Decoders

Clearly, the answer to the MTH DCS part is no.  This is a DCC encoder and obviously would require DCC on the rails, not DCS.  It's a 4 amp decoder with a 10A stall, so it'll work with most O-gauge engines.

I found this part of their document amusing, I'm guessing the had some issues with Charles Ro and blackballed them.

This decoder is not warranted for use in USA Trains or Charles Ro G Gauge locomotives

Thanks for the information, I found this somewhat cheep in price. But that does bring up another question if you dont mind me asking. I have 2 engines that I want to do some sort of command control with, but they have no decoders. Im switching from 2 rail to 3 rail I already have a MTH ES44AC with proto 3.0. I wan't to be able to run my other 2 in the same manner. What do I do?

Mike

If you want to run with DCS, the PS/3 upgrade kit is the thing that will enable that.  You're right DCC encoders are cheap, but remember they don't have sound.

Thanks for the information. I guess I will have to save up to do each one. After reading MTH history on it, they say to take it to a MTH ASC Tech. LOL I don't have one close to me, maybe one is 2-3 hours away. When I get one I will see if I can do it or make the 3 hour drive.

Mike

You can always ship it to someone to upgrade.   You'd end up making two three hour drives, that's a lot of driving!

Both forum members, Gunrunnerjohn and GGG do DCS upgrades and do them well. I would highly recommend contacting them when you get ready to do your conversions. They are MTH ASC Certified Techs. 

John, when I get ready to do this, is it something you would be interested in? If so what would be a rough price? Would you have access to the encoders or would I have to provide them?

Mike

mike g. posted:

I have 2 engines that I want to do some sort of command control with, but they have no decoders. Im switching from 2 rail to 3 rail I already have a MTH ES44AC with proto 3.0. I wan't to be able to run my other 2 in the same manner. What do I do?

Tell GRJ exactly what 2 engines you have.  The MTH decoders use an optical tachometer to perform scale-speed control; this is a physical module mounted to the engine's motor.  This can be easy or difficult depending on the exact engine...and I'd think materially affect installation time/labor.   Non-MTH DCC decoders use a different method for sensing motor speed which does not require installation of such a tachometer.

Sorry about that John, one engine is a MTH EMD GP-38. I don't know what year it is it was given to me used. The second one is a Lionel 6-18205 Union Pacific Dash 8 40c. That I just bought off of here. I haven't seen it in real life as of yet.

Mike

Mike, send me email to my profile address and we'll figure it out.  I can get the MTH parts.  As Stan says, that DCC encoder probably uses back-EMF for speed control like the ERR Cruise boards.  Both of your locomotives would be candidates for the DCS upgrade, they both have flywheels.