Has MTH indicated when we can purchase TIUs that include WIU capabilities?
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Was this actually announced by MTH? I didn't see this any where other than speculation and rumor. Even double checked the DCS meeting notes. I'm sure I could have missed this.
I would figure its coming since they are dropping the remote from production.
So at this point it is still rumor?
Roving Sign posted:
Yeah that's the explorer. That's a bit different than the OP question I think. That unit is the one that is included in the starter sets replacing the remote commander. I guess that could be the one but it's limited compared to a full TIU.
superwarp1 posted:I would figure its coming since they are dropping the remote from production.
Who says they're dropping the remote? It's in the 2017 catalog.
gunrunnerjohn posted:superwarp1 posted:I would figure its coming since they are dropping the remote from production.
Who says they're dropping the remote? It's in the 2017 catalog.
This was said by Andy Edelman at the DCS meeting 2017 would be the last year they will produce the remote. It was in the DCS Users Meeting Notes.
I suspect that Lionel will be all smiles, the people that don't want to use their phone to run trains will be looking to another supplier. 
gunrunnerjohn posted:I suspect that Lionel will be all smiles, the people that don't want to use their phone to run trains will be looking to another supplier.
And I suspect MTH will be all smiles when the people that do want to use their phone to run trains flock to their product.
Obviously, you've never heard of the Lionel LCS WiFi unit that is a similar product. The difference being you only need one LCS WiFi no matter how large the layout is, where with the MTH WiFi, it's one for each TIU. Also, the LCS WiFi allows you to visually operate switches and accessories.
The difference in the situation is Lionel isn't subtracting an option of running the trains, the Legacy remotes are still available.
Yet I can't run DCS equipped engines with Lionel's wifi but I can run Legacy engines with MTH wifi. We can play this game all day which system is better.
But for better or worse MTH has gambled the future is smart devices. I'd bet the legacy remote is the last remote we will ever see produce from Lionel, it may be in production for 10 years or more but it will be the last.
Try to run 5 or 6 trains, on intersecting routes while doing switching (uncoupling, etc), with a smartphone or tablet.
Also try letting a 2-3 year old use your smartphone to run trains. My 6 grandchildren all started running Grandpa's trains at that age, using remotes.
Well Gary, that's simply because MTH has never released the protocol so that Lionel could do such a product. As far as the thinking, it's more simply moving the responsibility for a maintenance intensive interface unit to the consumer and out of their hands. Time will tell if it's a good decision or not.
GRJ, there's a profit-maker for you the the H-boys: buy the rights to the remote and produce them.
gunrunnerjohn posted:Well Gary, that's simply because MTH has never released the protocol so that Lionel could do such a product.
Yeah may of been a smart business move on MTHs part not to share in the sand box but are we better off for it?
but back to the remotes. I've only played with Lionel's a little but wasn't really impressed. Much prefer the cab2. As for MTH, I've never really like the remote but I'd rather run the trains with the app. The funny thing is my son is the opposite.
superwarp1 posted:gunrunnerjohn posted:Well Gary, that's simply because MTH has never released the protocol so that Lionel could do such a product.
Yeah may of been a smart business move on MTHs part not to share in the sand box but are we better off for it?
but back to the remotes. I've only played with Lionel's a little but wasn't really impressed. Much prefer the cab2. As for MTH, I've never really like the remote but I'd rather run the trains with the app. The funny thing is my son is the opposite.
This is what I see when I look at the Cab2 
- and Im 50 - can't imagine what a kid sees...
I like the Bachman Bluetooth app. You can have several throttles on one screen. No searching for a specific engine. Hope that someday we'll be able to do that on MTH app.
IMO, MTH is dropping the remotes much too quickly. I think they should give it a couple of years at least, but I am just a consumer with no inside knowledge that happens to still prefers the remotes for both DCS and Legacy. I guess that makes my thinking is a bit biased here too, but why rush the transition? Some of us take longer to adapt than others, especially when we get up there in age like I am.
Roving Sign posted:This is what I see when I look at the Cab2
That's quite a stretch.
I agree the current Legacy remote is it IMO as far as Lionel hardware goes. Who knows what's next. I certainly think Lionel will benefit a bit from MTH's app as folks who want to run Legacy will still need a SER2, a Legacy engine, and a Legacy base.
Personally I do enjoy seeing where both take the technology as I operate both systems so for me, I am winning!
Dave Zucal posted:I like the Bachman Bluetooth app. You can have several throttles on one screen. No searching for a specific engine. Hope that someday we'll be able to do that on MTH app.
The LCS partner High Rail app does this when on an iPad. Pretty cool functionality. Note all 3 engines are easily seen as to the status.
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I can't see how we'll run trains outside without the remote. I really mean it too. I can't use the phone app very well outside. Maybe a certain phone will be better? Until I get one, I need to stay with the remote outside.
Joe,
What's the problem with using the app outdoors?
