RailPro User Group
RailPro => RailPro Specific Help & Discussion => Topic started by: William Brillinger on August 10, 2016, 02:12:56 PM
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Even though there is no info on what this thing will do, pricing for the CI-1 has been added to Ring's order system for resellers, so with that on hand, I have added the CI-1 to my website and I'm now accepting pre-orders!
MSRP is set at $39.99 US.
PDC will be accepting pre-orders at $34.96 US
Once it is announced officially, our price will be likely be $36.96
You can find it on our RailPro page at: http://pdc.ca/rr/catalog/product/railpro-and-accessories/51
I will post more details on the CI-1's abilities when I have them.
Cheers!
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I would be happy to pre-order, if I knew exactly what it did. :D Any idea when the details will be released?
Joe
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I have emailed Tim at Ring Engineering asking for some details about this product and I will post them as soon as they are available.
Currently this is what I know: "nuthin" ;)
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I'll probably buy one for testing purposes regardless of what it does. If what we've heard is correct then it should be helpful.
-Kevin
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Likewise. Sounds interesting, and isn't terribly expensive.
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I would be happy to pre-order, if I knew exactly what it did
Well we do know what it's supposed to do initially. From this thread http://rpug.pdc.ca/index.php?topic=176.msg1090#msg1090
"The CI-1 is a USB to Direct Radio dongle. So with PC code it can do many things including controlling and monitoring a layout. For the initial release there will be a desktop simulator that basically has the functionality of the HC-2. Using the CI-1 and PC simulator you will be able to load all the files etc without running your HC batteries down."
Whether we get the controlling and monitoring out of the box on the first release is anybody's guess but loading and setting up modules is what we can expect. As I see it even if it does only do the loading and programming and the other cool ways to use it never get developed the price is more than worth my time lost to having to recharge the batteries after loading oh so few files each time I experiment or test sounds etc.
Hopefully RE will get back to Bill with the final details soon.
As an aside, While looking at the RE Whats new page, I noticed that the HC 1.3 update doubles the capacity for active loco's being controlled from 12 to 24. How good is that. I don't know how I missed that when reading it the first time.
- Tim
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The CI-1 is a USB to Direct Radio dongle. So with PC code it can do many things including controlling and monitoring a layout. For the initial release there will be a desktop simulator that basically has the functionality of the HC-2. Using the CI-1 and PC simulator you will be able to load all the files etc without running your HC batteries down.
Hey Tim, Thanks to reminding us about that tidbit from the other thread! I've been so preoccupied waiting for the new HC to come I had totally forgotten about that post.
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As an aside, While looking at the RE Whats new page, I noticed that the HC 1.3 update doubles the capacity for active loco's being controlled from 12 to 24. How good is that. I don't know how I missed that when reading it the first time.
I wasn't aware of that. We should probably put that info on a thread here. I don't get over to RE's webpage nearly as often as I check RPUG.
-Kevin
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We should probably put that info on a thread here. I don't get over to RE's webpage nearly as often as I check RPUG.
I created a new Board for Software Updates. Please EVERYONE feel free to post any software updates you see here. That includes new software, software updates, new sounds, updated sounds, etc.
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More about the CI-1...
I'm under a gag order on the details regarding the CI-1, but as stated before, it WILL allow you to program and control trains from your PC, basically allowing your PC to act as an HC-2.
There's more big news that comes with this one, but that's "hush hush" right now.
The ETA for it is at least 3 or 4 weeks, likely more.
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The suspense is killing me!
-Kevin
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Killing me too, we have been waiting in suspense for quite awhile now. I am sure I will join the eager buyers when it finally released.
Mel
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Hi Bill, I just sent you an order for 2 LM-3s and the CI. If you want to wait to ship them together, that is fine.
Thanks, Joe
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Gag order? Ring Engineering's gone all Top Secret on us :P
I do hope the big news is worth all the hush hush. I believe I have worked out what part of that news could be, though I wouldn't say it's directly related to the CI-1. If I'm correct there should be an update to RailPro Assistant at the same time as the CI-1's release, dependent on what's contained in the CI-1 software.
