DCS remotes will no longer made?

Buy some extras now.

 I was at the meeting and was not sure how to take it. I know they are really pushing the use of smart devices to run their trains. I'm hopefully getting into operating sessions in the future. I have Legacy, Cab 2 Lites, DCS, and DCS wifi.  Out of all the ways to run my trains. I prefer the DCS remote as far as ease running trains in this scenario. That includes running my Legacy trains with it. I think it's the most user friendly. I've read a few threads on this. Many still prefer using the Cab 1 for it's simplicity and range when running like this.

 I just can't imagine selling a complete system with no remote. Maybe it's just the separate sale of remotes. Even a present day TV still comes with a remote.

Yep GRJ plan to buy another plus a repalcement thumbwheel assembly.

I am guessing the next TIU batch will have the WIFI or whatever its called built-in and no remote transceiver board.  Will be interesting to have MTH clarify what direction they are going.  Of course, when the next big thing comes along then the WIFI smart phone will be passe, obsoleting them and forcing upgrades.

Makes me almost want to go back to the low tech transformer operated fwd/neut/rev engines with buzzing E switch and growling motors (yeah I know its your layout)   Maybe JCL was right to stick to what works rather than changing.  Nice to be innovative as long as its backwards compatiable.

Guess have to wait all knowing Barry B to clarify.

RRMAN,

You do not need to purchase a cellular plan to operate DCS using WiFi. You can use any iOS or Android, smartphone or tablet, with WiFi (not cellular) capability. No cellular or data plan is required.

I too still like the DCS remote. Have been thinking about getting another one just in case? However, if you don't have a smart phone and might be thinking about one (or two)...

FWIW, T-Mobile has a deal for those of us over 55. Two phones, unlimited everything for $60 a month, no added fees or taxes. You have to sign up for auto pay to get the $60 a month, otherwise it's $70 for same deal and you pay monthly as most of us are accustomed to. I put the monthly charge on my Visa, I get cash back and I don't like anyone having access to my bank account.

My wife wanted an iphone and I was talking to the phone guy at Costco. He told me about the T-Mobile deal. Verizon was charging me $47 & change per month for one flip phone, 400 minutes, no data and no text. This was a week or two before the iphone 8 came out and Costco had the iphone 7 for $100 off. After learning all that, I got 2 iphones (the 7) and switched. The guy set me up and changed everything right there in Costso. So far, after about 3 months now, I have been very happy with T-Mobile and the iphones. Still learning to use the iphone, but they are very handy to have and I think I have now been converted.   But, I still like the DCS remote to run trains. Switching to the app may be in the cards someday though.

Anyway, just something I ran across a few months ago and thought I would pass it on in case anyone was interested. It is really a pretty good deal. T-Mobile's coverage in the West and Rocky Mountain areas hasn't quite caught up to Verizon, but it's getting there. They cover the East and Midwest pretty well. So be sure to check the coverage in your area...'can you hear me now' type of thing.

I am in no way connected with Costco or T-Mobile either, just thought this was a good deal. I am sure you can get the phones anywhere and also the T-mobile service where ever it is offered.

And a oops, I should have also added what Barry posted above, you don't need smart phone service to use the app, just a smart device with wifi to run the app. I got carried away with the T-Mobile deal...

I'm waiting for iDCS-X.   

Gee!!  I  like to grab that old transformer handle 60 yrs young and going strong.  Same technology.

Most of us are running with a DCS remote and the world has plenty to go around.   I run remotes a bit different than most.  Remote 1 is for steam locomotives, remote 2 for diesel locomotives, and remote 3 for electric locomotives.   I have three more frankenstein remotes that are clones of remote 1, 2, and 3.   I run an extra layout remote  for running any Legacy locomotives and an extra for the workbench.  Many people I know throw any bad/broken remotes at me and I have parts to build several if needed.  Over the years I have been able to help friends that need parts.   I always keep a good stock of thumbwheels.  

Being a MTH DCS WiFi  beta tester, I do not use the remote as much with the new ability to use the phone or iPad.  For those who attend York, can be up to speed in short time with information from Barry and the help at the MTH booth.  Those who want to learn this easy to use system could buy the great book that Barry Broskowitz did.   

We are lucky today to have great electronics and high powered transformers for our layouts.  A great time to be in the hobby.

Marty Fitzhenry posted:

Most of us are running with a DCS remote and the world has plenty to go around.   I run remotes a bit different than most.  Remote 1 is for steam locomotives, remote 2 for diesel locomotives, and remote 3 for electric locomotives.   I have three more frankenstein remotes that are clones of remote 1, 2, and 3.   I run an extra layout remote  for running any Legacy locomotives and an extra for the workbench.  Many people I know throw any bad/broken remotes at me and I have parts to build several if needed.  Over the years I have been able to help friends that need parts.   I always keep a good stock of thumbwheels.  

