Having Trouble Installing DCS WiFi System

Richie,

I have the exact same Android tablet, Insignia 32 GB, from Best Buy and I can assure you that it works just fine with the DCS App.

Regarding your first issue...

In order to connect to your router, your WIU must be in Home mode. Be certain that it is set that way. Then, if you're following the instructions properly and the LEDs behave as you describe, you may have an issue with your router. There have been instances where some routers just don't work with a WPS connection. More often than not, when this happens it's usually a cable company router.

Regarding your second issue...

In order to upgrade the app, you must be connected to the Internet. If, instead, you're connected directly to the WIU's network, the upgrade request will fail. Note that when upgrading the app, it's not necessary to be connected to the WIUI, however, it is absolutely required to be connected to the Internet.

Lastly, you might want to consider purchasing a copy ofThe DCS WiFi Companion 2nd Edition. Doing so will go a long ways towards maximizing your DCS experience and minimizing any issues that you may encounter.

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!

Barry Broskowitz posted:

Richie,

I have the exact same Android tablet, Insignia 32 GB, from Best Buy and I can assure you that it works just fine with the DCS App.

Regarding your first issue...

In order to connect to your router, your WIU must be in Home mode. Be certain that it is set that way. Then, if you're following the instructions properly and the LEDs behave as you describe, you may have an issue with your router. There have been instances where some routers just don't work with a WPS connection. More often than not, when this happens it's usually a cable company router.

Regarding your second issue...

In order to upgrade the app, you must be connected to the Internet. If, instead, you're connected directly to the WIU's network, the upgrade request will fail. Note that when upgrading the app, it's not necessary to be connected to the WIUI, however, it is absolutely required to be connected to the Internet.

Lastly, you might want to consider purchasing a copy ofThe DCS WiFi Companion 2nd Edition. Doing so will go a long ways towards maximizing your DCS experience and minimizing any issues that you may encounter.

---

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!

Hi Barry,

I remember you have the same device and I'm sure it's not the problem.

As to #1, the WiFi unit is definitely is in Home mode when attempting to connect to my home network and, yes, it is a cable company (Xfinity) router, so maybe that's the issue. Would it be worth it trying connecting using the non-WPS method (Luci) described in the WiFi Companion ?

As to #2, I understand I have to be connected to the Internet to purchase the upgrade and I am connected via my home network when I attempt to purchase, but it still won't allow the upgrade to go through. I've also tried at my office with a different Internet connection, so something else is off. Not being familiar with Android devices, I don't know how you check to see if you're still on the internet when you open the DCS app to make the purchase; that is, there doesn't seem to be a way (like in Windows) to minimize the internet browser connection and then open the app. I assume that once you're connected to the internet in Android, you're still connected until you log off, but I don't know how to confirm that I'm on the internet and open the app at the same time to make the purchase.

I also was also able to open the DCS app through GooglePlay (so I know I'm on the internet) and upgrade from there, but it still won't go through - I'm stumped and at my wit's end.  

Thanks.

Richie,

I understand I have to be connected to the Internet to purchase the upgrade and I am connected via my home network when I attempt to purchase, but it still won't allow the upgrade to go through

How do you know that your Android tablet is actually connected to your WiFi network, which is in turn connected to the Internet? You need to be able to see the connection in the tablet's network settings.

I also was also able to open the DCS app through GooglePlay

I don't understand what you mean by this. You would only access Google Play directly to initially download the app. Upgrading must go though the app itself, which internally connects to Google Play.

Barry Broskowitz posted:

Richie,

I understand I have to be connected to the Internet to purchase the upgrade and I am connected via my home network when I attempt to purchase, but it still won't allow the upgrade to go through

How do you know that your Android tablet is actually connected to your WiFi network, which is in turn connected to the Internet? You need to be able to see the connection in the tablet's network settings. - Each of the networks I have tried connecting and upgrading through (both work and home) do appear in settings as WiFi connections and connected. Something else is wrong.

