One more think: DCS Explorer may be a nice compromise between the other two operating systems, and let's not forget conventional for even more simplicity, and DCS Commander system for even more complexity.

Actually, I may be wrong about the DCS Commander System Set because I know so little about it.

Indeed, I may be wrong about everything I've said so far on this thread. LOL, Arnold

Being lazy here.

What are the differences between LC and LC+ and LC+ 2.0?

@Frank Mulligan posted:

Being lazy here.

What are the differences between LC and LC+ and LC+ 2.0?

Apples and oranges.

Lionchief is a essentially a remote control system like that of a remote control car. 1 remote that talks to one locomotive and a basic set of features.

( of course there is a "universal remote" but that still limits you to 3, and the same "basic" features)

Dcs ( and Legacy for that matter) can be programmed to control dozens of locomotives, are more complex, but also much more feature rich.

IMO, anyone that can log onto this forum and interact, post photos, videos etc. shouldn't be afraid to try out one of the more advanced control systems if they desire.  These control systems are much more "low tech" than the average device used to access this forum.

Theres alot of "fear of the unknown" that creates  false assumptions about command control difficulty.

@RickO posted:

Theres alot of "fear of the unknown" that creates  false assumptions about command control difficulty.

What he said!  

On my layout, I run DCS (PS2 and PS3 engines),  TMCC and Legacy engines, LC+ and conventional.  With exception of conventional the complexity, or lack of, to running any of my command engines is exactly the same:

- apply 18v of power to the layout

- turn on the remote for the command system I want to run (DCS, CAB-2, LC Universal Remote)

- address the engine that I want to run

- run my trains and have fun

For conventional, power to those engines is controlled by the throttles on the transformers through the fixed channels on the TIU...old school.

As you can see, it is not that complex to run DCS vs. LC+.

I understand that some may ride the struggle bus when trying to set up DCS on a layout prior to purchasing Barry’s book and reading through it, which is why the usual first suggestion from forum members to new DCS users is to buy Barry’s book.

Gary

I see LC+ 2.0 is command control and does not include it's own controller.  What does one use to control it?  Is it controlled by an app on your bluetooth (phone/tablet) device?

@Frank Mulligan posted:

I see LC+ 2.0 is command control and does not include it's own controller.  What does one use to control it?  Is it controlled by an app on your bluetooth (phone/tablet) device?

Lion Chief Plus 2.0 can be controlled by a variety of methods: TMCC, Legacy, Bluetooth via the Lion Chief App (recently updated) on phone and/or tablet, and the Lionel Universal Remote.

LC+ 2.0 is controlled by the LC Universal controller, the BlueTooth application on your smart device, or TMCC using either the Lionel TMCC or Legacy command system.  Any one of these options is available.

Thank God there are people here (not me)  who know what the H....  they are talking about. LOL

Seriously (which is rare for me when it comes to model trains), all of your replies put things in perspective regarding the modern operating systems, I'm a total novice regarding them  except for LC+ that a young child could learn to use in 5 minutes, and I may end up being a huge fan of these modern systems.

Currently, I'm only running Postwar with the DCS Remote Control System hooked up and with the Remote Unit turned off, using the handles of my Z4000s.  I will not run a modern engine with circuit boards on my layout using the Remote Unit until I have the necessary TVS diodes installed on, or near, the lockons where power is supplied to my tubular track, in order to avoid frying the circuit boards in my modern engines in the event of derailments. Arnold