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I have a question regarding the use of the two apps and am curious as to your views as where the iCab app is headed (or not headed).  

Some background.  I have probably around 15-20 Legacy or TMCC (Atlas primarily) engines, and an equal number of MTH DCS 2.0 or 3.0 engines.  I will have one maybe two or three Legacy engines that are bluetooth equipped.  From a comparison perspective the MTH Wi-Fi is great, I love it.  The app is updated on a regular basis, and basically eliminated the use of the remote control.

If I look at Lionel and the TMCC/Odyssey/Legacy engines - you have a lot of engines that do not have bluetooth.

One of the challenges I have with the Cab2 remote is the effective range of the antenna.  I have boosted the antenna but I still find I have several spots on my layout that if I am standing, the Cab2 and base don't communicate (OK easy answer don't stand there - got it) because of walls etc.

I like the iCab app but I don't love it.  It seems to work in the basic functions on the phone, but the iPad version seems at best primitive, unless you are looking to build a layout.  I want to be able to run my trains from the iPad.  Around my layout I have basic iPad stands / holders such that I don't have to hold the iPad as I enjoy the trains.

Since I don't have any bluetooth engines yet, I am curious as to what others are doing, as I can't be in that unique of a position, can I?

Regarding the iCab app, the last update was a year ago, while LionChief much more frequent.

Does Lionel have plans to make the LionChief their app to run all their engines?  It could be a pay app, like the MTH one is.  While the basic MTH is free, the $25 is money well spent.  I would think Lionel could follow suit in this.  Any announcements?

John

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I didn't hear back on this and I have a new question - which may be a dumb one, but for you guys that have larger layouts, how do you use the bluetooth app???  I have the good fortune of having a larger layout but I was finding that the app and the engine would lose connection, and stop.  Am I doing something wrong?

John

John, my layout is 10'9" x 20'4" and I don't have a problem with the LionChief app when I use it. If I go about 10 or 20 feet outside of my train room I lose contact with the locomotive. If I use the Universal Remote the range is better. I don't think the app has very good range so I don't think you are doing anything wrong, but this is just based on my experience. 

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