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I wasn't aware that they were building any more WIU boxes, that functionality is contained within the WTIU.  Since there are no more TIU's being built, what would be the point of building more WIU's?

From what I understand there is still demand for the WIU and there are plenty of TIU's without WIU's in the world. Atlas has them available for pre-order on their website: https://shop.atlasrr.com/p-618...-interface-unit.aspx

@H1000 posted:

From what I understand there is still demand for the WIU and there are plenty of TIU's without WIU's in the world. Atlas has them available for pre-order on their website: https://shop.atlasrr.com/p-618...-interface-unit.aspx

So.....help me understand. Does the item in the link ($179 I think) hook to the old TIU and allow trains to run via the phone app using the old one? Or is this product made to be purchased to hook to the old TIU if one has the new WTIU, and allow the phone, which already can now use the "new" unit, to connect to the old TIU ....which controls the trains like before, but not by using the old remote?

I am one of those with a "TIU without a WIU, in the world."

I am completely ignorant about what is going on and the use of this? I thought that the old TIU was basically worthless unless it had the handheld remote. If no one else needs the explanation, instead of posting it here, just use my email and send me a memo. My plan is to keep using my old equipment as long as I can, but I am still curious about the new items/systems. Thanks, Greg

The WIU connects to the existing TIU, I have one on my layout connected to my TIU.

And then what happens? That is the part I am a little/lot confused with.  John, can you post a good link to read about this? Unless you want to take the time to explain here. Send link just to me if you think no others can use the info so I don't tie up this thread.

Since I only have older TIU, and also run PS1 and 2, I am just curious as to what benefit it is to a user like me. (and perhaps others) A search revels a great many problems, going back to 2018, but I can't find a full explanation of use.

If I read the use correctly, it is to let the older TIU connect to a phone via the AIU-wifi network. Not certain if that is the home wifi or if the WIU supplies the wifi- it seems some have problems with one or the other. A lot of stuff to read out there.

I also may be "stuck" when it comes to/if need to "upgrade" my TIU. Old? Yes, but works for me and does what I want. So....unless it quits (I have a spare) or unless I really find I want to use my phone instead of the handheld, it sounds like something I do not want or need.

From reading, I believe if I were to invest in a PS3 engine, I could run it fine with my older system, just not able to work all of the "bells and whistles." Thus, I may NOT need to keep reading and searching, and you do not need to fill me in or send info.

Perhaps you or someone can help me with this. Thanks in advance, Greg

my last search: https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...agination.sort=SCORE

The stand alone Wifi unit that connects to the older TIU has its own network ID. You connect your phone or tablet directly to it. No home wifi required. It just gives you another handheld.

As far as the new TIU with built in wifi I assume it will work the same way to connect your phone but now you will need a cable if you want to use your old remote.

Pete

Last edited by Norton
@cngw posted:

And then what happens? That is the part I am a little/lot confused with.  John, can you post a good link to read about this? Unless you want to take the time to explain here. Send link just to me if you think no others can use the info so I don't tie up this thread.

Since I only have older TIU, and also run PS1 and 2, I am just curious as to what benefit it is to a user like me. (and perhaps others) A search revels a great many problems, going back to 2018, but I can't find a full explanation of use.

If I read the use correctly, it is to let the older TIU connect to a phone via the AIU-wifi network. Not certain if that is the home wifi or if the WIU supplies the wifi- it seems some have problems with one or the other. A lot of stuff to read out there.

I also may be "stuck" when it comes to/if need to "upgrade" my TIU. Old? Yes, but works for me and does what I want. So....unless it quits (I have a spare) or unless I really find I want to use my phone instead of the handheld, it sounds like something I do not want or need.

From reading, I believe if I were to invest in a PS3 engine, I could run it fine with my older system, just not able to work all of the "bells and whistles." Thus, I may NOT need to keep reading and searching, and you do not need to fill me in or send info.

Perhaps you or someone can help me with this. Thanks in advance, Greg

my last search: https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...agination.sort=SCORE

My advice is pick up Barry's book: The DCS WiFi Companion 2nd Edition Paperback  That should answer any questions about the TIU and WIU.

Well, after a good deal of time reading, I think I have some answers. Garnering info from this site, and another one, I fin I now know something. After more leg work, I will hopefully find out more. Then, just get opinions on doing the WiU add on with the old, or getting rid of the old and getting the WTIU.  I know which way I am leaning, for my situation, but am guessing everyone else will have different decisions regarding advantages/disadvantages of each option. May I will start a topic on that. Thank you for your patience with my question, sorry I did not do more "legwork" before posting my question.

