WIFI Apps vs Remotes

Personally, I still prefer the remotes, I have both DCS and Legacy. I also wonder if the remotes might still be needed for certain things that the apps may not be able to do. No idea what that might be, but I don't think we will know until we get further along with them. Right now, I only have the MTH wifi, I don't have the Lionel wifi and I am not sure I will be adding it? Maybe someday, but it will be a while.

I'm sure you'll need the remotes ... However I prefer the wi-fi and on my tablet. It's in color, big enough to see and a lot of fun!

I prefer having a physical button to press so I can keep my eyes on the trains instead of having to glance down to see where the whatever icon is that I'm wanting to use.  The apps are more cost effective though.  A group of visitors can come over and all play. 

I prefer a physical button remote myself.  It's nice to feel for a control rather than look.  The High Rail App makes the most use of gesture control more than both iCab and the MTH app so it is somewhat easier to operate some functions without looking at the device. It also takes advantage of the 3D touch of some of the newer iDevices. That being said it's different strokes for different folks.  I don't mind running my trains with an app but I prefer the hardware remote.

Hope all is well with you Jeff.  Hopefully I'll get out to La La land again someday.

We are DCS.  I just prefer to NOT burn up my phone battery.  However, sooner than later, I will break down and upgrade to 5.0 with the WIFI.  That way anyone with a phone has a remote.  we physically have 5 Remotes and a few times needed an additional or two...Wife loves the WIFI app.  Will be on the Glacier Line eventually.

I have 4 remotes, a smart phone, and a tablet.  The last 2 have the app; I have 2 WIU units .  For gimmicking, I will use the app.  But for running trains, I find the remotes let me concentrate on the trains, with a minimum need to spend time searching what's in my hand.  If I have 6 locos running, I find it takes to long to jump around in the app.  On the remote, I can toggle between 2, or hit ENG and ebter the loco #.  Often I will use 2 remotes, speeding up the time needed to go from one loco to another, or from a loco to the switch controls.  But, people have differing tastes, and I shan't tell anyone what is best for their modus operandi.

Thanks for the responses. One of the beauties of the forum is that you learn so many different ways of doing things. Hi Marty, hope all is good with you. I do have a question for you. Is the icab app available for the ipad?

Jeff

sphillyj posted:

Thanks for the responses. One of the beauties of the forum is that you learn so many different ways of doing things. Hi Marty, hope all is good with you. I do have a question for you. Is the icab app available for the ipad?

 

Jeff

Jeff, 

Lionel's iCab is designed for iPhone, though it will run on an iPad (it's just not optimized for the phone). Here's a quick list of available iOS apps (from Lionel and third party)

• High Rail: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/high-rail/id842021291
• iCab: https://itunes.apple.com/us/ap...nel-icab/id920612683
• Lionel LCS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/ap...onel-lcs/id666934678

MTH also has an app, which I hear may include Lionel Legacy engine control (not sure though).

• https://itunes.apple.com/us/ap...dcs/id988168329?mt=8

Gentlemen,

   I am a individual remote control operator, I do not like to use WIFI for controlling my layouts.  I wish MTH and Lionel would upgrade their Engines operational capabilities, and their remote rolling stock capabilities also.  MTH needs a completely rechargeable hand held remote control, and both companies need to expand the operating controls of each individual engine program.  Especially allowing LC & LC+ equipment to be controlled with the Legacy Cab2.  IMO WIFI should be a secondary option to all the MTH & Lionel Trains.

PCRR/Dave

Jeff's having way too much fun. Caught him at the club Wednesday evening playing with both.

While I keep the DCS remote handy, I prefer to operate my layout using wifi and my ipad.  To me it is sooooo much easier to use as opposed to the hand held remote.  However, I did have to use the remote the other day to create a lash up, as yet the wifi app won't do that.