REMOTE OR WIFI

I actually prefer the WIFI although I use it with an Android tablet not a phone.  The displays are very convenient and intuitive, and best of all the special function keys are on their own display spelled out.  I don't have to remember three letter codes and I can read them without my glasses!  I don't find either one to be glitch free, but that pretty much describes all electronic devices in today's world including my automobiles.

Rolland

I prefer the remote.

I've used both. I prefer the app over the remote. For me I find it easier to use. That being said I currently just have the remote. I haven't sprung for a WIU yet. I will end up doing that at some point, along with the premium app (I run all my TMCC and DCS locomotives from the DCS remote).

gunrunnerjohn posted:

I prefer the remote.

Thank you John I do to.

I personally like the remote better it is less problematic then the wifi

Alan, please read your post.

I like using the app. No problems on my Pixel 3, although I do plan on installing on one of the android tablets my family has lying around. I was not impressed with the remote, I don't wish to remember codes and quite honestly, I think it looks a little too much like an AT&T cable remote. However, I do plan on eventually getting adding LCS to the layout and investing in some Lionel engines, and at that time, I think I will use their remote for train control as I think it looks nice and adds some tactile fun. For switch control, I will get an iPad and use the LCS app as I like the user interface a lot on that!

John H posted:

Alan, please read your post.

I'll be using the LCS for my layout, I will have all DZ2500 switch machines with Ross switches.  I'll be able to get positive feedback on switch position as Lionel has created a compatible device the CSM2.

This is easy. Don't have a remote and Wi-Fi looks great on the kindle screen.

I have the app on my phone and Ipad but I still prefer the remote control.  Your phone can still receive calls while the app is being used also your phone can go to sleep if you don;t do anything from a time.  I see this as asking for a wreck.  I have to use two controls, as it is, because DCS cannot control Fastrack CC switches.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

I prefer the remote.

X 2

Sold my wifi  bought another remote

Clem

It's the app for me. Devices sizes vary to custom fit what size of screen you want. My current app device (of many) is a Motorola razr M. It weighs 4.4 ounces which is much less than the DCS remote and it's footprint is very small (2.5" x 5" x 0.33"), it fits very nicely in my shirt pocket. As this phone is no longer activated with any carriers, it will never ring an interrupt app operation. No more remembering all of those three letter acronyms and full functional virtual keyboard is much better than the scrolling your thumb wheel to death. Total cost for this remote with the one time app upgrade was $40.

I prefer the app on a 10" android tablet. Tried the remote a couple of times but found it confusing and complicated trying to figure out the buttons and menus. So I have a brand new remote not used. So easy to page between screens to make control functions.

I must confess that I was a bit hesitant regarding the app.   That being said, I've been running a Samsung Tab A 10.1 with the premium app and as I get more acclimated to the app, I kinda like it.   However, I do occasionally use the remote.

Chief Bob (Retired)  

we have had some issues with app.  but can work through them,  We have 5 TIU's  are there any issues using the app and  one or two remotes if  all TIU settings are the same.?   The remote may have a different engine number  would all engine number have to be the same? 

I find that I am using the App for MTH/DCS control, and the Lionel remote for Legacy/TMCC control.  I would like to use the App to control Legacy/TMCC but I am not there yet.  

Remote.

App all the way.  It's the future (and the present.)

Remote. 

I've only used the MTH app that one time they had it as a demo for a train at the TCA museum during York week a few years back.  (since I don't use a smartphone brought my little iPod Touch with me to try it out when I heard they were doing so)

I've used the Lionchief app a few times at home (basically just to see if it worked - same device,  using the iPod Touch).

Wasn't a huge fan of either. 

Hoarding remotes.   Uh... I mean, the app is awesome, no one buy any remotes, leave them all for me....

-Dave

I have 2 wifi units.  I rarely use them, preferring the remotes (I have 4 remotes, plus one on lend-lease to a grandson along with an original issue Rev G TIU). 

I often have several trains running at once on interconnected routes, and I find it takes too much time to scroll screens horizontally or vertically, or press an icon, to get to the control I need.  If I only ran one at a time, or on sepArate routes, the wifi would be more usable.

Remote any day. I worry about dropping the tablet or the grandkids getting a hold of it. 

When MTH released the app, the WIU software and the app itself had issues. Many people tried it and struggled with it. There were issues like engines stuck in the inactive list, engines not found, etc., etc..

