Can you piggyback a DCS Commander with a DCS Explorer?

The short answer is "yes, you can use both together". However, there are caveats:

• The Explorer and the Remote Commander cannot simultaneously operate the same engine. The DCS Explorer can only operate engines that have been added to the app and have a "real" DCS ID# between 1 and 99. The DCS Remote Commander can only operate engines that have a Factory Settings DCS ID#, which looks like "0" to the DCS Explorer and the app.
• The DCS Remote Commander's receiver must be connected to the track in passive mode, i.e., without a power source connected to it, if the two engines are to be operated on the same tracks.

If you abide by the two above constraints, you can operate one engine using the DCS Remote Commander and a different set of 3 engines using the DCS Explorer.

Note that the same caveats apply to the DCS Remote and a TIU or the DCS App and a WIU/TIU, vs. the DCS Remote Commander.

I was confused by your answer at first, with the whole engine 0, then I realized you were talking about the Remote Commander. I was referring to the DCS Commander Controller (The wedge pictured below). But it does provide an interesting fourth train option and I do also have one of the Remote Commanders as well.

Mike,

I responded to exactly what you asked.

Regarding the DCS Commander, the answer is different.

If both the DCS Explorer and a DCS Commander are to be used simultaneously on the same layout, the following rules must be followed:

• If a DCS engine has been added to a DCS Application using a DCS Explorer and to a DCS Commander, both the DCS Application and the DCS Commander may successfully send commands to the same DCS engine as long as the engine is the active engine for the DCS Application and the DCS Commander, and the engines have the same DCS ID# in both the DCS Application and the DCS Commander.
• The DCS Application and the DCS Commander must be connected to different track loops, since both the DCS Explorer and the DCS Commander send power to the tracks, and neither may be connected to the tracks in Passive Mode.

Also, keep in mind that although the DCS Explorer can use and provide either AC or DC voltage, the output of the DCS Commander always DC.

ATOZ, it is very easy for readers to confuse the DCS Remote Commander with the DCS Commander. I do it all the time if I read too fast. Thanks for adding the picture.