DaveAus Posted December 18, 2012 Share Posted December 18, 2012 Ok not sure where this post belongs but that's only part of the confusion. If I want to drive my DCC setup via a PC and RailMaster is my Elite controller now redundant. do I just need a PC with RailMaster software and the eLink module. Seems at 1amp it's not got the drive power of the Elite ????? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMSTim Posted December 18, 2012 Share Posted December 18, 2012 You can use either the eLink or the Elite with RailMaster, or even both together as RailMaster supports two DCC controllers (one for locos and the other for points and signals, should you desire more power). The Elite power supply of 4amps is also compatible with the eLink, so you can swap them if you have both controllers, or you can buy the extra 4amp supply to replace the eLink 1amp supply. RailMaster should control around 10 locos comfortably with a 1amp supply if you are running your locos at scale speed. Your Elite, therefore, is not redundant. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fishmanoz Posted December 18, 2012 Share Posted December 18, 2012 But if you now want to start with DCC, you have the option of going eLink/Railmaster and never buying an Elite. It's also a cheaper upgrade path from the Select and never buy an Elite. Note the 2013 range has a couple of sets with eLink/Railmaster and no controller. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gregd99 Posted December 18, 2012 Share Posted December 18, 2012 @LMSTim, are there any manuals around that describe the e-link. It seems an interesting product at a very aggressive price point. (285 pounds for elite + rail master; 85 for e-link + rail master; throw in 40 extra for the 4A supply) Unless the issue has been addressed there has been a persistent reliability issue with the elite over the pc interface where throttle and point commands are periodically lost. This has been reflected in the rail master discussions re "send the same command twice" does the e-link exhibit the same issues? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graskie Posted December 18, 2012 Share Posted December 18, 2012 I think I'd rather have my Elite as a standby in the event of RailMaster failure. This has served me well in the past when RailMaster updates initially failed. There would be no such standby with the eLink by the looks of it, because, on its own, it will not be a controller as such. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevecamden Posted December 19, 2012 Share Posted December 19, 2012 Presumambly, for current Elite/RM users - the elink box 'sits' between the PC and the Elite acting as a router? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rog RJ Posted December 19, 2012 Share Posted December 19, 2012 stevecamden said: Presumambly, for current Elite/RM users - the elink box 'sits' between the PC and the Elite acting as a router? No. You simply don't need the Elite. The elink and software replaces the Elite or Select entirely, it's a complete system on its own, although I believe you can use the Elite's 4 Amp power supply to replace the 1 amp one that comes with the elink. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poliss Posted December 19, 2012 Share Posted December 19, 2012 Could the confusion be because the eLink and RailMaster Combination Pack Product Code: R8312 shows an Elite in the photo? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rog RJ Posted December 19, 2012 Share Posted December 19, 2012 poliss said: Could the confusion be because the eLink and RailMaster Combination Pack Product Code: R8312 shows an Elite in the photo?Yes, that is confusing and misleading and could lead to people thinking they had to buy an Elite as well as the elink package. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevecamden Posted December 19, 2012 Share Posted December 19, 2012 Yes - I understand you don't need an Elite ( that sounds very good for new train set users), but if you have an Elite already ( like I and many do) - you don't just want to use the Elite as a 4amp pSU - you might want to be able to twiddle the occasional knob. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fishmanoz Posted December 19, 2012 Share Posted December 19, 2012 Logically, you can't use them together. You would be generating 2 DCC signals and if you connect both to the track, they'll interfere with each other. The only way you could do it would be to have 2 completely isolated districts with an isolated section longer than your longest train in between and DPDT switches at each end. At least that is what my logic tells me. Given each can run more locos and accessories than anyone will ever have (he says confidently), why would you want to, especially once you have wireless remotes via RM? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Telo Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 What is annoying me is that I already have Railmaster that cost £60 so why can't I buy the eLink on it's own, unless it is a completely differnet version of Railmaster? