Quiet a surprise, my current bank (HSBC) sent me a note about a gift (with no strings attached) of $300 apple gift cards. Another surprise is my wife received the same gift and the cards have arrived, all addressed to me. We'll have a discussion about sharing or 'in kind trade'. My question is what apple device should I consider getting that would allow me to run Marklin trains. I have not paid much attention to the user site discussions on this as I never considered (or at least not seriously considered until now) buying a remote controller.

I currently have a CS2 (60214) and run only digital on M track. We have a wireless net work in the house. I currently control all switching tracks via K83 decoders (either with reed contacts and S88 or through the CS2). I have a passenger line (2 trains running at once but 2 others in a hidden yard), a freight line (also two trains with 2 sitting in a hidden yard) and an industrial loop connecting to the freight yard. I also have a small branch line. All powered with the CS2. I normally run 3-4 trains at once. I use a booster to power signals and switching track (really have this to power the freight line if I expand my layout and decide to run more trains at one time).

I understand apple cell phones and tablets are essentially the same (except the phone feature). I would likely go with the apple phone if verizon supports. My current cell phone is old technology (cost around $60). What functionality is possible with the apple application?

Appreciate suggestions

Regards

Harvey

Hello Harvey

I dont now about the prices for Apple Iphones/Ipads i USA but you can take a look at these Websites, to see som info about the Apple Applications
for Iphone/Ipad , which can be used together with your Marklin CS2 (60214).


Marklin Mobilestation App : https://itunes.apple.com...station/id412624304?mt=8 (Can be used on Iphone and Ipad)

Marklin Mainstation App : https://itunes.apple.com...station/id463292141?mt=8 (Can be used only on Ipad)

TouchCab : https://itunes.apple.com...re?id=306441868&mt=8 (Can be used on Iphone and Ipad)

For more see : http://www.touchcab.com


There are more Apps for Iphone/Ipad units if you also want to control your layout over the Computer and Mobile Units :

Take a Look at on the following websites :


RocRail (Open Source Software) : http://wiki.rocrail.net/doku.php (see under Mobile Clients in the menu)

iRoc (Mobile Iphone App for RocRail) - https://itunes.apple.com...pp/iroc/id342277953?mt=8

PadRoc (Mobile Iphone/Ipad App for RocRail) - https://itunes.apple.com...401706040?ign-mpt=uo%3D5


ITrain - http://www.berros.eu/itrain/en/index.php

ITrain App - https://itunes.apple.com...-remote/id597395907?mt=8 (For use with Iphone/Ipad)


Windigipet - http://www.windigipet.de/info/en/

Windigipet Mobile - https://itunes.apple.com...-mobile/id404427672?mt=8



I been running my 45 m2 layout for the last 3 years using a Marklin CS2 (60215) with a 60101 - 100 Watt Power supply

and we are using both Iphones and Ipads to control the Layout and it works very good for us.

It is very handy for us to control your Layout with over 45 switches / turntable / transferbridge and cranes over the Ipad and LAYOUT-feature.


Hope this will help you to decide between the Ipad or Iphone.

All good points but I can't help but put in my 2 cents.

First and foremost, what is the "Primary" use or purpose of the "iThingy" ?

Will it be for assisting running your trains or making phone calls ?

To be able to run your trains you would be a fool in the long run to not go with a iPad as the difference in trying to run the layout from a 4 or 5" iPhone screen as opposed to a ~10" screen on a iPad is tremendous. Particularly if like the majority of us here your not a spring chicken anymore and the eyesight is getting a bit "iffy".

Be honest with yourself as to the "main" purpose of the purchase, think it through and get whatever is the most appropriate for your needs. If 75% phone calls then by all means a iPhone, 75% playing with the choo-choo's then go for a iPad.

After 35+ years in IT I saw too many people buy either overpriced powerhouses or cheap rubbish totally inappropriate for their needs because they where not honest with themselves as to the "real" purpose of the purchase. Think it through carefully then get what you really need not what you want.

All the best with your "iThingy" and enjoy