Here's a new video demonstrating basic usage of the MTH DCS WiFi Interface Unit. I hope you find it helpful.
Thanks,
Eric Siegel
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Howdy Eric,
I noticed in your video that you didn’t mention that the TIU needs an update prior to connecting the WIU in order for the Wi-Fi app to work. I purchased the WIU a couple of years ago but haven’t used it because of my TIU which has the 9 pin port has not had the update. Is the TIU update not required anymore with with a newer WIU?
Larry
The one that does not require a TIU is the DCS Explorer ...
Is the TIU update not required anymore with with a newer WIU?
It's absolutely essential that the software all be in sync:
- TIU - DCS 6.1
- WIU - 1.1
- DCS App - 3.2.1
I discovered the USB port on my TIU the other day and found a spare USB cord which I didn't need since one came with the WIU. I also ordered a 1/8" plug to 1/8" stereo cord from Amazon which I didn't need since I already had one for iPod use in the wife's rig. Must have been a "senior moment." I found a 4 wire phone handset cord on one of my old wired phones which I had stored in my garage. Now I had all the necessary items to do the updates for the TIU. I down loaded the Loader program, finally got it installed and also down loaded the USB drivers for the TIU and the 6.1 update. It took me quite awhile to do the TIU and remote updates but I got them done. It really helps if you understand what the icons mean at top of the loader program. I was selecting the wrong one for the "computer to TIU" process so the update file would not show up in the file selector. I have a better understanding now of what they mean.
So now I can run trains with the WiFi App on my iPhone and a couple of inexpensive tablets. Pretty slick! I decided to get the standard upgrade for my iPhone. If I had known there was a USB port on my TIU I would have gone WiFi almost 3 years ago when I first got the WIU. I was too cheap to take the TIU to an MTH dealer to get the revisions installed.
Larry
Larry,
If you want to get the most out of your DCS WiFi experience, I suggest that you do a little bit of reading... 
 | Everything that you need to know about DCS WiFi is all in MTH’s “The DCS WiFi Companion 2nd Edition!" |
Where does the Lionel Legacy 990 go into the TIU or does it go to WIU?
Also what power supply is sufficient for the TIU for a basic 2 loop like I have here running 2 engines at once.
Could I run a Mth train and Lionel Legacy at the same time with the DCS App?
Currently have a 80 watt Lionel with legacy 990. I have 1 mth genesis I want to run all features on and kind of want to control the Lionel on the app but not sure if it’s worth the extra $ probably just grab the DcS Commander instead.
If I have to buy another brick $120 to run the tiu then that’s basically another $200tiu $170wiu plus the app$25 and $20extra cord or cords vs the $150 or 200 with brick commander which is half that with the brick.
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Eric,
That was very helpful. Thanks so much for doing that. I thought this would more time consuming than it is.
Off to order a WIFI unit from my fantasy football winnings. 
Robert,
Where does the Lionel Legacy 990 go into the TIU or does it go to WIU?
Use MTH cable #50-1032 to connect the TIU's serial port to a Lionel SER2, and then on to the Lionel Legacy command base if you want to operate Legacy engines in Legacy mode. If you merely desire to operate Legacy engines in TMCC mode from the Premium version of the DCS App, just connect the cable directly to the Legacy command base.
The need for the SER2 is because a Legacy command base cannot accept Legacy commands via its own serial port.
Could I run a Mth train and Lionel Legacy at the same time with the DCS App?
Yes, as per the above connection.
probably just grab the DcS Commander instead.
Bad idea. The #50-1028 DCS Commander is primarily designed for HO operation, outputs only 6 amps DC voltage regardless of what is its input and cannot be connected in passive mode so it would conflict with whatever transformer is powering the tracks. Further, it does not permit walk-around remote control.
| Everything that you need to know about DCS WiFi is all in MTH’s “The DCS WiFi Companion 2nd Edition!" |
ok DCS it is but for the power supply. What will be good enough for that layout for me? Would this work Barry. https://www.modeltrainstuff.co...ply/#product-reviews
Robert,
Yes, that would work very well to power a TIU channel.
Barry give me a quick rundown of exactly what I need besides the app,
1. MTH O 50-1017 TIU/Barrel Jack Power Adapter
2. MTH Trains TIU/TMCC 6'Connector Cable MTH501032
3. TIU
4. WIU
5. Power Supply 180 Lionel
Pretend I'm even slower than you probably have me pegged out to be at train stuff lol. Also would that power supply work with my Lionel legacy 990 more efficiently than the 80 watt one I use.
Robert,
Since the WIU will come with a USB cable to connect A Rev. L TIU to the WIU, everything else that you listed is just what you need, with one exception.
The Lionel PH 180 has a Molex connector, not a barrel jack. You have three choices as to how to connect it to the TIU:
- Cut the Molex connector off the PH180 and connect the two wires directly to the TIU's Fixed #1 Input channel terminals.
- Purchase an adapter cable from Lionel (don't know the part number or the price) that will convert the Molex connector to a pair of bare wires, which can then be connected to the aforementioned TIU input terminals.
- Make your own Molex adapter, as I've done for several PH 180's. You'll need the following from Amazon:
The advantage to the last two options is that you leave the PH180 intact for a future application that requires the Molex connector, or in order to facilitate reselling the item.
Barry,
ordered tiu.
Which is better for the TiU z1000 or the Lionel 180 with more confusing wiring.
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I use the Lionel 180, more available wattage if you are running more than one engine/train.
Robert,
Which is better for the TiU z1000 or the Lionel 180 with more confusing wiring.
My choice would be the PH180. While the Z1000 is a bit less expensive and is "plug and play" with a TIU Channel, the PH180 is the much better choice for its more power (10 amps vs. 5.5 amps at 18 volts) and its better circuit breaker.
I don't see how the wiring is any more complicated, at all.
Ok I’ll go with the Lionel. It’s not that much more.
1.so cut molex off
2. Splice
3. Insert here in the photo
4. Buy molex adapters for resale value right?
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Robert,
If you're going to buy Molex adapters, just do that and don't cut off the Molex connectors on the PH180.
Barry this is option 3 correct or what I want to make minus the. Banana plus correct?
Would I need to buy the crimper?
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Robert,
That cable is all you need to connect the PH180 to a TIU Channel. It has a Molex on one end and Banana plugs on the other. This would be the preferred way to go.
You would not need the crimping tool.
Robert,
The second one.
