Ok...so it was kinda cool

I saw this too.  [ This picture you took appears to have been taken OUTSIDE the hall where staff from Lionel took it so you could take a picture - thought you'd want to add that clarifying fact.... :-)  ]

 

I did not talk to anyone about it, but it looks nice and based on your descriptions, sounds like it may be pretty easy to use.

 

You'll go to TCA jail for sure.

.....

Dennis

We will bake you a cake with a file in it.

I think you should bake him a cake with a train in it.

So Lionel is allowing the I Pad to control trains and switches.  Come on MTH you COULD do the same if you weren't so tight *** about your properitary DCS system.  All MTH has to do is give the commands the DCS handheld squirts in/out and then there would be plenty of software gurus who could whip up an IPad app ready "in minutes" for release. 

 

Microsoft for example has Windows developer kits so programmers can write applications for Windows.  The kit gives the commands and addresses but knowing these does not tell the programmer "how the magic happens" in the inner workings of Windows.  Same thing here for DCS remote commands.  Mike Wolfe has to stop being so an** with DCS.  I know several people who have already broken the DCS remotes codes and are controlling layouts with computer and ditched the remote as "so 1990s" technology!!

I guess you missed the fifteen threads about the same control at the MTH booth

Sorry, was not at TCA meet ;(

Where were these fifteen threads?  I will be glad to read them.

Here's one

 

and another.

 

Not quite 15.

John,

 I did not, less interested in MTH/DCS these days for a myriad of reasons, not that I should discuss here to preserve the integrity of this thread. Maybe at York in the spring over coffee

I tried both.  I like both and see the different approaches.  I do know one thing after trying the DCS APP.  I personally don't want to run trains from an iPad or phone.  I would use it as a tool to access accessories, switches, and layout controls.

 

They won't ever replace my Cab2 and DCS remote for running trains.

Has it not been discussed here (I haven't had a chance to check yet) that MTH is also offering a system for doing the same sort of thing?

 

Both the Lionel and MTH systems were previewed at York.  I imagine the new gizmos are being adequately covered on the respective DCS and Legacy forums.

Allan if you look at the response after that post you can see that several of us pointed out that there are other threads.

Yep, just saw those responses, Marty!  I have some catching up to do.  I'm no techno-geek, to be sure, but was impressed by what I saw to the point where I'll be upgrading to a smartphone and tablet in the near future (Macs for me, of course).

Allan

 

A great and interesting time to be in our hobby for sure.  I'm not 100% sure this will create an inrush of younger folks but every little bit helps.

This looks cool. And I have to say, the one thing I think is cool, I also don't like at the same time.
The iPad dock is super neat, but I also don't like how it appears to form fit the iPad. Apple will be changing the shape and design over the life of iPad for certain, thus making the dock incorrect over time. Possibly incorrect next week if they release an iPad mini as expected. Even if it is form fitted though, I'm in for one.

Who says an insert can't be made to accommodate the iPad mini?

I don't currently run with a command system, but have tried it out elsewhere.

There is definitely a cool factor here with the app, but I have to wonder how quickly that will wear off.  I think I would rather have a remote than an iPad to control my trains.  I'll look forward to seeing Lionel's product video though.

Marty - very true on making an insert for a smaller iPad. And I assume it won't even need to fit inside to work (I would hope it works off of one of the wireless radios) but if the iPad gets bigger, or changes size, it just won't fit as nice or look as clean. Like I say, not a deal breaker for me, I'll still buy one, it just looks so cool in the photo, I just want it to always look so cool

Just think of all the iPads 1s that will be available and fit just fine.

I fail to see the point of this...

 

Maybe, running trains with an electric shaver or toaster will be next; or, maybe - my alarm clock, TV remote, electric lawnmower, washer and/or dryer, microwave, dremel tool, circular saw, router, car radio, weedeater, copier, my watch, curling iron, electric tooth brush, blow dryer... or possibly, using a surgical implant...

 

Maybe, they should develop a command system that comes with a comfortable handheld remote, so all that other stuff wouldn't need to be developed? Silly me, they already have.

 

 

Rick

 

 

 

Rick

 

The approach of the Lionel App is to replace the switching boards that some folks have with the taped outline of their layout.  Very limited train control.

 

Whether it makes coffee who knows?  LOL!

I spoke a little with the app developer as well (sorry, but I also forget his name).

 

I went down the path of asking about the GUI a little and since it seemed to be based on FasTrack, I inquired if it might eventually deal with other types of track, custom lengths, etc.

 

For the moment, the functionality seems to be focused on separate entities on a layout, not the layout as a whole.  So the demo with the yard would be sufficient for other switch types or track systems if you were just looking to make a schematic to let you flip the switches and see the states.  If you wanted the lengths and spacing to match your exact layout however(such as to create a full layout diagram), it doesn't seem like that is a main design feature for the initial concept. 

 

As an example, I asked about concentric loops on a layout - I have some with custom cut straight tubular pieces.  If these pieces were not properly laid out, the loops themselves could overlap using only standard stock track pieces, so it would look really odd on the screen.

 

It's still a neat idea, but I'm not sure it's useful for my intentions in the near future.  It certainly would seem to have the opportunity to grow once it gets off the ground.

 

-Dave

I was really blown away when I arrived on Thursday and saw the ipad controler at Lionel running a layout. Not sure how they were able to keep it quiet, but it was a really great surprise.

 

It looks like Lionel is pretty far along what with the ipad holder, the sc2 wireless interface, and the software is already in use.

 

Lionel keeps innovating and raising the bar on many fronts.

 

The holder does nothing but hold the Ipad and look nice. The tech did say they were thinking of putting a storage area under holder, that could hold your Legacy programming modules...good idea!

 

As far as functionality, I think it may be easier to just carry a Legacy remote around the layout versus an Ipad for normal operating, but the Ipad Mini may change that. I have a large yard on my layout and the Ipad would be great when working the yard and all those switches.

 

I think we are very early on this application, who know where it will all lead, but its good to see they have begun the journey. 

 

i fully agree with Rich's sticky above, that the REAL killer app would be a device that would contol both TMCC/Legacy and DCS. I am tired of having two remotes, dont want two Ipad apps.

 

Its time to end the war.

And I'm just getting good at calling someone on my phone, Now I need to learn how to take pictures, and send them.

 

Sorry fellows, I just couldn't resist!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

getting about time for another german bologna sandwich..

 

Rod

Hi Greg,

  This is weird but I was searching for a hudson and I saw you once had a K-line hudson for sale. Is it still for sale? No it was not through this forum I found your name.