DCS Connections

DCS can only run DCS engines and AC powered conventional engines. So which means you can only put DC power through the fixed channels which has the DCS singal. You can't put DC power through the variable channels they can only handle AC power.

The new PS3 engines from MTH can be ran with DCC. They already have the DCC decoder in them.

Ralph

I've been searching all weekend to find an answer to my similar question. There is loads of info on O guage but very little on G. I want a simple diagram for wiring the Z4000 to the track and then how to set up locomotives. Does everything work as with O gauge in that the handheld will add the engine, and fully control it?  I briefly had power to my track and the engine took off by hitting the direction button but I could not add engine to the remote nor control it. Someone suggested I need the power commander but then I saw other posts referring to full control on the handheld but with no instructions on how to do so. I do know the settings for O gauge operation. I came across another video that showed you had to hold down the direction button for a few seconds to get it to operate, and I will try that next. But are the functions on the remote more limited than on the O? I'm off to read Barry's book as I did download it, disadvantage for me is it's never around where and when I need it!   

 The only thing that comes to mind about  DC engines and DCS is  using an AC power supply on the IN put side of a var channel and adding a full wave bridge rectifier to control the track voltage which  would now be DC. You'd  still have no way of   reversing the engine but you could add a double pole double throw center off toggle wired like an ho reversing switch.  I'm not familiar with  DC engine and have no idea how the whistle or horn works.    Hope this helps along with the info posted above.

The only thing I clearly am positive on,is 2 wires to the O Gauge 2 rail track, connected to the variable DC connection on an MRC Tech 2 HO transformer:this will run my Atlas DC GP15s,not in lashup but separately.

 

I admit freely I'm S-L-O-W in learning,but this DCS has me lost. This system seems,(naturally),designed for 3railers,not 2railers. This doesn't figure,as MTH makes their Premier engines to run 2 or 3rail,so there should be instructions to help the 2 railers out here,or possibly MTH thinks our numbers are so small,that we've bonded into our own little niche' & have those answers readily available for the few 2 railers on the planet.(?) Yes,I'm feeling a bit sarcastic right now,please try to overlook those remarks,but we 2rail modelers are good customers,also.

 

Al Hummel

DCS can run two rail just fine. But like I said it can't run DCC engines. I run 2 rail with DCS. All of my engines are MTH.

There are a few other guys on here that also run two rail with DCS.

Ralph

Ralph,

Didn't mean at all to be critical of your post,you did just fine,it's just like I said,I'm the problem.

 

I read more today on the DCS in the manual,more groping for straws,so-to-speak,& when I was sold the DCS I was also sold the Z1,000. I found I need the power brick off tht system 7 a "barrel jack."(?) I'm thinking,if I keep the Atlas units,drop the DCS & go DCCsince the new Proto3 MTH have the DCS/DCC receptacle. Or I can sell the Atlas & go all MTH. MTH has more features,I think,than the expensive add ons that I have tro get with DCS,correct me if I'm wrong?

If I stay with the DCS,the wires from the track go to what OUTPUT&INPUT recepticles on the DCS?

I was also told I need Terminal blocks every 8'to 10' for large layouts-why?

 

Thank you for all your help,it's very much appreciated even if not understood,which is because of my beginner's lack of understanding,nothing on your part.

 

Al Hummel

 

Let me try this again... You have a DCS remote & tiu and 2 DC engines that you want to run . Since the engines aren't command but straight dc the remote & tiu are not the best choice. You have to vary the track voltage , yes DCS can do that (via a bridge rectifier)  but  not reverse the current direction. The only thing you're going to gain is walk around control except for reversing.As I mentioned above it can be done but it's not for someone starting out with DCS for the first time.

 

 Get your hands on a DCS engine and learn some of the ropes... It's a lot of fun.

 

I came to that conclusion - I just bought the DCS commander which will let me do everything except walk around - I can handle that! I'll just keep the z-4000 I have for operating the O gauge tracks

What little I was able to read today from my DCS manual,says the Z 4,000 is the best power supply for the DCS unit. Z1,000 & lower numbered models I'm reading aren't recommended for large layouts,what the wrighters consider "Large," I don't know. If walking around isn't an issue for you,then your Z 4,000 should be fine for what little I've been able to gather from the manual.

 

Al Hummel

Just to step back, the TIU only has 2 wire coming out.  So if you want to run 2 rail no problem.  Plenty of folks do.  I am not sure why you would buy a TIU and an AC transformer if you had DC only conventional engines?  Which is what I think you said your Atlas are.

 

The only way to run a conventional DC engine is with a variable DC conventional transformer.  Why add a TIU in between unless you upgrade to PS-2 or 3.

 

MTH PS-2 and PS-3 engines can come in 3 rail or 2 rail.  This has to do with isolated wheel sets more than anything else.  The board can operate on DC or AC power.

 

If you get PS-3 it is DC or AC powered, polarity doesn't matter and it can run conventional, DCS or DCC.

 

A TIU Fix pass input power (DC or AC) out with a DCS signal imposed on the output.  VAR channels do the same but you can control the output power and they only can handle AC voltage.  Since most conventional engine are AC and that is what it is targeted at.

 

G

I posted a reply on your other post:

https://ogrforum.com/t...64#45355707092318964

I didn't see you were running HO scale too.

It's hard to answer two different poster's questions inside the same post.

 

or #3,

install PS inside the Atlas engines.

Engineer Joe,

What do you think-take a vote-all those in favor of selling the Atlas&buying the MTH with Proto 3 & keeping the DCS?

Seriously,you Veterans of O can help make that decision quick. How expensive is DCC plus sound decoders vs DCS which is setting by me to control MTH Diesels with sound installed?

Al Hummel

Depending on the model the Atlas are very good runners.  So upgrading to PS-3 with LEDs and integrated smoke, couplers and sounds is probably the best way to go, even if you don't have smoke and will use scale couplers.

 

You will than have a DCS or DCC engine.  Will work with your current Z-1000 and TIU as a 2 rail off Fixed channel.  Or you can even go with a DC power supply if you want. You can also add DCC controller to the layout even with TIU installed. 

 

Upgrade to PS-3 gives you the most options.  G