What do you prefer a handheld remote device or run your train from smart phone or tablet?

There are already several topics posted on this subject...

I'll take a Cab-1/2 over a phone/tablet to run my trains every single time.

No to the remote (with MTH locos - I use the Legacy remote and LC+ remotes) and no to the iPhone.

Prefer the smart phone over the MTH handheld, but prefer the Cab2 over the smart phone.  Like the switch/button layout of the Cab2.

Ipad mounted for DCS.  Cab2 for Lionel.   Actually I prefer to run Legacy through DCS app vs Lionel app if not using a remote.

Well...they’re all handheld, but I currently use my IPad for running BlueRail-equipped engines and a small Tx from RCS Australia for running my Deltang-equipped engines.

 I also use a Mad Catz Bluetooth controller when I feel like using something other than the touchscreen of the IPad.

Gregg,

   There are definitely a few other threads on this subject, however I like my DCS HHRC, in fact I had it upgraded to fully rechargeable, love my Legacy HHRC also, no need for a phone APP, to run my Trains.  However I am almost 70 years old now, and we need young guys & gals to keep our hobby alive, if they like the APP's more power to them.  Don't like the fact that MTH is not going to build HHRC units either.  I like modern technology but I am hands on when it comes to operating my remote control O Gauge Trains.

PCRR/Dave

I like the handheld remote. Have used the dcs and tmcc remotes from day 1 so no need for me to learn something else. It does everything I need it to do. 

Dave

OLD SCHOOL BABY!!!!!!

   I wrote elsewhere today that manual button dexterity was king imo. The tactile feeling of buttons in your hands negates the neeed to look at any screen to aim. That mostly means "better and faster" in my experience, the rest is just the perception that newer is "better". The  reality is the mfgs dont want to bother with buttons they cost more. Nor a controller if they can shift the cost to you.

 I liked the cab1 over dcs, but the remote controls I like best are the really heavy black ones...I think someone called them transformers,  which was a real cool movie so I'm choosing that as best. It's too techie not to be.

Adriatic posted:

   ............... The tactile feeling of buttons in your hands negates the need to look at any screen to aim. That mostly means "better and faster" in my experience, the rest is just the perception that newer is "better". The  reality is the mfgs dont want to bother with buttons they cost more. Nor a controller if they can shift the cost to you..........................

This.

-Dave

I will take my Flyer Chief and my Cab 1 L over the phone anytime.

Ray

Over the past few years I've saved a LOT of quarters, so I use a pay phone.

DCS using my iPad.  I find it much, much easier to use than the MTH DCS handheld.  Another plus is that I can see everything on the larger screen and it's in color.

Pine Creek Railroad posted:

 Don't like the fact that MTH is not going to build HHRC units either.

Is this a fact, or just a rumor?  If fact, where did MTH announce it?  And what about the TIU?

Joe Hohmann posted:

Over the past few years I've saved a LOT of quarters, so I use a pay phone.

Haha - and you've probably been able to save the quarters because you can't find a pay phone anymore. 

The young, the up on tech seem to like the pad. Me I'm old, I have always ran trains with some kind of control or handle in my hand so that's the way it will stay for me. The choice is yours.

sinclair posted:

Pine Creek Railroad posted:

 Don't like the fact that MTH is not going to build HHRC units either.

Is this a fact, or just a rumor?  If fact, where did MTH announce it?  And what about the TIU?

Seems to be fact - various sources.

Just keep in mind - MTH does have a clue here - they probably have adequate inventory to cover themselves for sometime to come - so you can't blame them for not making another order of HHRC.

When did payphones go up to 25 cents,  I thought it was a dime (.10). 

What's a payphone ?

  I think that 10¢ was a west coast thing and regulated to 10¢. It was 20-25¢ here till high tech lowered costs and it shot to 50¢-$1.50 in just a couple of years.

Jim 1939 posted:

The young, the up on tech seem to like the pad. Me I'm old, I have always ran trains with some kind of control or handle in my hand so that's the way it will stay for me. The choice is yours.

  It is a choice. And yes, they do like them. But why?

Most reply; faster. 

  But I've already proved I can outpace the new phones with older tech like a land line or keyboard to three people under 22 that rent from me, and a few tech enamored friends too.

  It's new, it's neat, it fits in a pocket so you can break it easier ( ) but it's not truely better at the job.

  Young folks just don't have the practical experience to know the difference yet.... and you cant take the others to school and pass electronics notes all day

I bought a device to try it myself. Maybe I was wrong...Not. I hate it. Slow, and more issues than Internet Exploder at its worst. I got twice as much done on a small laptop computer, and could always see it.

