I see in the manual that the DCS Explorer supports PS2 and PS3 locos - just wondering if there is a middle ground between PS2 and the older PS engines?
Do they just not work? Thanks - Im a little foggy on the PS versions
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The DCS Explorer will control only DCS (PS2 and PS3) engines. It will not control conventional engines. PS1 engines are conventional engines.
Barry Broskowitz posted:The DCS Explorer will control only DCS (PS2 and PS3) engines. It will not control conventional engines. PS1 engines are conventional engines.
Ahh - that was the distinction I was looking for, thank you.
Does the old Remote Commander work with these PS1/conventional engines?
Does the old Remote Commander work with these PS1/conventional engines?
No, it does not.
You're probably thinking of the old IR controller that was supplied with conventional sets some time ago.
RailKing IR Remote Control System
To add on to John's comment. the original RailKing IR Remote Control System is only able to operate engines in conventional mode, which includes PS1 engines.
Ok - Its becoming clearer now - I was confusing the two hand held remote systems there - I had never made the distinction - thanks for the clarification.'
I was just wondering if the older remote/IR system might be a quick way to get a PS loco running on a DCS Explorer track - just switch lockons.
Does that older IR unit support the Z1000 - MTH page only mentions Z500 & Z750?
Does it work - or is it frowned on?
Roving Sign posted:Ok - Its becoming clearer now - I was confusing the two hand held remote systems there - I had never made the distinction - thanks for the clarification.'
I was just wondering if the older remote/IR system might be a quick way to get a PS loco running on a DCS Explorer track - just switch lockons.
Does that older IR unit support the Z1000 - MTH page only mentions Z500 & Z750?
Does it work - or is it frowned on?
You can use the Z1K with the IR Lock-on and Remote. No worries. I just wouldn't try to max out the 6A output continuously. It would probably be fine but the Z1K didn't exist when the IR lock-on was released.
Ok - thanks for the further explanations.
A few quick follow-ups...
Can you control any conventional engine with the IR Remote - or just "MTH PS Conventional"? Or would their be voltage issues with a Lionel engine, for example? Which begs the question - can you power the IR remote with a Lionel transformer?
And, any commentary on the usability of the IR setup - does it work ok - or does it stink?
Can you control any conventional engine with the IR Remote?
Yes, you can.
can you power the IR remote with a Lionel transformer?
Yes, as long as the actual amperage draw doesn't exceed the IR receiver's amp rating.
And, any commentary on the usability of the IR setup - does it work ok
It works as long as you make sure that the receiver is in line of sight with the remote.
Barry Broskowitz posted:In addition, although I haven't tried it, you might be able to wire the receiver in passive mode, with the transformer connected to the track instead of the receiver. This would allow use of any transformer regardless of amp draw.This does work with the DCS Remote Commander and should work with the IR device, as well.
Barry, that can't work with the IR device for obvious reasons. While the DCS-RC simply sends out the DCS signal and passes the power through directly, the RailKing IR Remote Control System actually controls the power to the track. It clearly couldn't do that without having the power pass through it. I've had to repair a couple of these where they were overloaded and the triac croaked.
I see how the Explorer protection works - how is the IR device as far as circuit protection -breaker, fused?
John,
Ugh - you are correct! I was thinking that track power was constant, as it is when using DCS.
Thanks for the correction!
The IR device seems to use the triacs as fuses, I don't see any, and although it's been several years since I had one open, I don't remember any either.
I was looking at the IR Remote manual - was wondering what this meant? (page 2)
Note: You cannot use the Remote Control and Remote Lock-on with pre-1997 versions of Proto-Sound™ or with Proto-One™, Proto-Plus™, Proto-Deluxe II™, whatever the date.
Sorry for all the questions about this old device!
I suspect that's the sawtooth waveform issue that early Proto-Sound has with many electronic transformers. The triacs in the IR Remote generate a sawtooth waveform when regulating the voltage.
