I have my layout set up to run with Conventional, Lion Chief, MTH Remote Commander.
I have a PS-3 loco, but no PS-2 loco, and am looking at an MTH PS-2 GG1.
So, the question is ths:
Will the remote commander work with PS-2 locomotives?
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Remote commander was made for PS 2 and PS 3 engines. It runs them but it will not control smoke and some of the elaborate DCS features.
I am not a DCS expert but have used remote commander here on my home and club layout. Easy remote to use and the size of it can go into your shirt pocket!
Thank you Ted
PS2&3 locos will work with the Remote Commander, but, if they were run in DCS, they must be reset using a TIU otherwise the loco will not be recognized by the Remote Commander. Software was introduced in locos after 2014 (I believe) that allow you to perform a reset using the Remote Commander by pressing the SND, DIR, (-) buttons and getting a conformation 2 whistle/horn blasts, if successful.
The PS2 engine MUST be reset to its factory-default engine address. If the engine is brand-new and you're the first person to open the box so to speak, then you're probably OK. But if you're buying a used PS2 engine or one that has been run on a DCS system for even 1 minute, then it will need to be reset to the factory-default address which requires a DCS system (e.g., a TIU). The procedure only takes a few minutes so if buying from a DCS operator perhaps they would/could do this for you.
@Jon G posted:.... Software was introduced in locos after 2014 (I believe) that allow you to perform a reset using the Remote Commander by pressing the SND, DIR, (-) buttons and getting a conformation 2 whistle/horn blasts, if successful.
This reset capability (using just a Remote Commander) only applied to PS3 engines. A PS2 engine cannot be set to its factory-default address using just the Remote Commander.
Thanks for the info guys.
I added a RC last year and it does what I need to run my engines. I don't run smoke at home anyway. I'm not diving in to a TIU just yet. I have a couple of PS2's and it works just fine. The RC is line of sight infra-red signal so make sure you place it where you can easily see it with the remote.
They were originally made for the ready to run sets. You can connect it in passive mode which will put the DCS signal on the layout without needed to run power through it.
Also you can only control one engine at a time.
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