The Handset
The HAndset
One of the most important parts of a control system is the human interface, or the handset. The handset for the LCRC100 is an injection molded plastic case designed to be easy to hold and use. The multifunction screen displays information to the operator including:
Speed - The unit displays speed in real or scale miles per hour
Battery Life - The battery meter in the top left corner indicates the number of batteries in the locomotive and the current charge of them.
Handset battery level
Almost real time amp flow in or out of the system
Radio Buffer status
Direction of the unit or consist
Signal Strength
The display screen also uses the “Brake” button to display the current pressure setting on the train’s air brakes and the “Menu” wheel to access other information and settings within the system.
Below the screen are 3 buttons. One is the “Function” button which will bring up other menus for information regarding MU status, individual battery status and more. The other two buttons are volume up and down for the locomtive sound system.
Below that are the “Brake” and “Throttle / Multifunction” button. The “Brake” button, when pressed, takes you into airbrake mode and the throttle wheel can be used to increase and decrease air brake pressure, shown on the screen in PSI.
These two buttons also take you through the menus to setup other features of the controller.
Below those are the control buttons for direction, lighting, and horn and bell.
On the botton of the unit is the charging port for the onboard Lithium Ion battery.