DCS installation and operation is EASY

I wouldn't discourage anyone. Not because it's easy, sometimes it's not for both DCS or Legacy, but because of the wealth of folks here to help. 

Even if you hit a bump, someone is always here to help. 

audi,

   DCS is a great control package, however it all depends on the individaul layout.  If you are trying to add it rather than build a DCS layout form scratch, there can be problems, however with the purchase of Barry's book and the OGR Video guide DCS, understanding DCS and implementing it can be made quite easy.  Some people like yourself, have a very easy time with it, for others due to their existing layout, it can be frustrating.  However for those who want a remote control train layout DCS is more than worth the learning curve effort.  Especially sense you can remotely control both old and new trains with it.

PCRR/Dave

Marty & Dave, I understand 

I am lucky that it works so well adding the dcs to my layout. It seems that dcs must be quite fickle, that would be frustrating to deal with. Too bad it is not of a more robust design so it would work well for everyone.

Fred

Audi,

Too bad it is not of a more robust design so it would work well for everyone.

It might be a good idea to get a bit more experience with DCS before you start criticizing it from a lack of knowledge. DCS is far more robust and tolerant of different wiring schemes than its critics would have you believe.

All false modesty aside, my experience would indicate that the vast majority of DCS issues are due to operator error, generally from ignoring any shred of documentation that either accompanies the product or is available elsewhere.

The other reasons for DCS problems are:

• Wiring anomalies and track topology issues, and using components from other manufacturers that are incompatible with DCS
• Interference with the DCS signal from some (but not all) TMCC and Legacy locos, some passenger cars (early Golden Gate Depot and some others), Atlas cabooses, and some others. These issues are easily corrected
• DCS component issues, i.e., defective or malfunctioning hardware
• Bugs in the DCS software, of which there are about a half dozen, some of which are quite obscure.

Consider this: to my knowledge, which is somewhat extensive although of course not complete, there has only been one instance of a DCS "problem" that was not eventually resolved, and this was because the operator was unwilling to implement the solution.

If you want to better understand DCS and maximize your DCS experience, I suggest that you purchase a copy of The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition. It will cost you less than the MSRP of a Rail King freight car.

Everything you need or want to know about DCS is in MTH’s “The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store!

audi,

   Actually DCS is a robus engineering package, if you build a new layout following proper DCS instructions.  Reto-fitting an old layout with DCS can be easy or frustrating depending on the individual layout construction. This does not mean DCS is not a robust engineering package however, it simply means that in order to use DCS you must construct or have constructed a layout compatible with DCS Engineering.  Like any other electronics, you must understand how to use the engineering package to make it function properly.

PCRR/Dave