I also was also able to open the DCS app through GooglePlay

I don't understand what you mean by this. You would only access Google Play directly to initially download the app. Upgrading must go though the app itself, which internally connects to Google Play.  - I mentioned this only to prove that I was connected to the internet. I wouldn't be able to get to GooglePlay if I wasn't on the internet. If I click on the GooglePlay button on the main screen, it takes me to GooglePlay. If I then click on the app it shows as installed and asks me if I want to open the app through GooglePlay and if I click yes, it takes me to the app and then upgrade. I have also done it w/o going through GooglePlay and no method seems to work. 

Please see above - thanks, again.

Has anyone else experienced difficulty in downloading the Premium upgrade ?

Richie,

Not that I've seen or heard of, that wasn't self-inflicted.

Perhaps it is self-inflicted, but since everything has been done per the DCS instructions and manuals and you've admitted that an undisclosed flaw exists with regard to WPS cable routers, I doubt it.

Regardless of my expertise, or lack thereof, it shouldn't be this difficult to install a model train control system and I resent the implication.  

Richie,

I resent the implication.  

What "implication"? It's an absolute fact that many DCS (and other) issues are, indeed, self-inflicted. Further, I include using inappropriate routers in that category. However, I was not singling out you, personally, for criticism.

you've admitted that an undisclosed flaw exists with regard to WPS cable routers

I've "admitted" nothing. The fact that some routers, most often from cable companies, have crippled (intentionally or not) WPS functionality, has been demonstrated on more than one occasion.

Cable companies block many router features that aren't specific to their own applications (cable TV, telephony, and Internet access). They are of the opinion that most of their customers are less than tech-savvy and therefore limit ways that customers can make a mess for the cable company's support people.

Regardless, this not the fault of MTH or the DCS App.

I'm attempting to help you, however, if you continue to take a defensive attitude and turn my words back on me, I'm less inclined to try be of assistance.

The WPS function did not work with my ATT router, as is par for the case with the router.  I setup my DCS WiFi per the manual logging directly into the device and entering the appropriate settings, network, password, etc.

When I get around to it, I will be putting the ATT router in bridged mode and using my own router, which I already have.  It's just time consuming resetting all of my device connections to the new router, which is why I have avoided it.  The WPS function on my ASUS router, unlike the ATT one, is flawless.

Brian - Thanks - that's what I'm going to try next; the manual logging method. I have a spare Linksys router, but I'm not sure I want to try and integrate that into my Xfinity home network router for fear of creating issues with my existing cable, phone and internet service. Obviously, I can always use the MTH Network and the Android device finds that with no problem.

My real problem is not being able to upgrade the free app to premium. I also have a spare iDevice so I may just use that and get the app through the Apple store.

Barry,

What "implication"? It's an absolute fact that many DCS (and other) issues are, indeed, self-inflicted. Further, I include using inappropriate routers in that category. However, I was not singling out you, personally, for criticism.

The implication was that I was doing something wrong. If that was not your intention, then I accept that and we can move on. I'm not accusing you of doing it, but model train enthusiasts don't go on this Forum seeking help only to be "spoken" to in a condescending way or with an abrasive attitude and then chastised for doing something wrong, which is why they sought help in the first place.

I've "admitted" nothing. The fact that some routers, most often from cable companies, have crippled (intentionally or not) WPS functionality, has been demonstrated on more than one occasion. Cable companies block many router features that aren't specific to their own applications (cable TV, telephony, and Internet access). They are of the opinion that most of their customers are less than tech-savvy and therefore limit ways that customers can make a mess for the cable company's support people. Regardless, this not the fault of MTH or the DCS App.

With regard to using inappropriate routers, it's impossible for a user to know in advance that a particular router is inappropriate if no advance warning exists. To the best of my knowledge, and you can correct me if I'm wrong, MTH has issued no advance warning in any of their literature that some routers, in particular cable company routers, may not work with their WiFi unit. I never said it was the fault of MTH or DCS that they didn't work with those routers; only that it would be good to know beforehand from the manufacturer.

I'm attempting to help you, however, if you continue to take a defensive attitude and turn my words back on me, I'm less inclined to try be of assistance.

After your second post, you offered no assistance. In response to my question about whether others had experienced issues downloading the Premium app, you simply responded with a "No- unless it was self-inflicted". I don't consider that helping. Help - don't help - I'm not begging. If you offer assistance, it's appreciated - if not, so be it.

Goodbye...