In the current Classic Toy Trains Nov 2012, page 46. Mike Wolf said. "The Next DCS TIU is next to be redone, and it will include Wi-Fi, Which will enable train control using a tablet computers and smart phones.
That opens up the hobby to controlling a train on a train simulator program and other Computer based idea to control trains.
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Yahooooo!
oh, by the way, it's TIU.. I'm sure it was just a typo 
Ed
My typo sorry
I've already done that with TMCC. My intent was for my grand kids in Kansas to be able to control my trains over the Internet. Unfortunately, I needed to put a hole in my wi-fi security to do that and i did not want some hacker gaing access to my computers. So I abandoned the Internet, but I can still control my layout from any PC in my home using wi-fi.
It is novel to show visitors the capability but it is really not that useful and I rarely use that capability. I prefer running my trains with my hands on the throttles.
Earl
This sound a bit like the Roco/Fleishmann Z21 system (lucky DCC operator..) were finally a dedicated remote has been raplaced by either Smartphone, tablet or PC (need one with touch screen feature)...
Each engine can be controlled via the real cab interior and background picture is customizable....would not be surprised that in a near future engine fitted with a camera would give a live video feed from the layout..
I can see where that would really improve operation at train shows since under WiFi you can restrict access to devices within your network. I was at a train show in Ontario, California a few months back and Orange County Engineers Modular (O scale, 2-rail) group was using a WiFi-based DCC control (JMRI I believe) and were using smart phones and tablets to control the trains. Pretty impressive. Looking forward to the new releases.
I wonder if the locos can be fitted with Wifi and controlled directly? Seems logical to me, cut out all this control hardware in the middle, and just run engines direct from a tablet or smart phone.
(Remarkable how the message doesn't seem to get through)
_____________________________________________________________________
You'all want to see father-son enthusiasm? Each buying hand over fist? People laughing, having a good 'ol time. Go to a Gun, Knife & Ammo Show. Perhaps a cell here or there, but definitely no arrows on floors, Hanoi Hanna on the announcement system and nobody taking photos of tables or anyone else!
Cheers all, should be a wonderful, colorful fall shaping up here in the Northeast.
I love and use technology! We need to find balance between technology and our miniature worlds. What I worry is that our means of controlling our model rr's will consume us and then we are so busy looking at our phones and screens that we loose sight of what we created. Using the platform of greater levels of technology is exciting and I would guess more cost effective for the manufacturers. I hope Iam being clear and again the key for me is balance between the two worlds.
I found that the real benefit to using a computer to control the trains was the 'Playback' feature. With current DCS and Legacy systems, a route can be recorded for playback but not edited. With a PC, you can completely design a session for playback and edit the session without ever running the trains and there is no limit to the length of the session.
For example, to record an hour session with DCS or Legacy requires one hour to record. With a PC, you can create an hour session very quickly, depending on the session. You can also incorporate random events, such as whistles and have them occur at random times.
Earl
No need to wait for an updated controller, just download a new app. I'm in when can I buy one.
A phone is too small and a PAD is too big. Although I'd use an iPad over a phone any day. I'm in no rush for an App for Dat.
I love and use technology! We need to find balance between technology and our miniature worlds. What I worry is that our means of controlling our model rr's will consume us and then we are so busy looking at our phones and screens that we loose sight of what we created.
There do seem to be quite a few that are pushing the envelope as if the next level of discovery for trains is to not be earth bound. There are many ways of enjoying toy trains. Perhaps as a "poor man's" robotic experiment - it's just another way.
For my N scale layout, I've been using JMRI on my computer connected to a DigiTrax Zephyr. I then downloaded an app called WiThrottle (free version on my iPod - single throttle, paid version on my iPad - dual throttles) that connects through my WiFi to the JMRI server on my computer.
JMRI does support Legacy, but i haven't had an urge to try it yet, as I figure the CAB-2 already is a wireless remote. 
Wow. The future has some really cool things in store for us all. I'm very happy with my current set up but I would definetly buy a wifi system no question. I'd love to be able to view my layout from a monitor and have control of everything that moves or lights or opens or closes or smokes....cool indeed. The less wires I need to crawl under layout and install the better. I'd rather spend more to have induidual control of everything.
Check out the LCCA Video made back in 2011 with Lionel's experimental system. This is posted in the video gallery section of www.lionelcollectors.org.
While lionel has made this they never relised it...
Meh.
I've already done that with TMCC. My intent was for my grand kids in Kansas to be able to control my trains over the Internet. Unfortunately, I needed to put a hole in my wi-fi security to do that and i did not want some hacker gaining access to my computers. So I abandoned the Internet, but I can still control my layout from any PC in my home using wi-fi.
Hi Earl,
We set up the NorthWest Trunk Lines so it could be operated via the web and had the same security concerns. Have a look at LogMeIn. It's free and we were able to provide remote access while keeping the firewall intact.
We need to find balance between technology and our miniature worlds. What I worry is that our means of controlling our model rr's will consume us and then we are so busy looking at our phones and screens that we loose sight of what we created.
Don,
I think you raise some VERY legitimate concerns. Fortunately, I think the touch interfaces offer some good solutions that make it easy to handle the basic locomotive control functions without looking at the screen. The remotes we have now give good tactile feedback. We get familiar with the feel of the buttons and wheels so we seldom have to look at them to make a train move. Touch interfaces are a little different, but multi-finger gestures give much the same capability.
I found that the real benefit to using a computer to control the trains was the 'Playback' feature. With current DCS and Legacy systems, a route can be recorded for playback but not edited. With a PC, you can completely design a session for playback and edit the session without ever running the trains and there is no limit to the length of the session.
I absolutely agree Earl. Wi-fi throttles are only a first step. The real "killer app" is layout control that allows you to run schedules fully automated. The level of automation can vary from simple time/command sequences (like we have in DCS and Legacy) to sophisticated conditional commands that use occupancy and turnout position detection to manage schedules and provide accident avoidance.
Can anyone see how the whole layout construction thing could morph into a fantastic virtual goggles/hand held combo? I am asking seriously. Stuff is way beyond Dick Tracy today.
While at Best Buys last night I saw a pen which can replicate your actual handwritting on to your screen along with voice/sound recording.
Can you see someone in the future sketching out a track plan on a sheet of paper then at the same sitting running trains on it with his MTH RealScale Robo "Throttle n' Goggles" set? tt
Wow. The future has some really cool things in store for us all.
The future looked better on TV...
Rusty
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