Wifi App Full Version

I'd bet there will be a progress report at the DCS user group meeting at York

I'm thinking the same thing. 

MTH is working hard to make everyone very happy.

That's good to know. I just can't wait to run legacy engines on the app. And of course run lash ups. 

You know what they say about pleasing all the people ;-). I have ceased using the app since I cant run any consists but once the full version is ready I can honestly see myself ditching the remotes for the most part and using the phone almost exclusively if not exclusively.

I have to say, since I've used the wifi app, I've barely used the remote. Typically only my phone to run trains. 

Marty Fitzhenry posted:

MTH is working hard to make everyone very happy.

Take their time and do it right.  I'd rather wait and it work, than rushed and not work. 

Has anyone got a date yet I have searched and can not find it. I thought I read some where Dec. 23.

Perhaps you're viewing December 23rd as a hard and fast "rule" given for the delivery date.  But that would be viewing it wrong.  With Lionel and MTH delivery dates it's helpful to remember what Captain Barbossa said in the Pirates of the Caribbean "...the Code is more what you'd call guidelines than actual rules..." (See it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnGDQ7Rk-pQ)

But seriously, I've learned to be very flexible with delivery dates.  And I'd much rather get it eventually in good working order than get it sooner with shoddy workmanship.  Sometimes things from both companies arrive late and with problems but such is life in this hobby.

I guess you are right but this is the second time with a time table I think. I am a person that believes on what people tell me(bad idea I guess) I was looking forward to working with it on this time off between Christmas and New-Years. I know MTH has a budget as well and only working as it will let them. I hope like others out there it will not be another year right. OK I am done just had to vent.

I prefer they take their time rather than having them to rush to push out an APP with defects and issues.   I use the current paid version and look forward to the full version when it is released.  

As the owner of a software firm once told me, " it's easier to promise the fix than to deliver it."

Does any one know if the FULL version will offer the ability to update DCS over the wifi vs a serial / USB?

Yes, somebody does

Chris,

Actually, since the WIU connects to a TIU via the USB port, it should be theoretically possible for the WIU to update at least that TIU, and thru that the DCS remote. If you access the WIU LuCI, you'll can see that the unit is running Linux, which means it can be extended 'relatively easily'. I can understand MTH not wanting to open that avenue from an extended support perspective, but I would find it much simpler to move the USB cable around to update the TIUs remotely than taking out the TIUs to the desktop to get updated (and all the cable moving that entails)...

Perhaps something for MTH to think about adding down the road.

Actually, since the WIU connects to a TIU via the USB port, it should be theoretically possible for the WIU to update at least that TIU, and thru that the DCS remote. If you access the WIU LuCI, you'll can see that the unit is running Linux, which means it can be extended 'relatively easily'.

The question was if the app could update DCS in the TIU or remote. It cannot and MTH has no plans add that capability.

To do so would require the development of app software and a LuCi extension that could access a DCS update file on a PC wirelessly, and run the DCS Loader Program to get that file into the TIU and/or the remote. This would require that both the WIU and the PC be simultaneously connected to the TIU.

Alternatively, the app would have to be able to download an upgrade file itself and then replicate, in LuCi, everything that the Loader Program does to update a DCS device. 

The above is most certainly doable, however, it would be a large undertaking for MTH with absolutely no return on the investment.

I can assure you that none of the above comes close to being "relatively easily".  

Barry,

Thanks for the response on the possibility of MTH giving the APP or a program to be able to update the TIU or remote over wireless WIFI.   Can always wish for this one day, but will be happy with all the features the full version of the DCS WIFI APP will give us in the near future.  

Barry Broskowitz posted:

Actually, since the WIU connects to a TIU via the USB port, it should be theoretically possible for the WIU to update at least that TIU, and thru that the DCS remote. If you access the WIU LuCI, you'll can see that the unit is running Linux, which means it can be extended 'relatively easily'.

The question was if the app could update DCS in the TIU or remote. It cannot and MTH has no plans add that capability.

To do so would require the development of app software and a LuCi extension that could access a DCS update file on a PC wirelessly, and run the DCS Loader Program to get that file into the TIU and/or the remote. This would require that both the WIU and the PC be simultaneously connected to the TIU.

Alternatively, the app would have to be able to download an upgrade file itself and then replicate, in LuCi, everything that the Loader Program does to update a DCS device. 

