Tablet to run MTH or Lionel Apts.

I would not mine having an app that allows me to run my trains from my tablet. That would be pretty cool and very fun. I could do everything from picture taking to slowing her up and uncoupling to lessening the smoke. Not sure where one gets the app though.

Pete

Any Android tablet or iPad will do.  I have both in the house - I like the iPad because I have the iPhone and there is some synergy between the two and with the Macs I use.  I'ts just like buying a computer - purchase a little more than you think you need, and it should serve you well for a few years.  I have a gen2 iPad and I have no idea what gen they are on now, but I could care less.  I work in the industry and I see people overbuy hardware all the time; everyone thinks that they are a "power user" - the reality is that even the lowest end devices would serve most users.   As far as features, it's all about screen size, and biggest isn't always best depending on just how portable you want to go.  The iPad mini would be a nice size for an application like this.  

I actually really like the idea of using a tablet - I don't think it will wear nearly as much as the remote and I always have my iPhone or iPad with me at all times.  At first, I thought it was a dumb idea, but I said that about using them to control my home theater stuff as well, and now thats almost all I use.

Bruce,

The end user handheld device is only part of the system. You need an interface so that it will connect to the DCS TIU and AIU.  50-1034

here's the notes from the DCS Users Group meeting at York with info on the app and system. Some screen shots.

and...for a little history...here's where it came from

stumper summed it up well for the device. What do you have around the house now or use everyday? I liked his suggestion of getting a device that will work with what you already use. Both have their pros and cons. But they can be used in your everyday life.

Go try them at the various stores. You have time. The system and app are not available yet. Oh, almost forgot, if you want to run both system, you'll need an Apple device. Lionel has left Android compatible apps to third party developers. They'll happen, but when?

Lionel's iCAB on my iPad.  To use it you have to have the LCS wireless device and a Legacy or CAB1L base.

Thanks for the information.  I run with the Ford Model Railroad Club and plan to use a tablet at the shows as a way of getting younger people interested in the hobby.  When we have no problems with the modules I am on the outside talking to the audience and letting them run the trains.  As I understand as of today the items required to run at a train show with no Wi-Fi network are:  1.  A tablet - Apple based if both Lionel and MTH are to be controlled, or an  Android if only a MTH system is to be controlled  2.  The apps for each system.  3.  A Wi-Fi receiver to plug into the desired control system - Legacy and/or DCS.  OK question  - can one of the Wi-Fi devices or a third party device be used to control both Legacy and DCS systems?  Any other information or recomendations would be appreiated.  Thanks Bruce

The MTH app that I saw demonstrated at the Wisc show  was even easier than the Lionel app.

And it will run TMCC and Legacy too.

I have used the Hikel/MTH app (basic app will be free) on and iPad Air and an iPhone 4S.  The app is designed for a touch screen and works very well.  The app is still in development and has a ways to go.  It so far is Apple only with Android promised in the future. Also, Legacy and TMCC is in the future.  I find the iPad is too big and the iPhone too small.  The best size for long term use for me is a 6" to 7" screen.  I have large hands and can comfortably hold a 7" tablet.  I do like the app a lot. YMMV

I have the Lionel LCS app(free), it is also Apple only.  It is primarily for layout switch control.  It works great for that but still needs more development.

There is the iCab app(not free) that Marty showed above.  It is Apple only.  It is a Legacy Cab replacement.  I did not purchase it as I only have one Apple device, an iPad, and am more interested in layout switch control.

There is one Android app, Bluetrain (free).  It works with throu Legacy LCS wifi module.  It works fine.  I prefer the Cab nob to control trains not a stepper button. 

There are rumors of other apps in development but have not seen them or know of any that are close to release.

Looks like the software will still take some more time to appear in a useable form.

