Ring Engineering Whats New




What's New Page

This page is a list of what is new from Ring Engineering!  If you visit this page every once in awhile, you can see what has changed.  We will list any new products, RailPro sound files, programs, and more! 

January 2024
HC-3 Handheld Controller

Now with Four Real Buttons (Customizable) and Soft Grip Knob for the Ultimate in Train Control!
+ Much More!!!


September 2022 - 2023
IC Shortage
Everyone should understand that the IC shortage during Covid has never happen in history of modern electronics. That being said, we are very happy overall about how we handled the situation. We did all the right things to position ourselves to be able to ship continuously without any additional delays related to the IC shortage! To our knowledge we are the only Model Train Control Supplier that was able to ship without delay for any of our products during the IC shortage! We have been told some suppliers in our business did not ship for more than a year! However the shortage did have an effect on our new product development. Some of the parts we used went out of stock for over two years! We did not expect that to happen, so we were forced to redesign some circuit boards to use available parts. So many of our circuit boards are new, but to our customers, they do not look or operate any differently. This took a lot of engineering and testing to accomplish, which in turn has kept us from normal new product development. As of the end of 2023, all signs indicate that the IC shortage is over for us and we expect to be back to a normal new product development schedule in 2024. If nothing else like this IC shortage happens again soon, we expect to have an exciting 2024!

August 2022
New Product - RailPro
LM-4S-G
The LM-4S-G adds analog control and higher voltage capability for our G scale loco modules.

July 2022
New Product - RailPro Analog Kit with Sound Model# RAKS-1
This kit includes all the necessary electronics to add sound, motor, and light control to
your G scale locomotive and will allow control with analog (DC) power supply. It also
has magnet pickup so you can place magnets in your track for the purpose of playing
a sound or turning on a light effect when the train goes over the magnets. Further you
can Radio Control a locomotive with this kit installed if you obtain a RailPro handheld
controller. You can download new sounds and light effects using the built in Direct Radio!


Objects are not to scale

January 2022
New HC-2b program Rev 2.26
IMPORTANT:  If you have a LM-4S-G you must update your HC-2b (HC-2b-SUN) program to properly access the LM-4S-G.

September 2021
New Ultimate Series Prime Mover
Gevo-12 Tier 4 ULT

August 2021
New Ultimate Series Prime Mover
EMD 645-12 ULT

Diesel Bell - Gong Bell

July 2021
New Sounds
Diesel Horns - Nathan M3 ULT
Whistle - NW Hooter ULT

New LM-1 Program Rev 2.00
Rev 2.00 adds support for Rev 2 light effects on LM-1 (the first RailPro modules we sold)! 

June
2021
New LM-3S-G Program Rev 2.50 and HC-2b Rev 2.23
Adds
the ability to choose the input wire for Chuff Trigger Sync on LM-3S-G modules!
IMPORTANT:  You must update your HC-2b program and your LM-3S-G program to select the input wire for chuff sync.

IMPORTANT:
  You wire one side of the reed switch to +5V and the other side of the reed switch to the input wire on the LM-3S-G module.

January 2021

New RailPro Ultimate Series Steam Sound
Steam Chuff - Heavy Steam ULT
We are excited to offer this new level of realism in steam sounds reproduction!  Our new steam ULT sounds are whole new level in steam sounds reproduction that has never been done before! This is the most complex sound set we created so far and it is compelling to hear it in action!
IMPORTANT:  You must update to the newest locomotive module program for the new Heavy Steam ULT to play properly.

December-March 2020
Working on very exciting longer development RailPro projects and ULT sounds anticipated to be released soon!!! 

Increased production with many advances to our production equipment to keep up with the growing demand for RailPro products!


February 2020
New Product - Power Backup Module
What is special about the RailPro PBM is that the PBM is an active power backup not a passive one like many other power backups. Many others are basically just super capacitors that the voltage drops exponentially as soon as the power is removed. With other backups, lights continually dim and module performance is effected. Our PBM has onboard microcontroller and other electronics that will output a fixed voltage similar to a good power supply output so lights stay constant while PBM is active and locomotives perform better.

New Sounds
Steam Whistle - Aermore 4 Chime ULT

January 2020
New Sounds
Diesel Horns - Leslie A-200 ULT

November 2019
New RailPro Assistant Revision 4.01

This new revision of the RailPro Assistant Program now does not require a feature enable license for special features.  All features are now Free!!! 

Load User Custom Sounds FREE
Create User Custom Light Effect FREE
Create User Custom Accessory Projects FREE

This program uses a new and improved server so you will soon need to load this version.  The new revision no longer uses passwords and email addresses so it is easier to setup.  No more trying to remember your password!  