So how do you convince those users that it now works? I believe in time, the responses even here with older users, will be more positive for the app. I hope that MTH will consider getting with a 3rd party to make a device just for the app with easy controls and dedicated buttons. I need that for outside use anyways. In the meantime, I use the app more than the remote inside for 2 rail O, and strictly the remote outside.

Jeff12 posted:

Remote any day. I worry about dropping the tablet or the grandkids getting a hold of it. 

This is what I use to hold my tablet. Even if you have grip problems this will help. It rotates so the tablet can be positioned any way you like and it works as a support when you set it down. It also clips off if you want it removed. Very easy to carry anywhere on the layout.

I guess it comes down to to each their own. 

I don’t have a WIU or for that matter a smart phone or tablet.  But I do have a spare remote as well as a spare TIU.

I just found my WIU in my pile of train stuff, so I'll have to give it another try.

I use the wifi on both my G scale out side and o scale inside. I prefer the wifi faster communications speed,  couple things  I found. Do not use the remote and the wifi at same time ,they work at different speeds and mess each other up. Use one or the other. There is a update for the first wifi units and it makes a difference. Also make sure you device has been updated either a  Apple product or Android some older units will not work well ,because they haven't been updated  or can't be updated.    If you take your time and work thru some issues you might have a great time running your railroad.  I ran my G scale 3 engines and switches for  4 hrs.  no out of range messages, twice my Android switched from the dcswifi to my home wifi,and a quick reset and back on track.   Just have Fun 

Each has its pros.  As remotes get used I find the thumbwheel starts to become erratic (i.e. doesn't scroll smoothly) which is not an issue with wifi.  When I'm running multiple trains, I will have one running with tablet and others with remotes. It is easier for me to carry around the remotes.  I do like the speed adjust and using PFA with the wifi better than remote.

Jeff12 posted:

Remote any day. I worry about dropping the tablet or the grandkids getting a hold of it. 

3 of my tablets cost about half as much as a new remote.

At least there are rugged cases and holders available for tablets to make them survive a drop much better than a remote.

I apologize but I first read the title as REMOTE OR WIFE Anyway, my only experience with a remote was on a friend's DCS layout. Once I got used to the button configuration, I found it easier to use than some touchscreen-based device.

I personally prefer remote or even tethered throttles and preferable with knobs for speed control not buttons.

This is my preference.   I have dry skin - psorias since I was 3, and I have a great of difficulty getting touch screens to respond reliably.

RLaHaie posted:

I actually prefer the WIFI although I use it with an Android tablet not a phone.  The displays are very convenient and intuitive, and best of all the special function keys are on their own display spelled out.  I don't have to remember three letter codes and I can read them without my glasses!  I don't find either one to be glitch free, but that pretty much describes all electronic devices in today's world including my automobiles.

Rolland

I am in 100% agreement.

Gerry

Whenever there are two ways of doing something, there is always a continuing discussion over which is best.  After working with transformers, TMCC and several of the new app based systems, my conclusion is that each has its positive and negative points. The app based systems come in a wide range of screen presentations which adds further complexity to the decision process. It really comes down to personal preference and what you are comfortable using to run your trains. 

PRRMP54 posted:

I apologize but I first read the title as REMOTE OR WIFE  

gunrunnerjohn posted:

I'll be using the LCS for my layout, I will have all DZ2500 switch machines with Ross switches.  I'll be able to get positive feedback on switch position as Lionel has created a compatible device the CSM2.

I love the LCS for that one reason.  Have an old iPad with a modified track plan that shows all my switches, have about 25. Also have the DCS  and legacy remote.

I like the remote, Legacy is my preferred way to operate my trains. I really liked trains as a kid in the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, however lost a little interest in the hobby for a few years. In 1996, several years later, I met one of my train buddies and he told me about a new way to run our trains. Lionel had introduced TMCC command control and that we could run our trains with better precision, actually walk around our layout with the trains. 2 or more fellows could run trains on the same loop independently of each other switching and etc....So, with Legacy it’s easy to do most everything from the remote, switches, accessories, lash ups, a better hands in control than simply using a stationary transformer. Yes, we run some of our trains with the I-phone, I-Pad, it’s just not quite the same. Command control brought me back into this wonderful hobby. Happy Railroading.

leapinlarry posted:

 Yes, we run some of our trains with the I-phone, I-Pad, it’s just not quite the same. Command control brought me back into this wonderful hobby. Happy Railroading.

Same here Larry, I couldn't believe the difference from when I was a kid.