Does anyone buy MTH locomotives with DCS, then convert them to TMCC

I've seen it done. I think with ERR TMCC devices

John Graser posted:

Does anyone buy MTH locomotives with DCS, then convert them to TMCC.

No body that I know has done that. Can't imagine loosing all those features by going to TMCC.

Or

Does everyone have a DCS system as well.

Yes. Our layout has DCS, Legacy, and TMCC. All operate well together, at the same time too.

I've done conversions both ways for folks.  I know quite a few people that run only TMCC or DCS and have no interest in having both systems running on their layouts.  However, many times one of the manufacturers will have a desired locomotive that isn't available with the other command system.

Contrary to other posted opinions, "everyone" doesn't have or even want both systems on their layout.

If I did convert I would only convert Proto One units.

Rod Miller

I only have TMCC and if I was to buy a MTH engine I probably would convert it to TMCC

The new Premium App MTH was demonstrating at York a few days ago allows running DCS and Legacy/TMCC, as well as conventional locos from the same  interface. They were using an IPAD. It appeared really easy to set up and use. Currently, not every last Legacy function is available, but a substantial subset is. They had a technical person doing the demos and answering questions. I got the impression that they would be able to further expand the system going further and planned to do so. So my understanding is you would not have to modify your Legacy locos to run most of Legacy with the MTH DCS hardware/software. They did have the Legacy command base plugged into their equipment.

Mike

gunrunnerjohn posted:

I've done conversions both ways for folks.  I know quite a few people that run only TMCC or DCS and have no interest in having both systems running on their layouts.  However, many times one of the manufacturers will have a desired locomotive that isn't available with the other command system.

Contrary to other posted opinions, "everyone" doesn't have or even want both systems on their layout.

Yup!

My layout is 100% TMCC. Normally I steer clear of MTH engines, though I have bought and converted a few. This latest MTH catalog has a few engines I'd like to get. One is a must have, the other two are interesting but not as important. Gotta think hard about it, then finalize my order.

I run TMCC only.   My MTH AEM7, F40 and P42 Genesis engines have been gutted of the PS1/2 stuff and ERR boards installed.

Mike McCutcheon posted:

I run TMCC only.   My MTH AEM7, F40 and P42 Genesis engines have been gutted of the PS1/2 stuff and ERR boards installed.

Same with me.  MTH F-3's, C-Liners, 2500 hp Transfer Diesel, FM H10-44, SW-1, Sharks and Centipedes have all been converted to ERR Cruise Commanders.  Before anyone asks why: I run prototypical operating sessions with a dozen or so operators.  Most of them are not 3-rail guys.  The LAST thing I want is for someone to need to recognize the brand of the model locomotive in order to decide what remote to use.  Everybody uses a Cab-1 to run whatever train they are assigned.  We have between 7 and 9 Cab-1's in use simultaneously during a 3-hour operating session.

I'm in the 'Or' category, I have both DCS and Legacy. Started with DCS and added Legacy a couple years later.

I have converted several MTH engines to TMCC with ERR products.  I also run only TMCC and have a few MTH PS2/3 engines not yet converted.  Not wishing to get into DCS, another control system, I may eventually convert the 2/3 engines over, but do not mind running conventional for now.  Most MTH PS1 engines have been converted, but not some UP turbines as I do not wish to loose the sounds.

Jesse   TCA  12-68275

The TMCC system was introduced about 6 years before DCS, so there are many people who started out with TMCC and were not interested in adding another system.  Since MTH (unlike Lionel) did not permit anyone to manufacture a conversion device that allowed the TMCC cab-1 (or now the cab-2) to control PS2/PS3 locos in command mode, some people have simply decided to convert PS2/PS3 locos to TMCC using aftermarket systems (there used to be several vendors).  For $100 or a little more, you could convert a loco, for twice that you had sound too.  You do lose the specific loco sounds by doing this, but you don't need to spend $300 for a second system.  You could use your cab-1s and cab-2s to control all your locos if that was your priority, as opposed to having two different types of remotes.  Some folks did not want to use DCS to control their TMCC and Legacy locos for a variety of reasons.  One could, after conversion, then sell the PS2/PS3 innards for almost as much as it cost to do the conversion in some instances. Different strokes for different folks .

Many PS1 non-command locos from the 1990s were converted to TMCC during the ensuing years for a variety of reasons, but primarily because they were not command equipped.

Everyone, thanks for your comments. 

