DCS remotes will no longer made?

jim pastorius posted:

$500 for a TIU set up !!  Ouch ! too much for my thin purse.  And cost of all these new technical wonders isn't even mentioned.

I think that's MSRP price. A buddy of mine bought a New TIU & WIU for $270 on a Black Friday deal. He didn't need any of the $180 (MSRP) DCS remotes because he had junk drawer with about four old smart phones looking for a new purpose. If one had to add the $25 premium app, you are still under $300 for the entire setup.

It seems there are a handful of established DCS users who don't care to have this new stuff. I don't think MTH needs to market new DCS control technology to already established users. If they want it, great! If not, who cares. I suspect that the current stock DCS remote may outlive many of these users anyhow. Subtract 40 - 50 years from your age, and you might sing a different tune. That's the age group MTH wants to entice.

If anything they (MTH) are seeing a nifty profit right now with the mad rush of "doomsday preppers" who are buying the DCS remotes in a hording fashion. What a great way to boost sales and clear out old stock!

Knock 40 yrs off my age and I was putting two kids through college on a cash basis. No trains!

jim pastorius posted:

Knock 40 yrs off my age and I was putting two kids through college on a cash basis. No trains!

$300 is a drop in the ocean compare to college today. Kind of a sad reality about the cost of education now days!

Its not that I don't like the app, I really like to move forward in tech stuff, Its just that the touchscreen doesn't work for me or all the scrolling through screens. When selecting the switches I have to scroll through all thirty on the remote or the iPad. There is no keyboard to select by number on the iPad, and no way to make the list longer or text larger. Every body operates different.  Thats why for some the app is the way to go but for me its the remote. I really wanted the app to work, after all I did buy it and a refurbished iPad. Now I'm considering selling my wifi setup and iPad. 

Clem

Barry and H1000, bigdodgetrain got it to work from his Amazon kindle Fire after he jumped the holes to get it to work with the premium 24.99 app. Legacy works everything but the Start up and Shut Down button doesn’t.

H1000 posted:

jim pastorius posted:

Knock 40 yrs off my age and I was putting two kids through college on a cash basis. No trains!

$300 is a drop in the ocean compare to college today. Kind of a sad reality about the cost of education now days!

I too, much prefer the remote.

Also, the cost of a college education today is more than sad- it's a national disgrace.

Jerry

SDIV Tim posted:

 

Barry and H1000, bigdodgetrain got it to work from his Amazon kindle Fire after he jumped the holes to get it to work with the premium 24.99 app. Legacy works everything but the Start up and Shut Down button doesn’t.

I didn't see anything in that video that indicated he was running the Premium or Standard app. As Barry and I have both stated, you can install the DCS app by manually copying the APK installer to device, I nor he dispute this as we have both done this.

The problem occurs when you try to connect to Google Play servers to purchase an upgrade. This limits the Kindle to running FREE versions of the app only. If you can get the DCS App to be FULLY  (I can't emphasize this word enough) functional on the Kindle, then you have peaked my interest. I would want to see extremely specific procedures on how to bypass the road blocks of a getting the Google Play apps and service working properly on the Kindle to allow the app upgrades to be purchased or synced with your current google play account. The procedures listed previously didn't work on either of my Kindle devices.

I see the Kindle as a device that can run the DCS Explorer fully or the WIU in the FREE only version of the app. 

H1000 posted:

SDIV Tim posted:

 

Barry and H1000, bigdodgetrain got it to work from his Amazon kindle Fire after he jumped the holes to get it to work with the premium 24.99 app. Legacy works everything but the Start up and Shut Down button doesn’t.

I didn't see anything in that video that indicated he was running the Premium or Standard app. As Barry and I have both stated, you can install the DCS app by manually copying the APK installer to device, I nor he dispute this as we have both done this.

The problem occurs when you try to connect to Google Play servers to purchase an upgrade. This limits the Kindle to running FREE versions of the app only. If you can get the DCS App to be FULLY  (I can't emphasize this word enough) functional on the Kindle, then you have peaked my interest. I would want to see extremely specific procedures on how to bypass the road blocks of a getting the Google Play apps and service working properly on the Kindle to allow the app upgrades to be purchased or synced with your current google play account. The procedures listed previously didn't work on either of my Kindle devices.

I see the Kindle as a device that can run the DCS Explorer fully or the WIU in the FREE only version of the app. 

