Optimal Tablet for MTH DCS WiFi App Control

I've used a cheap Amazon fire tablet or an iPad. You have to manually install google play store to a fire tablet, but there are tons of tutorials. I use both types and IMO there is no difference in app or performance. The main reason for IPad was the Lionel LCS app for my personal layout is apple only.

Pros of a fire tablet- cheeaper, has wireless charging built in the better models (Fire HD8), easy wireless charging stand. Example https://www.amazon.com/All-new...arging/dp/B0B98XQN6P

https://ogrforum.com/...app-on-a-kindle-fire

Again, I have both, in fact several tablets (old iPad, new iPad, Fire HD8, another generic Android, multiple iPhones. The DCS app doesn't work better or worse in my experience, it's just flat out cost of the tablet and what else you want or need to use the table for. Also, memory size is not a factor- do not think you need huge space- the app is nothing at all.

FYI, a previous DCS app memory or storage space discussion https://ogrforum.com/...9#172752760319186519

I use a old (2013 era) iPad Air and a more recent iPhone 13.  The DCS app runs just fine on the old iPad, performs just as good as it does on my newer iPhone.   Like Vernon mentioned above, the app is small (28mb) and doesn't seem to need that much RAM to operate effectively.  I default to using the old iPad 99% of the time because of larger screen and it is solely dedicated to trains...no email, messaging, browsing or other apps.

@Vernon Barry posted:

I've used a cheap Amazon fire tablet or an iPad. You have to manually install google play store to a fire tablet, but there are tons of tutorials. I use both types and IMO there is no difference in app or performance. The main reason for IPad was the Lionel LCS app for my personal layout is apple only.

Pros of a fire tablet- cheeaper, has wireless charging built in the better models (Fire HD8), easy wireless charging stand. Example https://www.amazon.com/All-new...arging/dp/B0B98XQN6P

https://ogrforum.com/...app-on-a-kindle-fire

Again, I have both, in fact several tablets (old iPad, new iPad, Fire HD8, another generic Android, multiple iPhones. The DCS app doesn't work better or worse in my experience, it's just flat out cost of the tablet and what else you want or need to use the table for. Also, memory size is not a factor- do not think you need huge space- the app is nothing at all.

Another vote for Amazon Fire tablets.  I own a couple of Fire 7 that are used only for DCS Wi-fi.  As mentioned above, it takes a modest amount of effort to get the DCS app loaded and running, but it only has to be done once.  Watch for sales - my last purchase was in February 2022 for $35.  The current model is $60 - can probably be found for $50 (and maybe less) if you can wait. 

I use Amazon Fire. No issues after about 3 years so far.

I use an old $80.00 iPad I bought on Craigs. I don't even know how old it is. Love it!! Easy to load DCS software and works fine. I recommend shutting off photos, messaging or any other "cloud" app. Mine is dedicate solely for DCS and Lionel apps, as Kevin pointed out above.

As an aside, my brand new iPhone 14 pro is worthless for DCS.  My crappy old iPhone SE or iPhone 7 was never a problem.  

Hi SD60M,

The DCS App is a pretty light load on the device performance.  Unless you're running a huge layout with 5+ WIU's the app will run great on just about any iOS or Android device.  The one exception right now is that the app will not install on the newest devices running Android 13, but that will change with the next app update.

Personally, I really like running the app on a small table or large phone, such as an iPad mini or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.  A bigger screen that's easy to see is nice, but the smaller device are easier to carry around.

One thing I highly recommend for any device that's going to live around the layout is a non-metalic case.  I always hate it when I set down an iPad without a case on the track.  It's a good way to short out track power and put scorch marks on your device .

My goto device is a Motorola XT907 (razrM) phone that has a small 4.3" screen. My thumb can reach all areas of the screen when holding it in one hand. I also installed a ring holder on the back to prevent the accidental dropping of the device.

For my DCS App controller, I like to use a 7"  Google Nexus 7 (2nd Generation):