Seems like a step backward to me. In this age of increased functionality and ease of use, to pare down a device using old technology rather than bringing out a cutting edge product doesn't look good for them. Maybe there will be a surprise announcement at Nurnberg. I hope so.

You make sense Ron, but also I would say there is a large market who want a good solid/reliable/easy-to-use controller with two controls to manage the majority of things and get it at a good price. Many "middle of the road" model railroaders are not interested in the PC connectivity, S88 etc,

lets also hope for a new announcemet at Nurnberg

I think it will just be an in-between thing. To boost sales a little while continuing working on a completely new system. Or at least controller... I don't expect that new thing to be announced at Nurnberg this year, but if it happens, I'll let you all know.

I dunno.... The IB is getting old now and the biggest reason why I still have one is that it is the best (and nearly the only) way to have computer control on the layout.. The CS (based on my visits to Nev's place) romps home in terms of its ability to manage the loco fleet - the IB's little screen and strange ways to set loco/signal addresses are now too tedious.. Take computer control away and you are left with something inflexible..

Lars,
Agreed. Daisy with IB-Switch (and Loconet train detection, or Lissy if you will) makes a great little system.
I would love to see a separate bidirectional LocoNet-CanBus converter, a Loconet USB interface (with standard IB protocol), a separate Loconet keyboard with color screen, etcetera.

Yes, fully agree,
with one important advantage (at least I think): IB Basic is usable to configure the advanced LocoNet units, where I think Uhlenbrock now has it's strength. I was hoping this should be done using Daisy and the new LocoNet-interface, but this idea isn't that bad.

Differences:
Daisy system cannot program LNCV devices, nor actively cooperate with Lissy
Daisy has less power as said
Daisy is much more convenient to handle
Dasiy has a smart analog mode, usable for 2R railers
Daisy system is more "modular"; it's parts may be used as throttle+booster.
Daisy cannot read CVs from decoders, and has no separate PT.

One of the main benefits with the IB is that it's software may be upgraded through the computer port. I wonder how Uhlenbrock are thinking about this; maybe they don't like it becuase it's hard for them to earn money? Or they will find another solution?

/Lars

Personally I think that this is a good replacement for the Intellibox for starter sets. Many Piko and Fleischmann starter sets have an Intellibox included. For a serious Marklin user, I think the Intellibox basic is too limited and too expensive. This should sell for no more than 125 Euros.

Just my thoughts...

r/mark

I detect a relationship between Viessman and Uhlenbrock (see Digital2 decoders capable of DCC/Motorola)

If Uhlenbrock have some partnership that extends to some involvement with the Commander, they may just be waiting for M to finally settles on their Systems specs. Then they would leverage this rather than bring out a totally different product.

The IB-Basic would indeed be just an entry unit (pricepoint/simple but functionalal). In which case it should (if future proofed) be able to operate as an additioanl controller if/when the user was to upgrade to a more powerful system.

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