IPod and Iphone control of DCS

I guess it sounds all fine and dandy to run trains from your I phone, but I am curious about exactly what is wrong with using the DCS handheld and the Cab 1 or Cab 2?

This is not aimed specifically at you M.D. but rather everyone who can hardly wait for this technology.

Rod

Because those remotes are too big and bulky.  At least that is why I've chosen conventional over command.  And you have to remember button orders to get things.  Where with a phone, it's all there and can reconfigure automatically, not alt or shift buttons.  And if done right, you can swipe the screen to get different locomotives, or see a nice color image list of them instead of having to remember IDs.

Not interested, have a hard enough time learning the MTH DCS...I like to get away from my phone as much as possible.

No offense taken Rod.  I am always interested in new technology regarding our hobby. As Sinclair mentioned above, it would be great to see images of the locos and turnouts and accessories rather than scrolling down a list of IDs. The sky is the limit!!! 

I can't wait for the new technology.  Hope it works with the older IOS since I don't want to update my ipad 2

I just don't get it!

I "gee wiz" visitors ever day as they watch my DCS handheld run the entire layout choosing either conventional, DCS or TMCC engines and running every one of the 22 switches, 11 RCS tracks, powering up/down the 9 sidings and two mainlines and all the accessories on the layout. Once again, I just don't get it, help me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=eS43Lokq5u0

Hugh

I am using the Hikel computer controlled system and it is quite impressive. You can run trains from an ipad or ipod using your local (household) wireless network as discussed above. My plan is to use the DCS to run the trains (using the basic engine control buttons), and ipads (5 of them) as local touchscreen control pannels for controlling my switches, uncouplers and some accessories.

This means that visitors have a visual picture of the local train area on an ipad, which is then makes it easy for them to operate the layout as the touchsrcreen control pannel it visually matches the local area on the layout. I also have a larger (30") screen that can show the entire layout, so you can see what trains are running, and what tracks are occupied and/or open for train movements.

I am currently rewiring my tracks for ocupancy detection, so the computer software and Hikel system will know what tracks are occupied and what tracks are open. The computer software can then route trains, and the trains will stop in the previous block if the next block is occupied.

There are lots of possibilites. I will start with using some of the real potential, and increase computer control as the need and desire arises.

The computer control and use of alternate devices such as an ipad may not be for everyone, however I can tell you that having main line trains move around the layout under computer control, while you operate a switcher in a local yard is pretty neat. If you are fouling the main line as part of your switching movement, the computer controlled train will stop at the previous block, and proceed automatically when you have cleared the track. A reasonable substitute for running two trains with only one person in the train room.

If I can get the right camera coverage, you could also share your computer and have another person in another city run trains with you. They can see the layout and track ocupancy on their computer, and with skype or ipad cameras, could also see the physical layout. My end goal will be to have mini cameras in the train cabs, so you can run the trains by looking out the train engineers window. My dream, not yet my reality.

This is a hobby that is developing and growing with the latest techologies, with all the potential of the future, yet can still be operated in a conventional manner, if that is your wish. With my layout, I can run it using computer control or Ipad touchscreen control pannels, or conventionaly with the DCS handheld, and analogue control pannels. (my analogue control pannels are mounted on sliding drawer hardware, that allows them to slide under the layout, out of site, when using ipad computer control).

Joe K

That's pretty sweet Joe.  I wouldn't mind doing that kind of thing too, but it's a bit above my level.

I don't have an Iphone. I have not tried using my Ipod yet, as the screen is pretty small and my fingers are not. I have only actually used the Ipad so far, with more testing to go in the months to come.

I also use the Hikel train control system. I've used it with my iPhone, my iPad Mini and my wife's iPad 2. It works just fine with all three.

I don't see why it wouldn't work with an iPod Touch, as well.

I would disagree with Sinclair that a DCS remote is bulky.  Fits my hand just right, and only needs one hand; I sometimes use 2 remotes to keep up with all that may be going on. 

Screen on my Galaxy SIII smart phone would be too small for a layout diagram and my Note 10.1 is certainly bulkier than a remote and requires 2 hands.  Left unsaid, so far, is how one would depict a multi-level layout in a diagram the size of a 10" screen, unless one had to switch screens to depict different levels.

  Having said that, there is some excitement to try something new & make it work.  (For me, it beats building scenery).

Hi all,

The DCS app is coming along well.  We hit a couple snags that prevented us from demo'ing the beta at York, but it is very close.  As stated in the new MTH catalog, the target release is Spring, 2014.  There will be several versions of the app for different iOS and Android devices, and we should have all the versions done in Spring.  Several versions will be done well before Spring, 2014, but the plan is to release them all together as a group.

Currently, it looks like the iOS app will at least work with everything running iOS 5.1.1 and higher.  That includes everything except the first gen iPhone, first and second gen iPod touch, and iPhone 3G.  For Android, the plan is to support Gingerbread, Ice Cream Sandwich, and Jellybean.  Together, those three versions represent over 95% of all Android devices in current use.  Support of various versions may change depending on their market share.

