I am thinking of adding DCS to my layout. It appears that I need a smart phone or Ipad. I do not have or want a smart phone and do not have an Ipad.
I do have a windows 10 tablet.
Am I correct in assuming that I can not add DCS unless I buy and Ipad.
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Eric,
Am I correct in assuming that I can not add DCS unless I buy and Ipad.
No, that's not quite right. 
You can purchase a DCS set including a DCS WIU and TIU for use with any Apple or Android, smartphone or tablet (including a Kindle Fire). You would then download the free DCS App and use it on one of the aforementioned devices, either in its free or upgraded (for $) versions.
You can alternatively purchase a DCS set including a DCS Remote and TIU, and run DCS from that remote.
If you want to just get your feet wet and try out DCS, you could purchase a DCS Explorer for use with any Apple or Android, smartphone or tablet (including a Kindle Fire), and the free DCS App.
Unfortunately, about the only way that you cannot operate DCS is from a Windows smartphone or tablet.
To learn about how to use DCS via the DCS Remote, you could purchase a copy of The DCS Companion 3rd Edition.
To learn about how to use DCS via the DCS App, you could purchase a copy of The DCS WiFi Companion 2nd Edition. This book also has instructions to use the DCS App on a Kindle Fire tablet.
 | Everything that you need to know about DCS is all in MTH’s “The DCS Companion 3rd Edition!" This book is available from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store! |
 | Everything that you need to know about DCS WiFi is all in MTH’s “The DCS WiFi Companion 2nd Edition!" |
Barry, I bought the The DCS Companion 3rd Edition!" with the expectation of the future purchase of the system. Are there any system requirements for the Kindle and are there any drawbacks to it? That seems to be the least expensive way to go. If I go with the system I will absolutely by the wifi companion.
Thank you
Eric
Eric,
The Kindle that my son and I have used with great success is the Kindle Fire. Mine was purchased new a few months ago with Kindle software version Fire OS 5.6.1.0 installed. There are only 3 caveats of which I'm aware:
)Regardless, there are other lower-end Android tablets that work just fine. I use one from Insignia (Best Buy's brand) that's 10" (a bit bigger than the Fire) and works very well.
Although I'm an Apple guy and prefer the Apple iOS products, I've beta tested both the Apple and Android versions of the app and, on the whole, both work equally well.
Personally, I'd suggest getting an MTH remote. Smpler for the novice to set up, and many of us feel it is operationally superior to going the wifi route 
. (Of course, others 
feel differently.)
Robert,
and many of us feel it is operationally superior to going the wifi route
It would possibly helpful for DCS newbies if you could describe the operationally superior aspects to the DCS Remote over the DCS App.
RJR: I would like to echo Barry's comment about the remote being superior to WiFi. I have been using the remote since almost the beginning of DCS and am now converting to WiFi. I must clarify that I just unpacked my TIU after a little over 2 years so I may fit into the Newbie category.
1. A newbie is spared the issues of getting the wifi set up and continually operable as well as the TIU setup. Having both, I recommend getting a DCS layout up and running using the remote, before adding wifi. I was one of the first to have 2 WIUs, one for each TIU that is operational on the layout, and I still occasionally come across a leprechaun playing with the wifi signal.
2. If your modus operandi is to run one train at a time, or to concentrate on one train while another goes around on its own loop, wifi is fine. Try the wifi with 4-5 trains running at once on intersecting routes, and see if you, one person, can operate the wifi fast enough to throw switches and control locos, (Hint: have the E-stop button activated on your wifi screen---and pray it works.)
There are many threads on this forum that express views on which system to use. I would always ask the proponent of wifi what is their operational approach.
Robert,
1. A newbie is spared the issues of getting the wifi set up and continually operable as well as the TIU setup. Having both, I recommend getting a DCS layout up and running using the remote, before adding wifi. I was one of the first to have 2 WIUs, one for each TIU that is operational on the layout, and I still occasionally come across a leprechaun playing with the wifi signal.
Thats not an "operational" consideration. Further, "leprechauns" are subjective and, IMO, more often than not a function of one's individual railroad or inattention to instructions rather than a DCS issue.
2. If your modus operandi is to run one train at a time, or to concentrate on one train while another goes around on its own loop, wifi is fine. Try the wifi with 4-5 trains running at once on intersecting routes, and see if you, one person, can operate the wifi fast enough to throw switches and control locos, (Hint: have the E-stop button activated on your wifi screen---and pray it works.)