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RDS Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 @Telo I can understand your annoyance but I imagine that (if the e-link is not to be sold separately) Hornby assume that anyone who has RailMaster now, must have an Elite as well otherwise it cannot be used. My view would be, for people who are just about to start digital and who would like to operate using a PC, then go for the e-link/RailMaster combination because it offers a potentially cheaper route. However, I bought my Elite first and then RailMaster and I am pleased to have the capability of being to 'take control' manually whenever I want. This is not an option with e-link as ALL commands are made on the PC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fishmanoz Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 It is not a different version of RM and I'd be pretty certain that Hornby's thinking is as RDS suggests. You could just think of it as buying eLink gets you a second RM licence for free and you can use it on a separate computer to development work on your programs away from the layout. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brando Posted May 20, 2013 Share Posted May 20, 2013 I have asked Hornby about the E-link and they say that it will be on sale later on in the year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graskie Posted May 20, 2013 Share Posted May 20, 2013 Why are Hornby advertising it in the model railway press already then, as if it were already available? Or have I missed some sort of qualification concerning actual delivery date in such adverts? I'm trapped in my room by a carpet fitter on the landing at the moment, so I can't check just yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
majortroy Posted July 30, 2013 Share Posted July 30, 2013 I can't understand why those with elite's are moaning about wanting to use the older technology. Stick to what your happiest with and leave the technology for the Kryten's of this world. Personally it's made me take to task the building of a new switch board and have the elite to run everything else. A 4 amp booster on the elink directly affects what it is capable of and to some point futurities it all. In all I have 10 amp so guarded me for a few years, and take the upgrades as they come. I want more time with my scenery and now have it. I have easily recorded 3 planned setup's to keep me amused. Out with the old and in with the new! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mijj Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 But if you now want to start with DCC, you have the option of going eLink/Railmaster and never buying an Elite. It's also a cheaper upgrade path from the Select and never buy an Elite. Note the 2013 range has a couple of sets with eLink/Railmaster and no controller.I want to drive a set of 4 locos with a computer. Reading the above I do not need the Select controller that I have if I get an E-link and a power unit. Is that correct?JimW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fishmanoz Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 Welcome to the forums Jim, do you realise you just jumped on the end of a 3 year old topic? But to answer your question, yes you can drive 4 locos with the standard RM and eLink package connected to your laptop/PC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RDS Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 @mijjWelcome to the Forum. As Fishy says you can control your 4 Loco's with the Standard eLink and RM package. You do not need the Select to do this but you may wish to keep it as a spare or even as a Walkabout Controller if you should ever decide to change to the Elite Controller with it's 4 Amp Power Supply. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yelrow Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 I have already replied to this on another forum, with almost identical reply to that of RDS. My other point was to buy the £5 RM, cd from Hattons. john Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fishmanoz Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 John, no point buying the £5 RM when you only have a Select, you have to buy RM/eLink as the cheapest option. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mijj Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 @mijjWelcome to the Forum. As Fishy says you can control your 4 Loco's with the Standard eLink and RM package. You do not need the Select to do this but you may wish to keep it as a spare or even as a Walkabout Controller if you should ever decide to change to the Elite Controller with it's 4 Amp Power Supply.It looks as if Railmaster is no longer available except for the trial version. I presume it is in the E-link as standard.I want to run at least four locos (power booster required I assume) and I'd like to program their movements. I'd also like to do the same (program their operation that is) with the turnouts or points. Perhaps even include lights and barriers for rail/road crossings. Does this affect the recommendation?Jim. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mijj Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 @mijjWelcome to the Forum. As Fishy says you can control your 4 Loco's with the Standard eLink and RM package. You do not need the Select to do this but you may wish to keep it as a spare or even as a Walkabout Controller if you should ever decide to change to the Elite Controller with it's 4 Amp Power Supply.It looks as if Railmaster is no longer available except for the trial version. I presume it is in the E-link as standard.I want to run at least four locos (power booster required I assume) and I'd like to program their movements. I'd also like to do the same (program their operation that is) with the turnouts or points. Perhaps even include lights and barriers for rail/road crossings. Does this affect the recommendation?Jim. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RB51 Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 More than 10 available Here R- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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