I'm going to guess that the problem of using the app outdoors is the difficulty of viewing your device's screen outdoors. I would suggest making sure your device screen brightness is kept turned up all the way.
Also, my thoughts on a TIU with a built in WIU, I would rather MTH keep these two components seperate. I like the small size of the WIU and how easy it is to hide it on top of a layout for greater antenna exposure for better WiFi signal.
Dave Zucal posted:Also, my thoughts on a TIU with a built in WIU, I would rather MTH keep these two components seperate. I like the small size of the WIU and how easy it is to hide it on top of a layout for greater antenna exposure for better WiFi signal.
I tend to agree. If one component goes bad the other can still be used. Also you can hide the TIU under the layout and the smaller WIU is easier to disguise on top.
Barry Broskowitz posted:Joe,
What's the problem with using the app outdoors?
I assume, Barry, Joe isn't referring to an inability of the app working outdoors but rather to the fact the image on the vast majority of smartphone and tablet screens is "washed out" in direct bright sunlight and cannot be easily viewed.
Dave Zucal posted:I'm going to guess that the problem of using the app outdoors is the difficulty of viewing your device's screen outdoors. I would suggest making sure your device screen brightness is kept turned up all the way....
Resulting in a significant, considerable shortening of the device's battery run time.
Dave,
I'm going to guess that the problem of using the app outdoors is the difficulty of viewing your device's screen outdoors.
If you think it's difficult to read a color tablet or phone screen outdoors, the remote's gray screen has got to be worse.
Marty,
If one component goes bad the other can still be used. Also you can hide the TIU under the layout and the smaller WIU is easier to disguise on top.
The reduced cost of one device vs. two is a very large offsetting factor.
Barry Broskowitz posted:
Marty,
If one component goes bad the other can still be used. Also you can hide the TIU under the layout and the smaller WIU is easier to disguise on top.
The reduced cost of one device vs. two is a very large offsetting factor.
So are they making an all in one TIU WIU? There really hasn't been anything that I've seen stating this. While your comment is a valid one I haven't seen where anyone announced an all in one device. Both the TIU and WIU are already designed and in production. The cost of design and production of a new unit with 1000s of existing TIUs out there has to be a consideration.
Dave Zucal posted:I'm going to guess that the problem of using the app outdoors is the difficulty of viewing your device's screen outdoors. I would suggest making sure your device screen brightness is kept turned up all the way.
Also, my thoughts on a TIU with a built in WIU, I would rather MTH keep these two components seperate. I like the small size of the WIU and how easy it is to hide it on top of a layout for greater antenna exposure for better WiFi signal.
Was out walking in the Sun yesterday with the screen at full brightness, aka extremely short battery life mode, and it was very difficult to view.
Keeping the TIU and WIU as two items seems to allow much more flexibility in their location and use.
I'm sorry I wasn't more clear. I can't see the phone's screen outside very well. The app does work.
The remote is much better to use in the sun. It's also a function of knowing where all the remote's buttons are after using it for so many years.
Hate to see the MTH handheld go away..... I may be weird but I find myself using my phone and handheld together. Mine is getting old, if it stops working it would be nice to have a new one available. Maybe I should get another one.
I like using the phone or tablet vs. the handheld because it is much easier to see when running the trains in a darkened train room.
M.D. posted:I like using the phone or tablet vs. the handheld because it is much easier to see when running the trains in a darkened train room.
I agree inside. Try that out in the sun!
I never liked the DCS remote; the Cab1/2 were better for the functions I used.
I like the DCS app and probably will not go back to the old remote. I have the app on two phones and an iPad.
As far as a new TIU with WiFi, I have 4 Rev L TIUs and 3 WiFi units now so I think I am good for the foreseeable future.
I like the dcs remote the best too but the app on an iPad is so much better. I've never liked the legacy remote and that's why lionel made the cab1 again because people hate the legacy remote. I think going to the app is better for either system.
Dmaxdeere87 posted:I like the dcs remote the best too but the app on an iPad is so much better. I've never liked the legacy remote and that's why lionel made the cab1 again because some people hate the legacy remote. I think going to the app is better for either system.
Fixed that for you. LOL! 
Just having some fun with you. Me personally prefer the Legacy remote over Cab1 anything but different strokes.
MartyE posted:Dmaxdeere87 posted:I like the dcs remote the best too but the app on an iPad is so much better. I've never liked the legacy remote and that's why lionel made the cab1 again because some people hate the legacy remote. I think going to the app is better for either system.
Fixed that for you. LOL!
Marty,
Thanks for fixing his post. Maybe should of added "a few" but that just me.
Yea maybe a few , the local train store by me that my uncle used to own, we had lots of people going back to the cab1 when it was revised. I personally hate the old one too but I really like the apps on new ones. I think kids are going to love it and be more interested.
Marty,
So are they making an all in one TIU WIU?
Eventually ,I expect that's exactly what will happen. Regardless, the first all-in-one device is the upcoming DCS Explorer.