I find that's offset by the ability to look at the engine roster and pick from at least 7 active engines (on my iPhone 7) or 14 active engines (on my iPad mini) as opposed to only 3 when using a DCS Remote.
Additionally, when looking at switches the iPad shows me 11 at a time, rather than 3 at a time. Further, since they can be designated as Favorites, they can be any 11 that I want to be visible as soon as I look at the screen. A quick flick of the screen brings up the next 11. In effect, I can quickly and easily renumber my switches in any preferred order.
Being able to quickly access the required engine or the next switch to throw makes a big difference operationally.
The real difference, operationally, is that the app lays things out in a more logical way than does the DCS Remote and has a bunch more real estate with which to work. On the other hand, long familiarity with the DCS Remote makes it easier to use in an "eyes-free", one-handed manner for several often-used functions.
The DCS Remote's dependence on a mechanical thumbwheel that attempts, with varying success, to do a multiple of things at once can be an issue. The thumbwheel is used to: adjust speed; select things; work the playable whistle; use Quickset Speed, etc. This makes it harder to do things than using the app for these functions, where the graphical user interface allows for separate controls for each of the listed functions.
The biggest difference, however, is that the DCS Remote is stuck where it is and can never become better at what it does. It's an almost 20-year-old design and is completely topped out. The app, however, is a brand-new design that is both expandable and malleable. It can be modified to do things better than it currently does and can also grow to do things that the remote cannot ever do. The first of these is the app's ability to operate Legacy engines in Legacy mode. I expect that more will follow as the app matures.
Lastly, WiFi-based apps are how MTH and Lionel are attempting to bring younger people, including small children, back into a hobby where the dominant demographic is old men. (Present company included. )
Whatever you say, Barry.
And to top it all off DCS set 50-1001 (remote & TIU) has been superseded by set 50-1036 (TIU & WIU) and those are due in next month. The old remote 50-1002 is supposed to be available separately. I'm a g scale outdoor runner and smart devices even with AMOLED screens washout in direct sunlight. I'll stick with the trusty old single handed DCS remote with the monochrome LCD display
A few more things to consider with WiFi app over the DCS remote:
Even on a smaller 7 inch tablet, the controls are easy to understand instead of a tiny LCD screen or even smaller icon buttons. The ability to read the entire function vs trying to interpret a tiny icon or 3 letter acronym has turned me off from using the remotes after seeing how the app worked. Also, the remotes cost a lot more than a bargain bin tablet. I've had to replace a dropped remote (before the days of the apps) and that was an expense I didn't look forward to.
Replacement app remotes (android tablets) are cheap. I can pickup a 7" inch tablet for about $35, or less on a sale. With prices like that, I can now setup stationary interface panels with these tablets and use them to replace the manual switch controllers. I also setup a couple more so that controlling engines or accessories can be done from the same stationary location for train control as well.
Also keep in mind that the apps are software, and easily changed. I envision someday where we as operators will be able to customize the look and controls we see on the apps. We would be able to put commonly used controls on the home screen of the app in any way we want them to appear. The app already includes a virtual keyboard which makes naming switches, routes, and accessories a lot easier than using the scroll wheel.
And yet another thing that the apps help facilitate is to allow those with disabilities to participate better. There is an older member in our train club that has Parkinson's and operating the remotes with there tiny buttons is extremely difficult, let alone holding them like we do. The app with larger buttons ( on a 11 inch tablet) and the use of a weighted stylus has been much easier for him to use. Before the apps, he was limited to conventional operation only.
Best thing about using the app for me is having the quilling whistle active while still being able to control the train. Our youngest grandson prefers the app and knows it well. That pushes me to try it more often ( dinosaur alert! ).
Best thing about the remote for me is that I can use it outside better. I know the buttons by heart. Much easier to run one handed as well.
Both have many great features. I got lucky and had the WIFI running easily. I got the WIU from Ray's Electric trains and he upgraded the software before shipping it. The down side is I now need many more WIUs or I have to keep connected the only one I have to each layout. I want to add stands to hold Android pads around the layout when both hands aren't free.
As long as MTH keeps both relevant with DCS upgrades, I'll be using both. Your favorite, you'll decide. I'd highly recommend that any new user try out both at a store or train show.
