I was wondering if the new MTH WTIU will be able to be connected in what I think is called "passive mode" where wires from the unit go to the track and power does not "run through" the unit.
I ask because if and when I decide I really need an MTH locomotive, I would want to simply connect the WTIU to the layout in "passive mode" only.
Thanks!
Stan
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Interesting question. Since the new WTIU handles AC and DC on it's channels, I'm not totally sure how that will be handled. My sense it it will probably be possible, but I suspect only the developers know for sure right now.
Speaking of which, is there a firm release date yet for the WTIU? I know it’s been a moving target.
Really interesting. It could in theory prolong the life of the (W)TIU this way since current spikes from derailments etc. would not go thru it.
As James above asked - Anyone have updated info on when the new WTIU will arrive at dealers?
From the other WTIU posts, they should be here September ish
I was waiting to hopefully pick up a used wifi unit but went ahead and ordered a new one from Forum sponsor Mario's Trains. Free shipping helped 'close the deal'! Lol
I spoke with Legacy station yesterday and they are hopeful the new MTH system arrives by this December. Crazy how long it's been. I think I pre-ordered mine back in 2020 as soon as it was available for pre order. A little disappointed that there is very little hype about the new system. Maybe because it really isn't changing any other than combining the WiFi. Wish MTH had more of a visible presence for their products. I get they are running on very limited staff, but they surely need a Dave Olsen or someone to represent. Either way, I'm looking forward to the new DCS WTIU.
@c.sam posted:I was waiting to hopefully pick up a used wifi unit but went ahead and ordered a new one from Forum sponsor Mario's Trains. Free shipping helped 'close the deal'! Lol
It doesn't cost much to ship air. 
Good morning all
Not to “derail” the topic, I am still on the fence regarding the WITIU. That said , will MTH still offer support for the traditional DCS TIU, firmware updates when required ?
Thank you !!
@Steven posted:Good morning all
Not to “derail” the topic, I am still on the fence regarding the WITIU. That said , will MTH still offer support for the traditional DCS TIU, firmware updates when required ?
Thank you !!
My guess is they would since its really no different than the last TIU with exception to the built in WiFi. Another reason why it would be nice to have a voice from MTH available. Just to confirm questions like this. One thing I recently learned is that the only way it will support existing handheld remotes is to tether the remote to the new unit via a phone cord. Keep that in mind too. Other than that you would use the app. Personally, I like the app better.
Thank you Marc !
@Marc C posted:My guess is they would since its really no different than the last TIU with exception to the built in WiFi. Another reason why it would be nice to have a voice from MTH available. Just to confirm questions like this. One thing I recently learned is that the only way it will support existing handheld remotes is to tether the remote to the new unit via a phone cord. Keep that in mind too. Other than that you would use the app. Personally, I like the app better.
Actually, it's quite a bit different than the old TIU, look at the specifications. Look under the Features tab on the MTH 50-1039 page. All channels variable, all channels output AC or DC, Ethernet connection, etc. Just as Lionel is abandoning support for the Legacy command system, I'm almost positive that MTH will abandon the old TIU as well.
I didn't catch where it said all channels are variable. The pictures of the device show two fixed and two variable channels.
To me the only differences are:
Each channel works with ac or dc power
The WIU is now integrated
The DCS remote only works via a wired connection.
MTH would have to actively write a whole new app that specifically excludes the old TIU/WIU setup to leave it behind. They didn't write a new app when the explorer came out just modified the old one. I suspect the same for current app, it will be modified to work with all three hardware combinations.
@H1000 posted:I didn't catch where it said all channels are variable. The pictures of the device show two fixed and two variable channels.
To me the only differences are:
Each channel works with ac or dc power
The WIU is now integrated
The DCS remote only works via a wired connection.
If that's the case then none of the new features apply to me. I may sell the new one and keep the one I have.
Something curious I noticed about the WTIU image on the MTH website is that it has recently been updated.
Old one on the left and new one on the right.
Better wait for the product before we really know. Will be interesting to see if the variables can handle DC. Looks like a new cord for software changes will be needed too. G
The DCS Users Group, according to @Dave Hikel is demoing one at their meeting. Perhaps someone attending can get more info.
@MartyE posted:The DCS Users Group, according to @Dave Hikel is demoing one at their meeting. Perhaps someone attending can get more info.
Too bad I didn't know that earlier, that would have been sufficient reason for me to come down a day earlier so I could be there for that reveal. 
