has anybody tried to make two DCS Explorers on two separate loops with two controlling devices work on the same layout? Will it work?
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has anybody tried to make two DCS Explorers on two separate loops with two controlling devices work on the same layout? Will it work?
The answer is yes, of course it will work, as long as each DCS Explorer is in MTH Mode. That way, either smartphone or tablet could connect to either DCS Explorer, one at a time.
Two much more interesting questions are:
- What happens if multiple DCS Explorers are in Home mode and connected to the same network
- What happens if one were to attempt to connect with a DCS Explorer in MTH Mode,when a second DCS Explorer in MTH mode is connected to the first DCS Explorer as its router.
If someone were to loan me a DCS Explorer for a week or so, I could answer both questions! 
Let me try to wrap my head around this. Wouldn’t the problem connecting to both DCS Explorers even in MTH mode be that there would be no way for the second controlling device to know which device was already connected? Do they each have unique Wi-Fi addresses?
Wouldn’t the problem connecting to both DCS Explorers even in MTH mode be that there would be no way for the second controlling device to know which device was already connected?
If both were in MTH mode, a smartphone or tablet could see both of them, however, it could only connect with one of the at a time.
Do they each have unique Wi-Fi addresses?
They have unique MAC (hardware) IDs and, if on a network (in Home mode) unique IP Addresses, as well. Otherwise, in MTH mode, they both look like routers with different MAC IDs.
Ah! Ok, I get it. Thanks, Barry!
Ah! Ok, I get it. Thanks, Barry!
Barry, I have two loops connected together with fastrack. Would I have to use the block section to separate the signal of one explorer from the other?
Would I have to use the block section to separate the signal of one explorer from the other?
Yes, you would, primarily because otherwise you have two different power supplies feeding the same track block.
Second, the DCS Application would have to be connected to one or the other of the DCS Explorers, unless they were configured to both be on the same home network, or for one to be in MTH mode and the other to connect to the first one as its router.
I have a pretty good idea how that will work and should know for sure next weekend.
Thanks, Barry. I'll wait to hear your report on it.
Here are some answers to the question of using multiple DCS Explorers.
Case 1: Multiple Explorers in MTH mode - No problem. It doesn't matter if the Explorers are in different states or the same room. Each app/device needs to connect to one of the Explorers in MTH mode and life is good. The limitation is 3 engines per each app/device.
Case 2: Multiple Explorers in HOME mode - This too is fine. If you wanted to run a ~5A train on each of 3 different loops, you could install an Explorer on each one. With the app/device connected to the HOME network (same network as the Explorers) you can run all three Explorers with independent loops seamlessly to the user. The limitation, again, is 3 engines per app/device.
Case 3: Multiple Explores connected together within the MTH network - No problem here again. You just set one Explorer to MTH mode and the additional Explorers to HOME mode and connect them using WPS. You can use Luci (web interface) too but, why? The limitation, yet again, is 3 engines per app/device.
So, in summary, the Explorer works almost like the WIU in terms of network connectivity. There are some limitations in comparison to the WIU. Ethernet is an example. But, you can access Luci in the Explorer and edit the network settings, load new firmware, whatever, similar to the WIU.
Dave,
Ethernet is an example
Actually, as you know, Ethernet works fine using a USB to Ethernet adapter.
Sounds like what I want to do MTH: 2 DCS Explorers, 1 ipad
Case 3: Multiple Explores connected together within the MTH network - No problem here again. You just set one Explorer to MTH mode and the additional Explorers to HOME mode and connect them using WPS. You can use Luci (web interface) too but, why? The limitation, yet again, is 3 engines per app/device.
For us 2 year olds = You just set up first Explorer to MTH mode and then the second Explorer to HOME mode and then connect them using WPS:
1) bring up first DCS Explorer in MTH mode
2) bring up second DCS Explorer in HOME mode, then press WPS button
How do we know they are now connected from our smart device? try to add them to app?
How do you switch back and forth between 2 engines while both are running?
Thanks for the patience,
ryoung3 posted:Sounds like what I want to do MTH: 2 DCS Explorers, 1 ipad
Case 3: Multiple Explores connected together within the MTH network - No problem here again. You just set one Explorer to MTH mode and the additional Explorers to HOME mode and connect them using WPS. You can use Luci (web interface) too but, why? The limitation, yet again, is 3 engines per app/device.
For us 2 year olds = You just set up first Explorer to MTH mode and then the second Explorer to HOME mode and then connect them using WPS:
1) bring up first DCS Explorer in MTH mode
2) bring up second DCS Explorer in HOME mode, then press WPS button
How do we know they are now connected from our smart device? try to add them to app?
How do you switch back and forth between 2 engines while both are running?
Thanks for the patience,
Actually, do this.
1. Set one Explorer to MTH mode (master) and the other to HOME (slave) mode and power them both up.
2. Once both units are booted, about 1.5 minutes, press and release WPS on the MTH mode unit. Then, press WPS on the HOME mode unit.
3. Watch the white WPS LEDs. After maybe 10-15 seconds, they will both go solid for a few seconds and then turn off. Maybe at slightly different times.
4. Connect your iPad to the MTH network generated by the Explorer in MTH mode.
5. Set engine(s) on the rails, add them (or just refresh if they're already in the app) and have fun!
That's it. The two Explorers will be transparent to you as the user. Simply select whichever engine you want to run and go. To switch between engines you just tap the down arrow in the upper right to display the engine list screen and tap whatever engine you would like to run. Tip: If you tap the engine name on the main control screen, the previous engine will toggle. This just like the "recall" button on a TV remote. You can quickly and easily toggle between two engines by simply tapping the engine name at the top of the screen. If you want to access a third engine, go to the engine list screen and tap it.
Slick!
Thank you! - looking forward to trying it out
Question from the peanut gallery. Why would one want two Explorers when a single TIU + remote would do much more for a few bucks more than two Explorers? I assume it's because people are buying two Explorer equipped sets, and already have the Explorers, yes?
Yes Landsteiner: people are buying two Explorer equipped sets, and already have the Explorers
