MTH 50-1039 Confusing information

The remote works when tethered- meaning you plug in a coiled phone cord between the TIU and remote. That's what the jack labeled remote is for.

They could not get the 900MHZ radio so it will not talk over wireless to the MTH remotes.

Straight from the product page https://mthtrains.com/50-1039

WTIU WIFI TRACK INTERFACE UNIT FEATURES

• All-In-One Command Control Transmitter
• Built-In WiFi
• 4-Channel Output With Fixed and Variable Voltage Ports
• 4-Channel AC or DC Power Input Ports
• Auxiliary Power Input Port
• USB Input Port
• RS-232 Serial Port
• Ethernet Input Port
• LED Activation Lights
• DCS Handheld Remote Tether Input
• AIU Accessory Interface Unit Input
• (2) Fixed AC and DC Voltage Output For Command Control Tracks
• (2) Variable AC and DC Voltage Outputs For Conventional and Command Control Tracks
• Wireless WiFi Control (iOS or Android) Using DCS App
• Tethered Layout Control Using DCS Handheld Remote

To recap, there is no difference between remote versions that is important to this topic. They both need tethered because there is no more 900MHZ radio module in the WTIU for the remote to talk to wirelessly.

My understanding is the main physical difference in remote versions was simply the scroll wheel

https://mthtrains.com/50-1001 VS 50-1038

Again, both run the same firmware versions, both have the same capabilities, both will still work with the new WTIU but require the coiled cord "tether".

As an example product number of suitable cord

In my mind it doesn't support the remote.  I consider a "remote" to be something that isn't tied to the TIU with a cord!

@Vernon Barry posted:

Straight from the product page https://mthtrains.com/50-1039

WTIU WIFI TRACK INTERFACE UNIT FEATURES

• All-In-One Command Control Transmitter
• Built-In WiFi
• 4-Channel Output With Fixed and Variable Voltage Ports
• 4-Channel AC or DC Power Input Ports
• Auxiliary Power Input Port
• USB Input Port
• RS-232 Serial Port
• Ethernet Input Port
• LED Activation Lights
• DCS Handheld Remote Tether Input
• AIU Accessory Interface Unit Input
• (2) Fixed AC and DC Voltage Output For Command Control Tracks
• (2) Variable AC and DC Voltage Outputs For Conventional and Command Control Tracks
• Wireless WiFi Control (iOS or Android) Using DCS App
• Tethered Layout Control Using DCS Handheld Remote

To recap, there is no difference between remote versions that is important to this topic. They both need tethered because there is no more 900MHZ radio module in the WTIU for the remote to talk to wirelessly.

My understanding is the main physical difference in remote versions was simply the scroll wheel

https://mthtrains.com/50-1001 VS 50-1038

Again, both run the same firmware versions, both have the same capabilities, both will still work with the new WTIU but require the coiled cord "tether".

Thanks Vernon,  It's under Features and not Overview.

So if I am understanding this correctly, in addition to the WTIU (when it finally becomes available), if you want a remote you have to also get 50-1038 which is also not available except for blood money and it is tether only.

Is that correct?

Thanks,

John

" in addition to the WTIU (when it finally becomes available), if you want a remote you have to also get 50-1038 which is also not available except for blood money and it is tether only."

The new WTIU is designed to work primarily with a smart device (phone/tablet) and the DCS app.  I believe a new DCS app is also pending.  At least until further notice.

As noted above, you can use an old DCS handheld with the new WTIU, but only if you hardwire it to the WTIU using a telephone cable.

@Landsteiner posted:

As noted above, you can use an old DCS handheld with the new WTIU, but only if you hardwire it to the WTIU using a telephone cable.

Same problem, unavailable except for blood money.   This is the problem and has been across the hobby.  Control systems.

John