October 2019
New Sounds
Diesel Other - Uncouple Lever
The sound the lever makes when pulled to release a coupler knuckle.
Diesel Other - Uncouple
The sound of the knuckles coming apart and the sound of the air line coming apart.
 

September 2019
New 'Sounds Sample Page!'
Now over 100 sounds to customize your model Railroad!
A new internet page that allows you to hear sound samples before loading them to your products!

Note: If a sound is listed and has a play time of 0:00 then the RailPro sounds is ready to use but the Sound sample has not been created so far.

August 2019
New Sounds
Diesel Horn - Leslie RS5T ULT
Diesel Horn - Nathan P5 ULT
Bell Brass

July
2019
New Ultimate Series Prime Mover
EMD 567-16 ULT


New Ultimate Series Whistle
Whistle Big Boy ULT

June 2019
Micro-Mark now carries RailPro products!
We welcome this very popular hobby supplier as a new RailPro reseller!

May 2019
New Ultimate Series Shay Steam Locomotive Sound!

IMPORTANT: You will need to upgrade the program in your locomotive modules to play this new sound properly.

New LM-3S and LM-3S-G Programs
These new programs add support for the unique Shay locomotive sound! 

January-April 2019
Working on exciting longer development RailPro projects! 

December 2018
New Product HC-2-SUN
The HC-2-SUN is a handheld controller with color touchscreen that has an extra bright screen to be usable in outside sunlight.  It has the same capabilities as a HC-2.

New Ultimate Series Horn Files 
K-5LA ULT

New Product CB-1 Circuit Breaker Module

The CB-1 is used to divide the output of a power supply to isolate small sections of track, limiting the impact of short circuits if derailments occur to just one area of your layout. Add multiple CB-1 to isolate several sections of track.

November 2018
New Ultimate Series HORNS and WHISTLES!
We have new sound technology for RailPro horn files! Our new sound technology and horn files are incredible realistic and a significant improvement in horn sounds! 
IMPORTANT: You will need to upgrade the program in your locomotive modules to play these properly.

New Ultimate Series Horn Files 
Wabco E3 ULT
K-3HA-R2 ULT
K-5HA-R2 ULT
K-5LLA-R1L ULT

New Ultimate Series Whistle Files 
Baldwin 3 Chime ULT
Nathan 6 Chime ULT

New Production Equipment
We have
designed some of our our own production equipment and it is now in use!  These design changes allow us to assemble circuit boards at up to 300% faster than before!  The continual growth of RailPro sales over the years have make these changes  necessary.  Now we are more ready for the future than ever before!

September 2018
New Ultimate Series Sound Files!
EMD 645 Blower ULT

July 2018
New Ultimate Series Sound Files!
GEVO-12 ULT
GE 7FDL-16 Early ULT

June 2018
New phone system to better serve our customers!

April 2018
New LM-3 and LM-3S Accessory Programs
These new programs support the new Revision 2 light effects!  You can use our Light Effect Editor and make almost any type of light effect for your custom projects!

January 2018
New Light Effect: Pulse 250mSec Rev2
This produces a single pulse of a 1/4 of a second.

December 2017

New Product - LM-3S-G   'G' Scale Locomotive Module


IMPORTANT: Be sure to update your HC-2 or Simulator to the latest program to properly access the features of LM-3S-G modules.

New HC (handheld) Programs
We now have HC program Rev 2.03 for HC-2 and HC-2b. This new program adds ability to setup all sound and light features of the new LM-3S-G module and other improvements. 
IMPORTANT: Be sure to update your Handled Program first and be sure to update all of your locomotive modules for compatibility.

New HC Simulator Program
We now have HC Simulator Program Rev 2.03. This new program adds ability to setup all sound and light features of the new LM-3S-G module and other improvements. 

Easier to Navigate Internet Site
Our product page now has easy to select categories making it easier to find your favorite Ring Engineering products

September 2017

DCC support Added to LM-3(S) and LM-2(S) locomotive modules
RailPro locomotive modules are now Dual Mode! They can be controlled by typical DCC systems or by Direct Radio!



New Video - DCC + Radio Control

New Ultimate Series Sounds!
We have new sound technology for RailPro! Our new sound technology is powered by full digital recordings of real locomotives, precision mixing, and when coupled with our new motion technology truly creates the ultimate in sounds experience. One of the many new features in our new sound solution is a feature that eliminates the annoying looping effect that exists in even high-end DCC offerings.