 

You cant get this screen with the basic. That Loco is a Lionel Legacy ES44AC

SDIV Tim posted:

H1000 posted:

SDIV Tim posted:

 

Barry and H1000, bigdodgetrain got it to work from his Amazon kindle Fire after he jumped the holes to get it to work with the premium 24.99 app. Legacy works everything but the Start up and Shut Down button doesn’t.

I didn't see anything in that video that indicated he was running the Premium or Standard app. As Barry and I have both stated, you can install the DCS app by manually copying the APK installer to device, I nor he dispute this as we have both done this.

The problem occurs when you try to connect to Google Play servers to purchase an upgrade. This limits the Kindle to running FREE versions of the app only. If you can get the DCS App to be FULLY  (I can't emphasize this word enough) functional on the Kindle, then you have peaked my interest. I would want to see extremely specific procedures on how to bypass the road blocks of a getting the Google Play apps and service working properly on the Kindle to allow the app upgrades to be purchased or synced with your current google play account. The procedures listed previously didn't work on either of my Kindle devices.

I see the Kindle as a device that can run the DCS Explorer fully or the WIU in the FREE only version of the app. 

 

You cant get this screen with the basic. That Loco is a Lionel Legacy ES44AC

Again, I need to see extremely specific procedures on how this was performed, the procedures listed previously did not work on my kindles. I willing to give it another shot but I am tired of wasting my time on this. If I am having this much trouble with it, why would anyone else want this headache?

Also, can anyone guarantee that Amazon or Google will not release updates (automatic or otherwise) that will break this functionality? As Amazon pushes it own App store they sure don't want people picking up cheap Kindles only to use Google's Play store and not purchase anything from Amazon.

H1000 posted:
If I am having this much trouble with it, why would anyone else want this headache?

Also, can anyone guarantee that Amazon or Google will not release updates (automatic or otherwise) that will break this functionality? As Amazon pushes it own App store they sure don't want people picking up cheap Kindles only to use Google's Play store and not purchase anything from Amazon.

 

SDIV Tim posted:
Well I’m done dealing with this you, don’t get it and your doing this to give me and him a hard time

Tim, These are valid questions when one suggests a "hack" as a solution.

I don't find it advisable to suggest to anyone that they "hack" their device as a permanent solution. Some of these procedures that involve hacking the Kindle can cause irreversible damage and may "brick" the device.

I think this may work if one would "root" the Kindle, but I am not even willing to do that to mine own considering the possible consequences and number of extremely cheap android devices available today.

Again,I think it may be possible, and if you guys got it working, great! I can't reproduce your results and the instructions provided don't work on my devices. If you did something slightly different, I am will to try it again.

I don't mean to disrespect anyone here, but when we post information, we need to be responsible so that it won't damage someones property or lead them down a confusing path that leaves them with non-working device.

H1000 posted:

If I am having this much trouble with it, why would anyone else want this headache?

Also, can anyone guarantee that Amazon or Google will not release updates (automatic or otherwise) that will break this functionality? As Amazon pushes it own App store they sure don't want people picking up cheap Kindles only to use Google's Play store and not purchase anything from Amazon.

Well I’m done dealing with this you, don’t get it and your doing this to give me and him a hard time

Tim, These are valid questions when one suggests a "hack" as a solution.

I don't find it advisable to suggest to anyone that they "hack" their device as a permanent solution. Some of these procedures that involve hacking the Kindle can cause irreversible damage and may "brick" the device.

I think this may work if one would "root" the Kindle, but I am not even willing to do that to mine own considering the possible consequences and number of extremely cheap android devices available today.

Yes - not sure why people are pursuing this - Fire OS is not supported.

Just because you can get it work - doesn't mean its good solution.

H1000 posted:

SDIV Tim posted:

H1000 posted:

SDIV Tim posted:

 

Barry and H1000, bigdodgetrain got it to work from his Amazon kindle Fire after he jumped the holes to get it to work with the premium 24.99 app. Legacy works everything but the Start up and Shut Down button doesn’t.

I didn't see anything in that video that indicated he was running the Premium or Standard app. As Barry and I have both stated, you can install the DCS app by manually copying the APK installer to device, I nor he dispute this as we have both done this.

