Bill,
The following is an expert from the thread for the Summary of April's York DCS User Group Meeting on this forum's Featured Topics.Click on the underlined abov e to go to the thread.
It's part of Andy Edleman's (MTH VP Marketing) presentation. You can read the entire meeting summary on the first post of the thread.
Andy continued and discussed the current status of the development of the WiFi app...
Over the course of the winter, MTH made a decision to switch to a new developer to finish the DCS app. The decision came about as a result of delays in development that we felt compromised the feasibility of completing the initial development stage in 2015.
In the end, we felt a new developer could devote more resources to the project and ensure the app's delivery this year. As a result of this change, the entire GUI of the app is changing, leaving us with no screen shots or demo to provide to you today.
Beta testing of the app will begin in July and the app's completion will occur late this summer. The hardware design of the WiFi module is nearly complete and should go to Production in August with a targeted delivery to MTH Authorized Retailer shelves by early this Fall. A firm delivery date for the app and hardware will be announced in July. They will deliver together.
The MTH app will be available in both iOS and Android versions, and will function on both phone and tablet models using either operating system.
Initially, both the iOS and Android versions will be released with limited functionality as a free download. Approximately six months after the free versions are released, paid versions will be available for both operating systems. The paid versions will give users ALL of the functionality of a full-blown DCS system.
The free app comes with a wide range of DCS functionality including: Speed; Direction; Whistle/Horn, Including quillable functionality; Bell; Front and Rear Proto-Coupler Control; select engine-specific sounds Including Passenger Station Proto-Effects, Freight Yard Proto-Effects, Coupler Slack, Forward Whistle Signal, Reverse Whistle Signal, Crossing Signal, Train Wreck and more; select engine specific features including Acceleration/Deceleration Control, Smoke On/Off, Smoke Intensity, Labored Smoke, Proto-Chuff, Headlight On/Off, Clicky-Clack, Cab Chatter, Brake Sound and more; control of up to 99 Engines; unlimited app users; dual DCS Remote/app Control.
The paid app essentially is a full blown DCS remote and can do everything that a DCS remote can do, including; control DCS components like the AIU Accessory Interface Unit or multiple TIU Track Interface Units configured for Super Mode Operation.
In addition to all the functions found in the free version of the app, the paid version adds: control up to 999 Engines; control TMCC and Legacy locomotives in TMCC Mode; control Variable Tracks for conventional locomotive operation; Record and Playback Operating Sessions; create and operate Track Routes; Create and operate Accessory Scenes; broadcast Audio Using Proto-Cast; build and operate locomotive lashups; download and upload engine sounds and code; and download and upload of DCS software.
Hook up is simple and takes just a few minutes. The WiFi module plugs into the DCS Track Interface Unit using a USB or USB to Serial Port cable. Older TIUs use the serial port and newer TIUs should use the USB port.
You don’t need WiFi in your home to use the WiFi module and the app. The WiFi module may be configured to run as a stand-alone access point or a networked module (if you want to retain Internet access via your home WiFi network).
You can use the WPS button to connect to your home WiFi network. There are LEDs on the module that alert you to setup and operating status. The app will automatically find the modules and connect to them.
The free app will find engines just like the normal DCS system. The paid app will have an import process that will pull all the engines and settings that are currently in the remote, into the app.
I can attest that the above is an accurate representation of the status of the app and the WiFi module at the present time. If you've heard anything different, you should disregard what you've heard.