New Ultimate Series Sound Files  Only sound files that end in ULT are Ultimate Series Sounds.
Alco 251 ULT
EMD 645 Turbo ULT
EMD 710 ACE ULT
EMD 710 ULT
GE 7FDL-16 ULT

New True Motion Technology!
Our new True Motion Technology uses a mathematical model that simulates static friction, dynamic friction, and more to make your locomotive run with more realism than ever before! And this technology is real easy to use. Just set the amount of user load and crank up the throttle. Hear and see your locomotive pound out the horsepower and smoothly break away from a dead stop. Feel the effects of the inertia as you drop off the throttle!

New Light Effects and Light Effect Editor!
RailPro has now added a light effect editor to its easy to use RailPro Assistant Software. You can create almost any imaginable light effect that you want. The light effect editor allows you to make custom light effect files for your locomotives and Accessory projects.

New light effect capabilities include new natural fade on/off light effects!

New RailPro Assistant Program Revision 3.20

New Handheld and Locomotive Module Programs
IMPORTANT: Be sure to update your Handled Program first and be sure to update all of your locomotive modules for compatibility.


August-July 2017
Working on very exciting longer development RailPro projects to be released soon!!! 

June 2017

New RailPro Assistant Program Revision 3.10
The new revision of the RailPro Assistant Program has improved Internet file transfer speed.  It is also more dependable across poor quality internet connections and wireless internet connections with poor signal strength.

New Sound Files
- CN Bronze Bell

March - May 2017
- Longer term new product development.

February 2017

New Light Effects
- Dual Mars Sync
- Dual Double Strobe Sync
The Sync (Synchronized) light effects control two light output with light effects that occur at the same time on both outputs. On the regular versions of these light effects, the light effects occur at opposite times.

New Sound Files
- Narrow Gauge 12 Bell Sound
- Steam Whistle Beckmann 4 Chime
- Steam Whistle Canadian Special 3 Chime
- Steam Whistle Kinsley 4 Chime
- Steam Whistle Lunkenheimer 1 Chime
- Steam Whistle Powell 3 Chime
-
Small, Medium, and large, Dog Barking

January 2017

New RailPro Assistant Program Revision 3.00
IMPORTANT:  The new RailPro Assistant Software uses a new server.  The old server will be taken out of service.  Therefore to continue using the RailPro Assistant you must update to the new Revision.  Go to the RailPro Assistant Software Page and start the down load. The new revision of the RailPro Assistant Program has improved Internet file transfer speed.  It is also more dependable across poor quality internet connections and wireless internet connections with poor signal strength.

New RailPro HC-2b Program
IMPORTANT:  If you have a HC-2b with program revision 1.31 you need to update the program to the latest revision.  There is a deficiency in the
revision 1.31 program that can prevent proper charging if the batteries are allowed to get very discharged.  Revisions newer than revision 1.31 corrects this problem.

December 2016

New Sound File: Fast Spitter
This is a sound many diesels locos make to drain moisture from their air reservoir. You can make a user defined button (type sound, 'maintained' action) to play this sound file as long as the button is active.  So this sound can even be played after the prime mover sound is shut down as a real locomotive may do.

September 2016

CI-1 Computer Interface

Plug this USB module into your PC (Personal Computer) to add Direct Radio to your computer so you can control and setup RailPro products like the RailPro locomotive modules!
You can use this low cost module and a PC to get started with RailPro for a lower cost!  You can buy a real RailPro handheld controller at a later time.

New RailPro HC Simulator Software

This new software for your PC draws a RailPro Handheld controller on your computer screen!  Use it with a CI-1 to do basically everything you can with a real RailPro Handheld controller!

July 2016

New Products - LM-3S and LM-3 Locomotive Modules

The new LM-3S and LM-3 Locomotive modules have twice the program memory and the LM-3S has twice the storage memory.  Extra program memory will allow us to add more features and improved sound with program updates. Extra storage memory will allow more sound files, pictures, and light effect files to be loaded!  Also instead of a 2nd input like on the LM-2, the new LM-3 has a 'Negative' terminal.  A 'Negative' terminal is better for battery powered connection and will be more flexible to add a keep alive product.
IMPORTANT:
Be sure to update your HC-1 and HC-2 to the latest programs to properly access the features of LM-3 modules.

New HC (handheld) Programs
We now have HC program Rev 1.30 available for HC-1 and HC-2. This new program adds ability to setup all sound and light features of the new LM-3S and LM-3 modules.  Also the HC-2 revisions increases the total number of trains that can be in motion at one time from 12 to 24.