The problem occurs when you try to connect to Google Play servers to purchase an upgrade. This limits the Kindle to running FREE versions of the app only. If you can get the DCS App to be FULLY  (I can't emphasize this word enough) functional on the Kindle, then you have peaked my interest. I would want to see extremely specific procedures on how to bypass the road blocks of a getting the Google Play apps and service working properly on the Kindle to allow the app upgrades to be purchased or synced with your current google play account. The procedures listed previously didn't work on either of my Kindle devices.

I see the Kindle as a device that can run the DCS Explorer fully or the WIU in the FREE only version of the app. 

 

 

You cant get this screen with the basic. That Loco is a Lionel Legacy ES44AC

Again, I need to see extremely specific procedures on how this was performed, the procedures listed previously did not work on my kindles. I willing to give it another shot but I am tired of wasting my time on this. If I am having this much trouble with it, why would anyone else want this headache?

Also, can anyone guarantee that Amazon or Google will not release updates (automatic or otherwise) that will break this functionality? As Amazon pushes it own App store they sure don't want people picking up cheap Kindles only to use Google's Play store and not purchase anything from Amazon.

Did you bother to check what version of the OS you have?

The older Fires have an Android 2 build - that won't work ever.

More recent models are built off a 4 series Android - and might work.

I am one of the remaining Luddites when it comes to "Smart" phones. This weekend, I assisted another club @the SMR show to setup a MU with PS3 using WiFi. Never had even seen it before; yet we slogged through and had the MU running in just few minutes.

If I can do it, anyone can. February 1, 2018 I just may have to look into getting one of those flat screened contraptions.

Roving Sign posted:

H1000 posted:

SDIV Tim posted:

H1000 posted:

SDIV Tim posted:

 

Barry and H1000, bigdodgetrain got it to work from his Amazon kindle Fire after he jumped the holes to get it to work with the premium 24.99 app. Legacy works everything but the Start up and Shut Down button doesn’t.

I didn't see anything in that video that indicated he was running the Premium or Standard app. As Barry and I have both stated, you can install the DCS app by manually copying the APK installer to device, I nor he dispute this as we have both done this.

The problem occurs when you try to connect to Google Play servers to purchase an upgrade. This limits the Kindle to running FREE versions of the app only. If you can get the DCS App to be FULLY  (I can't emphasize this word enough) functional on the Kindle, then you have peaked my interest. I would want to see extremely specific procedures on how to bypass the road blocks of a getting the Google Play apps and service working properly on the Kindle to allow the app upgrades to be purchased or synced with your current google play account. The procedures listed previously didn't work on either of my Kindle devices.

I see the Kindle as a device that can run the DCS Explorer fully or the WIU in the FREE only version of the app. 

 

 

You cant get this screen with the basic. That Loco is a Lionel Legacy ES44AC

Again, I need to see extremely specific procedures on how this was performed, the procedures listed previously did not work on my kindles. I willing to give it another shot but I am tired of wasting my time on this. If I am having this much trouble with it, why would anyone else want this headache?

Also, can anyone guarantee that Amazon or Google will not release updates (automatic or otherwise) that will break this functionality? As Amazon pushes it own App store they sure don't want people picking up cheap Kindles only to use Google's Play store and not purchase anything from Amazon.

Did you bother to check what version of the OS you have?

The older Fires have an Android 2 build - that won't work ever.

More recent models are built off a 4 series Android - and might work.

The DCS app wouldn't launch if your were using Android 2.0 (or version 3), I can get the DCS app to launch. My Kindles were built in 2013 & 2015, well after the release of version 4.

Order a couple of thumbwheels.  That's what wears out first.

Wow....we certainly are making this entire thing much more complicated than it needs to be.

As far as phone and tablet makers updating their OS versions that may "break" the Lionel or DCS apps, that is a totally normal thing in this world.    You don't have to update your phone just because an update is available.   Wait to update until you know the makers of the Apps you use have tested and announced the App is ready for a new OS.

As I know Roving Sign can attest to:  Same really goes in our music world.  Apple just released OSX High Sierra.  Yet I, an many others who use our Macs in music production and performance haven't upgraded yet.  Why? Because not all of the companies that make my music apps (VST/AU/Interfaces) have certified yet that they are done testing.

Apps and Operating systems are never going to remain in stasis.   As bugs are discovered, new features added or needed, companies will update.   If you get a notification that a new operating system is available for your device/computer, it is incumbent upon you to make sure your necessary apps will run on the updated OS.

I did the same thing when iOS 11 was released.   I had to make sure my apps would be okay before updating my iPhone.

