So What Smart Device??????

I have very limited time on my iPhone running trains but find it very enjoyable so far. Having no legacy set any longer, I am using my MTH handheld to operate at a friend's layout to run any of my locomotives. These old eyes are having difficulty reading the small screen on the remote whereas the large dial and easy to see 'buttons' on the phone present very well.

I have a dedicated iPad mini5.  I didn't want a phone call or text interfering with running trains and I wanted a larger screen.  So far I am happy.

Bob, I bought an iPhone 15 a couple weeks before the Base 3 arrived. It was a good excuse to finally upgrade from a 10 I had for a few years. I’m sure it’s a personal preference, but the iPhone works for me. I also like having something smaller to carry around the layout.

Gene

I'm in the same boat... too old, can't see.  I need a wider device than a phone... but, not too wide.  I do walk around and run the trains... the 7" Fire seems about right and in portrait mode can be held in one hand.  Maybe some folks could put up some photos and dimensions as the Luddites amongst us ponder the future.

Fire 7 - Overall Dimensions Landscape Mode: Width: 7.11”, Height: 4.63", Width: 0.38”, Display (Diagonal): 7”

I bought an Android 7" to be dedicated for Cab3 use.  My iPod is too big to hand hold while running trains, IMO, so it will be used for the LCS app and yard work.

The Android version of Cab3 sometimes generates crash reports when the tablet comes out of sleep.  The iPod version gets stuck keys when swiping. Other issues with the app are the same on both devices.

I'm pleased the Android tablet costs 1/7th the cost of an iPad Mini.

Good comments. I have found that a proper case that allows for the device to be firmly in hand without actually having to hold it all the time would help too. Especially when the free hand needs to play the hand of god to open a stubborn coupler or fix a derailment, etc.

My daughter uses a Pop-socket on her phone and she can basically hold it with two fingers.

This is the type of case I'm talking about.

Bob

I have an old phone on a cradle plugged in that I can grab at any time to use with the Base 3, this way it is always charged.  Also, save power on your dedicated device by putting it in Airplane mode and only leaving the Wifi on vs having the cell antenna on using power with no connection.  I'm also going to load the app on an old ipad I have as well as try and old Amazon Fire Tablet to see how the app works on larger screens. 

BTW the fire table requires some research on how to side load the Google Play store on it to get the app to work.

I use my regular iPhone so it's always charged. I keep a phone charger plugged in next to my Z4000 if needed.

I don't mind getting texts while running trains. It's how my wife tells me dinner is ready. Plus I send pics to friends.

Also I update my train To Do list on One Drive as I think of things while running.

@ArtsModelTrains posted:

Also, save power on your dedicated device by putting it in Airplane mode and only leaving the Wifi on vs having the cell antenna on using power with no connection.

FWIW, most older phones at least turn off WiFi in airplane mode.

Bob, thank you for asking the questions!  I’m glad to read everyone’s responses.  As you know, I started using the DCS app with my new WIU.  
That holder your daughter uses really looks slick!

I want to get a small tablet to use for the app.  I have never used airplane mode, not knowing what it is for, but I guess John at least explained it shuts off wifi.

I am glad there is enough range in this hobby that folks can find their niche interest, and there are so many experienced with all this digital stuff, solutions to problems can be found, issues sorted out.  But I think there are still a lot of folks like me, happy to twist the rheostat of a 1033 or a ZW and smell the ozone.

@Mark Boyce posted:

Bob, thank you for asking the questions!  I’m glad to read everyone’s responses.  As you know, I started using the DCS app with my new WIU.  
That holder your daughter uses really looks slick!

I want to get a small tablet to use for the app.  I have never used airplane mode, not knowing what it is for, but I guess John at least explained it shuts off wifi.

Mark- airplane mode turns off all communications from the device to networks.

Literally developed for airplanes so that devices don't interfere with the planes navigation systems. Although I don't think that's a thing anymore. I don't fly so I can't say for sure.

Bob

@RSJB18 posted:

Mark- airplane mode turns off all communications from the device to networks.

Literally developed for airplanes so that devices don't interfere with the planes navigation systems. Although I don't think that's a thing anymore. I don't fly so I can't say for sure.

Bob

Thank you, Bob!

I don’t fly either, but had an idea there was an interference issue.  You don’t even get off the Island!  😄

Bob.....from my earlier post this morning about my DCS Remote Commander you would have gathered by now that I am a real dinosaur, and the DCS Remote Commander system is as far as I am prepared to go.