While we didn't have the app beta to share, I did show the DCS User Group attendees a glimpse at what we've been doing with the layout automation package on the NorthWest Trunk Lines.  We've been doing a slow rollout of the automation so we could build up our support materials and product inventory.  For anyone interested in getting an estimate for automating their layout, I have attached a PDF questionnaire.  Submit the questionnaire and a copy of your track plan via e-mail and we can put together a hardware and software schedule tailored to your layout.

The automation package can also support any mobile device (iOS, Android, Blackberry, Windows) with a web browser.  We leverage the web server in RR&Co. Train Controller to deliver an HTML graphic user interface for up to 31 mobile devices.  This enables you to use iPads as local control panels displaying all or part of your layout and run trains from smaller tables and phones simultaneously.

The hardware we use for the automation packages is fully compatible with the DCS app in development.  When the apps are released, automation clients likely be the first people who can use the apps.

A beautiful layout, even apart from the automation.

GOOD STUFF!!!!! 

I'm impressed.  Maybe someday I can have something on par with that.  I want to know how you got the track so quiet on the NWTL.  All I heard was the click-clack of the joints, which is all I want to hear on mine.

Great Video. Very clear and informative. Your workmanship on the layout scenery is outstanding.

Amazing. This is fantastic and what a layout.  This is the future.  Now if we can tie things together with more advanced automated cars and buildings.  The automated milk cars were mind blowing in the '50's and we haven't really seen a whole lot of progress since then for automated cars.

Dave,

thanks for the update. I still only have a Christmas layout, but my second child leaves for college next year, so I am closer to a permanent layout (maybe by next Christmas). Your timing is perfect (for me)

So does this mean there will be no new remote for DCS anytime soon?

One of the reasons that I am so interested in being able to use an IPhone or an IPad to control my layout is the ability to operate the trains and accessories in total darkness.  Currently, when I am running everything in a dark train room,  to simulate a night scene, I have to wear a headlight to see what I am doing on the DCS remote.  The IPhone and IPad will eliminate that problem. 

Kevin,

So does this mean there will be no new remote for DCS anytime soon?

That's the case at present, subject to change after the app is released.

MD, I find the light in my remotes to be adequate. Until it was broken upon hitting a concrete floor, my original remote only lit from top.  Admittedly, I wear bifocals to read it when running trains.  Maybe your's is malfuntioning.

Robert,

It's the buttons that can't be seen in the dark. The screen, whilenot great, is OK, however, the backlight is a battery hog.

 I don't know about not being able to wait for it. I contacted Dave a good while ago.

 What I'm so excited about are the things that take DCS to the next level. It's not just running one train around a loop for me. First, my trains all will have several engines in the consist and will call out helpers on a grade to push (or brake).

 I'm also hoping for a more enjoyable running experience and better features like naming a train or maybe total computer control where I can be a watcher!!

 Will there be more capacity of engines than the current 99#s??

Barry, you're right.  I forgot about the buttons. Funny, that hasn't been aproblem runniing with all the lights out.  As for hogging batteries, since I switched to rechargeable NiMH's, and have extra sets, that hasn't been an issue except for wear & tear on the battery cover.

Joe,

 Will there be more capacity of engines than the current 99#s??

My understanding is that the advanced (pay-for) app will allow more than 99 engines. The app that Dave is currently working on (for early next year release?) will be similar in capability to the DCS Remote Commander device. It will operate only one engine at a time.

 Thanks...Mr B!!

Hi guys,

Unfortunately, the app (payed and free) will only offer addresses 0-99 (yes, there will be a 0 for compatibility with engines running on the DCSRC).  Addresses above 99 are supported by the engines but not the TIU at this time.  This could change in the future with a TIU firmware update.

The remote really can't support more than 99 engines.  There just isn't enough memory.  At the moment, keeping everything compatible with the existing DCS hardware is a high priority.  If you guys decide you like the app and you don't mind having engines that your apps can run but the DCS remote can't it will be pretty easy to add higher addresses in the future.  If that's what you want, let MTH know.

It is good to see that folks in this down economy have and can run more than 100 trains at once. :-)  Good to me a Repair technician.  G

 No guys, I don't have a hundred engines....yet.

I do have enough where it can be confusing to locate them.

It's not just the number of engines, but the mu's that need to be kept organized.

I have started placing the letter G after a space to let me know it's a G gauge consist that I've built. I really need a better naming system for trains that I could refer back to a list. I also need a second remote for just G gauge. I have them all in one right now.

 With the new backyard layout, I'm hoping the remote may get cleaned up and I may start over with it to get it straight.

Why do you think I went to the MTH ASC classes?

I still want to know what happens when you are backing a train into the siding and a call comes up on your iPhone and suddenly you no longer have the DCS app in the foreground.

The HOG saves the day in that case.

HOG?

Hand Of God.   It has many uses around the train platform.

Chris,

I still want to know what happens when you are backing a train into the siding and a call comes up on your iPhone and suddenly you no longer have the DCS app in the foreground.

Typically, you could either have "Do Not Disturb" turned on or you could simply take a second to dismiss the call.

Well hopefully the app prompts on launch "Would you like to turn on 'Do Not Disturb' function" just to prevent a call from coming in