As far as DCS and Lionel Apps.... as long as the companies are supporting the app, there will be updates.

I know a lot of people are new to the OS/APP world, so my message here is in no way meant to be condescending or belittling.  Just informative.   The nature of Apps is that non thought of bugs sometimes are discovered after release. The developers work on it, then release version 1.1, then 1.2...major upgrade may then get Version 2.0..then 2.1.

If you are new to the App store/Google app store, Android store.... just scrolls thru all the things available and unless brand new, almost every app will be several updates down the road.

Finally, the companies and developers have to decide which platforms they want to release an App for.   In this case, they decided Android and iOS were the most widely used, and most cost effective to put their developers on those.

If you have the knowledge to hack together something to make an app work on a non supported device, go for it.  The fact it's not easy or fully functional is not a problem with the app.

Finally, as most of us have said, run your trains the way you want.  Hand held remotes are still plentiful.

All I am saying is don't dismiss the paradigm of device/wifi usage out of hand based on conjecture and quasi-incorrect information.

I ran my trains from the handles last night.  It was fun.   I may fire up the wifi and use my iPad tonight...who knows?

Most of all....have fun and go run your trains!

Wow, what an interesting diverse set of opinions.   This thread is similar to so many others regarding the evolution and integration of technology into our hobby.   Similar discussions I'm sure can be found on automobile owner forums regarding "Infotainment" systems without buttons on newer cars vs radios on old.   To get the most utility out of infotainment systems you need a tablet phone (I think the term "Smartphone" turns non tablet phone owner off since it implies that they aren't smart).  Historically, technology helps sell and improve new consumer products and MTH, not unlike many successful businesses, has effectively embraced technological changes in their products.

I have two DCS remotes that have broken thumb wheels and thus are useless to me.   I know I could fix them but not unlike those who don't want to replace the battery in their DCS engines, I don't need another "fixing project".   I've been using the DCS app since it became available.   While I totally agree that physical buttons are easier to operate without looking, I still enjoy operating and managing my layout with DCS via the app.   I hope that future versions of the app will allow users to customize what and where functions are located on the 'home' page of the app.   I have a home theater control app (Logitech Harmony)  that logically lets me control the amplifier volume from the volume buttons on my tablet/phone.  I've been a smart, I mean tablet/phone user since 2008.  So I am already familiar with using, loading, updating apps.   Yes, its not as simple as the remote.  Once the track power is on, I have to go to my phone or tablet settings, switch to the DCS Wifi (since typically I'm connected to my house wifi).  Then I launch the app, press "run my trains", then refresh engine list if necessary, select a engine, then start it up.   The DCS remote has almost the same # of steps and I could have a dedicated phone or tablet to use as a remote which would reduce steps.  I do not think the DCS app is intended nor ideal for brand new tablet/phone users.

That said I agree that the future of DCS controlled trains is via an app that will improve and easily be updated on my phone or tablet.   I've been an O gauge collector/operator since the late 90's and I (and my sons) have enjoyed the improved control, sound and features digital control has added.   These features make the trains more exciting and interesting to operate especially to people who are new or haven't visited the hobby in a decade or so.   When I do train shows, visitors young and old are amazed that they can control multiple trains on the same or different tracks from from anywhere around the layout with an app on their tablet/phone.  Some new consumer systems/devices/appliances can only be controlled via a downloaded app (my home theater control system for example).  So I agree with MTH to focus on control apps instead of controllers.   Ten years ago most cars didn't have a navigation system.   In ten years most cars will rely on the drivers phone/tablet for content on the infotainment screen.   By then most O gauge operators will use a tablet/phone  to access and control the features of their digital command trains and layouts.

Number 90 posted:

......   In the early 2000's, the railroad furnished me a Blackberry phone.  I hated it.  So, when I retired on the last day of 2007, I got the most basic flip-phone. That was fine until our six children began getting iPhones and wanting to connect with us in ways other than voice phone calls.  So, I reluctantly got an iPhone, and was surprised that I did not hate it.  I am not on it all the time, but I have found it to be quite useful in many ways.  I will probably buy the interfaces for both systems and use the phone to iPad (yes, I gave in and got one of those too) to control the trains.

I also finally got iphones for my wife and myself about 3 months ago, retired my old flip phone. Reasons were very similar to yours (and my wife wanted one). I don't think I've made but one or two actual phone calls, but I have used it for a ton of other stuff that I didn't know I was needing (or missing) until I got the iphones. I have been quite surprised by the number of uses I have found so far.

