Im sure this has been asked dozens of times but I can't find those instances. What is required beyond a TIU and an app to take full advantage of the system? I don't have any MTH yet but I do have a Lionel Legacy (and LCS) and some conventional stuff but I'm looking to expand the empire with MTH locos. I'd like to get started cheaply with a good used TIU (USB version as I don't have any of the old serial ports on my laptop) and the minimum accessories.
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Really, only one more thing:
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You need the full DCS system, TIU and Remote. If you want to add control from your phones or tablets then you need the MTH Wifi unit (one for each TIU) and the app. The complete app has not yet been released, but I believe it's due by end of Feb or so. All that is available now is the free app and the next one up which does not have all the features. At this time it is unknown what all will actually be in the Advanced app.
And yes, Barry's book is a must!
I asked the same question the other day of the MTH rep at the Pomona Train Show. He recommended the TIU + Wifi unit + the app. He suggested someone starting out from scratch today would probably not need the Remote. I'm sure there may be other opinions...
Since the full blown app is not yet available and we don't know for sure what will be included in it, I would recommend getting the remote.
Gentlemen,
RTR is correct I highly recommend the Hand Held Remote Control (HHRC) & Rev L TIU also, with WiFi unit and app as the eventual add ons. Sense you already run Legacy, purchase the Cable that runs between your Legacy 990 Base and the TIU. Start from the basics, and expand, do not try to jump into only part of the system, or you will be sorry, with your lack of ability to fully operate. I do not recommend a used TIU & HHRC, purchase a new Rev L DCS full unit, get the purchase guarantee, that comes with the new unit. This is an electrical remote control unit, damage can happen, even in shipping, it happened with my very 1st DCS package. If you do take a change on a used Rev L DCS Package, I recommend purchasing from a member here on the OGR, not off E-bay or any other place on the Web. Invest in Barry's DCS O gauge Companion book and the OGR Video guide to DCS, especially if you happen to be a visual learner, both these learning formats will save you big time on your learning curve when learning to run both systems.
Good luck expanding sir.
PCRR/Dave
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