If you don't plan to activate it for use as a phone, then it does not matter what carrier it may be locked to. The wifi functionality for use with WiThrottle does not depend on any carrier.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
I'm pretty sure that unlocking only has to do with the cellular service. That is, "locked" means it's tied to a certain cellular service provider, whereas "unlocked" means you can use it with any(?) provider.
If that's true, then for WiThrottle it doesn't matter since you're not using ANY cellular service, just the WiFi.
Another question. I have been searching for used Iphones. Some come locked some unlocked. If I do not care to use as a phone and only as a Ipod does it matter?
Thank you,
Mark
Mark (markie97),
Ebay for used smart phones, or just about anywhere for inexpensive, small (~4") Android "tablets".
For example, I bought a couple of Polaroid 4.3" tablets at a discount store, and have seen them advertised elsewhere as well. They have Android 4.something, so pretty current.
They also have a rocker-type volume control on the side that increases/decreases the speed. Nice because you don't have to look at the screen and try to move a tiny slider just a notch or two - One "click" up or down on the volume control is the same as one "click" on a hardware throttle.
Smartphones have 2 ways to communicate: over the cell phone radio network, and via wifi radio to a wireless router.
To use the cellular service, you would indeed need a SIM card and a contract with a cell carrier.
To connect to the wireless router in you house, or a friend's house, you do not need a SIM card. This type of communications is just like using your laptop to connect. As long as you know the network name (SSID) and password to connect, you can connect. The cell phone carriers have nothing to do with this.
Example, I have 2 iPhones, my old iPhone 4, and my current iPhone 5S. When I bought my 5S, I transferred my number from the old iPhone 4. They tend to give you new SIM cards regardless, so it wasn't just moved from the old phone to the new, but the old phone no longer has a SIM card. I can still use it to browse, or do email, or use the WiThrottle app, as long as I am in or near my house so I am within range of my wireless router. I cannot make phone calls, except 911, which works on cell phones even with no contract or SIM card.
Bottom line - as long as you have a wireless router, a smartphone can use pretty much all of the 'computer' part of the device with no contract or SIM card. It cannot use the 'phone' part without a contract and SIM.
Speaking of used phones .... do they require an activated sim card in them in order to communicate with the base ? Wouldn't want to have to buy a service contract just to use the phone as a throttle. Obviously don't need a service contract to use it as a phone, but is the contract required for a wifi connection or to even download the app into the phone ?
Can't believe how illiterate I am with these. Having never even owned a cell phone, I know NOTHING about their functionality.
Please respond slowly and clearly ....
Mark.
¡ uʍop ǝpısdn sı ǝɹnʇɐuƃıs ʎɯ 'dlǝɥ
Can anyone give direction on where to find used IPhones or Android Phones. I use WiFi on my Ipod Touch and would like to get more throttles.
Support for MRC was first included in the 3.9.1 test release of JMRI. There were further improvements in 3.9.2, and the release notes for 3.9.3, which should be out in a few days, indicate even more work has been done on it.
So if you need it TODAY, get 3.9.2. If you can wait a few days, it might be worthwhile to hold out for 3.9.3.
Oh, and don't be put off by the fact it's called a "Test" release. I've been using JMRI for 10+ years now, and I always run the most current test release. Right now I'm actually running a pre-release version of 3.9.3 to test some changes to the Operations component.
And as far as Android and Engine Driver, as I noted above they have Engine Driver releases available on the Web site for as far back as Android 1.5. You won't get all the latest features and bug fixes, but on the other hand you won't have to bother rooting your backlevel device, either.
If you have an older Android device that isn;t being used as a phone any more and just want to use it for things like ENgine Driver, check out Cyanogenmod, they have rooted Android versions for many older devices so you can upgrade even if not officially supported. Some devices may be limited by hardware as to how new an Android version they run, but usually there is something newer than what the device came with. There is even Android for devices that didn;t originally run Android - my old HP Touchpad has Android via Cyanogenmod. Note that what you get there is a raw Android, without whatever skin the device maker may have had on the original version.