I do have the DCS wifi and have used it some. However, I still prefer the DCS and Legacy remotes on a regular basis. I am coming around somewhat and realize that I'll probably have to switch one of these days. Not sure I will add the Lionel wifi, but you never know?

I do think MTH might be a little premature on discontinuing the remotes? It still seems like there are quite a few that prefer the remotes, but I have no idea about their internal workings and maybe there is much more to it than we know, such as costs, obsolete parts, problems adding future features, design changes etc. I also suppose it is impossible to keep everyone happy all at the same time. That quite a tall order for anyone!!

I spoke with Andy Edelman at Trainfest in Milwaukee a few weeks back on this topic and he indicated that he expected this current production to meet demand for a couple of years. He also said there was a possibility of another production run, if component parts were still available. No promises on that though.

Still I bought my back up remote and TIU on Monday.

Just to make sure I've spent too much time thinking about this  - I took a stab at installing the Linux based - AndroidX86 operating system running on a PC - just to see if I could get the DCS app to install and run.

http://www.android-x86.org/

While I have some Linux chops - this AndroidX86 distro is still more of a project - and wasn't the easiest thing to get installed.

I tried a few different PCs - in the end - I could only get the 32 bit version to boot on my 64 bit PC - The web browser and YouTube worked as they should - but the Google Play Store would always crash.

I did get as far as seeing the MTH app and clicking install...but that's it - CRASH.

I had to use Ethernet - Wi-fi was unreliable  - that I could probably fix - but the Play Store crash is above my pay grade...

Too bad - if this OS was as easy to install as Linux Mint or the other big distros - this might have some potential...for geeky operators.

As it is now - I think you'd need some serious Linux Kung Fu to make it work...maybe.

It was worth a shot!

Obsidian posted:

Wow, what an interesting diverse set of opinions.   This thread is similar to so many others regarding the evolution and integration of technology into our hobby.   Similar discussions I'm sure can be found on automobile owner forums regarding "Infotainment" systems without buttons on newer cars vs radios on old.   To get the most utility out of infotainment systems you need a tablet phone (I think the term "Smartphone" turns non tablet phone owner off since it implies that they aren't smart).  Historically, technology helps sell and improve new consumer products and MTH, not unlike many successful businesses, has effectively embraced technological changes in their products.

I have two DCS remotes that have broken thumb wheels and thus are useless to me.   I know I could fix them but not unlike those who don't want to replace the battery in their DCS engines, I don't need another "fixing project".   I've been using the DCS app since it became available.   While I totally agree that physical buttons are easier to operate without looking, I still enjoy operating and managing my layout with DCS via the app.   I hope that future versions of the app will allow users to customize what and where functions are located on the 'home' page of the app.   I have a home theater control app (Logitech Harmony)  that logically lets me control the amplifier volume from the volume buttons on my tablet/phone.  I've been a smart, I mean tablet/phone user since 2008.  So I am already familiar with using, loading, updating apps.   Yes, its not as simple as the remote.  Once the track power is on, I have to go to my phone or tablet settings, switch to the DCS Wifi (since typically I'm connected to my house wifi).  Then I launch the app, press "run my trains", then refresh engine list if necessary, select a engine, then start it up.   The DCS remote has almost the same # of steps and I could have a dedicated phone or tablet to use as a remote which would reduce steps.  I do not think the DCS app is intended nor ideal for brand new tablet/phone users.

That said I agree that the future of DCS controlled trains is via an app that will improve and easily be updated on my phone or tablet.   I've been an O gauge collector/operator since the late 90's and I (and my sons) have enjoyed the improved control, sound and features digital control has added.   These features make the trains more exciting and interesting to operate especially to people who are new or haven't visited the hobby in a decade or so.   When I do train shows, visitors young and old are amazed that they can control multiple trains on the same or different tracks from from anywhere around the layout with an app on their tablet/phone.  Some new consumer systems/devices/appliances can only be controlled via a downloaded app (my home theater control system for example).  So I agree with MTH to focus on control apps instead of controllers.   Ten years ago most cars didn't have a navigation system.   In ten years most cars will rely on the drivers phone/tablet for content on the infotainment screen.   By then most O gauge operators will use a tablet/phone  to access and control the features of their digital command trains and layouts.

