Okay, I truly can't decide on this...
I have a Lenz system, currently. The system works just fine for me. I have stationary decoders and have used it to control turnouts. I have the computer interface and have used this and JMRI to run it from the computer. No significant complaints, it has served me well... except:
1) I have never really loved the throttle options. Neither of them is precisely what I want . I won't go into detail other than to say my ideal throttle will have lots of direct access to functions, rotary control for loco speed rather than pushbutton, and ability to control two locos simultaneously (i.e. without "switching" between them). it will also be wireless, which leads us to:
2) With a notably larger layout under construction, I want to go wireless on throttles. On that front with the Lenz system, I can basically go with Lenz and use a cordless phone as the wireless throttle (blech) or get a nice CVP wireless throttle.
So here's the big dilemma... By the time I get the CVP setup, I'll cost me $325. $219 for the throttle itself, $99 for the box to interface it with Lenz)... And I still won't have one of the throttle features I'd like most -- two controls in one throttle.
You probably see where this is leading... Who offers a throttle with lots of direct button access, rotary control of locos, 2 separate controls, available in a wireless version? Yep, the usual suspect: Digitrax. I'm looking at the super chief w/dt400 radio throttle at $500 and saying "it's only $180 more, is as good or better than the Lenz in all the details (throttles supported, etc.) and has exactly what I want in terms of the throttle."
So does anyone have any thoughts/advice? Are there wireless throttle options here I'm not seeing, letting me stick with Lenz? Is it silly to spend an extra $175 just to have two-train contol in one throttle? Is the CVP wireless markedly better than DT wireless? Any info to help me make this decision would be welcome.
I have a Lenz system, currently. The system works just fine for me. I have stationary decoders and have used it to control turnouts. I have the computer interface and have used this and JMRI to run it from the computer. No significant complaints, it has served me well... except:
1) I have never really loved the throttle options. Neither of them is precisely what I want . I won't go into detail other than to say my ideal throttle will have lots of direct access to functions, rotary control for loco speed rather than pushbutton, and ability to control two locos simultaneously (i.e. without "switching" between them). it will also be wireless, which leads us to:
2) With a notably larger layout under construction, I want to go wireless on throttles. On that front with the Lenz system, I can basically go with Lenz and use a cordless phone as the wireless throttle (blech) or get a nice CVP wireless throttle.
So here's the big dilemma... By the time I get the CVP setup, I'll cost me $325. $219 for the throttle itself, $99 for the box to interface it with Lenz)... And I still won't have one of the throttle features I'd like most -- two controls in one throttle.
You probably see where this is leading... Who offers a throttle with lots of direct button access, rotary control of locos, 2 separate controls, available in a wireless version? Yep, the usual suspect: Digitrax. I'm looking at the super chief w/dt400 radio throttle at $500 and saying "it's only $180 more, is as good or better than the Lenz in all the details (throttles supported, etc.) and has exactly what I want in terms of the throttle."
So does anyone have any thoughts/advice? Are there wireless throttle options here I'm not seeing, letting me stick with Lenz? Is it silly to spend an extra $175 just to have two-train contol in one throttle? Is the CVP wireless markedly better than DT wireless? Any info to help me make this decision would be welcome.