DCS Explorer and Subway Station announcements

Are you talking about the dcs remote commander? That doesn’t do the subway stops and announcements. I have one and it works with my r33 work train but not my subway sets. I believe it’s because this setup is for freight trains. The work train operates like a freight train. I only used mine once for this exact reason.

@Brooklyn Corey posted:

Are you talking about the dcs remote commander?

No, the original poster is referring to the DCS Explorer, which was packaged with MTH starter sets for a while and also available for separate sale. Uses your cellphone or a tablet to control the trains. I have it, but was not totally satisfied with how it worked (using my iPhone and an iPad to operate the trains). I connected the DCS Explorer to the new all-tinplate layout I am working on (Christmas-theme layout) and just didn't find it all that reliable. Not being much of a techno geek, I just decided to disconnect the Explorer and opted instead for the full MTH DCS control elements (Z1000 brick, TIU, and remote). I much prefer to operate my trains with remote anyway, and not with my phone. Strictly a personal preference.

@Allan Miller posted:

No, the original poster is referring to the DCS Explorer, which was packaged with MTH starter sets for a while and also available for separate sale. Uses your cellphone or a tablet to control the trains. I have it, but was not totally satisfied with how it worked (using my iPhone and an iPad to operate the trains). I connected the DCS Explorer to the new all-tinplate layout I am working on (Christmas-theme layout) and just didn't find it all that reliable. Not being much of a techno geek, I just decided to disconnect the Explorer and opted instead for the full MTH DCS control elements (Z1000 brick, TIU, and remote). I much prefer to operate my trains with remote anyway, and not with my phone. Strictly a personal preference.

Oh ok, my mistake. I’m like you, I prefer using full DCS and my remote.

I have posted this before.  For those of you who have a TIU, you are all set.  For those of us who bought MTH subway sets or other similar MTH stuff we are out of luck.  No TIU's are available.

All the threads about remotes, DIY remote alternatives, WiFi and whether it is a good thing or a bad thing are fine discussions for most of you who already have your TIU.  The OP bought the DCS Explorer (probably) because that is all that is available for now.  I already knew from reading endless posts here that it won't do station announcements.  You need a TIU.  Of course the eBay cretins know they are scarce so if they get their hands on one (that's works properly or doesn't) it's another opportunity to price gouge.

What is needed is a true TIU alternative for those of us who got into MTH late and for the rest of you when your TIU's eventually need to be replaced.

John

Thanks everyone for the replys, you hit it right on the head John, we boarded the train last...lol 

I just went ahead and pre-ordered the TIU w/ wifi integrated 2.0 system, it comes out in June, hopefully there are not 5K people in line ahead of me..

While the TIU will give you access to lots of Subway features, you CAN access station stops with just a transformer and controller.  See the guide that came with the set.

I hope to add the WIFI version of the TIU when it comes out, but know that I have been operating subways with just the auto mode transformer commands for years, most satisfactorily.

@pdxtrains posted:

While the TIU will give you access to lots of Subway features, you CAN access station stops with just a transformer and controller.  See the guide that came with the set.

I hope to add the WIFI version of the TIU when it comes out, but know that I have been operating subways with just the auto mode transformer commands for years, most satisfactorily.

Yes, that’s what I was doing until I bought my DCS. I did the station stops with my Z-1000 controller. I’m sure I overpaid for my TIU and remote that I bought on eBay(I’m ok with that),  but it was brand new and only opened to update the software.

Yea I have a z1000 and do the station stops that way too, but I purchased another subway set and bought the explorer so I can run them both at the same time. While they both run fine, without the station stops its not the same. Waste of money, but sometimes you learn the hard way. I found the forum after, now I search on here for tips, before I make any further purchases.

Corey, you gonna do a layout or your still in planning stage? I saw your video, those sets with the graffiti are really nice, to bad they sold out everywhere.

@FECRailroaddog posted:

Corey, you gonna do a layout or your still in planning stage? I saw your video, those sets with the graffiti are really nice, to bad they sold out everywhere.

Yes, I’m going to eventually do a layout. Right now my layout is my living room floor! Yes, the graffiti sets are hard to find. I had to get one after I saw it in a video on YouTube. I got lucky and bought mine on eBay brand new a few months ago. The prices have really gone up since then. There’s one on eBay now and they’re asking over $700 for it.

@FECRailroaddog posted:

Yea I have a z1000 and do the station stops that way too, but I purchased another subway set and bought the explorer so I can run them both at the same time. While they both run fine, without the station stops its not the same. Waste of money, but sometimes you learn the hard way. I found the forum after, now I search on here for tips, before I make any further purchases.

I learned the hard way too with that remote commander. Thank goodness for this forum.

yep