Running Two DCS Explorer on same layout

Can I run two Explorers on the same layout - different wifi controllers;

I haven't tried this, however, I expect that you could, as long as you had both DCS Explorers in MTH mode and each smartphone or tablet was connected to a different DCS Explorer.

If both DCS Explorers were connected to your home network router in Home mode, I cannot predict what might be possible or would work.

Good point! Yes, I would connect direct to Explorer ...

Thank you for the quick response!

In case you are wondering, this was also address in a previous thread:

https://ogrforum.com/...35#75762911775961035

MTH RD posted:

H1000 posted:

I think something else that would be interesting to know is will the DCS App be able to communicate to more than one Explorer? If you have two separate loops each with there own DCS Explorer, can I run three trains per loop using these two DCS Explorers from one tablet?

I suspect not as Barry eluded to early that the limitation is set within the free app to limit adding only three locomotives. The free app seems to have the same functionality as the Remote Commander does, and I don't think even the standard upgrade will allow you to connect to more than one Explorer at a time to work with more than three trains.

I'll mix a few responses in here.  First, yes, the starter set app (due out shortly) will be able to talk to multiple DCS Explorers.  As you point out, this is of little use given the limited number of engines in the starter set app (also known as the free app).  And, to clarify, when the new version of the app is released, user's will be prompted to choose either the DCS Explorer or the WIU.  You can jump back in forth in app settings but, choosing the DCS Explorer limits the number of engines and features.  You cannot connect to the DCS Explorer using the standard or premium version of the app.

 

Thank you!

Sounds like you only need 1 Explorer...

Multiple loops controlled by one Explorer - Yes

Multiple Explorers controlled by one App - Yes

Multiple Explorers on one loop - No

Thanks Roving and H1000 ... I downloaded the Explorer manual from MTH, nothing direct like "Multiple Explorers controlled by one App"

when connecting direct to MTH wifi - gives you option to connect to an Explorer's network ... is there a trick in the app? maybe the device?

Anyone actually done this?

Thanks all!

I think you would be the first. While I do believe this is possible, I don't think it was anticipated that anyone would actually operate more than one Explorer this way.

The procedure you are looking for is documented better in Barry's book (DCS Wi-Fi Companion) which is centered around the the WIU & TIU more than the DCS explorer.  This is assuming that the DCS Explorer operates similar to the WIU in terms of network connectivity.

Here is how I would do it:

1) Set both Explorers to HOME mode.
2) Using the WPS syncing procedure - Link the first Explorer to your home router
3) Using the WPS syncing procedure - Link the second explorer to your home router
4) Connect your smart device (phone / tablet) to your home internet network and operate the app in Explorer mode.

The app should scan the entire network and see both Explorers.

As I do not have two Explorers I can't test this procedure, it is merely a "best guess" based on my experience with the WIU. Anyone else please chime in with corrections or improvements.

H1000 posted:

1) Set both Explorers to HOME mode.
2) Using the WPS syncing procedure - Link the first Explorer to your home router
3) Using the WPS syncing procedure - Link the second explorer to your home router
4) Connect your smart device (phone / tablet) to your home internet network and operate the app in Explorer mode.

The app should scan the entire network and see both Explorers.

As I do not have two Explorers I can't test this procedure, it is merely a "best guess" based on my experience with the WIU. Anyone else please chime in with corrections or improvements.

Thats how I suspect it works - although I hope theres a non-WPS method.

Roving Sign posted:

H1000 posted:

1) Set both Explorers to HOME mode.
2) Using the WPS syncing procedure - Link the first Explorer to your home router
3) Using the WPS syncing procedure - Link the second explorer to your home router
4) Connect your smart device (phone / tablet) to your home internet network and operate the app in Explorer mode.

The app should scan the entire network and see both Explorers.

As I do not have two Explorers I can't test this procedure, it is merely a "best guess" based on my experience with the WIU. Anyone else please chime in with corrections or improvements.

Thats how I suspect it works - although I hope theres a non-WPS method.

I suppose you could also connect to the explorer in MTH mode, Log in the the web interface (LuCi) and configure the wireless settings manually. Requires more technical skill if one is willing. 

There is also a way to connect multiple WIUs together without the use of a router or access point by using the WPS buttons. I'd have to look it up in Barry's book though.

Thanks Roving & H1000 - I got a hold of Don @MTH and he had look it up as well

He said Explorer's work like a WIU, you set up two WIU's in a "master-slave" scenario ...

Don explained setup the slave as home network;

Setup the master as MTH network;

press the WPS button on the slave and it will sync with the master.

Access the MTH network Explorer on your device and you off running up to 3 trains on two isolated loops.

So I ran to Barry's book in Part XII - DCS Smart Device Application. Page 209 discussed "connect additional WiFi  Interface units ...", but in bold type Barry notes "Do not press the WPS button!" Barry: since this is all new stuff, does MTH direction make sense?

Thanks all,

So I ran to Barry's book in Part XII - DCS Smart Device Application. Page 209 discussed "connect additional WiFi  Interface units ...", but in bold type Barry notes "Do not press the WPS button!" Barry: since this is all new stuff, does MTH direction make sense?

First, never "run to my book", rather, just walk briskly.  

Second, if you re-read the instructions on page 209 of The DCS Companion 3rd Edition, the bold text actually states:

except omit step #4 - do not press the WPS button on the router!

Which makes sense, since there is no router involved - the first WIU takes the place of the router and it doesn't have a WPS button.

In The DCS WiFi Companion 1st Edition the instructions on pages 44-45 have been rewritten. While they provide the same directions, they are more extensive and somewhat clearer.

The 2nd edition will discuss the DCS Explorer in detail. Unfortunately, it was only a gleam in Mike Wolf's eye at teh time the 1st edition of the book was published.  

Thank you Barry!

(walking ...)