does the track get its power from the DCS explorer via the small input jack labeled "power in" on the DCS explorer unit, or is it only to power the dcs unit and the track must be powered separately.
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Yes, the power goes to that "power in" port. I'm using a Lionel Powerhouse 180. You attach the track leads to the red & black terminals on the Explorer and then straight to your track, lock-on, etc. I have one and it's been flawless thus far (last month or so).
That’s what I though. The blue wi-Fi light and power light come in right away. I have the switch set for MTH but no wi-Fi showes up in my wi-Fi setting on my iPhone. Wondering if I have a bad unit
I use it in MTH mode with an iPhone 7+. I have noticed when I first turn it on, it will take a bit before MTH DCS it appears in that list. But by "a bit" I'm talking maybe a minute or two. Maybe throw into wifi mode and give that a whirl?
Okay, I just fired it up. It took about 50 seconds from the time I plugged in the PH180 until the MTH_DCS appeared in the network list.
The one finicky thing I have found about the DCS Explorer is when in wifi-mode, it's not great about re-connecting to my network after it's been unplugged. It would sit unplugged for a day or two and then I'd go to use it. I had to go to my router and hit the WPS button before it would link up. So I switched to MTH mode and it's been great ever since. If you have to return it, don't lose patience. It's a cool device.
Bill, one more thing. After I have it powered up a few seconds the Power, Wifi, and Track lights are on. Like the pic. Maybe you have a track connection issue and that's causing it to not show up in the network list? Just a guess.
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I’ll give it another try before I claim defective equipment
Not familiar with iOS - but if you don't see the network after a bit - maybe restart the phone and see if it detects?
Also - do a network check on some other devices - no reason your PC shouldn't see the MTH connection.
I thought the ph 180 would be too much power to run through the explorer. But you haven't had any problems with blowing fuses or getting the explorer hot?
Prairie Land Junction posted:I thought the ph 180 would be too much power to run through the explorer. But you haven't had any problems with blowing fuses or getting the explorer hot?
Nada. It's been great. I've been testing out a 4x11 FasTrack layout with reverse loops and four switches. In fact, I'm going to add four more switches and an outer loop. I'm attempting to power the whole thing via the 180. It's a big dry-run for my Christmas layout. So far so good with two engines. I haven't tried three yet.
You should have enough power with the 180 ph for your layout. I also thought about the amps being put out with the 180 ph.
Yeah, no issues. I'm new to O and I really didn't want to invest in DCS or Legacy. This DCS Explorer has been perfect for my purposes. For now that is.
I'm looking at the DCS Explorer for use on a test bench/small switching layout. The information in this thread has been very helpful. One question, though: Has anyone used the DCS Explorer with the "Professional" version of the App? The MTH manual doesn't make it clear whether that can be used, though from one of the images, it appears that it is compatible with whatever engine ID is assigned to the locomotive.
AGHRMatt posted:I'm looking at the DCS Explorer for use on a test bench/small switching layout. The information in this thread has been very helpful. One question, though: Has anyone used the DCS Explorer with the "Professional" version of the App? The MTH manual doesn't make it clear whether that can be used, though from one of the images, it appears that it is compatible with whatever engine ID is assigned to the locomotive.
The DCS Explorer only works with the free basic version of the app, unfortunately.
Lou1985 posted:AGHRMatt posted:I'm looking at the DCS Explorer for use on a test bench/small switching layout. The information in this thread has been very helpful. One question, though: Has anyone used the DCS Explorer with the "Professional" version of the App? The MTH manual doesn't make it clear whether that can be used, though from one of the images, it appears that it is compatible with whatever engine ID is assigned to the locomotive.
The DCS Explorer only works with the free basic version of the app, unfortunately.
Thanks. Too bad. I liked the compact size of the unit compared to a TIU and WIU combo.
