York Questiom

I would contact the EDTCA.  I doubt you will get a definitive answer here. Although last year both Lionel and MTH were using them to run their displays.

It will be interesting to see their response. I have used my iPhone for keeping my shopping list and checking inventory. I have even sent payments to vendors via PayPal with it. But it has always been while wondering of someone was going to swoop down on me

I think that's the best advice that could be given on that question.

I would use it.  I do not see a statement in the rules prohibiting its use, and as long as you are not using Skype or a similar service to make phone calls on it, what is the difference between using the ipad as a scratch pad and reference tool, similar to a piece of paper or book you would carry?

If someone says something, put it away. 

Personally, I would politely challenge it with the hall captain.  That is me.  I do not recommend that to anyone else, though.  I would surface the issue in a straight-forward and principles based manner.  But I have no i-pad, so that is not going to happen.

It is a private event and I suspect that they can establish rules on the fly, as long as those rules are not discriminatory, are ADA complaint, do not violate safety rules and avoid negligence.

theres a separate  forum devoted to york where you can get your "york question" answered. click on Forums ,you will see misc. forums-its the 5th entry down.-jim

I used an iPhone ONLY to take a picture and was reprimanded for it. While the rules may be clearly written regarding the use of such devices some of the "enforcers" are, perhaps, well meaning and uniformed. I am not talking about security but some of the people and their helpers who run the booths. My guess is that somewhere along the line you will get some grief from somebody. I hope not.

It is always better to ask forgiveness than permission

quote:

I used an iPhone ONLY to take a picture and was reprimanded for it

You (we) are not allowed to take photographs inside any of the halls at York.

The one place you will likely be able to use it is at the MTH booth to try out their DCS control app.

Pete

Taking a picture with the iPhone would unquestionably fall under the camera prohibition

That's almost a certainty.  Because the existing rule is so old, outdated, and ill-suited for contemporary times, there is no uniform way to apply it to the current technology.  The iPad is technically NOT a cell phone, so the "rule" should not apply.  However, many in the hobby and the organization (security guards, hall captains, etc.) are not sure what is what, or which end is up, so you should expect you'll be hassled by someone at some point.

I would email someone from the Eastern Division to find out, then if you get a "yes you can" email, print it out. That way if anyone gives you a hard time, show them the email.

Why make waves. Just don't use it.

My first post still holds true.  Rather than getting the editorialized response, contact the EDTCA and ask.  No one here and there personal feelings or opinions can give you the answer.

I think we would all appreciate it if you could post their response.

Thanks

Eddie, it never hurts to ask to clarify something. We all know cell phones calls and any form of photography are against the rules.  An iPad or smart phone being used to access information from the net or from a list is a gray area that needs to be defined.  That way no one has an excuse.  If they say no then it's no.

That certainly is what I would recommend doing.  I would NOT count on everyone (those in charge at any level) uniformly getting the word and/or knowing what is or is not permitted.

This is NOT making waves, Eddie.  It's simply a way of informing and preparing folks who may have the technology (iPads and such) with them for any number of reasons.  If I had one of my own, I also would have it there for the MTH sessions and for other uses. 

Nothing can sour one's experience more than being hassled by someone at the event who "did not get the word."  And you can be 100% certain there will be some of them around.

What nonsense this is.

The rule is for talking on a cell phone.

There are no written rules for using a mobile electronic device for list keeping or as a notebook.  I see no rules in the Meet Notice or during the verbal announcements made during the meet for such use.

It is kind of silly to get into this "Mother May I" mentality, isn't it?

While I respect and understand most of the "whys" for nearly all of the York rules, any chance of the TCA joining the rest of us in this century and updating them to at least attempt to keep up with today's technology?  Seems as though the trains, the dealers, and the members have, but the organization hasn't.  That's a shame because it definitely takes away from the great York experience which is like no other.

As most hall wise Yorkies would recommend: If you want to trade York like a strategic power shopper you'll have to put down the duckie (iPhad)(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMAixgo_zJ4) * ... and pay undivided attention to the credibility of the item & negotiating a fair transaction price.

____________________________________________________________________

* (wait for the O gauge reference at 2:23)

I do.........I have John's HSL PostWar catalog program and use the iPad to go through the catalogs while  I'm in the halls Looking for an item.

Peter

Peter

Not to hijack the thread but John makes that for iPad?

MartyE  Yes he does, I think he came out with it last York (after I bought the computer version )

Not really, Bob.  I don't know how many York meets you have been to, but I can tell you for certain that communication among and between those overseeing the event (as compared to those of us who are attendees) is often somewhat lacking and/or the "rules" are often subject to different interpretations by different individuals, depending on where they are on the roster.  This is especially true when it comes to somewhat nebulous matters like electronic gadgetry, where there no long is a black-and-white distinction between a device's capabilities. 

For example, a cell phone is no longer a cell phone, depending on what you choose to have.  It can be a camera, a text messaging device, a source for searching on the Web, and many more functions and capabilities.  The rule says "no cell phones," BUT if you're not using a devise as a cell phone, there should be no question that the rule permits tablets, e-mail capable devices, text messaging, etc.  Right? 

Allan,

I've been to every York since I joined TCA in 2003.

I agree with what you said above.  The rules clearly state no cell phone use or cameras in the halls.  I have no problem abiding by the rules, as stated.  I'll respect the rule until it changed, and it will...eventually.

