New to DCS

I think you will get rave reviews from both sides on this one. It bothers me that I would have to spend another pile of money to replace my remote because MTH won't support it any more.

If you're starting from scratch, I think a TIU/WIU combination would probably be the best option. Last year I purchased a reconditioned iPad 2 from Walmart. It was very affordable and I have been very satisfied with its operation.

I have a remote and a spare. Using the iPad, my remotes are now used only occasionally. 

I personally love using my remote. To have the actual buttons and a thumbwheel in the grasp of your hand feels great to me. For that reason, I think the remote is a heck of a lot better than using a smartphone. I also am not a fan of having a bright light in my face (For this reason I have the night mode on my cellphone 24/7 to cut down on the blue light). That being said...…

MTH is doing away with the remotes and going over to their app exclusively. I have used the app at a demo center and like the idea behind it, but I would rather spend money on a new locomotive than getting the necessary equipment to run everything off my cellphone.

As you are thinking about getting into DCS, my recommendation is that you go with the DCS app as it is the newest thing and will be supported in the future from MTH (unlike the remote). A good friend of mine loves how everything can be controlled from his smart phone and I will admit that the MTH app allows you to access ProtoSound 2 & 3 options easier than via the remote. If you want to get into DCS, go the app/cellphone route and save yourself some money in the long run, just my two cents.

Bryce

For me, the biggest app issue is trying to use it on my outdoor RR. I look forward to a better tactile type device (by a third party?) someday soon.

The remote, doesn't have anywhere near the capability that most handheld devices using the app have. So I have to believe it constrains what DCS could become. I started with the remote, so it's what I reach for more by habit when testing. MTH has put out a lot of good developments in the app that make it better to use. The app does stuff faster and easier. When I'm going to run for a session, I reach for the app.

 I hope MTH still adds more features to the app mainly for consists.

I have 3 MTH remotes right now. I have several android devices available to use the app with. They are all older retired devices that are solely kept for using with DCS. I think if I were starting with DCS right now, I'd go for the app use with WIFI. You could get a new or used remote someday, just for a backup and troubleshooting. If a friend came over who has DCS and MTH engines, they could bring their remote too. You wouldn't need to buy anything extra to use it with what you have bought.

Thank you ALL for the great advise and suggestions.

Recently I purchased a New (older serial version) Remote with the TIU and I also purchased a used/new AIU.
Total spent was $300.00 for all of it.
Now I am being told I have to purchase a Serial to USB adapter for the older remote.

Any suggestions on item number for this part ?

I have looked at many adapters, but none say specifically if it will work for DCS.

Any help is good help.

No, not for the REMOTE.  All remotes, regardless of vintage, are the same (I know, I have and use all vintages.).  Rev L TIUs have a USB port; earlier TIU versions do not.  If you do not have a Rev L TIU, you have to purchase an USB-serial adapter to connect the WIU to the TIU.  Ask on the forum for some makes & models that work; I don't have one handy to give you that info.

I strongly recommend putting the wifi aside and getting the layout up & running with the remote; fewer possibly sources of issues.

Personally, I prefer the remote because I can watch trains and find it easier to use when I have 4-5 trains running on intersecting routes.