Don't forget to fill out the survey from MTH

Thanks for the reminder. Did it this morning

Done

 

Thanks!

Thank you, Chris - I just did mine.

 

Alex

Never heard of it until this post. Thank you!

 

Filled out.

thanks for the reminder, Chris! filled out and sent.

 Thanks!

Done, thanks!

Chris, I submitted mine on Sunday...  Figured I'd do it sooner rather than later to get it done!

Just submitted my responses.  Thanks for the link.

Done...

 

..but would have liked a better format, like:

 

"Describe the Most Important Feature(s) you would like in a new DCS system", and

"Describe the features you care least about in a new DCS system"

 

Then I would have had a better spot to say WIFI and PC CONTROL! (of trains and AIUs)

 

Thanks Chris,

Ed

Format aside; They are asking for our input which is good.

Thanks Chris!  Didn't know about it until your post.

 

Hey, MTH has to hear from us incompetents too you know

 

- walt

 There were a lot of choices and the ability to add our own. I wish I would have copied it for discussion. It sounds like they are going in a great direction. Joe

Thanks for the link Chris. I just did it.

 

My $.02 in no particular order.

 

Make the TIU connect to your home network aka linksys web router.

Wifi conectivity. Configuration through a browser window on your PC/Smartphone/DCS remote.

More remotes? Synch up through wifi on home wireless network.

All security managed by wireless router...no need to reinvent and bundle in the TIU.

Put Linux on TIU as an OS and web server to house config files.

 

TIU leverage laptop/tablet parts to cut costs via standard electronic parts and streamline development. e.g. Mobo's, memory, connectivity (ethernet/Wi-fi/bluetooth), etc. etc.

Include an SD card for additional memory, storage, and future upgrades.

 

DCS software. Keep it proprietary, but offer API's Application Programming Interfaces. As a developer, I could write a smart phone or other application to control via non-DCS remote if I wanted. But don't limit creativity by limiting what's available via API.

 

Expand Railware application to control layout in real-time. Make it the ultimate "Lego" system for train geeks.

Design your layout in Railware, configure trains, switches and accessories.

Then, click button on Railware software to send layout and configuration package to TIU.

DCS remote sees track layout on screen with real time updates to display on screen to control layout, or via API...your smart phone application. Sure, you can add new trains via DCS remote...why not. Next time Railware is opened on PC, it'll realize the TIU version is more recent and prompt you to refresh your desktop file(s). Of course, you'll want to say yes... :-)

 

|---------AND THEN--------------|

 

Ok. I filled out the survey and added all the technical jargon above. THEN I saw this post about Michael...this is the path, the direction, the goal of all my ideas above...just a whole lot easier to make it all work. Mr.Hewitt should not have had to go through so much effort. It shouldn't be that hard and it doesn't have to be. I've been in IT for 16 years now as a developer, architect, consultant, the works...experience tells me so.

 

API's...will make Mr. Wolfs secrets safe...but enable the Mr. Hewitt's to create effectively and legally...

 

https://ogrforum.com/d...ent/4949358367366501

 

CH, Your ideas for connecting via a wireless router and using standard protocols are great.  I think of DCS as a closed system, i.e., unable to connect to today's equipment, e.g., wireless routers, smart phones, and the like; consequently, I your ideas would never occurred to me.  I hope that MTH will like and adopt your ideas.

 

If I could connect the handheld/TIU to my laptop via a wireless router, it might make typing text into the handheld a much easier process.

Done