Best source for DCS system

I had the same thoughts when I bought mine last September.  I looked around for the best price and realized that there wasn't much difference (maybe $20) between the high and low amount.  I ended up going to my LHS (Davis Hobby Supplies) and got it there.  Got a good price plus if I have any problems/questions all I have to do is go back (3 miles max), call, or email them.  Plus there's always the folks on this forum.

As it turned out, I had no major problems at all, the only issues I had was understanding something (read more into it than there was).

Good thing was I got it in my hands and drove it home, instead of waiting for it to arrive, bounced around, via one of the carriers.

My last DCS purchase was from Jason's Trains. I was completely satisfied and the price  was right.

Not sure if the price is the best as I haven't priced DCS systems lately (bought mine about 5 years ago) but the best SERVICE can go to Catoctin Mountain Trains in Thurmont, MD. www.cmtrains.com

My favorite is Catoctin Mountain Trains as well.

Paul and his crew are super!

doc

Make sure you only buy the latest TIU hardware version "Rev L" !!

Plus a good olde standby Handheld unit......

"I have seen them for 269.00 including shipping on ebay from iron horse hobby for 269 shipped."  

My grammer was a little rough at 1am... 

Thanks for the recommendations, I have contacted both sources and will wait for a reply.

Brian 

You can count on Ready to Roll in Miami! Super guys!

I am also looking to buy my first DCS system and was going to ask about latest hardware. It looks like Rev L is what to look for.

This seems to imply that older units are not software upgradable to Rev L. Is this is fact the case and if so what does Rev L do that can't be done with the older units?

Pete

Pete,

This seems to imply that older units are not software upgradable to Rev L. Is this is fact the case and if so what does Rev L do that can't be done with the older units?

No, that's incorrect. While the Rev. L has improved signal strength, a USB port in addition to the  serial port, and additional possibilities for down the road, all DCS software operates just fine in all previous TIUs and Remotes.

Further, all models of TIUs and Remotes interoperate on a layout seamlessly.

This and a whole lot more is all in "The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", now available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book from MTH's web store site! Click on the link below to go to MTH's web page for the book!

I have one inbound as well myself. (Thanks Wife!) the only other issue left is power to feed it as well as a cable to interface Lionel (Legacy newest right?) to the system in the future.

I either get it from one of the LHS in the east or AM Hobbies on the Bay.

Pricing is pretty tight across the board. That leaves taxes afterwards. Mail Order is a work around so that saves a few dollars there.

Thanks for the reply Barry. Do you plan to have copies at the York user meeting?

Pete

Pete,

No, I do not. However, there will be at least one dealer at York, Charles Ro, that will have a limited number of copies. It's possible that, if you called Charles Ro tomorrow, they might hold a copy for you.

Other dealers may have them as well, however, I can't say for sure.

Thanks for the help everyone.  I have ordered a unit from Jason's Train shop.  Appears to the the best price (265.00) and the service has been great so far.  Looking for it to be shipped today, maybe I can get to work on it sometime next week.  

Brian,

For another $29.95 Jason can add a copy of The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition to your order. He's one of my dealers.

Pat's Trains in Wheeling WV is a super shop.

Trapp

I was actually looking at that when I was on his website.  I think I will opt for the digital download though.  The PDF is as good as gold to me.  I can take it anywhere on my smartphone.  

Thanks,

Brian,

Both the printed edition and the eBook have exactly the same information. You won't go wrong with either one.

Been on work detail for the last couple of days away from home base.  Got back and my DCS had been delivered from Jason's train shop..  

I feel like a kid in a candy store that needs to put his hands in his pocket and get out of the store... too late tonight (11:00pm) to mess with anything..  

BTW, what is the most common power supply to use for these things, I'm guessing w-mart/radio shack?

Maybe I will have time tomorrow night to play with things a bit.

I looked in it's specs and can't find it  Does anyone know the Z1000 plug size?  Going to make an adapter to go to a banana plug.. if radio shack has it.

I'll second Pats Trains in Wheeling. He upgraded my system while I waited. T&K in Bridgeport Ohio is a great place to shop also. I would advise to buy it local if you can for obvious reasons, take it with you,service close to home, etc. Try to keep your LHS in business as times are tough.

Frank

Why not just buy the adapter MTH sells? Plug you Z1K Brick then pop the two banana jacks into the TIU?