General > General Discussion

Proto Throttle

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Alan:

KPack:
I do like the levers and knobs on the Proto Throttle.  A very interesting concept indeed.  Alan, I think the way they are using the notches is with a different software programming....meaning moving it up to say notch 2 will play all the correct sound effects, but it also uses software to mimic movement of a typical locomotive with momentum and such.  Similar to what the load setting does on Railpro.  I haven't played with it myself, but that's what it looks like from videos I've seen.

Railpro doesn't fully duplicate notching and brake applications yet.  The load and brake functions are a step in the right direction, but I feel like they need more tweaking....particularly the brake function.  While I like how the load function increases momentum significantly with a heavier train, I would really like a way to control the sound of the prime mover, especially when running light.  Right now with 0% load the prime mover is running at notch 3 while the locomotive coasts down a straight track.  It should be back at idle at the point and the locomotive would just be coasting.

The brake is still a little too primitive.  It works, but doesn't work as smoothly as it should.  Right now you press and hold the brake button and it rather quickly increases to 100%, making it a little unrealistic.  I'd prefer more of a step system, where the braking power increases incrementally.  But how do you do that without a physical lever like the Proto Throttle has?  Regardless, one way or another I'd like to see the braking improved on Railpro.

-Kevin

William Brillinger:

--- Quote ---I’ll email ISE direct.
--- End quote ---

I already talked to ISE. Because Ring is a Closed system, Ring will have to make their own adapter to support it or share their code with ISE.


--- Quote ---The load and brake functions are a step in the right direction, but I feel like they need more tweaking....particularly the brake function.  While I like how the load function increases momentum significantly with a heavier train, I would really like a way to control the sound of the prime mover, especially when running light.  Right now with 0% load the prime mover is running at notch 3 while the locomotive coasts down a straight track.  It should be back at idle at the point and the locomotive would just be coasting.
--- End quote ---

This is why I prefer manual notching. I get to maintain full control of the speed and sound separately.

The control of the speed is so smooth and precise with RailPro, I see no need to handycap an operator with bib momentum settings.

My operators look and feel like 20 year veteran engineers on the line instead of looking like a bunch of rookies with a throttle lever in their hand for the first time. They don't come to play rookie engineer. They come to run like they see out in the real world - seasoned pros.

TomO:
Thanks Alan, forgot about the receiver but they are offering a discount if pre ordered, still, I agree, a lot of bucks. Bill, makes sense what ISE told you, I had already sent my email before seeing your response.

As to learning the Proto Throttle, Joe F gave me a lesson, less than a couple minutes and I had no problem, but yes, still nothing is as easy as the RailPro.

Thanks all
TomO

G8B4Life:
I've only followed the ProtoThrottle on and off. If I had not gone RailPro and was still with DCC then I would be getting it, I always wanted a throttle with proper notches. That said it wouldn't be impossible for Ring to add this (levers etc instead of knobs) to his system if the market was there to support it. The power of the Ring touchscreen with actual throttle and brake levers etc would make for a very close representation of a modern day loco.

Now the part I find funny, how many times have we heard the argument against RP because the controller is "too big so it must be used two handed" yet from the photo in the advance registration thread on MRH the Protothrottle appears very much the same bulkiness as the HC yet no one is saying boo.

- Tim

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