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So I decided to see if I could control my trains using the new Android app running on a PC....  It worked!

Here's how....

1) Get software to let your PC act like an Android device. If you google for "Bluestacks", you will find a free software package that lets you run apps on your PC.  Download and install it.

2) Run Bluestacks.  Once up and running, search for MTH DCS on Google Play, just like you would do on an Android device. Install MTH DCS Wifi App.

3) If you have a PC that has built in wifi, like a laptop, turn the wifi on and connect to your WIU. My PC also has wifi built in so it worked fine.  If you also have a wired wifi board in the PC, turn it off (disable it)

4) In Bluestacks, run the MTH DCS app..... that's it.  It works beautifully!

final_bstSnapshot_897991

Sorry, I don't have a Mac, so I don't know if there is an Android emulator that would work the same way.

Ed

ps. I also noted that with a steam loco, pressing on the whistle handle works, but pulling the handle down works better!

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Last edited by eddiem
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Has it disabled itself and asked you for payment yet?

App Player is a downloadable piece of Windows and Mac software that virtualizes the full Android experience. The software is free to download and use, later disabling itself and presenting users with the option to install sponsored apps or purchase a $2/month premium subscription.[3] This is not mentioned before downloading or during install. According to company sources, the App Player can run over 96% of the 1.4 million apps in the Google Play Store.[4] It reached the 109 million download mark in Dec, 2015.[5]

 

John,

The PC program I use is called "Bluestacks". To clarify for others, it's not an app, its a program that installs and runs on my Win 7 PC.  Once installed, you put in your account info for Google Play and load your Android apps onto the PC, in a Bluestacks folder.

I've had it on my PC for at least a year and it continues to work for train and other Android apps I've used it with. It appears that they offer a gaming module that costs $$$, but I haven't heard that the system needed to run apps is fee based.

Ed

Last edited by eddiem

That's the one I found, Bluestacks.com, and they now charge.  You can also download "sponsored" apps and deal with popups and use it for free, no thanks!  I did find there are a lot of Android emulators for the PC however, so I'm sure there's a truly free one.

From the Bluestacks Facebook Page.

Hey Everyone, just a heads up that we're working through the weekend to upgrade BlueStacks to a freemium model. You will have the choice of paying just $2 per month to use the program or get it FREE ad-supported by downloading some Spotlighted hot apps of the day from time to time. Lots more speed and app compatibility improvements coming as well - stay tuned..

 

Ed & John;

Thanks for the info on PC based Android emulators.

I may have to go that way since the Mark DiVecchio approach is more involved (plus, I just like to try stuff!).

Don't know if you guys are aware, but there is a product that allows to to use a script to control a program which would normally require your eyeballs and fingers -- it allows automation of GUI apps on the PC under Windows.

I used it when I worked for the Navy using HP OpenView to monitor and control other systems.

https://www.autoitscript.com/site/

Thanks again;

Ray

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