@GGG posted:Better wait for the product before we really know. Will be interesting to see if the variables can handle DC. Looks like a new cord for software changes will be needed too. G
if it's advertised that they now will be able to DC, then what's up? 2 variable DC channels:
https://mthtrains.com/50-1039#:~:text=Today's%20DCS%20Digital%20Command%20System%20features%20an%20all-in-one%20WiFi%20Track
When we finally receive the MTH WTIU, and happen to get two, do we have to pay for an upgrade twice to get more options from each device even though one will always be a backup? I'm guessing that the purchased upgrade will only "permanently" adjust the firmware in one device. True?
All good questions. Does anyone know who heads up that department at MTH? Just really curious why there’s no one involved on these forums from MTH at least that I’ve seen. I understand they aren’t staffed like before, I really do get that.l, but as a previous business owner, that would be priority #1 to me to have direct involvement with my customers. Get them excited about the products that are about to hit the streets and excited about what’s to come. And I think we are all easily excitable regarding model trains. Doesn’t take much to get me to spend money that’s for sure. I’m definitely not meaning anything negative by my questions since I really don’t know the happenings within MTH, but it would be great if we were somewhat in the loop because I’m pretty sure we all want to continue supporting MTH and their offerings.
@Profuse posted:When we finally receive the MTH WTIU, and happen to get two, do we have to pay for an upgrade twice to get more options from each device even though one will always be a backup? I'm guessing that the purchased upgrade will only "permanently" adjust the firmware in one device. True?
No, the upgrade is per iOS / Google user account. If you buy 3 WTIU'S and install the app on 5 phones, you only pay once if those phones use the same Google or apple account.
When you purchase the standard or premium upgrade, nothing changes on the wtiu or wiu. You unlock features in the app, that's it.
If you run a mix of apple and android devices, then you will have to buy the upgrade twice to appease both Google and Apple.
@Marc C posted:All good questions. Does anyone know who heads up that department at MTH? Just really curious why there’s no one involved on these forums from MTH at least that I’ve seen. I understand they aren’t staffed like before, I really do get that.l, but as a previous business owner, that would be priority #1 to me to have direct involvement with my customers. Get them excited about the products that are about to hit the streets and excited about what’s to come.
There are only two or three people for all the design side, and I'm pretty sure that a lot of the work is farmed out to independent development organizations. I think they simply don't have the time or inclination to participate in the forums.
@Marc C posted:My guess is they would since its really no different than the last TIU with exception to the built in WiFi. Another reason why it would be nice to have a voice from MTH available. Just to confirm questions like this. One thing I recently learned is that the only way it will support existing handheld remotes is to tether the remote to the new unit via a phone cord. Keep that in mind too. Other than that you would use the app. Personally, I like the app better.
Hey, another Legacy Station-er!
Details (for some reason) on the new WTIU's DCS remote support have been fragmented in my conversations with random folks in the community. I chose to believe from the beginning remote support would be limited-to-non-existent, and surprise surprise; Limited it be.
I had zero experience with the DCS remote until recently. Solely due to the rockin' deal I got and nothing else, I purchased a Rev. I TIU with DCS remote in excellent condition. From there, I hunted down a NOS DCS remote for an exceptional price as a backup, and a NIB WIU. All in I spent less than what just a TIU and remote in so-so condition have been going for the last few years. I'm still keeping my WTIU order...
Being into vintage computers, I am no stranger to supply drying up, or general availability of a specific unit I am after going the way of the dinosaur. The reality of it all is that once a given technology has reached unequivocal obsolescence, it becomes a game of diligence in seeking out what you know you want, and preservation. Adding to this, the value I see in having a DCS remote to play with (because it's cool - I don't much care whether anyone finds that nerdy or not) even if I use it infrequently is that it's a little piece of history in something that makes me happy. When the new WTIU finally arrives, I'll likely swap the TIU out for it and preserve the old TIU and components as best I can until I have use for them again, perhaps on a second layout - or - I just feel like swapping it out for funsies.
Circling back, there is no getting around the fact that both MTH and Lionel miscalculated the position they ultimately both took on physical remotes for their core audience. No one can fault them for components going POOF!, but there are always options... A fairly inexpensive way for MTH to have worked around RF transmitter availability would have been to go the generic bluetooth route had they wanted to put the money in it. Alternatively, there are absolutely components available to interface RJ11 wirelessly if you're creative enough. Given this hobby's aptitude for customization, no doubt someone will figure it out and you can join in on the fun if you so choose.
That being said, the Wifi DCS app is certainly easier to use for newcomers to DCS and offers several advantages operationally in general. It's not like the Cab3 app, which is currently a shocking exercise in embarrassing practices involving eggs and faces...
Had Lionel and MTH truly known the kind of response they'd end up getting, and seen what people would be willing to pay for that tactile interaction with a good remote similar to what was already in circulation, I imagine there would have been some money put into it on both sides.
/rant
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