The above is most certainly doable, however, it would be a large undertaking for MTH with absolutely no return on the investment.

I can assure you that none of the above comes close to being "relatively easily".  

I would be extremely happy if MTH went only as far as Lionel did with Legacy base/Cab2 updates when they released their WiFi module.  I believe I read here on the forum long ago that the update to do so wasn't terribly complicated as most of the Windows code in the Legacy System Utility (LSU) program stayed as it was.  The updates still have to be done with the LSU program under Windows.  The only difference now is that you can connect inside the LSU to the Base/Cab2 via the LCS WiFi and do updates without having to plug a serial cable into the base or Cab2 from the Windows computer.  This just makes the update so much easier not having to connect up cables.  I believe Lionel had a similar stance in terms of moving the LSU to an iOS app - basically that it would be a large undertaking in time and expense with little return.    But I suspect a change to the Windows DCS loader program just to allow it to talk to the base/remote via the WIU rather than serial/USB would be much more in the "relatively easy" realm.  Having updated my Legacy base and Cab2 more than once this way I can testify to just how much easier this made the process since I didn't have to physically get to the back of my base.  And it gets around the problem of the USB port going the way of the 9-pin serial port sooner rather than later.  In terms of "no return on the investment" I'm personally waiting to get a WIU until I see what is really going to be supported update-wise and with the full version of the app.  

So there is a free version of the app, which I installed on my IOS devices. I found the $4.99 'Standard' version upgrade. When the full version comes out, how will that work? Not sure what the full version will cost. Will it be $19.99? Will I need to buy the $4.99 version first or can I buy the full version directly? If I buy the Standard version first, will I get a $4.99 discount toward the full version? Just trying to understand...

Also, is the full version the same thing as the 'Premium' version? Will the full version be the last version I need to pay for?

Thanks!

George

Lionelbill posted:

As the owner of a software firm once told me, " it's easier to promise the fix than to deliver it."

 

Like "Windows Vista" or "Windows 8"?

Having seen the MTH version used on a phone and ipad it looks cool and many will love the complete version. Others will still love the remote with its easy to remember button locations. Hoping they do not quit updates for that even if they do not tool up another with a specific "select" button.

George,

Will it be $19.99?

Yes, it will cost $20.00 if you already bought the $4.99 Standard version via an-app purchase.

Will I need to buy the $4.99 version first or can I buy the full version directly?

You can upgrade directly from the free version to the Premium version for $24.99..

If I buy the Standard version first, will I get a $4.99 discount toward the full version?

If you purchase the Standard version for $4.99, you'll only be charged $20.00 for the upgrade to the Premium version. There is no "penalty" for upgrading from the free or the Standard versions to the Premium version. The price is the same.

Also, is the full version the same thing as the 'Premium' version?

Yes.

Will the full version be the last version I need to pay for?

AFAIK, yes.

This and a whole lot more is all in “The DCS Companion 3rd Edition!" This book is available from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book at OGR’s web store!

Thank you Barry!  My first WiFi unit comes tomorrow. I will eventually need a second one when I hook my other TIU back up.

I just checked the MTH website and it says the Premium app upgrade is scheduled for late February 2017.

George

George S posted:

I just checked the MTH website and it says the Premium app upgrade is scheduled for late February 2017.

George

That's something to look forward to. 

George S posted:

I just checked the MTH website and it says the Premium app upgrade is scheduled for late February 2017.

George

I connected the MTH WiFi to the layout yesterday and I'm running the free download App on both my 7" and 10" tablets because I'm still not sure which tablet I like better before I pay for the primary app.   I'm thinking the 7".   So far all is good using the home internet.    Not sure if its even possible, but a future upgrade where a small unit can travel over a layout and  duplicate the track pattern of a layout on the tablet touch screen with the ability to operate switches by touch .  Its nice to dream but I believe this WiFi thing has potential..

Joe

I have the 4.99 app,,the more I use it the better I like it,,,love the easy access to the pfa,cant wait for the super ,supreme app

If you're using the Apple iOS application, as long as you are logging in with the same Apple ID, the downloads should be applicable across all instances under that ID. There's a limit of number of devices, but it's at least half a dozen... I know I've got the app on both a tablet and my phone and have worked with both depending on what I happen to have closest at the moment...

Not sure if Google Play offers the same type of family bundling.