Just purchased our first MTH loco...H10 2-8-0. Currently have TMCC controller for our Lionel locos. Now, want to run all the features on the MTH loco and still run the Lionel stuff.
What controls do you recommend so we can run both Lionel and MTH?
Many thanks for your help.
Ralph
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The minimum you need is DCS Explorer ($150) and a smart phone, or tablet, to download the app.
@Danr posted:The minimum you need is DCS Explorer ($150) and a smart phone, or tablet, to download the app.
Will it run the Lionel locos, too?
No. To do that you would need a TIU, the MTH Wi-Fi and the Premium app. With this setup you connect your TMCC or Legacy base and you can run TMCC and Legacy locomotives on your smart device.
One thing to consider, if you read other forum topics, there is great concern about whether MTH will continue with Mike Wolf retiring and having sold the warehouse in Maryland. There are lots of rumors and conjecture over the MTH continuing in some other form, but no resolution. This is your choice, but I would move carefully and not get too involved with MTH equipment until there some resolution. In the meantime, the Explorer and the free app are the cheapest solution for you to run your new H10.
Dan, thanks so much for the advice. Very helpful. So, it might make sense to keep my investment in MTH controls to a minimum until the business issues play out.
Are there other options to the MTH platform out there?
You may want to consider DCS Remote Commander. It only controls 1 MTH locomotive, but it is the lowest cost option. These were out of stock, but my dealer just informed me that one I had on order has arrived.
Keith is right, for a small loop, just connecting the DCS-RC to the track in passive mode will give you control of the locomotive.
The H10 is due to arrive sometime this week. Thinking I'm going with the DCS Explorer even though I'm not excited about using a phone app. I would rather have a dedicated remote which would make it easier for my wife to use with the grandkids. We'll see how the MTH business issues play out and perhaps there will be other options in the future.
Thank you all for you guidance. Much appreciated.
Ralph
@HudsonORailRoader posted:The H10 is due to arrive sometime this week. Thinking I'm going with the DCS Explorer even though I'm not excited about using a phone app. I would rather have a dedicated remote which would make it easier for my wife to use with the grandkids. We'll see how the MTH business issues play out and perhaps there will be other options in the future.
Thank you all for you guidance. Much appreciated.
Ralph
Another option is using the DCS Remote Commander that came with many RTR sets or separately purchased as shown below. You'll still need your favorite power supply / brick either way. The DCS commander utilizes a small TV style remote. If I recall, cannot access ALL the same functions as a TIU + ( handheld or WIU + app). But they can be found relatively low-cost and will run the loco in command mode, Bells, whistle, announcements etc. You should be able to find one of these unless GRJ has cannibalized all of the available ones... LOL
A couple are in daBay , and I got one of these that I'm not using, so email me if you're interested.
@Danr posted:One thing to consider, if you read other forum topics, there is great concern about whether MTH will continue with Mike Wolf retiring and having sold the warehouse in Maryland. There are lots of rumors and conjecture over the MTH continuing in some other form, but no resolution. This is your choice, but I would move carefully and not get too involved with MTH equipment until there some resolution. In the meantime, the Explorer and the free app are the cheapest solution for you to run your new H10.
Why is the future of DCS still a question mark? Has something changed since MTH's release of this press release?
https://www.mthtrains.com/news/659
The new tech company will continue to manufacture and provide support including any necessary software updates to the DCS hardware or DCS WiFi App. In fact, new and exciting product ideas are currently under development.
Ron
@Ron045 posted:Why is the future of DCS still a question mark? Has something changed since MTH's release of this press release?
I think the fact that there has been no recent news is what has caused the uncertainty. Promises are one thing, but actually seeing some hint of activity in moving forward would be a positive step. In this case, I think no news is not necessarily good news.
If you do go the Explorer route, note that the Explorer does not come with a power supply and you will need to figure out whether one of your existing power supplies is compatible, or you can try to buy an inexpensive wall wart that is compatible. Not the world's greatest instructions on this. Indeed, the Explorer comes with no hard copy instructions, which is a new low in the hobby. 
You have to get the instructions on-line, so you might want to preview those instructions before deciding. Unless I missed something, the only recommended power supply is an MTH supply that costs around $100. The wall wart that comes with MTH sets is not offered for separate sale, unless I am mistaken. Just a heads up for things to consider.
We currently run a ZW transformer.
@Landsteiner posted:If you do go the Explorer route, note that the Explorer does not come with a power supply and you will need to figure out whether one of your existing power supplies is compatible, or you can try to buy an inexpensive wall wart that is compatible. Not the world's greatest instructions on this. Indeed, the Explorer comes with no hard copy instructions, which is a new low in the hobby.
Good idea. May be a possibility. But, I don't know if the loco is set at the factory default setting. See the explanation on the product below...
* Locomotives will ONLY operate with the DCS Remote Commander if they are set to the factory default settings. If the Factory default settings must be reset, the reset procedure must be done with a DCS Digital Command System (Item No. 50-1001).
@Ron045 posted:Why is the future of DCS still a question mark? Has something changed since MTH's release of this press release?
https://www.mthtrains.com/news/659
The new tech company will continue to manufacture and provide support including any necessary software updates to the DCS hardware or DCS WiFi App. In fact, new and exciting product ideas are currently under development.
Ron
No, nothing has happened, period. I want MTH to continue but the absence of any news is disquieting. The app has not been touched in 3 years and is, now, displaying bugs. Also, what is exciting new software going to do if no one is producing locomotives to use it? I will reserve my joy and optimism until there is some concrete news.
@Danr posted:The app has not been touched in 3 years and is, now, displaying bugs.
The app was last updated on November 5 , 2018. I have have used the app and it's features extensively on a wide variety of devices from very old, very new, cheap and expensive. I haven't run into any major operational bugs with it.
Now if you want to talk about an outdated app with bugs (and no android support) one needs to look no further than iCab...
The DCS Explorer it extremely forgiving on power input options. It doesn't matter if you choose AC or DC, keep the volts below 24, and the internal current protection + the 5 amp fuse will make sure your 1000 watt power source won't weld your trains to the track.
Best option for the explorer is an old laptop power supply with the 2.1x5.5 barrel plug. most are around the 19 volt & 4.75 amp range which will give you about 90 watts of power. The internet is littered with these things and they make an excellent power source for around $10.
H1000, you likely didn't see my post in another thread were I indicated that the DSC app continues to work correctly with iOS 14.5 beta on both my older iPad and my iPhone 12 Pro. There is now a warning in the App Store that this program does not conform to the Apple privacy standards. For now, at least, you can ignore it.
The biggest, recurring problem, seems to be finding the TIU. The app has no way to search again instead, you have to delete it then reinstall it but stop it before completeing the install and change wifi (if necessary) and make sure the TIU is on. Now when you continue the installation the app will find the TIU. As I had said, not particularly elegant.
Absolutely true about iCab. I had downloaded it a couple of years ago and it never worked correctly. I think it was an orphan the day it was loaded into the App Store.
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