WIFI LIONEL OR MTH

As it stands now it should control all TMCC functions but Legacy features are not at this point since the core DCS system does not support the Legacy functions. Hopefully that will change in the future.......and I am sure someone will have a $100+ app and someone else will have a book to purchase when it does happen.

Actually, Dave Hikel answered that same question at the DCS User Group Meeting at York a few weeks ago.

His answer was "Yes, it will eventually be able to do so."

Stay tuned...  

Thank you Jeff & Barry.

Will the Williams/Bachmann app be able to "play well with others" too?

someone correct me if I am wrong, but the WiFi allows connection from a tablet, phone, or computer to the DCS. The DCS has the capability to send TMCC commands to the Lionel base now.  Therefore, the system should be able to control Lionel engines with TMCC commands assuming the applications have been programmed to do so.  By Barry's answer it sounds like they have not put that functionality into the app yet, but the capability is there once programed.

As to the question, Wifi Lionel or MTH, I say the Lionel currently has the advantage because they have actually built and sold their units.  However, when MTH does release theirs I think it will be the best option because they will have the ability to control all trains including Lionel Legacy.  The question is how long will it take to get the wifi out and will they upgrade the DCS and apps to send Legacy commands in a timely fashion.  

It's really an apples to oranges comparison since TMCC/Legacy and DCS operate under different methods. I've liked the TMCC/Legacy WiFi operation over the past year (we were one of the beta testers) and I suspect I'll like how the MTH WiFi interface works (I'm a geek anyway so it's a natural for me).

I also look at things in a club operation context. It would concern me if the WiFi interface for DCS would require one device per TIU as multiple devices as gets costly, plus there are networking issues that would come into play. That said, I will be buying the MTH WiFi interface when it's released.

Matt,

Just an fyi...

I have the LCS WiFi and beta MTH App running on my layout. I'm using a ProtoNet device (from Dave Hikel) for the TIU and a Lionel LCS module (with an SER2) for connect the TIU to the Legacy Base.

The MTH app works well on an assortment of devices (iPhone, iPad and iPad Mini) while the LCS app is iPad (and Mini) only.

I've configured both adapters to coexist on my home LAN and they both play well together. The LCS adapter can be configured as a stand-alone access point or network device. The ProtoNet device requires wired (Ethernet) access to a WiFi network, however, my understanding is that the actual MTH WiFi device will allow a choice of access point or network configuration, similar to the LCS device.

In order to use both manufacturer's apps simultaneously, they both need to be on the same network, rather than configured as access points. To use either one, a network should not be required. However, a network is required in order to use both together.

While I don't own an iCab app, and will not due to it's high price and my lack of a large Legacy engine roster, I expect that it can interoperate with the MTH app, as long as both devices are on the same network.

Thanks Barry. What I was bouncing around in my mind was putting in a WiFi Hub/Router and Ethernet wiring the TIU's in and adding the LCS WiFi module as a node. Still haven't  quite figured things out as I don't have a layout at home to pre-test on. What is the MYJ App?

Matt,

MYJ is MTH spelled by erroneously hitting a couple adjacent keys.  

LOL! Been there/done that...all too many times.

so glad I waited before buying another mth dcs remote control unit...I have 2 smart phones..apple(work) and windows based(personal) plus my wifes and sons(both apple)..so when I get the wifi unit..I will have 5 controllers..as long as both wifi and dcs remote can be used simultaneously

as long as both wifi and dcs remote can be used simultaneously

Yes, the app and the remote can be used simultaneously.

So my Kindle with wifi will work with this new app?  If so that's great as I'm not getting much use from the Kindle right now other than reading a couple of books.

Bob,

So my Kindle with wifi will work with this new app? 

Can your Kindle run iOS or Android apps?

Barry, I really don't know what it can do besides let me read a book (it belonged to my wife).  Will check into it!

Bob,

If it can't run iOS or Android apps, it won't work for either of the manufacturer's WiFi apps.

Barry,

My Kindle is a Kindle Keyboard with 3G and wifi.  I'm glad this came up because the software needed to be updated (now 3.4.1).

I guess the best thing to do is try it and see if it works!