A Trip to the Dark Side?

DCS is a good time-proven system that has a lot of interesting features. MTH an  Lionel seem to have taken different approaches to command control and both are quite good. Most of us have both and enjoy them immensely. Go ahead and take the plunge!

Thanks, yes both companies have their merits, and I definitely don't want to start yet another brand war.

My main questions are very specific: (1) what hardware do I need for PS2/3 when adding to an existing TMCC layout; and, (2) is the RK Imperial line something currently less/unavailable from Lionel or others (with details found in scale engines but in traditional size).

I thought 2 rail was the dark side

DCS and a remote.

  And the dcs can run the TMCC, minus some features on some engines, when you're to lazy to reach for the other remote.

Matt Makens posted:

I thought 2 rail was the dark side

”HO” is the dark side. 

The ambiguity of the answers I see, to the OP's question are one reason why I have stayed away from all those acronyms.....DCS, DCC, TMCC, Lion-master, PS2, PS3, oy, my head hurts already.  

I run both tmcc and dcs and rarely have I had a problem. Also I have had dcs from the very beginning without any problems. 

If your afraid of Technolgy, stick with a transformer but you are missing out on so much. 

Dave

Thanks for the input above.

No, I'm not afraid of technology. I run TMCC just fine. Just wondering if adding another technology is worth my while.

What is the DCS device called? My brother-in-law has something I think he called a TIU. Guessing that's Train Interface Unit. I take it that I need one of those to run the DCS system plus the handheld?

How about comments on the Imperial Line? Is that the MTH equivalent of the Lionel Lionmaster?

I thought Pre-War O tinplate was the DARK SIDE

But all kidding aside. MTH is a well proven system. I just dove in and  purchased a DCS system and there are some vital must do's that will make you save your hair:

Barry disagrees with some of my comments but I stick to them for most Noobies :

Mind you MTH has a larger learning curve that TMCC/Legacy.  But knock on wood, its pretty bullet proof. 

Things NOBODY told me and I missed in the instructions:

1) Fixed one channel ALWAYS needs to  be on - an Aux power source does NOT come with the initial DCS system

2) Do you see the red LED light? That is the watch Dog signal... this must be on at all times.

3) Before you run any trains hit the read function on the remote to confirm the remote is talking to the TIU - Never had my engines move to inactive with the latest 6.1 firmware upgrade.

4) If your engines are off on a block powered track, there is a good chance it will not see the watch dog signal or not be found. make sure you block powered track is powered up before the fixed one port is powered on. Even if I hit engine start / stop it still stayed in conventional mode.

5) Make a programing track! You will be so happy you did.

6) Always check your track signal strength. I wired my layout with bus powered wiring with 3 foot drops. 9s and 10s around the 40 x 40 layout.

7) Only error I noted is the Voltage read on the remote vs. track was not the voltage measured. My track is always 3-5 volts lower - may not be a DCS TIU issue but noted the remote and measured differences are there.

8) READ your manual, ask questions, go over all the functions. Own it. Once your confidence is up on using it you will be less confused. 

MTH DCS is an Engineered software to run trains. It has much more flexibility and more capabilities than TMCC and Legacy, I like it. Now if MTH could only improve their sound files!

Love my BOX CABS from MTH and my new PRR Q2. There are just some things Lionel will not make so why enjoy half the hobby?

Matt Makens posted:

I thought 2 rail was the dark side

NO I thought it was HO!

Any familiarity with the DCS Explorer. Looks like a "lite" TIU that would allow me to run DCS MTH engines with a smartphone or tablet? Since I have no intention of going full DCS beyond just a few engines (not layout control since I can do that with my TMCC), I'm looking for the cheapest way to be able to run Rail King Imperial engines (2-3) on my otherwise TMCC layout. The DCS wifi explorer is $70 less than the full TIU and I wouldn't need the handheld as I read it.

Is that accurate?

