Aristocraft's DC System

I think the Aristo-Craft system sucks though I do know lots of folks use it..mainly because they don't know any better.

You should post your questions over on the Aristo forum.

 Chuck, don't hold back now!

 Jeff, I didn't want to post because I never used that system.

here's the Aristo forum:

http://www.aristocraftforum.co...etinforums/index.php

I have heard some of the newest board's sounds of theirs. They sound simplistic to me. It's hard to post without being overly negative.

 There's so much new stuff out there like the latest from QSI that is really top of the line. Each system has it's drawbacks and limitations.

 I personally run DCS on both my layouts. I don't worry about the weather. Joe

Chuck thank you for the bold frankness...I do not mind hearing such...I wil post over on the Aristocraft blog and learn more...

thanks guys...

My brother uses the Aristo Revolution both trackside and battery.

The range is excellent and it is a fairly simple system. 

Availability of components has been an issue for Aristo.

Check the Aristo and Mylargescale forums for more info.

Alan

Hi Jeff,

I had the privillage to build the Woodshire Railroad back in the summer of 2004.  It's an O gauge outdoor layout in Bellevue, WA (suburban Seattle).  The Woodshire runs both DCS and Legacy with much success, but it has taken a lot of work to make things reliable.  I would tend to agree with Chuck that the Aristocraft system is nothing worth moving towards.  You'd be much better off working to improve your TMCC and DCS operations, which is very doable.

Many issues are weather related.  I'm not sure what the weather is like in your part of the Bay Area, but I suspect it's still dryer than Seattle.  The Woodshire tends to be a fair weather operation largely because it's right of way is on the ground.  From the pictures on your Society's website it looks like much of your right of may is on well drained elevated planters.  That probably makes things a little easier, but track cleanliness is still a big issue.  If radio range is a problem you can do a LOT with modified antennas on the TIU's and Legacy command base.

Share with us some of the problems you are having with TMCC and DCS and I'll try to offer whatever hard earned "wisdom" I can.

Dave can yo send me an email at jzolfarelli@comcast.net and we can talk further about our system.  

I do appreciate all the comments everyone has contributed.  And personally would like to get what we have running better and not chase rabbit holes...

jeff

We use Aristo's Train engineer system to power battery operated engines to pull track cleaner cars in hard to get to spots ( Covered subway )  Installed it in some Williams engines too  We use it indoors  HAs about 150 foot reliable range  Real hard to get components now for some reason  Here is a picture installed in a Williams NW2 with a tether to a battery