Beginners to on board and trail car battery R/C often do not know where to start.
The following is a brief summary of what types of equipment are available, & what is involved converting to battery R/C.

Each REMCONSYS product has a downloadable PDF file elsewhere on this website explaining how to use it.

There are several styles of Radio Control (R/C) to choose from. REMCONSYS is the parent company of REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEMS and EVOLUTION R/C. We make two types of R/C systems.

Firstly, there is the old classic joystick R/C car style radio transmitter (TX). These are often referred to as 2-channel, even though they are now available with a lot more channels. They are still commonly available and are very low cost.

These larger 2-channel transmitters usually have better range, due to higher power output (and higher battery drain), and a long, telescoping antenna.

This can also be quite a detriment when operating, as holding the transmitter, operating the transmitter functions, and uncoupling or throwing a switch all at once can require great dexterity.

REMCONSYS makes speed controllers for this type of equipment under the EVOLUTION R/C brand. These come in PnP, B (BASIC) and E (ELITE) versions. The EVOLUTION R/C systems are legal Worldwide as they use any brand of low cost AM Digital Proportional (DP) R/C. They range from two channels upwards to 7 or more. Expensive FM or PCM systems are not needed. EVOLUTION R/C uses special algorithms to overcome “glitching” caused by Radio Frequency Interference (RFI). System separation with DP R/C is usually by replacing removable crystals. Many distinct frequencies are available. Use only ground control frequencies. Never use frequencies allocated for Aircraft use. If you are unsure which frequency band to use, check with your local authorities as to which bands are permissible. The EVO range uses the same hardware as the RCS systems and features most of the same capabilities as the RCS BASIC and ELITE throttles. See below.

Secondly, there are the smaller proprietary cigarette pack sized transmitters such as the new RCS TX-24 that will allow one-hand operation with the ability to do the switching functions you need to do. There is no extended antenna to catch under someone's eyeglasses.

REMCONSYS also makes PnP, BASIC and ELITE lines under the RCS banner. The new smaller TX-24 handheld transmitter permits operation of all the functions with no "shift" key on the side, such as older handpiece units had.

Starting with the TX8-LR and now the TX-4 & TX-24, all our transmitters have a much longer range than earlier versions.

RCS is proud of the fact that all transmitters are fully compatible with earlier throttles. Even the early ones can be upgraded with a new replaceable front cover plate.

RCS has always diligently worked to insure full backwards compatibility of all RCS products.

The new long range TX-4 provides three run functions and one sound trigger function.

The newest TX-24 handpieces can run 3 locomotives from one handpiece, but, long experience in the field has shown that, whilst most people can run one train at a time, and a very few can run two at a time, virtually nobody can keep track of three if they have any distractions at all. Unless of course, the trains are on three totally independent lines.

The transmitters have a rectangle on the front cover to allow noting locomotive identification.

You can only run as many trains as you have transmitters, no matter whose system you employ, as to date mind control of trains has not been perfected.

System separation is by addressable codes with 64 different codes available. As well, we have three distinct frequencies to separate out locomotives. From the first, RCS products have been able to MU similar locomotives on the same frequency from one transmitter.

RCS has always recommended one TX per loco. That doesn’t mean that you can only have one loco assigned to a particular TX handpiece. To the contrary, you can have as many as you wish.

All current RCS products are addressable from the transmitter without doing anything more to the locomotive than cycling the power OFF and then ON again to lock in the new address.

Several functions controlled by the transmitter can be programmed to either "momentary", or "latch-on, latch-off". One use for this is to engage dynamic brakes on a diesel so they stay on until you turn them off.

RCS ELITE throttles have 3 sound trigger outputs and full battery voltage headlight outputs that follow the loco direction.

RCS BASIC throttles work similarly, with the exception that the sound triggers and lighting outputs are on a plug in separate small board that can be mounted out of the way. RCS BASIC is now plug compatible with Phoenix P5.

There are three operating system programs in each, selectable by the installer. The program µ processors are mounted in sockets to allow upgrades if the need arises.

Firstly you need to determine whether you want all the equipment on board the loco or tagging along in a trail car.

Each has advantages and disadvantages.

TRAIL CAR

A trail car set up is by far the simplest method and has the advantage of much more room for the batteries and equipment. Plus, the receiver (RX) antenna can be mounted up high away from interference. Another advantage over an in the loco installation is, that, you can simply plug one trail car from loco to loco. With some steam outline locos the tender is big enough to carry everything and is after all, a sort of trail car. In a trail car, access to the battery pack is also much easier if you need to change the pack. If switching on and running is your thing then trail car installations are ideal.

The biggest disadvantage is you have this "thing" always being lugged around behind the loco. That sure makes life difficult when switching. Also, having proper control of the loco lights and on board sound becomes a lot more complicated with a lot of wires running between the loco and the trail car.

Any of the RCS and EVO Battery R/C systems can be installed in a trail car. If the trains you intend to haul are heavy, naturally you will need to choose one of the higher volt/amp (va) rated systems.

There are specialised INSTALLATION KITS available for trail car systems. 

ON BOARD

Installing everything in the loco allows for far more operating flexibility. R/C equipment and battery technology is so advanced nowadays it is possible to fit RCS systems inside many "0" scale locos and even some "0n3" rolling stock.

NiCd and NiMh battery capacity is well over double what it was, even just 5 years ago, meaning long run times can be achieved without the need to keep changing battery packs. A very simple circuit is also available that allows the operator to plug in auxiliary batteries when running on the mainline and save the on board set for switching & light engine running.

Interfacing with sound systems is greatly simplified, as is wiring constant brightness lighting to remain on when stationary, and automatically change direction.

No more lugging a trail car around. Switching becomes a breeze.

The trade off is generally a more difficult installation as most locos have to be dismantled. This may be a daunting task for a novice. Creativity in antenna placement may be required as it must be kept as far as possible from any potential interference. As with the EVO range, there are specialised INSTALLATION KITS available for RCS on board systems. 

REMCONSYS suggests potential battery R/C converts read up on the subject at LS Internet forums.

REMCONSYS also has published a number of HOW TO articles at various LS websites. These are listed with convenient clickable links elsewhere on the site.

REMCONSYS also makes RCS TRACKSIDE R/C control units for Large Scale trains. These are 10 amp units (150 VA), are fully filtered linear DC output and are safe to use with any locos. Including DCC decoder equipped locos, which often do not like PWM control. They are sold both uncased and cased, with both models being fan cooled. The uncased TITAN-10 can be readily used with batteries in a trail car installation.

All the RCS and EVOLUTION R/C Electronic speed controllers are now compatible with Phoenix P5 sound as well as LGB, Dallee, MyLoco Sound, and Sierra sound systems.

GLOSSARY. 

Here is a brief glossary of abbreviations used by this and other websites when referring to radio control equipment. We would appreciate feedback as to abbreviations we may have left out.