I wanted to give an update of the current projects and happenings at WirelessBilly.
First of all, Trainfest in Milwaukee was a great success. It was great to get our projects out in the open. The feedback was great and around 60 people got to enjoy running the Modern SimHogger. We also made a number of great connections that will further help us to further the stream lined incorporation of model railroad control.
In the future we will have much more video content coming out in partnership with the WNCRR YouTube channel. They make some great content and we are excited to work with them going forward. If you have not yet, take time to follow them! https://www.youtube.com/@TheWNCRR
Builds
We continue to currently offer two types of SimHogger builds. The “Modern” and the “Retro” with work on the “Classic” progressing. We are hoping to have the classic available in the coming months and will be available under the same production reservation system we are currently using. Steam is also on our mind – preliminary design considerations are underway and we hope to have more about the development in the near future.
CSBs
We are currently in the process of redesigning our assembly process for the CSBs (Control Stand Boxes). In the past they were shipped with screws that the end user would use to attach all of the panels to each other. Now CSBs will ship as two parts – in the same box (the full build and CSBs will all ship in one box). The two parts will have the end, top, bottom and face plates attached to one another using adhesive and brad nail. One section is the brake stand and the other is the main face. The two will then connect using latches. This will add to the overall stability of the product and cut down on manufacturing time.
Software/Firmware
On the compatibility end we have some news. Beginning with SimHogger Firmware version 2.9.2 and SimHoggerLink 1.9.3:
- Run8 – 100% compatible
- WiThrottle – Beta control available, will further refine functionality for the sending of more advanced functions. Currently the independent brake works in release and apply. Feathering of the brake is supported. To use, your DCC decoder should be set to maximum coasting timing.
The current support list with corresponding functions:
- Front Headlight – F0
- Rear Headlight – F22
- Engine Run Switch – F8
- Step Lights – F5
- Gauge Lights – F6
- Bell – F1
- Horn – F2
- Brake – F10
- Throttle
- TSW – Beta support, we are continuing to work on getting it to work with DLCs. Please refer to our discord for more on how you can help with this using our TSW6 Controls Lister application.
- TSC – In the beginning stages of getting our API working. It is available for beta testing.
- Railroader – We are continuing to work with the developers on an API
- Trainz – Planning on starting developing the API within two months.
- OpenRails – Planning on starting developing the API within two months.
Accessories
EOT Emergency – We just rolled this out and it is now available for sale on the store. Users will need to have SH firmware 2.9.2 or newer to function.
HogKeys – Beta testing of HogKeys progresses, we are hoping to have this must-have for ELD (External Locomotive Display – Run8) users on the market very soon. This will be a stand alone device that will not require the use of the SimHogger Control Module. Up to two screens and devices will be available at any given time for users.
SimHogger Control Module 2 “The Radio” – Still finalizing PCB and internal designs. There is a lot of thought going into this design. We want to make sure it is absolutely the best it can be and with the amount of internal components required, considerable thought is going into it. We are hoping to have something rolling soon with this. Looking perhaps at a spring release of this.
Mod Kits – I have had numerous requests from individuals wanting to mod their existing “real” controls for use with SimHogger. I will be exploring making kits for this, such as custom encoder mounts and wiring harnesses.
If you ever have an idea for a product to develop please let us know. We are also open to custom orders and projects that may arise.
Finally, I would like to thank all of you for supporting us through this undertaking. There has definitely been some learning and growing pains involved. But each instance makes our product better.