I hope the eta isn't much more than 3-4 weeks, it was announced as ready for production last October and that's only a month and a half away.
- Tim
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Tim, you may be onto something. I can't say anything more about the CI-1 currently, but if other people know things, I can't stop you ;)
I think the big delay for the CI-1 was the need to re-design the HC due to parts supply changes.
Hopefully after the CI-1 is released we can get some of the new sounds!
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I can't wait to hear what this will do!
If it will allow you to control the layout from a PC, could it also be used from a smart phone?!
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Good news! ...the CI-1's are on their way to me.
Tim still has a few tweaks to make in the software before release, but I should have them ready to go as soon as Tim 'gives the word'.
The CI-1, in it's initial release, will allow RailPro users to control and program accessories and trains from their PC.
Future updates to the PC software will enable PC driven automation.
The super secret features are still a secret, but don't worry, they don't even affect RailPro users.
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The ability to program modules from a PC will virtually end the fast battery rundown that we currently experience with programming from the controller. 👍🏻
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I'm excited for this! I'll have one arriving shortly that I will be beta-testing. It will be so nice to program locos without having to use the controller. This is going to be a must for every Railpro user!
-Kevin
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This is good news however if beta testing is just starting then I suspect several more weeks of waiting :( At least the hardware will be in Bill's hands ready to go.
I guess I'll have to get a move on and build my new pc (old one died) so I am ready for it.
The super secret is intriguing. I though I might have guessed it but maybe not, seeing as it apparently doesn't affect RailPro users. All I can think of in that case is some sort of RailPro - DCC bridge.
- Tim
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The software has been in testing for some time now. The hardware is just going out to some advanced testers for a final sea-trial.
Tim says the hardware should be officially released to purchasers in about a week.
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Well that makes a difference. Thanks for clearing that up Bill, though you'll understand if I take RE's time frame with a grain of salt though.
When this thing is finally officially released I'd love to see some pics and a bit of a review of it; unless you've got one to send further away Bill I think I'll be the last here to receive their CI-1.
- Tim
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As soon as I get mine in hand I will make a video of its features and operation. Should be sometime this week.
-Kevin
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I can't wait to hear what this will do!
If it will allow you to control the layout from a PC, could it also be used from a smart phone?!
As of now it can be used on Vista, Win7, Win8 and Win10. It's not set up for tablets and phones...yet. But it's awesome!
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If it will allow you to control the layout from a PC, could it also be used from a smart phone?!
BUT you should be able to use it from a smart phone using a VNC app to connect to a pc running the emulator.
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Hmmm PC huh !! So much for us with Apple comp's...
"As of now it can be used on Vista, Win7, Win8 and Win10. It's not set up for tablets and phones...yet. But it's awesome! "
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That is very interesting Bill. For those of us who have never heard of VNC, here is a FAQ link:
https://www.realvnc.com/docs/faq/#connectivity
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So I have to ask, can you use the CI-1 as the only controller, or do you have to have an HC? I haven't jumped into Railpro yet, mostly due to the costs of the controller. I'm not saying the cost of the controller is unreasonable, I just can't justify the cost for something that is going to get used maybe once a year (for now). However, $40 is much more doable. I'd much rather put the extra $180 towards starting a layout than an HC right now.
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Yes, you can use the CI with the HC simulator Software as your controller without an actual HC present.
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I have mine and have been messing around with it and testing it. On my desktop it works great....basically exactly like a HC-2. The only difference is the speed control....it is controlled by the mouse wheel in the middle, which is not as accurate as the Railpro knob. Therefore you can't get the speed to move by 0.1%, but rather 1.0% at a time.
Loading sounds to the simulated controller is much faster. Downloading from RE still takes a while, but loading from the computer to the sim HC is very quick. The storage space assigned to it is the same as the HC-2. It seems like it could be arbitrarily set that way....I don't see a reason why it couldn't be increased to whatever you needed.
The range on the CI-1 is less than the HC but still good. I can discover, load, and control trains from the desktop which is ~30 ft away through 3 walls. If you are using the CI-1 to control trains in a large layout room you can use a long USB extension cord to place the CI-1 in a central location that can reach everywhere. It also works with Railpro repeaters, the same as the HC so if you have Railpro power supplies then the signal is repeated through those.