Hello Obsidian;   We, at the Foley Railroad Museum, would gladly accept your broken remotes as a donation to the museum. We would repair them and use them for years to come. Our Museum is open to the public three days a week. Admission is free. We plan to continue operating our layout with the remotes. Thanks for your consideration. 

With 9 DCS remotes, two TMCC Cab1s, and 3 Legacy Cab2's, I can not be persuaded to purchase a WIFI connection for each of my 5 TIU's. It is not because I am against technology.  Having been in the computer industry for 47 years (IBM 1401 & Van mounted 360-40 - 1969), I switched from main frames in 1982 when I could get COBOL to run on a PC.  I can break into cars with wifi (because they are not secure) and I will not have that capability in my car; however, I replaced all but one vacuum gauge with electrical (ASPEN, L3, and Garmin) and I connect an Ipad, Ipad Mini (backup to the Ipad) for situational awareness (and ADS_B for traffic) in my airplane.  I am never been against technology; however, one has to examine what are the features, how do they compare to features on existing technology and decide if this is worth the expense to upgrade.  I do this each time I purchase an MTH or Lionel command controlled engine.  In my case I do not see my trains running on my phone (I do have a backup to the backup on the phone in case everything else fails at 6000 feet.)  My Ipad/ iPhone grandchildren are happy running the trains with a DCS or Legacy handheld.  Count me as one to prefers the dedicated handheld devices.

I come late to the discussion, appalled to think that either MTH or Lionel would even consider eliminating the "hand-held".  I've read as many of the postings as I can bear and only write to add my voice to those of others who have raised their voices in protest.

My railroad career began with a Lionel transformer handle in my hand and, after 40 years of 1:1 railroading, I'm back to the Lionel (or MTH) throttle and cannot conceive of operating anything by sliding my finger up or down a touchscreen.

I applauded the strides made by Lionel with TMCC, eagerly jumped on board with one of their CNW GP7 - TMCC kits, and I still prefer the Lionel handheld - it's more like a real throttle that that little MTH knob and it works better.  Great stuff!  I've never looked back!

Meanwhile, I have a heck of a time using my much resented "smartphone", my fingers are too big, too old, too fast, too slow, too warm, too cold, etc and I miss half my calls because I can't get the God forsaken thing to work.

Following generations may never know what its like to sit in an Engineer's seat, pull back on the throttle and pray for adhesion.  There are kids who live in their mothers' basements and come to work in jeans and a T-shirt to operate drones that kill people in Iraq.  Perhaps the next generation will operate trains that way, too.  But then why would they model railroad, anyway, when they can railroad virtually with no muss, no fuss and no need to relinquish basement living space for a layout?  I've seen a number of these "virtual" railroad videos on YouTube and think they're clever but totally unrealistic and unrewarding.  There's no substitute for the real thing in any scale.

Obsidian posted:

I have two DCS remotes that have broken thumb wheels and thus are useless to me.   I know I could fix them but not unlike those who don't want to replace the battery in their DCS engines, I don't need another "fixing project".   I've been using the DCS app since it became available.   While I totally agree that physical buttons are easier to operate without looking, I still enjoy operating and managing my layout with DCS via the app.   I hope that future versions of the app will allow users to customize what and where functions are located on the 'home' page of the app. 

Seems if MTH had designed the remote with a select button in the empty location near the scroll wheel rather than using the scrolling thumbwheel to select something as well, most of the failures would not have happened. The "Out of Range", "Engine not on Track", etc., problems seem to be software issues rather than the hand held. As the DCS WiFi cannot control our Z4000's nor more than 1 TIU that makes it a non starter for many. (Haven't checked, is the Lionel WiFi still Apple only?) Remember when Lionel said the Cab1 couldn't be made anymore? Would be a small cost for MTH to fix the wheel issue. Many like their smart phones/tablets/ipads, etc and many love not having to look at the remote to do something as they can just feel where they are and need to be. Even if MTH stopped production there are a bunch of remotes out there already. Wonder how many car crashes have occurred with touch screen use rather than radio knobs?

Can anyone clarify: does this app only work for current or future engines that have a bluetooth connection built in, or will they work with my older P2/P3 engines? I.E.; is it like Lionchief, where the engines need to be equipped to work?

pdxtrains posted:

Can anyone clarify: does this app only work for current or future engines that have a bluetooth connection built in, or will they work with my older P2/P3 engines? I.E.; is it like Lionchief, where the engines need to be equipped to work?

