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I am considering purchasing an Apple iPad Pro with 12.9" screen, as I would like to use its ability to display two apps side by side {plus it is capable of displaying a third as picture within picture. I would want to run the premium version of the MTH Wifi app on one half of the split display, and the Lionel LCS app simultaneously on the other half. I may also want to display the Lionel yard mode full screen, to use the ability to touch the switch icons and throw the switches [where one can draw several screens of sections of his layout and swipe left to right to display them}. I have quite a few operating accessories also.

My questions are:

If I display the two apps side by side, I would expect them to be oriented in vertical mode, but if I wanted only one displayed and rotate the tablet 90 degrees, do either of the apps shift to horizontal mode?    { I am not sure if the MTH DCS WiFi app will do this, I am pretty sure the Lionel LCS WiFi app will in yard mode will}.

Has anybody tried the Apple iPad Pro with 12.9" display on both MTH and Lionel WiFi apps, and what constructive criticism or advice would you offer?  {I know some would find its large size awkward compared to holding an iPad mini in one hand. I was considering an aftermarket stand or holder so the tablet could be carried around and set down at a good angle for viewing while touching the screen icons to operate it}. I have the MTH WiFi interface, but have not used it yet, and plan to purchase the Lionel LCS one.

Are there any issues with operating the TMCC crane and sound car, TMCC log loader, Train America Studios upgrade of a 282 crane, TMCC backfix kit installed in a Lionel backshop?

 

I  have had TMCC since it was first introduced, and have all the switches and most accessories connected to a desktop computer, cab 1, and Legacy, using the rs232 serial DB-9 connector, and running the former Train America Studios Layout Control System on the desktop. I just purchased the MTH TIU and handheld, plus the MTH wifi module, after watching the demo videos on Youtube. When my young relatives come to visit, I would like them to be able to load the apps on their devices and run the trains. They do like running the trains with TMCC.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Regards, Paul Horgan

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Paul,

If I display the two apps side by side, I would expect them to be oriented in vertical mode, but if I wanted only one displayed and rotate the tablet 90 degrees, do either of the apps shift to horizontal mode?    { I am not sure if the MTH DCS WiFi app will do this, I am pretty sure the Lionel LCS WiFi app will in yard mode will}.

The MTH app only displays in Portrait mode.

The TMCC Crane Car and the TMCC upgrade to the Lionel Crane both work well with the DCS App. However, the Crane Car requires constant rotation of the TMCC “wheel”.

Barry, thank you for confirming what I suspected....that the MTH app only displays in portrait mode.  Knowing that before I make equipment purchases will aid in making decisions and minimize buyer's remorse. I am trying to do my research before I buy, but expect the portrait only display will be OK.

I did purchase both of your most recent books {DCS Companion 3rd edition, and WiFi Companion 2nd edition} and am very impressed by how detailed and helpful they are.

Regards, Paul

Are you going with the 12" Pro due to the screen size?  I ask because the newest entry level iPad Apple released this year also does dual apps side by side and a 3rd floating.  I've used the side by side several times (Not with the apps in your question.) and enjoy it.  As for the floating app, I tried it once, but it didn't do what I expected, so I haven't tried it since.  I do not see any reason you couldn't run both Lionel and MTH's apps at the same time (I have neither as I have zero interest in running my layout with a tablet, but I am interested in seeing how others are using the tech to run their layouts.  It's a neat time to be in the hobby with so many options for control.).

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