DCS Explorer vs full DCS set up

The DCS Explorer allows you to control up to 3 MTH engines at once, but no accessories, variable voltage tracks, or switches. If you want full remote control of accessories from your phone, you need the WIU, TIU, and AIU. MTH is currently shipping a new batch of TIUs, which is why dealers are running low. 

Thanks for the info, I should have clarified though...I'm wondering if the full suite is worth it. I'm hoping for some thoughts on the user interface and how well it works controlling switches etc. I honestly don't know if I'll ever have more than 3 engines or be doing a lash up in the near future.

You might want to check out this thread.

https://ogrforum.com/...-vs-full-dcs-systems

Very interested in hearing what you decide. I'm contemplating the DCS Explorer to enable me to get into the shallow end of DCS.  I need another engine like a hole in the head, but if I can thin the herd a bit, there are 3 MTH Imperial Rail Kings that I like better than their comparable Lionel versions.  I have TMCC 1.0 already with no plans to go up to Legacy, and I'm not confident Lionel will make LC+2 engines to match the 3 MTHs I've been eyeing.

I have experience with both systems and if you are planing on taking a plung I would get the full thing because then you get all features out of the locomotive. You were also talking about using switches you should get a MTH AIU. This will allow you to control the switches through the wifi. And if you are looking for a TIU, MTH is making a set that instead of putting remotes with it it has the wifi as the remote. You can still buy and hook up remotes if you want.

Personally I would go with the full blown DCS System. I love mine and I will admit that I was shy of using the Android version of the app on my tablet. Well I finally did and I must admit there are a lot of things that are actually easier on the App ( premium version ) than thru the remote. I still like my remote and use it often. But when visitors come some like the remote others the  app. I have one friend who I got into the hobby a year ago and he has the full blown DCS System and an iPhone. He won't touch the remote any more. Loves the ease of adding engines, setting routes and adding switches plus operating them. You may be able to run engines thru the explorer but it isn't even close to the fun with the full DCS and an iPhone or Android Phone. You WILL NOT be sorry. Plus the premium app runs legacy as legacy not TMCC.

Curtis

I have both the Explorer and the full DCS system.

As Barry said in the other thread about the Explorer...

"It lacks a number of individual engines' features, and doesn't handle lashups, TMCC, Legacy, accessories, switch tracks, import/export, or record/playback, as well as lacking other features. It's intended purpose is to get new people into DCS."

However also from the other thread the Explorer does this ...

It will control the following functions:  You can turn the smoke on/off.  You can operate the horns, bells, and whistles.  You can control the speed and set a maximum speed.  You can control the couplers, headlight on/off, engine sound on/off, activate Passenger/Freight announcements, and you can control the sound volume.  You can control up to three engines at once.

I personally have never used the functions that Barry refers to above. If the Explorer was available 5 years ago I would have purchased that instead. I decided to get the Explorer this xmas to run my holiday layout even though last year I just ran a 50ft wire from my layout in the basement to power the xmas one and it worked great. The plan was to let visitors run the train using there own phones. Nice idea but when they download the app the and add the engine, I was worried that the max speed would no longer be limited and my 500$ engine and cars would go flying off the tracks ... So I installed the app on my ipad and passed that around instead.

There is also the issue of controlling your engine using the app by touch on glass ... I'm not a big fan of this however and prefer the remote from the full DCS system ...

The experiences in running my trains with the Explorer using the ipad has convinced me that an upgrade to the wifi on the full DCS is not for me due to the feel by touch on glass vs the remote.

Given the choice today and realizing that I don't run my 15 MTH engines that often, the Explorer for me would be enough considering the prices on the full DCS system.

the newer dcs explorer, 50-1035, is about $150 is a basic unit limited to 3 saved engines, no accessory control, no lashups. the older 50-1034 at $170 seems more full function. look at barry b very helpful comments on this forum comparing the 2. Cant see why you would spend $150 instead of a full function for $180, although the cheaper, newer explorer 50-1035 is often included by mth in their starter sets. I also had trouble find videos, but barry b & others on this forum are most helpful. I am actually starting a diary vlog( as file1man) building & decorationg my new trainboard, hoping to share my knowledge and to get feedback from other experienced users. see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jm6yyi3WELE

My experience is exactly the same as Yamawho.  I have both.  I bought the DCS Explorer to get my feet wet.  Also, I was hoping to avoid full DCS but even if I was forced to eventually buy it, I could still use the Explorer for my Christmas layout.

That's exactly what happened.  Ultimately, I bought full DCS with the remote for my regular layout.  I just prefer the remote over touchscreen.  And I found the Explorer pretty finicky (I bought a bag of 100 fuses because I blow them on the Explorer all the time). 

So my advice is to jump right in and buy the TIU/WIU combo if you're totally down with the app. 

Or you can get the TIU and the remote (or the old combo if you can still find it) with the option of adding the WIU at a later date.

Hi all, my lower Subway level has a TIU/WIU and each fixed output is to a separate loop and both are powered by a Z1000. That works well and I like using the DCS app on my phone. I have an upper level single track mainline which is powered by a Lionel Powermaster 360 and two 180 Powerhouse bricks. I can run TMCC, Legacy, and Lionchief locos fine on that upper level. On rare occasions I may want to run one or two DCS (PS2 or PS3) locos on the main level. What is the easiest way of adding DCS to it? I have no desire to control switches or accessories. Is there a way of adding a DCS explorer in passive mode or will I need a second WIU/TIU for the upper level loop?

Thanks

ChooChoo1972 posted:

 Is there a way of adding a DCS explorer in passive mode or will I need a second WIU/TIU for the upper level loop?

No.  The DCS Explorer does not operate in "passive mode".  No such thing.  Why not use your TIU?  It doesn't sound like you're using all four channels.  Are you?

Hi Mike, no I am using Fixed one and Fixed two. If I connect the + and - from variable one to the upper level loop will the TIU act in passive mode just supplying insturctions to the locos? What I don't wan't is for the TIU to pass current (power) to the upper level  loop since that is already powered by the Powerhouses.

thanks

Yes, you can run an individual TIU channel in passive mode and others in active mode, no problem at all.

GRJ, thanks, anything I need to do to make that work in the DCS app or can I just hook up the wires from one of the variable channels to the upper loop?

It's seamless, it won't know where the power is coming from.