I decided to finally get an explorer to run my xmas train. I purchased from LHS and they upgraded the firmware to v1.2 before I left. Long story short tried multiple times, multiple phones ... no joy.
I tried a reset of the device while power was on and that did it, it works now. Not sure if it was the firmware update or what. BTW I has no red light until I did reset. Always had engine on the track as well.