Questions about MTH's DCS WIU wifi module

1.) Who has the best price on MTH's DCS WIU wifi module?

You'll have to look around.

2.) Can TMCC engines be controlled by MTH's Android wifi app?

They are expected to be able to be so controlled, with the addition of any of Lionel's control bases connected to the TIU.

3.) When will the premium version (i.e., paid version) of MTH's Android wifi app be available?

Unknown, however, expected soon.

4.) Currently have a TMCC cab1 base connected to the serial port of my TIU and since the TIU doesn't has a usb port am I correct to assume there's no way to connect a DCS WIU wifi module to this TIU without removing the TMCC base unit from the TIU?

That's not correct. All that you would need is a serial Y cable, available for a few bucks from Amazon or other sources.

What about the newer TIU's which have both a serial port and a usb port? Can the TMCC base be connected to its TIU serial port at the same time the DCS WIU wifi module is connected to the TIU usb port? Will TMCC base and DCS WIU wifi module work together simultaneously?

Yes, that's how my WIUs are connected.

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!

Thanks for the fast response, Barry.

I'm aware of Y serial cables but was told some serial devices will not function when split - that some of them will only function one at a time, so I want to be certain I correctly understand that -

if I hook a serial Y cable to my TIU and into one side I plug a DCS WIU Wi-fi module and into the other side of that Y I plug the DCS TIU/TMCC connector Cable #50-1018 with the TMCC cab1 base connected then the TMCC base and DCS WIU module will work together simultaneously the way they would in a newer TIU  where a DCS WIU wifi module is connected to the TIU usb port?

(Btw, I do have a 1st edition copy of your book which I bought when it first came out and at that time I was considering DCS but now that I finally am getting into DCS, but rather than searching for it, I'd guess I'd be better off purchasing the newest 3rd edition which likely has a lot of additional information added to that 1st edition copy I have.)

if I hook a serial Y cable to my TIU and into one side I plug a DCS WIU Wi-fi module and into the other side of that Y I plug the DCS TIU/TMCC connector Cable #50-1018 with the TMCC cab1 base connected then the TMCC base and DCS WIU module will work together simultaneously the way they would in a newer TIU where a DCS WIU wifi module is connected to the TIU usb port?

Yes.

I'd guess I'd be better off purchasing the newest 3rd edition which likely has a lot of additional information added to that 1st edition copy I have.

Yes, you would. The 3rd edition has 242 pages compared to the 1st edition's 165 pages.

Barry Broskowitz posted:

if I hook a serial Y cable to my TIU and into one side I plug a DCS WIU Wi-fi module and into the other side of that Y I plug the DCS TIU/TMCC connector Cable #50-1018 with the TMCC cab1 base connected then the TMCC base and DCS WIU module will work together simultaneously the way they would in a newer TIU where a DCS WIU wifi module is connected to the TIU usb port?

Yes.

I'd guess I'd be better off purchasing the newest 3rd edition which likely has a lot of additional information added to that 1st edition copy I have.

Yes, you would. The 3rd edition has 242 pages compared to the 1st edition's 165 pages.

Thanks, Barry. You are obviously THE MAN for all things DCS related with an abundance of valued info and solid advice.

Hi WIU users :-)

I just ordered my MTH wifi unit. As I am from Germany, I will have to get an additional power supply if I do not want to use the WIU as a smoke unit ;-)

Afaik it needs 5V via mini-usb but does anyone know how much "amps" are necessary ?

At least - how much amps does the included 110V power supply provide? 

Thanks in advance,

Chriss

Chriss posted:

Hi WIU users :-)

I just ordered my MTH wifi unit. As I am from Germany, I will have to get an additional power supply if I do not want to use the WIU as a smoke unit ;-)

Afaik it needs 5V via mini-usb but does anyone know how much "amps" are necessary ?

At least - how much amps does the included 110V power supply provide? 

Thanks in advance,

Chriss

Chriss, If my memory serves me, the WIU includes an adapter (which you probable can't use) but the output is 5v 800 mA.

I bought a used WIU a while back that didn't have a power supply and I have been running it on a 5 volt USB charger that is rated for 500 mA and it has been working just fine.

Great! Thanks a lot for your quick reply.

The WIU comes with a power supply and a cable to connect it to the TIU.

Just in case anyone else needs the information (WIU just arrived):

AC-Adaptor is designed for 100-240VAC

Output: 5VDC / 1000mA

So it won't burst into flames - even for Europe users ;-)

Just needs a plug changer... US to whatever.

Barry, I have purchased a new Series L TIU 2019 edition with the wireless module.  I am building a large layout and have several old TIU's, (original ones).  I am updating them to Version 6.1.  Will I be able to use my smart phone to run trains on the loops that are controlled by the older TIUs, and whether I can or cannot, is a wireless module required for each TIU?

Thanks

Miles

Hello Miles,

I'm sorry to inform you that Barry passed away a couple months ago. No worries though we are here to help!

To answer your question, Yes you can use the WIU to control trains on the older TIU's. Keep in mind that each TIU will need a WIU connected to it and with older TIU's that can only be done using a USB to SERIAL cable adapter. These can be bought online fairly cheap.

Also, if don't already have them, Barry wrote two excellent books on DCS, and the WiFi APP, I recommend them to anyone who uses DCS.

You can buy them here:
https://mthtrains.com/DCS_Companion
https://mthtrains.com/news/611

Thank you for the info.  I am sorry to hear of Barry's passing.  He was so helpful to so many forum members.  So then my next question is fairly simple.  I have two old TIUs.  I have upgraded both of them with 6.1 software, and upgraded the remote also.  Should I still dump these and spend the money for Version L's or is one version L on my layout enough.  I will need at least two TIUs and perhaps all three as I have will have 8 mainlines, and a yard.    

If your existing TIU boxes are working, use them until they drop.  There's no reason to upgrade them if they are doing the job.  The Rev. L TIU isn't a panacea, it's had it's share of issues as well.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

If your existing TIU boxes are working, use them until they drop.  There's no reason to upgrade them if they are doing the job.  The Rev. L TIU isn't a panacea, it's had it's share of issues as well.

I would agree with this.  Unless you have signal issues and the magic bulb trick is not working for you.  The Rev. L really excels at improving communication between the engine and TIU but as GRJ and others have stated your WIU will work with any TIU no matter what revision it is.