The latest JMRI now has support for MRC, since MRC changed their minds and allowed it. Only other component you should need is the MRC computer interface.
Not sure how far along the support actually is, have to check the JMRI site for that. If it's not all the way there yet, it will be, which is good news for MRC owners.
Santa Fe all the way!So, let me understand, I have a Samsung Galaxy S 3, and old desktop computer, Prodigy SQ. DCC system, can I use my phone for a throttle? What do I need?
I'm not real well versed on the set-up .... yet. In addition to what you listed, you will also need wi-fi for your phone to connect to, a connection from your computer to your DCC system - providing it supports it and the installation of JMRI on your computer.
Feel free to investigate it further yourself ....
http://jmri.sourceforge.net/
I used WiThrottle on my iPhone 3G way back when. Not sure if the current version will run on one that old. It does still work on my iPhone 4, which I use for, hmm - WiThrottle, a music player in my car, and for videos with my iCar. Carrier does not matter, as you don't need that functionality, just wifi. Also, an iPod Touch will also work - it's basically an iPhone without the phone part anyway.
There was some sort of deal for an Android phone, no contract, at Target for $19, and you got a $15 gift card. $4 net for a brand new wireless throttle, not a bad deal. Not sure if it's still on, or the details. It was talked about on the JMRI list the other day.
What would be the recommended I-Phone to look for, for this application ? A quick look on ebay reveals for than two million results for "i-phone" !
Obviously, just being used as a throttle, all the extra phone gadgets aren't required, and a larger physical size would probably be more desireable. (?)
If you go directly to the Engine Driver web site, they have releases available there for as far back as Android 1.5.
Since the Galaxy S was introduced with Android 2.1, you shouldn't have any issues finding an ED release that works without having to upgrade the phone first.
I went direct to the Samsung Web site - downloaded the current firmware, and then was able to get Engine Driver. Works great and I used it for a clinic at our NMR-TLR convention. It took two downloads to get to the current level(gingerbread). I since got a Galaxy S5 and that works fine as well. I found my son's old Galaxy like mine, so I have 3 WiFi thottles!
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
I buy used smartphones off eBay for between $10 and $20 each and they are all the "throttles" I use on my layout. I have not had the issue you describe (none of the phones are tied to a provider - I have to use them on wifi only) but I think it's related to the android version that your phone uses.
I believe the following is correct: If you have Android version 2.1 or higher, EngineDriver from the Google Pay store will work fine and update automatically. If you have Android version 2.0 or lower, there are special downloads available on the EngineDriver site (http://enginedriver.rrclubs.org/).
Unlike Apple, with Android, the provider does not push Android updates; it's the device manufacturer. So don't get too upset at AT&T. Either way, Engine Driver is by far the best and most intuitive wireless throttle I have used, and at less than $20 each off eBay, they're a steal.
Scott
I had an interesting experience this past week. I have an older Samsung Galaxy 'S' smart phone that is about 4 years old. I tried to get the Android 'Engine Driver' App for it about a year ago and I could not download it. It appeared that my Android firmware was down level. I clicked the tab to check for a 'firmware' update from AT&T(the cell provider) and it said no updates were available. A friend has the same cell phone, but his provider is Verizon - His can get the app! I talked with the guy at the AT&T store the other day and basically AT&T is not 'pushing' the firmware down to 'older' smart phones(I guess they want me to 'upgrade').
I was checking my 'sync' last night, and I was using the provided Samsung Kies software. When I plugged in the USB cable, it asked me if I wanted to update the firmware. I clicked on the tab, and it took two 20 minute downloads, but I got to a higher lever of 'firmware'. I also had new version of things like Facebook, eBay, and Weather Channel Apps. While I was at it, I did a search for the JMRI 'Engine Driver' App and was able to download it and get it configured - Finally!
I was sort of consigned to getting a new smart phone, but now I have all of the current App's including 'Engine Driver'. Ihe message here is if you have an older 'Android' device that is tied to a cell provider that will not provide 'support' for your device, check out the manufacturer's web site and see if you can get current firmware. I may still get a new smart phone, but I suspect AT&T may not be the provider anymore....
Jim