I hate mobile/cell phones (since I retired), and I am too old to start learning new "Smart Device" skills that seem to change (update/upgrade) every second week.

I'm with CALNNC on this one, I like my Z4000, my Z1000, and my DCS Remote Commander system that can run ALL of my trains (PS1, PS2, PS3), including my Swiss Buco trains.

Peter......Buco Australia.

I run a remote commander for my MTH trains too.

I'm just a slightly younger dinosaur.....🤣🤣🤣

Bob

I'm mostly using my CAB2 remote still but I have a spare old Android phone off Amazon for $80 that I have dedicated to running trains. It's decently affordable and it has an unlocked bootloader.

Long live the remotes! But I will continue to adapt to new technology

@Buco posted:

Bob.....from my earlier post this morning about my DCS Remote Commander you would have gathered by now that I am a real dinosaur, and the DCS Remote Commander system is as far as I am prepared to go.

I hate mobile/cell phones (since I retired), and I am too old to start learning new "Smart Device" skills that seem to change (update/upgrade) every second week.

I'm with CALNNC on this one, I like my Z4000, my Z1000, and my DCS Remote Commander system that can run ALL of my trains (PS1, PS2, PS3), including my Swiss Buco trains.

Peter......Buco Australia.

Peter, we're just trying to keep you young by implanting new skills!

I use an Amazon Fire tablet. Pretty cheap and works well with DCS app. Haven't hooked up the Base3 yet but did download the app.

Mike

One thing to remember if you want Base3 and LCS software, you will have to go Apple. There is no Android version of LCS

I have tried controlling trains with 2 different iphones and an Ipad.  I find them difficult to hold and control trains.  I will stick with my cab2  hand held until it dies and then maybe I will look at using a phone unless Lionel wakes up and makes a new handheld device similar to the cab2,

Marty

5 year old grandson Lionchief on a 5th generation IPad.

iPad Pro 11” with Cab3. The Cab3 is a little busy for the real young engineers.

@cbojanower posted:

One thing to remember if you want Base3 and LCS software, you will have to go Apple. There is no Android version of LCS

I don’t know what LCS software is but the Base3 app works fine on android. I also know that the previous Lionel utility software worked on PC just fine.

Mike

@LT1Poncho posted:

I don’t know what LCS software is but the Base3 app works fine on android. I also know that the previous Lionel utility software worked on PC just fine.

Mike

https://control.lionel.com/docs/lcs-app/

It's an app to control your layout, power, switches, and other features. It is an enhancement to the Legacy system. Annoyingly, it's IoS only

@cbojanower posted:

https://control.lionel.com/docs/lcs-app/

It's an app to control your layout, power, switches, and other features. It is an enhancement to the Legacy system. Annoyingly, it's IoS only

I always hoped that Lionel would see the light and make an Android version of the LCS tablet app.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

I always hoped that Lionel would see the light and make an Android version of the LCS tablet app.

Dave said they would look at updating LCS after Base3/Cab3 App settles in on the Virtual Legacy event but didn't promise anything.  Perhaps if and when they do they'll look at a Android version. 

@cbojanower posted:

https://control.lionel.com/docs/lcs-app/

Annoyingly, it's iOS only

Says the guy who owns more stock in Apple than anyone I know. 

This forum seems to go through this subject again and again, and I'll say it again, people with disabilities don't always do well with touch screens; the finger control on screens leaves much to be desired.

O-gauge seems to be the one scale of model railroading obsessed with new gimmicks and novelties, but in this case it's a cost-saving measure for MTH and Lionel to go with apps and Smart devices. Since I have to carry my iPhone for my work and practically everywhere I go, the greater fun for me is to use my handheld remotes (Cab II and DCS controller). Quite frankly, I loathe Smart phones and look forward to the day (theoretical retirement) when I can go back to a flip phone with analog buttons.

@MartyE posted:

Says the guy who owns more stock in Apple than anyone I know. 

Details, details

Amazon Fire tablets have been mentioned a few times.  A year ago I purchased the Fire 8" HD because I wanted something small, light, and cheap.  Maybe I missed it but I could not find Lionel or MTH apps in the Amazon app store.

After trying a few guides that were a confusing mess of advertisements, I took a chance on the "Fire toolbox" a Windows only "hacking" utility which installed the Google Playstore on my Fire tablet.

The Lionel Lionchief and Base 3 apps are working well for me using Bluetooth, I have the Base 3 unit but waiting for the weekend to install it.  As always YMMV.