Until then my iPhone has other capabilities.

It''s hard to get a clarification from them like last year with the  new large backpack rule last year, took me a month to get  a clarification on that. I watched a guy with a large cloth beach bag  get turned away right at the start by an hired security person yet watch a woman go past me while this was happening with a purse over her shoulder that was bigger than that old guys bag

I have a limited Internet plan, so I reply on a venue's wifi. I asked the York Committee if wifi was for "rent" on the Fairgrounds. I was asked "Why?". I said that when I gathered with my friends at York we enjoy sharing pictures and videos of our layouts.

The response I got couldn't have been colder.....PICTURES...VIDEOS.....YOU CAN'T DO THAT. I had to explain that I did not intend to SHOOT pictures and videos, just VIEW them. I dropped my question.

Too bad, I'm sure there are a lot of us that would like to use wifi on the Fairgrounds outside the exhibit halls. I bet some vendors would too. The Eastern Division could use it to make money by selling it.

Peter

As an aside, Marty, I am happy to demonstrate the PostWar catalog iPad program. Catch me when you see me walking around the halls.

Peter

I have a calculator that looks just like a cell phone, antenna and a random ringtone, anyone going to York that want to borrow it?

Jerry

Exactly the kind of thing I have been referring to in my earlier posts here.  Lack of uniformity in enforcement, and some don't even understand what they should or should not be enforcing.  I'm not sure there's any solution to that so long as the current regs are in effect.  Ya just have to take your chances, I guess.  Hopefully, several thousand attendees will check it out .

Of course, with our luck they will change the rule alright, and the new one will read like thins"

"No electronic devices of any type are permitted to be in use in the trading halls at any time."

Pitty the folks with pacemakers and the like! 

It will really depend on who is writing the rules, the old guard probably would say no electronics at all, while the younger ones   hopefully realize the difference.

In my case I keep a list on my iPhone through the year of things I need or saw here that I may want to buy, since its on my phones its always with me.  Whether it is at York or my LHS I pull it out when I get there to remind me what it is I am looking for

John's stuff (that is, HSL) for the i-Pad is good.  Recommended.

I used my iPad last October although some people and the rent a cops kept asking what I was doing. I tried to explain to them and showed them what it was about. I just finally put it in my vehicle.

I went to the silver hall and talked to them and to my surprise they could not make a decision If it was ok to use or not. one person told me she never saw anything like it! What year do these people live in? Do they read? Do they watch TV? There are millions of people using iPads and other like products. They said they would get back to me, I'm still waiting. 

I'm bringing mine this time and using it. I just will not ask this time.

"You kids and your new fangled flibbety jib electronical devices!"

Jerry

THA#13-0001

Many vendors, including OGR, use devices to take credit card purchases. These devices use the cellular network. Are they banned also???? The Eastern Division really should get with it and clarify the rules.

I don't understand why the security people would be questioning someone if they use an Ipad unless they were told that the use of them is also prohibited, then the rank and file should be told the same thing. If they weren't told to stop people from using an Ipad they should be called on the carpet for "expanding" the rule without approval from the York organizers. And whatever they decide they need to make sure everyone (organizers, volunteers, hall captains, guests and security) are on the same page and not inerpreting the rule enforcements as they see fit.

Jerry

I once had one York rent-a-cop ask me to remove a set of headphones upon entering the Orange Hall. Maybe she thought these were for Bluetooth.

Nowadays you can buy a spy-cam that looks like a shirt-button, a pen clipped to your shirt pocket or even a pair of eyeglasses, so it doesn't even have to look obvious that you're photographing--even if ED decided to ban all electronics.

---PCJ 

You know guys....as I read all of the various replies and comments on the TCA's lack of adapting and keeping up with today's technology, is it any wonder that we have a harder and harder time getting younger people interested and sharing our love for the hobby???  Anyone ever think of developing a York app for your devices?  The possibilities are endless.  It's sad that the TCA is "missing the technology train."

quote:

You know guys....as I read all of the various replies and comments on the TCA's lack of adapting and keeping up with today's technology, is it any wonder that we have a harder and harder time getting younger people interested and sharing our love for the hobby???  

Sorry, I do not buy the idea that getting younger people interested in "O" gauge trains hinges on whether the Eastern Division allows cell phones, photographs, and/or other electronic devices at their train show.

A lot has been written (theorized) about what has caused the decline in young folks interest in various hobbies. Cell phones at York doesn't come up anywhere else but here (and a column in CTT)

Those young folks who are interested in model railroading are likely to go with HO or N due to availability, cost, and space required,

I'd guess that most of the younger folks who go into "O" gauge trains do so because they have a parent or other older relative who get them started, and actually spend time with the younger person to nurture the activity.

I wonder if York would allow a dealer to sell 3-D printers?

CW I agree 100%.

That being said, the original poster got a a lot of editorializing but still no answer because none of us are the right people to answer.

Later today, I am going to send an email directly to the EDTCA and get ask for a ruling rather than letting the speculation go on.  I will specifically ask about iPads, smart phones in an non phone and picture taking capacity.  Strictly used as a database/internet browser.  I did this once a few years back with Debbie Geisler (sp?) and got an answer but I don't have that reply anymore and don't remember exactly what it was.