Come on by, we can race!

....just like if CDs are better, why do audiophiles like analog?

Because analog is a closer reproduction to real life. Digital CDs are a sampling of points from an analog sound wave...the analog is more acurate. We were sold CDs buy hype, all because it was cheaper to make. If real quality was strived for we would at least have 64 bit CDs and players vs 32bit. Mp3-4 is another step down in quality too fyi.  That's not better, it's settling.

  T gauge is the best because it's smaller and lighter than O ...not.

Roving Sign posted:

sinclair posted:

Pine Creek Railroad posted:

 Don't like the fact that MTH is not going to build HHRC units either.

Is this a fact, or just a rumor?  If fact, where did MTH announce it?  And what about the TIU?

Seems to be fact - various sources.

Just keep in mind - MTH does have a clue here - they probably have adequate inventory to cover themselves for sometime to come - so you can't blame them for not making another order of HHRC.

Noting making more currently because they have plenty of inventory is not the same as never making handhelds again.  I would like links to these various sources please.  My local MTH dealer has not heard of this news that MTH will no longer make remotes.

I prefer the Cab 2 report and Lion Chief Plus remote. But I also like the apps since they can have more features.

It would be nice if the Phones had a add-on with a Bluetooth Knob and then the phone would be allot closer to the other controls.

I like my DCS remote because I can operate it by feel as I watch the trains. I tried the app but I spent more time staring at the tablet than watching trains. 

Neither.  I like my hands on the transformer handle.

wild mary posted:

OLD SCHOOL BABY!!!!!!

Could not have said that any BETTER! 

wild mary posted:

OLD SCHOOL BABY!!!!!!

Could not have said it any BETTER! Also I agree with the first post. Trains are my time, and yes the tablets and phones have invaded our lives. Keep on chugging down the track!

Not sure, just getting my first Engine with Bluetooth, will check it out. I love the Cab 2 System very much as it allows me to turn on and off blocks thru BPC’s, flip switch’s via ASC’s, turn on and off Locomotives anywhere on the track. I am sure using the Cab 2 is the easiest way to run my trains do to using it for such a long time. It’s simply a habit.  Although I just turned 73, I am not Old Yet, Just a Senior Kid.... I want to visit folks that use their IPads and IPhones for Control Of their layouts.  Great Thread....

Not sure how important this is, but with bluetooth/iPad control,  three trains can be run on the same loop simultaneously with independent control of each loco.

Answering the question pertaining to the two Lionchief sets (only LC sets we own) under the Christmas tree I actually prefer running the one with Bluetooth from the app on my iPad.  I like the extra features the app provides but I especially like the forward/reverse button on the app.  With the Lionchief remote I occasionally shift the PE into reverse unintentionally.  Not really a problem but that doesn't happen with the app.

As for my non LC engines , I have several TMCC engines (no Legacy) and only a few non-TMCC engines. I have been using a cab-1 to control them for a long time.  The original Polar Express was run using  its CW80 at Christmas time.

For me depends on what I decide to do. The Only thing I have seem to notice is that the MTH App seems to have better range controlling the Locomotives, at least on my layout. I have a MTH PS3 Diesel parked in a shed on my layout, and there are times when the Remote says engine not on track, but I can use the App and control that engine with out many problems. Though I do need to redo all my wiring and set up blocks, but that is what I have seen on my layout.

sinclair posted:

Roving Sign posted:

sinclair posted:

Pine Creek Railroad posted:

 Don't like the fact that MTH is not going to build HHRC units either.

Is this a fact, or just a rumor?  If fact, where did MTH announce it?  And what about the TIU?

Seems to be fact - various sources.

Just keep in mind - MTH does have a clue here - they probably have adequate inventory to cover themselves for sometime to come - so you can't blame them for not making another order of HHRC.

Noting making more currently because they have plenty of inventory is not the same as never making handhelds again.  I would like links to these various sources please.  My local MTH dealer has not heard of this news that MTH will no longer make remotes.

Andy Edelman, VP of marketing for MTH has been the "source".

They feel that since "everyone" has a smartphone nowadays, why not integrate train control into that, making it easier and more appealing for the user.  This has been large topic of discussion at the past few DCS users group dinners at the York TCA meets. (Out of those in the crowd that still had "flip phones", they drew names to give away a WIU in hopes to get people on board).  

This is why the new RTR sets are now coming with the DCS Explorer.

You can read about what was discussed at the meeting by searching the forum for "DCS user group", or read the minutes from the October 17 one here. Barry does a great job recording the events.

I use both. Which one I use at any particular time depends on both the situation and mood I happen to be in.