Tablet for DCS WI FiF app

No one, to my knowledge, has been able to make a Kindle work properly with the DCS App.

Bob I have an RCA 7" Android tablet I got for under $50 at Walmart it works fine except for known issues (whistle cancels bell function,etc.) which are probably worked out in this latest firmware update. Also have IPad and IPhone but the Android tablet is mounted to the layout with a telescoping arm for everyday use. You can of course upgrade to a larger Android and still be under $100 if you wish.

I currently use iPhone to run the DCS Wi-Fi.   I would also like to find a cheap tablet for permanent use for the DCS Wi-Fi.   

I was wondering if I would  have to pay again to get  the app on an android device.

Thank you,

Ed

Once you pay for an android app, you can load it on several devices.  I have my app on 3 devices.

While on the subject of tablets, is there any handle available to make it easy to safely hold the tablet in one hand?

Barry Broskowitz posted:

No one, to my knowledge, has been able to make a Kindle work properly with the DCS App.

Barry

Thanks for the feedback on the Kindle.  I know that Amazon doesn't make it easy to download from Google, but once you are able to download the DCS app from Google onto a kindle, I guess from what you heard, people were having problems unique to a Kindle.  

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Bob - I have an RCA 7" Android tablet I got for under $50 at Walmart it works fine except for known issues (whistle cancels bell function,etc.) which are probably worked out in this latest firmware update. Also have IPad and IPhone but the Android tablet is mounted to the layout with a telescoping arm for everyday use. You can of course upgrade to a larger Android and still be under $100 if you wish.  Ed

Ed

How long have you had the RCA 7" Tablet?  I was looking at the RCA tablet, and read some of the reviews on them, and at least 30% of the reviews where negative on battery life/ and the unit would freeze up or die with in 3 weeks of purchase.  Hopefully you have had better luck with yours.

Bob D

bob,

I know that Amazon doesn't make it easy to download from Google, but once you are able to download the DCS app from Google onto a kindle, I guess from what you heard, people were having problems unique to a Kindle.  

That about sums it up. My info is about 6 weeks old and, at the time, I was told that even MTH support couldn't get it to work.

I do know that, in order to even get to load the app, you must first root the Kindle,

I'm an iOS guy and that's the extent of my knowledge as regards the Kindle.  

Thanks for the feedback on the Kindle & RCA tablet and I know that the IPad's works well.  From what I have seen, the DCS WI FI app is a good improvement over using the hand held in providing quicker response time, minimizing the dreaded "out of RF range" message and easier to get to current available functions.  If anyone else has tried other tablets please provide comments, as I would think, 7", 8" tablets will be a very practical & inexpensive way of using the DCS WI-FI app once all of the functions are included and bug fixes applied.

Bob D

My tablet of choice is the iPad Mini. I find it to be a good compromise between physical size and screen real estate.

Everything works great on my 7" Nook HD. Since Barnes and Noble went with the Samsung's now you might be able to find one of these cheap on the used market.

I am presently using the Lenovo TAB 2 A10-70 10.1 tablet for WIFI control. This is the Lenovo 10 inch WIFI only version. Mounted in a custom wood frame as shown.

I also intend to use a Lenovo Tab 2 A8 50 - 8 inch tablet for walkaround use.

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Here is the Lenovo Tab 2 A8 tablet. 

Recent sale price is $99 at most stores.

This is the 8 inch model. Although it is larger than most smart phones it is about the right size for walk around use. Shown is the tablet with the free WIFI Android APP installed.

Smart phone for use with DCS WIFI.

This is a Samsung Android phone that is used in WIFI mode only. Note the screen with the E-Stop button removed.  (The free WIFI APP has been installed as shown.)

I have a Samsung Galaxy 6.  Works great. I have a Galaxy III, butwill not stay locked to the MTH wifi

Robert,

Have you tried resetting the Galaxy III?

No, because that apparently wipes phone clean of all data, apps, etc.  On the other hand, I don't use it for anything, and cell service has been transferred.

I do see that there is also a soft reset.  That's worth a try.

Here is the DCS WIFI screen with the E-STOP button removed.  For real emegenccies I prefer to use a separate emergency shutdown circuit that removes power from all tracks rather than shutting down the TIU itself.  

My E-Stop system uses both pushbuttons mounted along the layout or a separate "wireless" fob.

To shutdown the engine (or engines) that are being operated using the WIFI I can also hit the "Shutdown" button on the WIFI sceeen.

Personally, I like having an e-stop button.  Sometimes, my dispatcher is "asleep at the switch."

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem...eep-at-the-switch-2/