The "lesser" dcs systems are missing some functions and abiity. Plus like a tv remote, the IR sensors must remain unblocked from the remote's view.

The "normal" dcs has all features, plus most tmcc abilites (minus some functions.)  I see it as much more of a bang for the buck.

raising4daughters posted:

Any familiarity with the DCS Explorer. Looks like a "lite" TIU that would allow me to run DCS MTH engines with a smartphone or tablet? Since I have no intention of going full DCS beyond just a few engines (not layout control since I can do that with my TMCC), I'm looking for the cheapest way to be able to run Rail King Imperial engines (2-3) on my otherwise TMCC layout. The DCS wifi explorer is $70 less than the full TIU and I wouldn't need the handheld as I read it.

Is that accurate?

I have been running trains for the last four years after a gap of about 30 years. Until this year I was running TMCC and  had been eyeing some Railking PS3's (both Imperial and none). I didn't want to spend $300+ to add DCS and didn't want to just run them conventionally. The release of the Explorer's and it's price got me to make the move. I like the prices and the features of the PS3's and the detail of the Imperials.

I am a Traditional  fan with no interest in Scale. I also have one LC engine.

I have been happy with the explorer and will be buying more Railking engines this year. I know there are more functions with the full DCS, but I have been happy with what I can do with the Explorer. I don't mind still using the Cab1 for TMCC since I  have command switches and I can control them with the Cab1 without any additional hardware.

The Explorer is Wifi not RF. I can leave the room with my phone and still control trains. If you do loose signal the train will maintain speed, unlike Lionel BT.

With a single Explorer and a single device you are limited to running three engines at a time. Althought , there are ways to add additional Explorers later.

You did not mention how big of a layout you have and how many trains you run simultaneously. One thing to know is that the Explorer is limited to a 6A power supply. I use a z1000 (5A). So you can't use a PH180 (10A).

Just as a point of reference- I have run two engines (smoke on) with 5 incandescent  cars and fired the FT switch without problem.

Also,  if you go with the TIU you also need a remote and or Wifi unit or a remote. Either one is about $150-$175 and it looks like MTH plans to stop selling remotes.

There are several threads about the Explorer you should read. You need to decide of you can live without the additional TIU functions.

Mark W

Great input Mark. Thanks! My layout is small, 8' x 12' with two loops, an elevated level adding a 3rd, and an around-the-ceiling shelf layout above giving me the 4th and 5th loops.  Small yard on the table top but more for storage and operating accessories, not serious switching. So, 5 trains at a time, max.

I have only TMCC engines and some PW conventionals, nothing MTH DCS but for the exact same reasons as you, I like what I see in the Imperial line. Scale-level details like the Lionmaster line of Lionel but better prices.

Seems like you're confirming that the DCS Explorer is the low-cost answer to my prayers.  Instead of dropping $400-$500 on ancillaries just to run DCS Imperial engines, I can buy the Explorer for $170 and use my smartphone and get most of the benefit. 

If I can add these to my current lineup with just the DCS explorer and my tablet/smartphone, I'm all in on 3 MTH Rail King engines:  a PRR 0-6-0 steam switcher, a PRR 4-8-2 mountain, and a C&O 2-8-4 Berk.  I really like them all a lot, and I don't see anything comparable in Lionel semi-scale TMCC 1.0, LC+, or LC+2.0.

Thanks!

" I'm betting I'll end up with an LC+ A5 0-4-0 to avoid the headaches of another technology platform."

Whatever you do, go ahead and get the LC 0-4-0. A great little switcher. You won't be disappointed.  They pull great and are short enough to get tucked away in a short siding when not in use. 

You will need a 50-1032 cable to connect your DCS T (track) IU to your TMCC/Legacy base to be run your TMCC/Legacy engines with your DCS system should you go the TIU route.

Larry

The DCS Explorer will probably fill all your needs without over investing in a lot of new hardware.

Steve