8-Channel Power Functions Infrared Remote Control

[DLuders]

Halfway down the review of the upcoming 7939 Cargo Train set ( http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=41847 ), there's this picture and comment about an 8-Channel Power Functions IR RC:

"TLC proudly presents the 8 channel IR RC, but for driving one train only, this steering is a bit oversized. The only functions you need is one steering wheel and the stop button. Driving a bigger layout is something completey different though. It's good to see that TLC implemented some spare functions here."

This is the same set that will use the smaller (4x8x4) battery box that uses 6 ea. AAA batteries; see picture below. Will the 8-Channel Power Functions Infrared Remote Controller have any useful applications operating a complex Lego Technic MOC? Regular ( 58122c01/ 8885 ) PF remote controllers (pictured below) only have 4 channels.

I don't believe that the new 8-channel IR RC unit is the same as the 8879 IR Speed Remote Control (pictured at the bottom-right of the set below). If it were the same, why would the 7939 reviewer make a big deal out of it? They LOOK the same, but are they really? Maybe the insides are different. Does anybody out there know for sure?

Edited May 20, 2010 by dluders

[vmln8r]

I'm fairly certain both remotes are the same, just a different interpretation for the PF trains which use one motor - i.e. control of eight trains per remote.

[DLuders]

@ VMLN8R: If you think that there's no difference between the two Power Functions IR RC units, and you could 8 different trains with one Power Functions (PF) remote, how would that be possible if the standard 8884 Power Functions IR Receiver only has 4 channels? The 7939 Cargo Train set (to be released in August 2010) only comes with one 8884 PF IR Receiver, so unless the RECEIVER has an 8-channel selector switch, how could one IR Remote Control unit independently control 8 different trains?

Right now, if one places 8 different Power Functions MOCs within 10 meters (33 feet) of each other, one could only have 4 INDEPENDENT CHANNELS to drive them.

I asked the 7939 reviewer (Holodoc) to clarify the 8-channel claim ( http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?...st&p=740643 ). We'll see what he/she says....

Edited May 21, 2010 by dluders

[vmln8r]

It is possible to run two trains off one receiver channel - the first train uses the blue output, and the second uses the red output. So using one remote you could control eight trains assuming one independent function per train.

[DLuders]

OK, that makes sense. Maybe Holodoc's proclamation that "TLC proudly presents the 8 channel IR RC" is old news.

At least the new, 4x8x4 6-celll AAA Battery Box looks like a good addition!

Edited May 21, 2010 by dluders

[Fistach]

Dluders there are certain very important differences between two remotes

With old one you can control only two trains. Once you stop pushing the levers the train halts.

With the new one you not only can steer with 8 different trains but also you can set one of 7 speeds from 0 to full speed and when you change the channel the train keeps running so you don't have to push any kind of lever all the time.

Edited May 21, 2010 by Intact

[Jurgen Krooshoop]

I thought all of this is already possible with the 8879. And the 8884 receiver has 8 channels divided in 4 groups of 2. The main difference between the 8885 and the 8879 is that the 8879 doesn't have to keep IR-contact with the receiver for a motor to keep running. With the 8885, permanent IR-contact is needed for the motor to run, so when you switch channels, the motor stops, but with the 8879 it will keep running.

Edited May 21, 2010 by Jurgen Krooshoop

[Sariel]

The only functions you need is one steering wheel and the stop button.

I believe that part makes it clear that the reviewer was unaware of the fact that there are two independent control outputs at each of the 4 channels. It generally sounds like the Power Functions were something new to him, as all the features he mentioned were present upon the introduction of the dual speed dial handset which took place over a year ago. To introduce 8 channels would be make no sense for TLC nor for us - it wouldn't just require a new handset, it would also mean that you have to buy new IR receivers to make any use of the 4 additional channels, and all of it with the current PF system being released relatively short time ago. You don't turn the core architecture of the system upside down only a year or two after its release.

For those who haven't seen what the 8879 handset can do, here's a short vid presenting it:

Edited May 21, 2010 by Sariel

[Holodoc]

Sorry for my late reply guys - I was just some days off and now everything is getting out of hand here...

It is possible to run two trains off one receiver channel - the first train uses the blue output, and the second uses the red output. So using one remote you could control eight trains assuming one independent function per train.

This is what I always thought. If I recall correctly, something similar was written in the instructions of set 8275.

There are 4 channels and 2 "turntables" operating all in all up to 8 trains. (This will become a lot of work if you really try to do so - you have to switch to the different channels over and over again. )

OK, that makes sense. Maybe Holodoc's proclamation that "TLC proudly presents the 8 channel IR RC" is old news.

At least the new, 4x8x4 6-celll AAA Battery Box looks like a good addition!

You're right, this is actually old news, but that was the only information that is printed on the sides of the box.

[Sariel]

Am I the only one who thinks the topic name should be changed as it is seriously misleading right now?

[Jurgen Krooshoop]

Am I the only one who thinks the topic name should be changed as it is seriously misleading right now?

No, you're not the only one ...

[DLuders]

I tried to edit the title of my original post, but all I can't edit anything but the body of the text. The EB site administrator will have to edit the title. On second thought, I'd delete the entire post if I could.