This reply, "My advice is pick up Barry's book: The DCS WiFi Companion 2nd Edition Paperback  That should answer any questions about the TIU and WIU." is a good one, and one I use if I thought I might go wifi running. But, I do not see a need until I decide which route to take. If I decide to opt for WIFI running, you can bet I will be purchasing.  Thanks, Greg

The other site with relevant info: http://www.gscaletrainforum.co...20is%3A%20mthdcswifi

Man...how old is my TIU? I am sure someone knows: Rev H1 w/ 4.2 software on it. Still ticking! I think I like my remote. I might even buy a PS3 engine just for grins - to say I am "modern."

Thanks for all the info guys, feel free to add anything else I (or anybody with the older TIU and thinking about updating to WTIU) might need to know. Always fun visiting here, Greg

cngw

You are confusing way too many components at one time.

A TIU is connected to your transformer then to track. A WIU is connected to the TIU so you can use your phone with a TIU, NOT A WTIU!

A WTIU has the WIU and TIU built into one unit!

An AIU has nothing to do with either setup! It is for accessories.

AS said earlier, GET BARRY'S Book it will help you tremendously!

@cngw posted:

Man...how old is my TIU? I am sure someone knows: Rev H1 w/ 4.2 software on it. Still ticking! I think I like my remote. I might even buy a PS3 engine just for grins - to say I am "modern."

If you want to use the WIU with that TIU, you'll have to upgrade the TIU software, the current version is 6.1.  You'll also want that version on any remotes you'll be using.

@CurtisH posted:

cngw

You are confusing way too many components at one time.

A TIU is connected to your transformer then to track. A WIU is connected to the TIU so you can use your phone with a TIU, NOT A WTIU!

A WTIU has the WIU and TIU built into one unit!

An AIU has nothing to do with either setup! It is for accessories.

AS said earlier, GET BARRY'S Book it will help you tremendously!

I had it all Curtis, thank you. The only thing I was confused about (well, besides a world of other things, too numerous to mention here!) was the use of the WIU. I have the old TIU, and even an AIU (I used it once or twice, I'd rather throw a switch manually, but it would be good for a programmed train) and know what it is for. I am pretty sure that the mention of an AIU does not show up in any of my posts.....if it does, it was a typo.

I know they make a WTIU, that will do all my old TIU will do-and probably more, with that nice graphic interface! But, if you are used to a handheld, you can't use the old one with the WTIU (unless it could be cabled like the older TIU)

I now think I know that I can save money NOT buying a WTIU to get wifi control, and the graphic interface to control train, by buying and hooking up the WIU to make my old crap work like the new crap! At least that was the impression that I got from many posts, here and on other sites.

I have gathered that I (and others like me) who run the older/hand hand held TIU system, will have to make some decisions to continue with MTH/DCS as we know it - IF we have a system that FAILS.

1) buy a used (or new if found) older TIU AND go on as usual.

2) buy the new WTIU and forfeit the handheld (again, unless it tethers) and move to the graphic phone/other interface.

3) quit altogether

4) find someone who is able to repair our damaged TIU.

And, no matter which of the first 3 options that works, we can still use our AIU, like before.....if we did use one.

I think that sums it up, but I may have missed many details, since at first glance things are rather confusing. I know that my TIU Rev H1 w/ 4.2 software on it, AND my one that is Rev I3, w/ 3.1 on it does exactly what I want and need for now. Has since about 2008 and probably long before that - at the time DCS came out. I consider myself one of the lucky ones to have them still working.

I believe that a guy named Rich Foster came to Dennison's Trackside Hobbies that was here in Berlin, when DCS first came out, and showed Walt Dennison and myself (I kind of helped Walt around the shop) the system and how it worked, for an open house at the shop. Customers had never seen 2 or 4 train able to be controlled individually on a 4 x 8 loop before! It was amazing to watch.

Rich later took my TIU back to MTH, and loaded the 4.2 on, I believe and then returned it to me. I think Rich had grandparents down the road from me.

So, thank you for adding to the thread, and like I wrote in my post to John.......

This reply, "My advice is pick up Barry's book: The DCS WiFi Companion 2nd Edition Paperback  That should answer any questions about the TIU and WIU." is a good one, and one I use if I thought I might go wifi running. But, I do not see a need until I decide which route to take. If I decide to opt for WIFI running, you can bet I will be purchasing.  Thanks, Greg

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