June 2016

New Products - End of Train Devices with Safety Green Enclosures

New Model Numbers
EOT-33-G    EOT, 33" Wheels, Standard Wire Length, Safety Green Enclosure
EOT-36-G    EOT, 36" Wheels, Standard Wire Length, Safety Green Enclosure
EOT-33-LW-G    EOT, 33" Wheels, Long Wire Length, Safety Green Enclosure
EOT-36-LW-G    EOT, 36" Wheels, Long Wire Length, Safety Green Enclosure
EOT-33-GS    EOT, 33" Wheels, Standard Wire Length, Safety Green Enclosure, Shelf Coupler
EOT-36-GS    EOT, 36" Wheels, Standard Wire Length, Safety Green Enclosure, Shelf Coupler

New Sound File: Steam Heavy LM-1
Our new sound files tend to be much larger than our older ones and they do not fit well in the older LM-1 modules.  So we plan to release special versions of our sound files made specifically for the memory in our LM-1 modules.  Sound file names will end in LM-1 if they are shortened to fit in a LM-1 module.
 

New Product - WH-9

Two pack of RailPro connectors for for Loco modules with the 9 pin connector on one end and bare wires on the other.  These are good for removing any existing locomotive circuit boards and adding a 9 pin wiring harness.  Can be used to add a 9 connector to non-DCC ready locomotives too!
Several more new RailPro and non-RailPro products coming soon!


October-May 2016
Working on two new longer development RailPro projects. 
CI-1 computer interface is complete and expect to be in production soon!
Another exciting RailPro product has been completed also and expect to be introduced and in production soon!
Have acquired all new circuit board assembly line to keep up with our constantly growing needs to produce circuit boards for our products.


September 2015
New Products - Wheel Sets

New Model Numbers
WS-33-50    Wheels with Axles, 33", 50 Axles per package
WS-36-50    Wheels with Axles, 36", 50 Axles per package

August 2015
New Products - End of Train Devices with Orange Enclosures

New Model Numbers
EOT-33-O    EOT, 33" Wheels, Standard Wire Length, Orange Enclosure
EOT-36-O    EOT, 36" Wheels, Standard Wire Length, Orange Enclosure
EOT-33-LW-O    EOT, 33" Wheels, Long Wire Length, Orange Enclosure
EOT-36-LW-O    EOT, 36" Wheels, Long Wire Length, Orange Enclosure
EOT-33-OS    EOT, 33" Wheels, Standard Wire Length, Orange Enclosure, Shelf Coupler
EOT-36-OS    EOT, 36" Wheels, Standard Wire Length, Orange Enclosure, Shelf Coupler

July 2015
New Products - End of Train Devices with Red Enclosures

New Model Numbers
EOT-33-R    EOT, 33" Wheels, Standard Wire Length, Red Enclosure
EOT-36-R    EOT, 36" Wheels, Standard Wire Length, Red Enclosure
EOT-33-LW-R    EOT, 33" Wheels, Long Wire Length, Red Enclosure
EOT-36-LW-R    EOT, 36" Wheels, Long Wire Length, Red Enclosure
EOT-33-RS    EOT, 33" Wheels, Standard Wire Length, Red Enclosure, Shelf Coupler
EOT-36-RS    EOT, 36" Wheels, Standard Wire Length, Red Enclosure, Shelf Coupler

June 2015

New Improved Shopping Cart for www.RingEngineeirng.com
This internet site has a new shopping cart that has added support for tablets and cell phone devices. Android and Mac operating system devices can now be used to order Ring Engineering products from this internet site. Now accepting Discover and American Express.
 

May 2015

New RailPro Assistant Software

This new software for your PC adds new capabilities to your RailPro system and is easier than ever to use and there is a new user manual with very detailed step-by-step instructions too!
Click here to go to the new RailPro Assistant Software page!

  • Download your custom sounds to your RailPro products!

  • Create your own screens for the handheld controller to control accessories!

  • Convert your own pictures to RailPro format without sending them to Ring Engineering and much more!!!

New Product AM-1S Accessory Module with Sound

The new AM-1S is a module that can be used to control accessories and add sound to your accessory projects!  With the new RailPro Assistant software and an AM-1S, you can make custom accessory projects with custom loaded sounds that you provide!  The new RailPro Assistant Software allows you to load your custom WAV files into RailPro modules. You can use the new RailPro Assistant Software to load custom sounds into a AM-1S or a LM-2S locomotive module!
Click here to go to the new RailPro AM-1S page!

