DCS Remote Commander

Eagle posted:

I am running a MTH locomotive using the DCS Remote Commander.  I am thinking about adding another DCS capable locomotive.  I assume I would need another DCS receiver and remote?  Would I have an issue with integrating the two locomotives, i.e simultaneous operations?

Typically not but they must be on their own loop.  Make sure the IR receivers are spaced apart.   Since the IR receivers are pretty line of sight this will keep them separated. 

Thanks MARTYE.  One other question.  Will the Remote Commander work well with Proto 2?  My current engine has Proto 3 sounds but looking at one that is Proto 2.  Any problem mixing the two?

There's no problem mixing PS2 and PS3 engines. However, all must have the same, Factory DCS ID#.

Don't know anything about a "Factory DCS ID#"  How would I determine that?  Could I change it if the two engines were not the same ID#?

Thanks

The way you set the "factory ID" is a factory reset.  That can be performed by the full DCS System or the console DCS Commander.  Note no "Remote" in the last one, the naming of products is pretty confusing for MTH control systems.

Thank you.  So I would have to purchase a "full" system.  My DCS Remote Commander would not work?

So I would have to purchase a "full" system.

That would be best.

My DCS Remote Commander would not work?

Actually, your DCS Remote Commander can Factory Reset newer PS3 engines. From The DCS Companion 3rd Edition, page 204:

Newer PS3 engines, manufactured starting in 2014, may have the capability to perform a Factory Reset through a combination of button presses (SND, DIR, -). This is made possible by revised firmware in newer (2014) PS3 engines.

This and a whole lot more about DCS is all in MTH’s “The DCS Companion 3rd Edition!" This book is available from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store!

When you start talking about multiple DCS locomotives, IMO trying to use multiple DCS Remote Commander units is a fool's errand.  The IR is pretty indiscriminate, it will bounce off walls and even around some corners on walls.  I can stand out of sight of the IR receiver box with the remote and control the train with IR bounced off walls.  Trying to exercise individual control in most situations with two or more of these would be very difficult.  I keep one for debugging, but I sure wouldn't want to actually have several of these and try to use them.