MTH DCS Wifi question

Are you sure that you have accessed your home router to initiate the connection, per the full wifi manual which is only available on line?

I'm following the directions on page 6 of the full manual - under home wi-fi network.  Step 6 states: "wait 1 minute for the WIU to initialize. When ready the PWR, WiFi, and TIU leads will be lit".  

The problem that I'm having is with the wifi light.  It does not STAY on.  It comes on for about 10 seconds and then goes out.

Thanks

Fred,

Follow these instructions from page 209-210 of The DCS Companion 3rd Edition:"

To connect the DCS Application to the WiFi Interface Unit in Home WiFi Network Mode, proceed as follows: 

• Set the WiFi Interface Unit’s "MTH/Home" selector switch to “Home”. 
• Connect the WiFi Interface Unit to the TIU by connecting the USB Port on a Rev. L TIU to the USB Port on the WiFi Interface Unit. If the TIU is an older model, use a Serial to USB cable to connect the two devices. In this case, refer to Part VIII Software Upgrading and Remote Backup/Restore, 4. Required Cables and Connectors earlier in this book for a description of the exact cable that’s required. 
• Attach the included antenna, and plug the WiFi Interface Unit’s power supply into an AC outlet and the power supply's cable into PWR port on the WiFi Interface Unit. Wait a minute or two for the WiFi Interface Unit's PWR, Wi-Fi and TIU LEDs to light. 
• On your network router, press the "WPS" button and then the WPS button on the WiFi Interface Unit. 
• Wait for the white WPS LED on the WiFi Interface Unit to come on steadily, ansd then turn off. 
• Select and open WiFi settings on the smart device. 
• Choose the desired WiFi local area network from the smart device's list of wireless networks
• The smart device should indicate that it is connected to the desired WiFi local area network. 

This and a whole lot more is all in “The DCS Companion 3rd Edition", available for purchase  from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book at OGR’s web store!

thanks Barry.  No luck.  I also just tried setting up the Home network using the manual setting and that did not work as well.  The problem seems to be the fact that the Wifi light does NOT stay on.  It goes on for about 5-10 seconds and then pops off.  Strangely, the unit works under the "MTH" network.  Could it be a faulty wifi unit?

I suggest that you call MTH and walk though the issue with a tech.

Works good with home network.

Going to call MTH today.  Strange in that the "MTH" option works but I can't get the wifi button to stay lit and work in the "Home" option.  Thanks

I suspect that you have a procedural problem, however, it would be best to have MTH work with you to sort it out.

Since the unit works in MTH mode, I agree Barry.  Hoping that's it so I can get it going and play around.  Will let you know the outcome.  Thanks

Spoke to an MTH technician who refered me to Jason Wenzel. Said home network was his expertise. Have 3 calls into him. No replies. Frustrating. 

I know Jason.  He is extremely busy and I would not expect him to return a call immediately.  He is the new head of customer service--used to be R&D--and if soome items on the forum are to be believed, apparently is working on improving the parts distribution system.  BUt, he is probably one of the two most knowledgeable persons on the subject of the wifi.

Thanks. I know who he is and don't doubt that he is busy. But it's been 3 days .... one call per day. 

Ok, Jason has surfaced. Have been in touch with him via email. He's very nice. Looks like the unit might be defective. 

Fred,

I just noticed your post of a week ago and don't know what you have worked out with Jason.  However, I will pass my experience along for what it is worth.  I received a pre-production WIU for Beta Testing on October 1, 2015 and had a problem connecting to my Home network.  I discovered that the switch opening in the top cover was not allowing the switch to be completely thrown to the "Home" position.  I solved this problem by removing the cover and enlarging the switch opening so the switch would be completely thrown to the "Home" position.   I have not seen any of the production units, nor am I aware of this problem with any other WIU.

Thanks Jim.  Jason did get in touch with me.  I was set to return the unit for what we thought was faulty but suddenly it connected to my home wifi.  I can't explain why it kicked it.  However, since then it has been acting up a bit.  Spotty connection.  After the initial connection, it I attempt to refresh, it refuses to do so. I'm not yet sure if it's the strength of the wifi signal, or something else.  Going to give it some more tries to see what happens.  I'll try your suggestion as well.

Thanks

HOME vesus MTH modes:

The following is taken from the Quick Start Manual.

MTH Wi-Fi Network Mode MTH mode creates it’s own wi-fi network to run your trains. Your smart device will not be connected to the internet when connected to the WIU while in MTH Network Mode.

The main reason my DCS WIFI wireless system would be connected through my WIFI "router" is when I need to also connect to the internet via my smart device.  Otherwise the MTH mode is the easiest to use since the WIFI APP can always find the WIFI interface.

The main reason my DCS WIFI wireless system would be connected through my WIFI "router" is when I need to also connect to the internet via my smart device.

I would consider the "main reason" to be because if connected in MTH mode, one cannot simultaneously access the Lionel iCab or LCS WiFi apps.

While operating trains, one is more likely to be using all of one's trains than going to the Internet.

Regardless, if one has a home router, it's more advantageous to be connected in Home mode than in MTH mode.

This and a whole lot more is all in “The DCS Companion 3rd Edition", available for purchase  from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book at OGR’s web store!