The only issue I have had is that I can't get the CI-1 and the HC Simulator to recognize each other on my laptop. Windows 10, USB 3.0. CI-1 is recognized by the USB and installs fine, as does the separate HC Simulator program. However the HC program says that no CI-1 is present. I've reinstalled the drivers on all my USB ports and controllers, as well as uninstalled and reinstalled both the CI-1 and HC Sim many times. I still can't get them to connect to each other. I believe it's a Windows or USB problem but I'm having a hard time pinning it down. Any ideas on another strategy I could try out here? Once I get the laptop issue resolved I'll make and post a video.
-Kevin
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I just began playing with my CI-1 today too.
I'm using a Windows 7 (x64) Laptop without issues. It seems to work fine for me.
The scroll wheel is a little bit of a strange choice. I'm thinking this won't work with VNC then.
- Bill
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At first I thought the scroll wheel was strange, but then I realized that using a mouse to "turn" a simulated knob would be super annoying. Using arrow keys on a keyboard would be even worse. The mouse wheel at least has the ability to be spun at different rates, whereas you are locked in on a keyboard to a single predetermined rate of speed increase/decrease.
The CI-1 is not meant to replace the HC-2. It is meant to make it easier for those just getting into Railpro to be able to use and control their trains without having to purchase the more expensive controller right off the bat.
However, I think the CI-1 should be in every Railpro user's arsenal, even if they already have multiple HC's. The value of being to load sounds without draining the HC batteries is reason enough to buy this. The CI-1 will be even more useful as more code is released for it and layout automation/control becomes more of a reality.
-Kevin
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If you could use the wheel and/or the mouse then it would also be touch compatible. The way it is now, using VNC to connect it as a virtual throttle on a smartphone is out.
I agree, the biggest attraction for existing RailPro users is going to be in programming. It's a huge improvement on that front.
Uptake seems very good. I have a bunch of them pre-sold and ready to ship as soon as Tim Ring gives the word. In fact, I only have 1 left from the initial stock that is not yet spoken for. More are on the way.
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I haven't yet had a chance to do much with it, but I was impressed with the layout. It is not compatible with XP, which is installed on my netbook, so I was unable to use it on the train layout in the basement. On a test track by the PC, I had no trouble with the mouse wheel or any other mouse functions. The controller will run trains for hours, so the ability to do that via computer or tablet isn't really an issue anyway. Downloading, copying and deleting files is more the intended purpose, and not draining the controller batteries is a huge benefit.
Now I need to update the OS on the netbook.
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This thing is sounding quite good. Wish RE would give the word so you could ship Bill, now there's three of you playing with them ???
Downloading, copying and deleting files is more the intended purpose, and not draining the controller batteries is a huge benefit.
This is the primary reason I'm getting it. I might even build a module testing board, like what those DCC folk have. I really can't see myself running trains from three rooms away. With those thinking of a USB extension cable, I seem to remember something about a maximum length. I'll see if I can find the reference.
Now I need to update the OS on the netbook.
Or you could run a virtual pc. This is what I did on my XP box when RPA 2 came out and wasn't XP compatible (I used VirtualBox but there are other virtualisation programs out there). I had no trouble connecting the HC-2 to the RPA software in the virtual environment so I wouldn't imagine any trouble connecting the CI-1 to it's software.
- Tim
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Tim, thanks for the info on Virtual Box. Looks like it doesn't support XP as a host system:
Currently, VirtualBox runs on the following host operating systems:
- Windows hosts:[1 (https://www.virtualbox.org/manual/ch01.html#ftn.idm161)]
- Windows Vista SP1 and later (32-bit and 64-bit)
- Windows Server 2008 (64-bit)
- Windows Server 2008 R2 (64-bit)
- Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit)
- Windows 8 (32-bit and 64-bit)
- Windows 8.1 (32-bit and 64-bit)
- Windows 10 RTM build 10240 (32-bit and 64-bit)
- Windows Server 2012 (64-bit)
- Windows Server 2012 R2 (64-bit)
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Al,
I think they've not mentioned XP in that list simply because it's an End of Life OS. I can say I'm running a 5.xx version of VirtualBox on my XP system (XP as the host, Win7 as the guest).