@Kelunaboy posted:

the "Fire toolbox" a Windows only "hacking" utility which installed the Google Playstore on my Fire tablet.

The Lionel Lionchief and Base 3 apps are working well for me using Bluetooth, I have the Base 3 unit but waiting for the weekend to install it.  As always YMMV.

Nice work Alan!   I got the Fire 7 because it fits in my hand and pants pockets.  I bought the 59.99 version (with ads lock-screen) and used the Fire Toolbox to change launchers and get rid of the ads locks-screen and eliminate the plethora of bloatware that comes on any/all devices one buys these days.  I still have to fit and 3D print an overlay for Base3 Only use.

I use a dedicated iphone SE. It is small and I can use it one-handed. My eyes are still 'good enough' where screen size is not a problem yet. I don't have a Cab2 but keep hope alive that I'll be able to get something at a reasonable price one day or Lionel makes a true successor.

A few nights ago I got tired of having to stare at the phone to find and press the right button and ran my Lionel stuff via the DCS remote. (Which I can use blindfolded).

I picked up a Cab1L but I'm still learning the layout - but like the MTH remote better

I’ve had legacy engines but only had a conventionally controlled layout for years. I always liked the idea of a legacy controlled layout so I ordered the base3. Picked it up Saturday, and by Sunday I was running trains. The product is fun, and I am overall happy with the purchase. BUT I do not care for the using of a phone/tablet for control.  I don’t know if it was too big a jump going from twisting the ol’ ZW to the base 3.  I like the switching aspect of model railroading more so than just running trains. Therefore I’m doing a lot of throttle control. With conventional operating you had the lever to get the feel for. And with a remote you have buttons to get a feel for. With a screen on a phone or tablet there is no feel. It seems like I’m looking down at the screen more than the trains. Maybe it will get better, but for now it’s a pain. I know you can get the cab 1L which I might end up doling. But that thing looks like the old channel changer from my RCA tv back in 1990. Why cant they make a controller that’s a little more appealing like the proto throttle in the HO/Dcc world? I’ve heard money/cost cutting was the issue. But Lionel makes a $500 vision baggage car? I’ve also heard it is hard to resource the parts/materials to make a remote? I find that hard to believe. And with all that said I would like to end my rant by saying how happy I am with the base3 and Lionel did a great job.  And if this is all I got to gripe about life is good.

@Jesse ferguson posted:

I’ve had legacy engines but only had a conventionally controlled layout for years. I always liked the idea of a legacy controlled layout so I ordered the base3. Picked it up Saturday, and by Sunday I was running trains. The product is fun, and I am overall happy with the purchase. BUT I do not care for the using of a phone/tablet for control.

The CAB1L remote is still available in the retail chain, it remains in the product line.

I have been using a 9 inch Lenovo tablet ($99 about) and I leave it plugged into charger when not in use. When setting everything up in the base3, I was using my cellphone and found out the hard way the pictures are not in the base 3' they are in the hand held device. Pictures are easy to redo though for the tablet since the locos are on shelves.

I have had success with Amazon fires with DCS but have not tried them on the base 3

Kicking my thread up to the top again.....

I was in BJ's today and they have a Amazon Fire 8 32 gig tablet for $60 bucks. Hard to pass up.

Assuming the "tool box" add-on allows Play Store install, has anyone found any drawbacks to the Amazon devices since the Base 3 app and WTIU have been released?

Bob

@RSJB18 posted:

Kicking my thread up to the top again.....

I was in BJ's today and they have a Amazon Fire 8 32 gig tablet for $60 bucks. Hard to pass up.

Assuming the "tool box" add-on allows Play Store install, has anyone found any drawbacks to the Amazon devices since the Base 3 app and WTIU have been released?

Bob

Above my pay grade 🥺

I much prefer using a handheld remote like the DCS remote to run my trains so I can use my smartphone to take pictures and videos of my trains and then post them on the Forum. Arnold

I picked up a clearance Motorola MOTO G (2023 model) at Dollar General for $19. Runs the latest version of Android, works with everyone's apps and no need for a cell plan when you only use it with Wi-Fi.

Prepaid phones are cheap and you don't have to have a service plan to use them.

@Arnold D. Cribari posted:

I much prefer using a handheld remote like the DCS remote to run my trains so I can use my smartphone to take pictures and videos of my trains and then post them on the Forum. Arnold

I'm still a remote guy too Arnold but for Lionchief and Flyerchief boards, the app works better than the universal remote.