I have a loco sound and just got a ps2

also what would happen if the loco engine went onto ps2 track and vice versa..would the engines fry, run like mad or nothing?

You have several choices in track.

Which brand and type have you started with?

If you got an MTH starer set (PS2) then it came with RealTrax.

Both MTH and Lionel have isolating sections for the track.

For RealTrax, you can save some cash by putting electrical tape on one outer contact and the end of that rail.

For insight to DCS I recommend Barry's book on the MTH website under PS2, your choice; pdf or softback book.

And if you put the Loco sounds engine on a track with Command Control power, it will rocket off the rails at the first corner.

DCS has a way to control them built-in via the Variable channels of the TIU.

If you have specific questions post them here, You have found the place with all the DCS data.  Also, feel free to email me, but I do not check it every day, so be patient.

Have Fun and welcome to the madness

so I need a tiu it seems 

so I need a tiu it seems 

Only if you want to operate under DCS command control. If our running conventionally, just treat the two engines as conventional engines and run them the same way you would run any two conventional engines.

I think I need the tiu to operate turnouts and uncoupler..I just orderd the book on amazon $8 an change...and I will be adding more engines  so DCS is in my future

You wouldn't need a TIU to operate turnouts unless you wanted to do it through a DCS remote, and in that case you'd also need an AIU.  If you get a TIU, you can use the VARIABLE outputs to control your layout, including the conventional loco, & operate your PS2 loco in DCS mode, all on the same layout with no need for any toggle switches or other changes.

Wish this was straightforward like DCC...the TIU comes with the remote..right? 

And I need an AIU to operate the uncoupler track or does that run off track power?

All  these questions I hope will be easily answered when I get the rest of my supplies and the DCS book

All I want to do is run multiple trains and have operating sessions when I can push cars around and spot them on sidings..doesnt seem to much to ask....

I am still annoyed that when I bought the Loco sound engine it was supposed to be able to interface with whatever MTH added but that is not the case unless I want to spend as much money as I would spend for a new PS# loco..and having to send off for upgrade to boot...maybe I am just spoiled by DCC..and its simplicity..I was an HO "block" operator and the ease of going to DCC was smooth and simple..seems like DCS is one hurdle after another, and its always $200 or more at a jump...if those engines were not so well made and sound so cool I would just do a Holiday set up and cal it done..but I guess I am hooked...

You can buy a set with TIU & remote, or buy either separately.  Most uncoupling tracks I've used can be, and should be to get better power, wired so as not to use track power.  The AIU is needed only if you want to throw track switches from the remote.  I suggest, for uncoupling tracks, just using hard wiring and locate push buttons in control panel and anywhere else you might be standing to uncouple.

I don't know what you were told about loco-sound, but it was merely a conventional loco.

If you are new to this, and if you plan to continue to do this, then the book you need is the one written by the guy in the 3rd or 4th post. Visit other threads and get an idea of how useful it is, then decide for yourself.

Greg (no, I get no commission!)

I ordered the book from amazon

and the information I got from my LHS and the information on the box which says...upgrade your layout to DCS..which leads one to believe that the engine will work with DCS and that is what the KHS person told me..now it was 5-6 years later that I attempted to upgrade to DCS..and that is when I met the reality about loco sound...

You can control a Locosound engine using the DCS Remote, however, you would control it just like any other conventional engine.

Locosound, PS1, postwar and prewar Lionel, Williams, Marx, and any other conventional engine can be controlled from the DCS Remote. However, it works just like using a transformer except that you can walk around while you do it.

The DCS O Gauge Companion has an entire section devoted to controlling conventional trains in a DCS environment.

so now I am getting conflicting info..i was led to believe a DCS remote did not have an means of operating my loco sound...press the easy button if you are correct sir

i was led to believe a DCS remote did not have an means of operating my loco sound

If you were told that, you were misled by someone who didn't know what they were talking about.

1 drummer:  A loco-sound loco is nothing more than a conventional loco with sounds.  The DCS system will operate conventional locos.  USe one of the 2 VARIABLE outputs.  When you press the TRK button on the remote, you can vary the output voltage from the TIU using the thumbwheel (the varying takes place in TIU, not in the transformer)  The whistle, bell, & direction buttons will cause thew conventional loco to operate in the normal manner, except that you now have the ability to walk around the layout while you're controlling the loco.

When you want to operate a PS2 loco, simple set the track voltage to about 16-18, using the remote, presss the ENG button, & control the PS2 or PS3 loco using the thumbwheel to control its speed without varying the track voltage.  The bell & whistle buttons then send the proper digital signals to the DCS loco.

If I'm not clear, feel free to ask me for clarification.

so i will be buying the DCS remote which comes with the TIU correct?

Yes, you need both.  As I said above, they come separately or as a set.  Hint:  the latest version of the TIU has a Rev L label on the bottom; do not accept anything with a lower letter.

on the bottom of the remote?

The remotes are pretty much al the same, with minor cosmetic differences. If you buy a DCS set with both the TIU and the remote (recommended), look for a TIU that says "Rev. L" on its bottom. That will ensure that you get the latest model of both the TIU and the remote.

Don't buy anything older (lower letter) than a Rev. L TIU. The Rev. Lis a big improvement over earlier models.

"on the bottom of the remote?"

No, under the TIU.  My own TIUs are 2 oriignal versions & a Rev H, which work fine.  But if you're spending your money, you might as well get the latest hardware version.

So  I have a 41" circle and a few more 30" but still only 2 turnouts..need more

also have isolation tracks...I am amazed at the varying price differences between LHS..one had MTH rolling stock 20% off but wanted 339 for a remote and TIU  another wants 299 

but track prices are level... cant wait for the Boeing show..hope it isnt like the St Charles no MTH track at all...

also saw an ad on CL for a UP set for 300..without box, and other items..advised seller it wasnt worth that much "incomplete" but seller replied would keep it ..I said if they decide different let me know

Seems like when I am selling it is not worth anything  but if I am buying.. it never lost any value no matter what..go figure....

Still waiting for my book..thinking I may have ordered wrong one..but on Kindle sample looked informational..if I have to order again  ..will be just another brick in the wall...

1 drummer,

   I recommend you purchase the soft back addition of The DCS O Gauge Companion

Vol #2, and the OGR Video Guide to DCS, both are great stuff for O Gauge runners.

Read Barries book and watch the OGR DCS Video Guide, great information in both formats.  Used them both as you construct your layout and you should have very few real problems, come back to the forum and ask any questions you might have, lots of knowledgeable runners here that will help you.

PCRR/Dave