DCS for cognitively impaired?

Frank,  I think I would go with the Z-1000 which has plenty of power for a small layout with less buttons to cause confusion.  The Z-4000 does have programming button and others that can remove control if pressed inadvertently.

The remote commander might be an easy way to give command control and it would use the Z-1000.  I am pretty sure you can see these by going to MTH website and doing a search.  Even get the instruction manuals on line.   G

Frank, go to the MTH website , plug in your zip code, and find a dealer you can call.

Frank, before callinga dealer, who may or may not be qualified and experienced to answer your particular issue, I'd let your post stay up on the forum for a week or so.  There will be others who have experienced the same issues and they can give you their observations.  Most forumites are glad to help.

Hi Frank,

I'll second George's (GGG's) recommendation.  The Z-1000 is an excellent power supply without any features that could get you in trouble.  The Z-4000 is probably overkill. The programming buttons won't do any harm to Lionel or PS2 engines, but they can instigate rapid voltage changes that would be confusing.

The DCS Remote Commander comes with a very simple remote without any programming capability that could cause trouble.  Here's a screen shot from the DCS Remote Commander User Manual that shows the buttons and their function:

The only thing you need to check before running each engine with the DCS Remote Commander is that the engine has never been loaded into a full DCS system, which would change the address.  If the engines have been run with a full DCS system they need to be Factory Reset with a TIU.

I have a new remote commander as pictured above i would gladly donate.

Remote commander is a nice little system but will only operate mth engines with PS2 3 volt or PS3. It can not be used for conventional. It alows easy operation of the freight sounds and couplers. Z1000 will alow you to run anything.

One thing to note, on my PS3 engine, I could not turn off the smoke unit when running with the remote commander. It bypasses the switch in the engine. Not sure on a PS2.

but will only operate mth engines with PS2 3 volt or PS3.

It can operate any PS2 or PS3 engine that is set, or reset, to Factory settings.

willygee

That is very nice of you to offer that to Frank. Adds to the already great OGR site

Yes, willygee, that as an extremely generous offer, although I am willing to pay a fair price for it. I am reading all of the comments and will make a decision after a few more days, so that everyone can have a chance to comment.

Thank you very much for the input. I have learned a lot and it has helped me direct me where I should do further research. (I'm now looking at which MTH steam engine to get... there are fortunately a lot of O-31s out there to choose from).

your welcome...glad to help.

Thanks to your suggestions I ordered a Z-1000 and Remote Commander from the local hobby shop, where he works part time. I also ordered a new DCS Steam Engine that comes out next month.

Now if I can only figure out how to get a board larger than 4x7 in his room...... Maybe a bigger room would be easier.

Many Thanks.