It'll run any ps2/3 engine. 

Trainlover9943 posted:

pdxtrains posted:

Can anyone clarify: does this app only work for current or future engines that have a bluetooth connection built in, or will they work with my older P2/P3 engines? I.E.; is it like Lionchief, where the engines need to be equipped to work?

It'll run any ps2/3 engine. 

Then this is a plus for me. No way was I going to ever lay out money for hardware--I consider myself a toy train collector and I buy a great many starter sets. I will happily use the app.

pdxtrains posted:

Trainlover9943 posted:

pdxtrains posted:

Can anyone clarify: does this app only work for current or future engines that have a bluetooth connection built in, or will they work with my older P2/P3 engines? I.E.; is it like Lionchief, where the engines need to be equipped to work?

It'll run any ps2/3 engine. 

Then this is a plus for me. No way was I going to ever lay out money for hardware--I consider myself a toy train collector and I buy a great many starter sets. I will happily use the app.

 

Although... I still need hardware, right? I need TIU + Wireless connector?  Does this hardware prevent me from running P2/P3 on same track as LC and LC+?  Thanks.

pdxtrains posted:

pdxtrains posted:

Trainlover9943 posted:

pdxtrains posted:

Can anyone clarify: does this app only work for current or future engines that have a bluetooth connection built in, or will they work with my older P2/P3 engines? I.E.; is it like Lionchief, where the engines need to be equipped to work?

It'll run any ps2/3 engine. 

Then this is a plus for me. No way was I going to ever lay out money for hardware--I consider myself a toy train collector and I buy a great many starter sets. I will happily use the app.

 

Although... I still need hardware, right? I need TIU + Wireless connector?  Does this hardware prevent me from running P2/P3 on same track as LC and LC+?  Thanks.

Yes. You need the WIU and TIU. You can run PS2/3 engines on the same track. 

Can the DCS Commander  https://mthtrains.com/50-1028 be used as an auxiliary control device with a DCS WIU DCS app configuration?   Unlike the DCS Remote, the DCS Commander does not use a thumb wheel that can be depressed.   It has a dedicated SELECT button instead.   The advantage being that its the select function of the handheld DCS remote thumb wheel that fails over time.  So I'm thinking of adding a DCS Commander to my layout so that I have a physical (control panel) to control my engines.  True, I won't be able to carry it around the layout but that's what my tablet\phone and DCS app is for.  I'd setup the DCS Commander in the corner of my layout where I usually sit.   Its relatively easy to swap control between a pair of engines on the DCS Remote as it is via the App.  However, having a controller dedicated to a third (I typically run 3 at a time) engine during an operating session would be ideal.   Has anyone added a DCS Commander to their DCS WIU/TIU?

Has anyone added a DCS Commander to their DCS WIU/TIU?

Although I haven't done this, you should be able to have both the app/TIU/WIU and the DCS Commander active at the same time, even on the same tracks, as long as you only use the DCS Commander as the power for the tracks and run the TIU in passive mode.

However, you'll be limited to using only 6 amps of DC power, since that's how the DCS Commander works. In my opinion, it's just not worth the effort. You'd be better off using a remote alongside the app.

Barry Broskowitz posted:

Has anyone added a DCS Commander to their DCS WIU/TIU?

Although I haven't done this, you should be able to have both the app/TIU/WIU and the DCS Commander active at the same time, even on the same tracks, as long as you only use the DCS Commander as the power for the tracks and run the TIU in passive mode.

However, you'll be limited to using only 6 amps of DC power, since that's how the DCS Commander works. In my opinion, it's just not worth the effort. You'd be better off using a remote alongside the app.

Barry,

Thanks for the recommendation.   I didn't realize I'd be limited to 6 amps with the Commander.  Too bad, I was looking forward to using the more robust thumb wheel of the Commander.   I've always found the thumb wheel on the DCS remote to be a little notchy.   I guess another drawback of the commander would be that I'd have to memorize the engine # address as opposed to seeing the name of the engine on the display. 

Ken

Gentlemen,

   Frankly I see no need for controlling my train layout via the AP and phone.  I love the HHRC on both the DCS and Legacy.  Further I do believe MTH will produce the DCS HHRC in sufficient numbers to keep the public happy.  Now later on parts might be a problem, hope GGG continues to stock & supply the wheels and other needed parts for them.  

PCRR/Dave