I see there are a few interested people so here goes!
I bought the Aristocraft Train Engineer system that generates 10 different frequencies and then 10 separate channels within each frequency, so a total of 100 different items may be controlled with it. You get the transmitter and receiver unit. You need to get a separate power supply ( I bought the Aristocraft 10 amp Ultima).
The instructions that came with the unit are great. I ended up looking at the website for additional information, but it wasn't necessary. I was able to get a train running 10 minutes after I opend the box. More time would be required if I was going to control switches with this unit (which is possible, and looks very easy to do).
The transmitter has an emergency stop button, direction buttons and throttle controls, as well as a frequency selector, and accessory control buttons. The train stops and starts gradually to prevent motor/gear wear. It does the same thing if you reverse directions. It's fun to watch, and looks more like a real train in action.
The last thing you can do with this unit is control locomotives individually if they have a mini-receiver unit installed in it. These are purchased separately and are similar to a DCC decoder. They plug into a DCC socket. You can also install the mini-receiver in a non-DCC ready loco, but be prepared to solder. Lights, smoke, sound, speed and direction may be controlled with the mini-receiver/transmitter setup.
This system acts like a DCC setup when all of the components are installed. It's less expensive, and may be tailored for use on any DC track layout (G, HO, N, etc.).
One negative aspect of this system is that it is fairly complicated to hook up the LGB switches. It's possible, but there is soldering involved. Directions are on their website. Arsitocraft switches are directly compatible.