My layout and the club's layout both have Legacy and DCS.  I have converted several locomotives from DCS to TMCC using ERR systems.  I do this whenever a DCS system fails.  The ERR / TMCC conversion is easier (for me) than installing another DCS system.  

NH Joe

Flyer 52 posted:

The new Premium App MTH was demonstrating at York a few days ago allows running DCS and Legacy/TMCC, as well as conventional locos from the same  interface. They were using an IPAD. It appeared really easy to set up and use. Currently, not every last Legacy function is available, but a substantial subset is. They had a technical person doing the demos and answering questions. I got the impression that they would be able to further expand the system going further and planned to do so. So my understanding is you would not have to modify your Legacy locos to run most of Legacy with the MTH DCS hardware/software. They did have the Legacy command base plugged into their equipment.

On many layouts, it's not being able to operate the MTH or Legacy, it's getting DCS locomotives to run properly without track signal issues. For most people, TMCC/Legacy "installation" is connect a wire from the base to the outside rail and start running trains.  It's not nearly as simple with DCS.

You'd also be amazed how many people do NOT want to haul out their smartphone to run their trains.

I am one that doesn't want to use my phone or tablet to run trains, and I'm a tech kind of guy (Got Hue lights, WeMo outlets, and Nest products.).  I plan to convert most of my PS-1 equipped locomotives to TMCC with ERR boards.  My LHS is all about MTH, and the owner has been trying to get me into DCS for years.  But I know too many people personally that have nothing but issues with it, so I stick to TMCC/Legacy for now.  Some day I might get DCS as I want the Erie Triplex, but I do have an idea of how to convert it to TMCC and still get the dual steam stacks in sync.  MTH would get me to join the DCS world if they ever released an AD-60 Garrett.  But I'd rather that came with Legacy.  How awesome would that be to run with the VisionLine Big Boy double heading a long freight?

Of the 60 -75 engines i've converted at least half were MTH products; the remainder were mostly Williams or Weaver locos. Right now 3 of the 5 in the shop awaiting  conversion are MTH engines. It seems to be a mixed bag of what i get.

I'm more likely going in the other direction.  While I have never converted a ps2/3 engine to tmcc I've converted my tmcc engine with cruise.  The issue is you are limited with available sounds and the only source is Electric Railroad.  I've used every sound set they offer at least once sometime twice.  The fact you can get a PS3 steam or diesel kit and put any sound in it you like, change the sounds as often as you want and PS3 are slightly lest expensive than a full ERR kit R2LC/cruise commander/RS5 board. Make the conversion of some of my engines to DCS very appealing 

as for the signal issues with DCS, I think are over blown.  I have bus wiring and with a rev L TIU no signal issues, all 10 on the meter 

superwarp1 posted:

as for the signal issues with DCS, I think are over blown.  I have bus wiring and with a rev L TIU no signal issues, all 10 on the meter 

No offense, but you're a sample of one.  I've seen plenty of signal issues on all sorts of layouts.  I've also seen layouts that you'd be sure they'd have issues and they worked with DCS fine.  It's not cut-n-dried.

I run TMCC.  I bought an MTH Premier PRR decapod years ago.  I had TAS installed but there was always a squeek and it never ran reliably.  I really like the PRR decapods engine so I eventually had ERR install its system along with a reed switch and magnet on one of the tender wheels.  It really runs quite well with ERR.   

I should introduce you to the Chuff-Generator, solve the problem of chuffs synchronized to the driver rotation.

If you are going to buy 5 or more of the other brand, I think that it would make more sense to buy the other command control system and use both. As far as signal problems, I've read plenty about both systems having problems. I have both and I haven't connected them together. Just drop one remote and pick up the other.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

superwarp1 posted:

as for the signal issues with DCS, I think are over blown.  I have bus wiring and with a rev L TIU no signal issues, all 10 on the meter 

No offense, but you're a sample of one.  I've seen plenty of signal issues on all sorts of layouts.  I've also seen layouts that you'd be sure they'd have issues and they worked with DCS fine.  It's not cut-n-dried.

Offense from you, naaa. Well maybe

Most serious operators I know run both systems.   I love the way Legacy engines run but am a fan big time of the ability to change sound files in MTH DCS.   I have the wi-fi app from both Lionel and MTH.  The Legacy engines run great with the MTH app.

I have converted more TMCC engines to DCS.  Something about the two chuffs per rev that does not do it for me.  Guys that stick with the TMCC are lucky to have GRJ make great products available for them to update.