So looking at the last post, I'm a bit late to the party on this thread. I'm about to purchase my first MTH Premier engine (Yes, I'm a noob, rookie, whatever you want to call me) and I'm wanting to run the wifi using the app. What all do I need besides my new locomotive? I have a z1000 transformer. Any and all advice/information is appreciated. As I said, I'm very new and am soaking up information like a sponge.
Thanks!
Runnikee posted:So looking at the last post, I'm a bit late to the party on this thread. I'm about to purchase my first MTH Premier engine (Yes, I'm a noob, rookie, whatever you want to call me) and I'm wanting to run the wifi using the app. What all do I need besides my new locomotive? I have a z1000 transformer. Any and all advice/information is appreciated. As I said, I'm very new and am soaking up information like a sponge.
Thanks!
If this is your first DCS engine, I'd look into getting a DCS Explorer. It provides basic engine functionality and at a low cost. It includes wifi control exclusively and is great for DCS beginners. It will allow you to run up to 3 engines simultaneously (no lash ups), and the DCS explorer is a perfect mach to you z1000 transformer, just plug the z1000 brick directly into the DCS Explorer and leave the z-controller out of the mix.
More info here: DCS EXPLORER
Thanks for the quick reply, it’s appreciated. When you say the Explorer will give me “basic engine functionality,” what functions will I be missing out on with it?
If you expect to add to your DCS fleet, I suggest getting a tiu and remote set, which can control all loco functions and up to 99 engines. The Z1000 can be used with it as well.
If new to dcs, the remote might be essier to learn with than the app. The tiu can do far more than the explorer.
Runnikee posted:Thanks for the quick reply, it’s appreciated. When you say the Explorer will give me “basic engine functionality,” what functions will I be missing out on with it?
The DCS Explorer is designed to be an entry level device. Here is the features it can control:
The DCS Explorer can:
It works with a Free App from MTH. The app does offer upgrades (Standard & Premium) but those upgrade only work with the full TIU (Track Interface Unit) & WIU (WiFi Interface Unit) & AUI (Accessory Interface Unit).
The Standard app upgrade cost $5 and requires a TIU and WIU. It unlocks all engine controls features, allows lash-up and provides for much more customized operating experience. The added features it adds is extensive. You can download the MTH app and explore everything it has to offer.
I’m glad you brought up the TIU and AIU (not to mention the WIU). I’ve tried reading up on these and watching videos to learn about them, but none of them say what I’d actually use these for. I guess I’m trying to avoid buying things now that will just get me by and having to buy all of these other things later. From what I’ve read and watched, the app looks pretty simple, which is why I was wanting to go that route. I also agree that the app leaves a lot more potential room for upgrading than the physical remote. I’d rather buy the hardware now as opposed to later because I don’t see the hobby getting cheaper anytime soon.
I’m not looking to have a 50’ x50’ layout with 25 locos (actually, I’d love to but the wife wouldn’t let me), but I’d like something I could continually build on as time goes on.
The explorer can run only one loco. The TIU can handle 99 (all at once if you like chaos). The app can be used with the TIU if you also purchase a WIU. So if you buy a second DCS loco, if you want to run both, the explorer won't do.
I'm sure that there will be a storm of disagreement, but I feel that the remote is easier to learn DCS on than the app, because you are freed from the wifi issues. If you also run conventional locos, the TIU gives you the option of using the TIU to control them also, giving you walkaround access. Not sure, but I don't think the explorer does.
The explorer can operate up to 3 DCS engines simultaneously.
Thanks everyone for all of this information. I can’t tell you how helpful this is and how much time you’re all saving me. This is a great forum!
I have to add to this thread.
I just bought the DCS explorer to have the entry level experience. that lasted less than an hour and I wanted more than three locos and more functionality- I loved the ease of operation- it is really user friendly. I am blowing the budget and moving to the WIU / TIU version,
PS- my DCS explorer is for sale on the FS forum. It is perfect for three locos and a smaller layout.
If it wasn't for the app, I would never had got into DCS. It made it easier for me to understand what I was doing running my trains. Now, I run MTH trains exclusively on my layout. I love the DCS system, and it works for me. And MTH products are pretty awesome, too. Happy Holidays to everyone running DCS trains this Christmas.
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