Being a MTH DCS WiFi  beta tester, I do not use the remote as much with the new ability to use the phone or iPad.  For those who attend York, can be up to speed in short time with information from Barry and the help at the MTH booth.  Those who want to learn this easy to use system could buy the great book that Barry Broskowitz did.   

We are lucky today to have great electronics and high powered transformers for our layouts.  A great time to be in the hobby.

Let's see:

1. Many kids run trains

2. Most kids have no trouble using a remote, even most special-needs kids

3. The wifi system needs a smart phone or tablet.

4. Not every parent wants their kids to have smart phones or tablet.

5. Kids having tablets often have access to electronic games.

6. Not every family can afford to get smart phones or tablets for their kids.

7. THEREFORE, MTH can increase sales & profits by eliminating the remote and relying on users having smart phones.

Oh yes, to continue future production of the remote, probably only minute engineering costs would be required.

But hey, sound business decisions enhanced AT&T, GE, etc.

Good for MTH!!!

Developing and manufacturing hardware (i.e handheld remotes) and the software to run them is taking $$$ away from them actually making trains.  Developing a software App and using existing hardware (i.e. Ipad, Iphone) isn't nearly as costly.

Electronic components are made in batches.  When that batch runs out it can be difficult to impossible to get another run made as technology outpaces manufacturing.

For me, it's either this (for Bluerail App):

Or this (for Deltang, no App, just turn the knobs):

I still have my DCS and CAB/Base-1L, but they're "put up" in a box.

I pulled out my DCS system the other day and it took me over an hour to remember how to use it, last time I used it was a year ago.

All this wonderful technology but they still can't make an engine that doesn't fall apart when you take it out of the box !!

Jim,

      All this wonderful technology but they still can't make an engine that doesn't fall apart when you take it out of the box !!

Oh, please! Really?

Barry Broskowitz posted:

RRMAN,

You do not need to purchase a cellular plan to operate DCS using WiFi. You can use any iOS or Android, smartphone or tablet, with WiFi (not cellular) capability. No cellular or data plan is required.

For what I know about smart phones (I use an old Tracfone flip, don't know what I would need a smart phone for ), don't you have to have a plan and be connected to cellular system to download the WIFI DCS app, otherwise how do you get the app loaded into a used "dead, no plan, off-line" phone????

And as follow on, if I decided to go the WIFI route, where do you buy  used smart phone and what would be the minimum required to avoid spending hundreds?  And curious what additional bells and whistles are gained over the old remote besides, bigger colorful screen?

You can purchase a new android tablet at Walmart for $68, about half of the cost of a dcs remote.

rrman posted:

Barry Broskowitz posted:

RRMAN,

You do not need to purchase a cellular plan to operate DCS using WiFi. You can use any iOS or Android, smartphone or tablet, with WiFi (not cellular) capability. No cellular or data plan is required.

For what I know about smart phones (I use an old Tracfone flip, don't know what I would need a smart phone for ), don't you have to have a plan and be connected to cellular system to download the WIFI DCS app, otherwise how do you get the app loaded into a used "dead, no plan, off-line" phone????

And as follow on, if I decided to go the WIFI route, where do you buy  used smart phone and what would be the minimum required to avoid spending hundreds?  And curious what additional bells and whistles are gained over the old remote besides, bigger colorful screen?

I have an iPad that does not have cellular capabilities. It can’t make phone calls or go on the internet without a local WiFi signal (my home system) or WiFi hotspot. It costs nothing to operate it. You would operate your cell phone or tablet in the same manner. If you don’t have WiFi at home you can connect it to your internet through your computer. 

Not sure where you would get used cell phones or tablets other than eBay. 

Rich883 posted:

You can purchase a new android tablet at Walmart for $68, about half of the cost of a dcs remote.

However, you have to have already purchased the WiFi system, one for each TIU. 

One issue with continuing the old remote is parts do become obsolete, thus manufacturers are obligated to either redesign the product or discontinue it for a newer version or product.  That's what happened to both the 5V PS/2 board and the 3V PS/2 board.  Both have a number of obsolete parts that are no longer available.  Even if MTH didn't go to PS/3, they would have had to do design work on both versions of the PS/2 boards to continue producing them.

Yes John I agree, you will need a wifi unit, and load the software/app.

I guess my point was moving forward it would cost less than the remote.  I looked up smart phone adoption in the US and tablet adoption.  Smart phones were well over 70%, over 90% I recall under 40 or so, and tablet adoption I believe was over half.  

With rates like that and growing, dedicated remotes for small volume manufacturing is clearly on the way out.

I have been buying extra remotes for the DCS and Legacy. But mostly the MTH remotes because I think Lionel will not stop making them. I just would rather use the hand held remote them use my phone or a tablet. I can't see running down my phone battery to run trains..............Paul