New Program AM-1b Accessory Rev 1-03
This new program can be loaded into an AM-1b to change it from a turnout controller to a accessory project controller.  Then you can load an accessory project to the AM-1b by using the new RailPro assistant software.  Note: This software is not for an AM-1.  The AM-1b is newer version of the AM-1.  You can identify a AM-1b by the checking that the main label says AM-1b.  By loading this program you can use an AM-1b to control a turntable, swing bridge and more! We can make an accessory program for the older AM-1 also if there is interest in it. Complete details about changing modules to accessory modules is in the RailPro Assistant User Manual.

New Program LM-2S Accessory Rev 1-00
This new program can be loaded into a LM-2S to change it from a locomotive module to an accessory project controller.  After changing the LM-2S program from a locomotive program to an accessory program you can load an accessory project to the LM-2S by using the new RailPro assistant software.  By loading this program you can use a LM-2S to turn on and off lights in a caboose or passenger car and add sounds to your caboose or passenger car!  Complete details about changing modules to accessory modules is in the RailPro Assistant User Manual.

New Program LM-2 Accessory Rev 1-00
This new program can be loaded into a LM-2 to change it from a locomotive module to a accessory project controller.  Then you can load an accessory project to the LM-2 by using the new RailPro assistant software.  By loading this program you can use a LM-2 to turn on and off lights in a caboose or passenger car and more!  Complete details about changing modules to accessory modules is in the RailPro Assistant User Manual.

RailPro Internet Page has been Redesigned
RailPro Internet Page has been redesigned for easier navigating and quicker access to purchasing RailPro products, videos, software, etc!
Click here to go to the improved RailPro page!


April
2015

New Sound File: Bell Jupiter

New Sound File: Bell NP 765

New Sound File: Whistle Frisco 6 Chime

New Sound File: Whistle Rio Grande 3 Chm

There is now over 30 Horns, Bells, and Whistles to choose from!

March 2015

New Handheld Program
Select from last 6 controlled products with just two touches and more!

The handheld controller now remembers the last six products that you were controlling so you can change from one to another with only two touches!  You can change between controlling your consist of main line locomotives, a switch engine, and a turnout module with just two touches! Greatly improves operations!

New features in Handheld Controller Program Rev 1.25
- Added code to select from last 6 products by touching main picture. 
- Many new pictures for the user defined buttons including a water tower (for steam watering sound), couplers (for coupler clank sound), brake wheel (for brake wheel set and release sounds) and many more! 
- Added code for Accessory Control.
- Added Module type to Information page "LM-1, LM-2 etc"
- Added % of free storage on download page.
- Added code to copy Project Files to accessory modules.
- Reduced active touch area to select another locomotive.
- The ability to turn on and off the Air compressor for steam engines.

IMPORTANT: The handheld revision 1.25 is a big update (1-2 hours) if you have 1.20 or older.  Please be sure your HC battery is charged before beginning update.

New AM-1b Program Rev 1.03
Important update for AM-1b. Note that the AM-1b uses a different program from the AM-1.  If your module says AM-1b on the top use the AM-1b program to update it.  There is no new update for AM-1 modules.

New Sound Files: Horn Nathan K5-CA-LS 3Ch and K5-CA-LS 5Ch
This is two sound files to make the two different sounds the K5-CA-LS makes.  The K5-CA-LS is a five chime horn but the engineer can choose to play only 3 chimes (Soft) or 5 chimes (Loud).  RailPro has the flexibility to let you setup two horn buttons on one locomotive!  You can label the buttons '3 chime' and '5 chime'.  Then you can either press the 3 chime (Soft) or 5 chime (Loud) button when you want to.

New Sound File: Nathan P-124

New Sound File: Bell Challenger
17 inch bell from a Challenger

New Sound File: Whistle Baldwin 3 Chime
Steam engine 3 chime whistle

New Sound File: Bell Bronze
 

February 2015

New and Improved Steam Sound Files!

There is a all new Heavy and Light Steam engine sound files.  These now have boiler hiss, automatic cylinder cock open/close sounds, dynamo, Automatic Air Compressor, and improved chuffing! 

To get these new steam sounds:
1) Update the program on your handheld controller.
2) Update the program in your locomotive module.
3) Delete the old 'Steam Engine' sound from your locomotive module.
4) Copy the New steam sound to your module.
5) Go to the button setup in the adjustments, select the button to start/stop steam sounds and change the file name to the new steam file you copied to the locomotive module.
6) Go to the adjustments and enable the Air Compressor option if you want to hear the automatic air compressor.

New Sound File: Bell Electric
This bell is found on some more modern diesels. It is actually not a real bell. It has a diaphragm that makes a bell like sound.  Some locomotives use it in place of a real bell.

This 'What's New' Page was started in February.

 

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