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I am pleased to announce that, effective immediately, The DCS WiFi Companion 2nd Edition is available!

This newly updated and expanded, 242-page, four-color guide discusses, in detail, how to implement complete WiFi control of DCS on new and existing layouts. It contains more than 100 pictures and illustrations that educate the reader on the basic and advanced, features and functions of DCS from the point of view of the Premium version of the DCS App for smart phones and tablets.

In addition to an introduction to DCS and command control in general, the book includes:

  • Capabilities and use of the Premium version of the DCS App.
  • Implementation of DCS WiFi on new or existing layouts via standalone or home network access.
  • Setup, installation, operation, and software updating of the Wireless Interface Unit (WIU).
  • Expanded coverage of troubleshooting and DCS App operation.

The 2nd edition book has completely new sections and Appendices devoted to:

  • Installation and operation of MTH's new DCS Explorer.
  • Adding Lionel® Legacy and TMCC, LCS components to seamlessly operate those command control locomotives.
  • Installation of the DCS Application on a Kindle device.
  • How to simulate Z4K Tracks.

The new book has additional discussions regarding:

  • Controlling the Lionel® TMCC Crane Car with the DCS Application.
  • Adding duplicate engines to the DCS Application.
  • Differences between Android and iOS versions of DCS Application screens.
  • Moving lashups, and TMCC and Legacy engines between the Inactive and Active Engine Lists.
  • New information regarding Import and Export.
  • Additional troubleshooting WiFi connectivity and PS2 engine battery issues.
  • How to update the WIU’s firmware using an iOS or Android, smartphone or tablet.
  • ...and much more!

You can purchase the new printed book from many fine OGR sponsors, and also directly from MTH as either an eBook or a printed book.

I hope that you enjoy reading The DCS WiFi Companion 2nd Edition as much as I enjoyed writing it!


DCS Book Cover

Everything that you need to know about DCS WiFi is all in MTH’s “The DCS WiFi Companion 2nd Edition!"

This book is available from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store!

Last edited by Barry Broskowitz
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Gerry,

So are these items which are going to be covered in seminars at York covered in the book?

Yes, all of it's the 2nd edition, in detail. In fact, it's also in the 1st edition, though it's better in the 2nd.

What is your cell number?

I don't post phone numbers on public forums. E-mail me your phone number and I'll call you.

Barry,

I ordered the three copies of your book as soon as it was available on Amazon. One for a friend, and the rest for myself. I also purchased the electronic copy as well. So, I hope that these purchases will add to your retirement fund. I will see you at THE DCS Seminar so I can get your priceless signature. Until then, Thank You again and those who helped you write this latest edition.

Michael 'Santa Fe Mike' Sudlow

Barry,

I just purchased the 2nd Edition WIFI Companion at a local train store on their recommendation to help planning a new layout.  I don't have any DCS equipment at this time and I'm not sure I want to run WIFI and may use the DCS remote.  Did I purchase the wrong book for an absolute beginner who may be using the DCS remote or would the standard 3rd edition be better.

Willy 

Willy,

If you plan to run DCS using the DCS Remote, the book you want is The DCS Companion 3rd Edition. The DCS WiFi Companion 2nd Edition does not address using the DCS Remote at all. It is only concerned with running DCS using the DCS App.

There are two books because DCS is operated very differently, depending upon which device you use.

Barry: I just received your book DCS WIFI Companion 2nd Edition. I was reading on how to upgrade my TIU and the book you stated Widows PC is required. I use a Mac and I Pad. Will I be able to upgrade my TIU on the Mac or must I use a Windows PC.? I do have one but a turtle is faster.  Also I have the 2nd Edition of you DCS Compainion and in your WiFi book foreword you mention the 3rd Edition. Is the 3rd Edition a must to get the most of the WiFi book? I am just getting into the WiFi mode to operate as everything has been packed up for over a year and want to upgrade the software in my TIU now while the layout is under construction. Also can I run PS1 & PS2 locomotives with the WiFi system? How do I determine the current software level in my TIU? Thank you very much. 

Rick,

I use a Mac and I Pad. Will I be able to upgrade my TIU on the Mac or must I use a Windows PC.?

The Loader Program can be run on a Mac that has a Windows environment installed. The DCS WiFi Companion 2nd Edition discusses how to do this on pages 155-157.

Also I have the 2nd Edition of you DCS Compainion and in your WiFi book foreword you mention the 3rd Edition. Is the 3rd Edition a must to get the most of the WiFi book?

No, not at all.

The DCS Companion 3rd Edition only has a single chapter that discusses the Standard version of the DCS App. That information is a small part of what is in The DCS Wifi Companion 2nd Edition.


DCS Book Cover

This and a whole lot more about DCS WiFi is all in MTH’s “The DCS WiFi Companion 2nd Edition!"

This book is available from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store!

Last edited by Barry Broskowitz

Rick,

Also can I run PS1 & PS2 locomotives with the WiFi system?

Yes.

You run the PS2 engine using the Premium DCS App's Engine Control Screen and the PS1 engine using the Track Control Screen.

How do I determine the current software level in my TIU?

From the DCS App's More... Screen, navigate to Advanced Features, System Settings, TIU Settings, select your TIU and tap on TIU firmware near the top of the screen.


DCS Book Cover

This and a whole lot more about DCS WiFi is all in MTH’s “The DCS WiFi Companion 2nd Edition!"

This book is available from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store!

Jorge,

Do I need to buy the Lionel wi fi to get full functions out of legacy engines running with DCS wi fi on top of all the gadgets I already bought?

At present, the Premium version of the DCS App can operate nearly every feature and function of Legacy engines.

To operate Legacy engines in Legacy mode from the DCS App, you'll need the following Lionel items:

  • Lionel Legacy command base
  • Lionel 6-81326 SER2 WiFi Module
  • Lionel 6-81499 LCS DB-9 Cable With Power Supply.

Refer to The DCS WiFi Companion 2nd EditionAppendix F: TMCC and Legacy, on 220-231, for all of the details. 

DCS Book Cover

This and a whole lot more about DCS WiFi is all in MTH’s “The DCS WiFi Companion 2nd Edition!"

This book is available from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store!

Barry Broskowitz posted:

 

To operate Legacy engines in Legacy mode from the DCS App, you'll need the following Lionel items:

  • Lionel Legacy command base
  • Lionel 6-81326 SER2 WiFi Module
  • Lionel 6-81499 LCS DB-9 Cable With Power Supply.

Jorge Gomez Espana posted:

Barry thank You so much for your reply,You just saved me some good bucks,now I can buy Your book!!!!

my best regards 

Just to correct a small typo in Barry's post, the Lionel 6-81326 should read...

  • Lionel 6-81326 SER2 LCS Module.

 

Barry Broskowitz posted:

Marty,

I describe the SER2 as a WiFi device rather than an LCS device so as to ensure that one does not think that the LCS module is required in this case, which it is not.

I'm not sure I understand.  The LCS module that is needed is the SER2.  There is nothing WiFi about the SER2.  It's confusing to me but if you understand it I guess that's all that counts.

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