I can't check exactly which version I'm running, or more correctly was running as that system died a couple of weeks ago and I haven't finished building my new system yet but it was definitely a version 5 VirtualBox running. You should be fine with it.
- Tim
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Thanks Tim. I'll give it a try then. :)
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You could always try VMware Player
http://filehippo.com/download_vmware_player/ (http://filehippo.com/download_vmware_player/)
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This looks like another good choice. Thanks Dean.
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Kevin,
The storage space assigned to it is the same as the HC-2. It seems like it could be arbitrarily set that way....I don't see a reason why it couldn't be increased to whatever you needed.
I have to get some clarification on that, is the storage space same as the HC-2 or the same as RP Assistant? If it's as per the HC-2 then maybe the files are downloaded to the CI-1 before being passed onto an LM, or maybe RE is trying to make it work exactly like a HC-2. If it's the same as RPA then there's a good reason for it, which is due to how the files are stored.
If you are using the CI-1 to control trains in a large layout room you can use a long USB extension cord to place the CI-1 in a central location that can reach everywhere. It also works with Railpro repeaters, the same as the HC so if you have Railpro power supplies then the signal is repeated through those.
Presuming the CI-1 is a USB2 device then the length limit of the USB cable is about 5 metres (about 15 feet for most of you). There is no guarantee that it'll work on a cable that long though. If it's USB3 (not likely) then the length is 3 metres. There are ways to overcome that length using USB hubs or repeater cables, or USB over Ethernet.
I imagine the CI-1 has the same limitation of using only 4 repeaters?
- Tim
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I have to get some clarification on that, is the storage space same as the HC-2 or the same as RP Assistant? If it's as per the HC-2 then maybe the files are downloaded to the CI-1 before being passed onto an LM, or maybe RE is trying to make it work exactly like a HC-2. If it's the same as RPA then there's a good reason for it, which is due to how the files are stored.
The storage for the personal file on the HC Sim is 32MB. I believe that's the same as the HC-2, but I could be wrong. I don't think the files are downloaded to the CI-1....it is basically just a plug-in radio transmitter. When you download files with the HC Sim it loads them onto the HC Sim just as it would for the HC-2. In fact, you name your simulated HC as you would a real HC....it basically turns your computer into another controller, which is recognized by all other Railpro components and functions the same as them.
Presuming the CI-1 is a USB2 device then the length limit of the USB cable is about 5 metres (about 15 feet for most of you). There is no guarantee that it'll work on a cable that long though. If it's USB3 (not likely) then the length is 3 metres. There are ways to overcome that length using USB hubs or repeater cables, or USB over Ethernet.
The CI-1 is USB 3.0 compatible, which makes it backwards compatible with USB 2.0. Not sure on the maximum length of the cable run, but the manual says that you can use "dozens of feet" in order to place the CI-1 where you want it.
I imagine the CI-1 has the same limitation of using only 4 repeaters?
Unsure, but most likely. The HC-Sim is exactly like the HC-2 in function, which probably means that any limitations of the HC-2 would be in the HC-Sim.
Something that may need to be clarified: The CI-1 is just a USB-powered Direct Radio transmitter. The CI-1 itself does not have any software, it is hardware only. There is a separate program that is a free download called the HC Simulator (HC-Sim) that connects to the CI-1 and allows a computer to become an HC and send commands out through the CI-1.
-Kevin
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Can the CL-1 be attached to a smart phone that has a USB port?
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Can the CL-1 be attached to a smart phone that has a USB port?
I'm sure you could "connect" it, but without the software to use it, it would have no function. Right now the software is written for Windows only. There is no mobile version and I'm not sure if that's in the plans or not. Honestly, if you are going to use your phone to mimic a hand controller you might as well just get a real HC. It has the knob that is far more accurate than any mouse wheel or phone touch screen, plus a much longer range than the CI-1.
-Kevin