Dan

Thanks for your information.  Since MTH wyfi device is so expensive can I get a wi fi router and plug it into the TIU at a cheaper price?  Again this is for module use so the device has to work anywhere.  Thanks Bruce

1.  A tablet - Apple based if both Lionel and MTH are to be controlled

Unfortunately, while the MTH apps currently operate on any iOS device (iPhone, iPad, iPad Mini, or iPod Touch (et al)) and are slated to run on all Android devices as well, the Lionel apps are a different story.

The free LCS app runs only on an iPad (or iPad Mini) and the iCab app runs only on an iPhone (maybe iPod Touch?)

Bruce,

Since MTH wyfi device is so expensive can I get a wi fi router and plug it into the TIU at a cheaper price? 

No, you cannot. However, you can use )as I currently do) a ProtoNet device from Hikel Layouts and Trains instead of an MTH device.

Like the MTH device, you'll still need one per TIU. While the price is about $100 or so, the ProtoNet is a wired, Ethernet device that must be cabled to a hub, switch or to a Router that's connected to a WiFi network, or directly to a WiFi Router.

There is an app to run the Lionel system on Android phones. One of our members designed it and has been using/refining it for some time.

Marty,

Thanks for the correction!

I'm hoping to run the mth app on my BlackBerry playbook which runs android ... or it's supposed to.

APP as in Application

They need more programmers for all devices to work together.

Andrew

if you have a android phone you can download the blueTrain app from the Google plat store (free) for running your TMCC trains. 

But you will also need a bluetooth to serial adaptor to plug into your TMCC base. 

Search the TMCC sub forum for more info. 

I use the bluetrain app and it works great. The bluetooth adaptor I got from ebay for about $12. 

What type of connection is required to hook up to a TIU.  I am asking because a tablet has bluetooth and could a bluetooth device be used to connect with a TIU?

Bruce, while your tablet/phone has bluetooth the TIU does not.  MTH will be selling a WiFi box to connect to the serial/USB port of the TIU but we have to wait till Hikel has the app ready for that to happen.

Yes, bluetooth could be used but that is not what is being developed.

Dan

A wee late to the party. . . I just ordered the Bluetooth adapter from eBay.  Can anyone tell me which pins I solder power into?  Thanks in advance.

Bobby

I-device and similar Apps would be nice, but when, really?

I saw the MTH App demo at York October 2012, and it was to be released 'shortly'.

What is actually available from MTH and from Lionel, other than promises for 'any day now'?

Thx!

Alex

Lionel has a complete system for running trains and layouts from the iPad and iPhone that is available NOW!

Lionel LCS

The MTH system is still being developed by the Hikels, there was a demo at the October York, but no product available to the general public yet.

When you search in the app store with an IPad and you select your choice from your search but get no results, its because the app is designated for IPhone only.  If it had been designated as iPhone/iPad it would show.  You can still get it, but at the upper left of the screen you just need to change the drop down from iPad Only to iPhone Only and then it will show the app and let you download it.  The app store defaults your setting to IPad Only since you are on an iPad.  Just switch it and you'll see the app.

Thanks SandJam.

i thought app was free silly me. 

Yes I never understood why Lionel wants to charge 50.00 for that app when the LCS app is free.  Its one of the most expensive apps on the app store.  They get us for the price of Legacy engines and then want to charge this for a new app in its infancy?   I would think they would want to promote it to sell more LCS components.  Sometimes I wonder who makes these decisions and what happened to common sense and how to market something.

Guess it depends on a persons train of thought. App $50  wifi module say$50 lcs bpc$99.99  $42.00 sensor track $79.99 that comes to $321.97 plus cost of tablet I'm

Being kind $200.00 that makes a grand total of $597.97 plus tax. And does not include cost of component cables or the power supply for lcs wifi module!

so let's see, pay $300.00 for cab-2 that will run it all as built minus LCS features!

Or as stated a not fully developed icab app yet.

Im all for new stuff but frankly I really believe the App should be free.

this sounds like a flame I'm throwing no way just a friendly exchange of a persons thoughts is all.

Yep there is all that.

Free no but I too feel $50 is a bit steep.