cant find engine

For command the engines must be PS-2 or 3  , Dcs will not pick up ps-1 engines because they  are conventional  engines and the track voltage controls  what they do.

 

The good news .. a variable channel can be set up to vary the track voltage  to run your ps-1 and yes they can be upgraded. 

Like Gregg said!

You can certainly upgrade PS/1 locomotives, that's what the PS/2 and now PS32 upgrade kits were made to do.  You just have to decide which engines justify the cost of the upgrade, in general RailKing engines should probably simply be replaced as the upgrade costs aren't normally justified.

 

 

Can you please explain the variable channel, or direct me to where I can find information on this.  I have several non PS 2/3 engines I'd like to run without constantly disconnecting the leads to PWR and Track..when running

conventional s...Thanks in advance for your answer'.. 

Check the cough, I frequently find things I've lost there also between the seats of the car.

Do you have the DCS Commander or the DCS Remote Commander?  They are different products and have totally different capabilities.  Let us know what we're dealing with.

 

DCS Commander

 

 

DCS Remote Commander

The DCS Commander will, indeed, operate conventional engines. However, it only puts out DC to the track, regardless of whether the input voltage is AC or DC.

My DCS does not look like either of those pictured in the previous post.  I have a handheld DCS controller track and voltage comes from an MTH Z4000 throught the TIU.  I have noticed that I can operate conventional locomotives by simply adjusting the track voltage using the voltage control on the Z4000.  I have not yet attempted a variable channel with the handheld controller.

Mr UP & qtrguager:  Using the variable channels, the TIU will adjust the track voltage.  This will enable you to run conventional, including PS1, with the remote, giving you walk around capability.  If you want to run a PS2 or 3 loco, simply roll the voltage up to about 18 or so and run.  No reconnecting of wires is needed.

 

For instructions on how to use v  ariable channels, look in the instructions that come with DCS eqpt, or get Barry's book.

My DCS does not look like either of those pictured in the previous pos

Do you perhaps have a Z4000 Remote Commander pictured below?

 

 

Am I missing something?  I don't spot anything that says Mr UP has anything but the standard DCS remote.

Robert,

I don't spot anything that says Mr UP has anything but the standard DCS remote. 

There are more than one posters wondering why they own. I ws throng out another possibility.

Am I missing something? 

Regardless, don't get me started on what you might be missing!  

Mr. UP's initial post says nothing to indicate he has other than the standard remote.  Perhaps GRJ can enlighten me as to the reason for his first photo post.  Barry, be nice to those assailed by age---you'll be there sooner than you know.

Robert,

Mr. UP's initial post says nothing to indicate he has other than the standard remote.

Look at qtrquger's post, above.

be nice to those assailed by age

I was being nice. If I wasn't, I would have omitted the .

Barry, I was needling you.  You've never been other than nice.

 

Problem is we have 2 separate questions in this thread.  Note Mr UP's second post.  I was focusing on the initial post.  I think I answered his inquiry.

 

Barry, question related to 1/4scale's issue:  I'm thinking of buying my grandson an MTH R-T-R set, that comes with the wireless remote commander.  If I take his loco onto my layout with full DCS and set certain items, like max speed, smoke off, brake sounds on, etc., those settings will continue when he runs the set.  Correct?

Robert,

 

Unfortunately, they will not. That's because in order for thee engine to operate with the DCS Remote Commander, ou would need to Factory Reset it after making any changes, which would negate all of the changes.

 

However, smoke on or off will be controlled by the conventional pot/switch on the engine. That physical setting becomes the DCS default for smoke at startup and, since theres no way to modify that setting with the DCS Remote Commander, the engine will always look to the switch at startup.

Perhaps it's the conventional IR remote?

 

Thanks, Barry.  I suppose I could set him up with a fine Rev G TIU and an original issue remote, so he could run his just like he runs grandpa's, but not flip on O-31 curves.  Mario's is having a nice sale on R-T-R sets.  I have enough Lionel tubular track and 022 switches in boxes under my layout that I could put a lot of action in a small space.