means that ALL the power available from controller A is available for operating trains. The accessories have a completely separate dedicated power supply of their own.

 

So far my benefits that are described above are related to layout operation. The tools that RailMaster include for DCC device configuration [i.e reading and writing CVs (Configuration variables)] are significantly more 'user friendly' compared to a pure hardware based controller. Take CV29 for example. This CV causes the most 'head scratching' for most DCC newbies. RailMaster includes a visual text checkbox configuration utility for CV29 that makes amending CV29 values a 'non technical' doddle. The configuration of Hornby R8247 decoders is so far more user friendly compared to Hornby Select and Elite controllers as RailMaster basically has a screen where you enter plain text and click tick boxes for the R8247 requirements. RailMaster then performs all the necessary DCC configuration commands for you, once you click 'save'.

 

Downsides.

 

Yes there are some downsides. RailMaster is not particularly 'plug n play' and a certain level of 'computer literacy' is hugely beneficial. A high degree of initial setting up and software configuration is required. As mentioned earlier, if you are using DCC to operate points, you need to create & configure a 'track plan' before they can be operated. The locomotives also need to be individually configured manually and setup in RailMaster before you can operate them. There is no FULLY AUTOMATIC LOCO DETECTION and configuration capability built within RailMaster.

 

As RailMaster is proprietary to Hornby. The inbuilt database only profiles Hornby locomotives. But do note that Non Hornby branded locos can still be added to and operated by RailMaster. The task of adding a Non Hornby loco is just a little bit more involved at the software configuration level. 75% of my locos are non Hornby and they all operate just fine using my RailMaster / Elite combination.

 

But overall, the benefits significantly outweigh any downside considerations. Unless, of course, you consider yourself to be a complete numpty when it comes to computers and software, in which case you may struggle to get the best from it. That said, there is a huge resource of information and support in these forum pages to resolve most operational issues.