iCab app

I've got 2 993's. At this point I only need the base and one remote

And what happens when you update your iOS and then all your apps don't work with the new system? What assurances do you have that there will be support available for you every time an update is released for "security" reasons? This point was just brought home to me by iOS 8.0.2 (initiated by my well intended wife, thinking she was helping) which trashed my iPad. In the midst of trying to recover from that disaster, after wasting about 10 hours of my time, Apple released iOS 8.1, which really isn't much better, since it still has some of the same issues as iOS 8.01 & 8.0.2.

 

Thanks, but I think I'll keep my trains as far away from Apple and/or MicroSoft as I can!

 

Bill in FtL

Ok Bill. 

Hmmm, I have not experienced any of those issues with IOS updates. After all my updates everything works. Bill, you can keep your trains away from the fruit but I'm gonna use my Apple gadgets to play with my trains

I haven't had any serious issues with 8.x either...but if that one important app quits working, then i can see the concern.

But, for trains, we can fall back on using the CAB2

Matt,

 

I'm glad you haven't had any problems, but if that were the case for everyone, Apple wouldn't have released the three iOS 8 updates (8.0.1, 8.0.2, and now 8.1) barely a month after the release of 8.0, which was September 17 (8.1 was released Oct 20, only 33 days after 8.0). After an update my 3 month old iPhone 3GS was unable to sync with my iMac because the iMac was deemed too old for updates by Apple. This meant the backup stored on the iMac was totally wasted, and if I wanted to make further backups, I would have to buy a new computer. Once the update is made, there's no going back if it doesn't work! Imagine updating your DCS and then finding out that any locos older than 3 or 4 years can no longer be controlled...

 

Bill in FtL

 

You are worrying about a 3GS? that isn't worth the effort to throw in the trash or even be used as an iPod.

$50 seems stout for an app, and I'm not one to balk at software costs.  Given that you must buy into the Lionel system with at least a 990 and the LCS WiFi hardware, the extra controller (iCab) could easily be a freebie or de minimus pricing.  I buy an Apple TV with nice aluminum remote for $99 - I get the Apple Remote for the iPhone/iPad for free.  The apps in the $50 range are typically ones where the s/w is the stand-alone product without additional hardware needed.

 

I have an LCS WiFi on order - it might just sit in the box.  FWIW, if I am going to risk dropping a Cab 2 or an iPhone 6+, I'll risk dropping the former. 

I understand the costs for development and I want to also point out as others have that there is a limited market for this app. Since a customer that wants to use this app will likely be having to buy all of the equipment needed either now or previously the cost of the development of this app should be recovered in the sales of the hardware in my opinion. Maybe it is priced so high to get the 3rd party developers to get their product to market sooner? I just do not see this app and something that is copied for random people to run to suddenly try to randomly pirate run layouts.

I am glad i am not the only one that see this price as high...You have to buy the remote and the trains and the wifi module the power cables and sencor track.. You also give us the Lcs app for free but then try and get us for 50 bucks on this .. Then you jacked the price up on the trains in the v2 catalog ..  I don't know how many trains I repaired that where broken from the factory..Maybe it's time to try another brand.. 

After my complaint about the price, which I usually never do, I bought it anyways. It's actually pretty cool. I happen to be a tech junkie so of course I had to have it.

It is a pretty good App that covers a lot of control.

 

As far as the price, I guess each has to decide if it's worth it.  I suspect if it doesn't get enough downloads the price will come down.  Certainly though I would like to see a "Lite" version for free or $.99 that would give a very basic control to entice folks.  My guess is we'll see something like that once it gets rolling.

 

As far as features and usability, I would suggest that we continue to let Lionel know what we think.  JonZ has been very forth coming in saying they do listen.

 

I started a new thread just for questions, suggestions, and operation of those who have the App or are on the fence.  Please no cost discussions.

I don't remember if the video said or not, does iCab include the yard mode like the LCS app?

 

Second question: does it include a record function like the Legacy remote? 

I would think an iPhone/iPod could record many scenarios to the devices internal storage and would provide a benefit.  I know recordings can be done with sensor track, but not all things are sensor equipped.

 

thanks Marty,  no record function doesn't surprise me, but no Yard Mode does.  It is a nice feature.  Hopefully lionel or someone else jumps on that opportunities.

 

I'm really excited to see what people come up with...it almost makes me want to learn how to develop for iDevices to try my hand myself.....almost...

I know of a few folks that are trying their hand at it.  Contact Jon and Rudy.  Maybe they could entice you.

 

I think iCab will evolve.  Maybe not as fast as some would like.

Well, one thing I discovered last night was I was having issues with shutting down locos, they would not come back on after i shut them down I had to go and turn them back on in the "ADVANCED" tab. And one quirk I was having was one of my ES44's smoke unit was not shutting off. but otherwise pretty slick app

I may be on the fickle side but nothing fickle about not perceiving a value. Fifty bucks is too much for me to spend on an app that lets me do what my cab2 can do IF i purchase a wi fi module and an apple device. No thanks Lionel.  So much for the dim hope that this app would somehow entice younger users.  It certainly did not attract me. Being 40 i am not young but in this hobby i may be considered so. Sent from my non icab equipped iPhone.

I would have like it to have been less expensive.  At the same time, I did not have to buy the 993 pack which would have been 200+.  I also buy itunes gift cards from costco.  They usually have $100 dollar packs for $94.  I tend to buy them when they have a instant coupon.  Right now they have $10 off.  So you can get $100 for $84.  Every little bit helps.

 

I have 4 iphones and 3 ipads in my house.  That is a lot of devices for $50.  If I have people come over that want to try the system out, I can just hand them one of our phones or ipads.  I now have plenty of devices to share.

If you're an iPhone user, and you have several people that will use the app, it might make sense.  However, if you're buying it for a single device and/or user, IMO it's overpriced.

Ok...I got the app.

This app is great. Lots more fun than even running the LCS one on the iPad.

I'll have to see how the gkids take to it...that should be fun.

I agree with john, it is too expensive, especially considering hou many improvements need to be made.