I've had MTH DCS System for over three decades,

@Chuck Guajardo posted:

During my first decade, I bought a book that opened my eyes to how to create and utilize digital systems. The book was and still is a manual on digital systems by MTH DCS author Barry Blochwitz.  DCS is a command control system for our O gauge trains.  Command control systems control O gauge trains differently from the way trains were controlled before command control was invented.  In effect, the transformer did not really control the trains, rather, the tracks themselves were controlled.  The trains simply reacted to changes in track voltage.  Okay, now I'm finding the difference. DCS system is way ahead of this age, TMCC from Lionel is the same for others, I stick with digital. I'll need to re-wire my tables to continue running DCS.  That is my Problems

Nice looking work on that scenery Chuck.

What kind of problems do you have in re-wiring the tables.

Barry Broskowitz

I'm curious how you've had DCS for over 30 years when it was first released 22 years ago.

He could be counting the decades of the 2000's, 2010's and 2020's. But yes, rather peculiarly worded.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

I'm curious how you've had DCS for over 30 years when it was first released 22 years ago.

John, Maybe he was Mike's earliest beta tester

Command control sends signals to the engine, it is similar in concept to RC aircraft and cars. With Lionel TMCC/Legacy, the command signal is basically broadcast over the ground wiring in the house (the third prong), the locomotive has an antenna that picks up the signal. It is one way for Legacy systems currently existing.

DCS sends the signal via the third rail, and it is two way, DCS unit sends the command, engine responds.  Given we don't know how the current layout is wired it is hard to suggest anything. It isn't that hard, Barry's book is probably as good a resource out there.  There are questions like if you want to use the DCS system to control non command engines or not or whether you have existing block wiring that factor in how to wire it.

PS2 was introduced in about 2000.  The TIU/handheld were released in 2002 if I recall correctly.  Two decades maximum .  Not that anybody is counting. 

What is the question and/or need for advice?  Not clear, to me at least.

2000 to 2010 one decade

2011 to 2020 two decades

2021 to 2022 start of third decade

I can't believe the nick picking over three decades wording. It REALLY doesn't matter. Time is always off for me when trying to recall something. The fact is he has had it a long time not just a couple years. Are we so hung up on proper wording for something like this that we want to hang somebody? Frankly I say great! Glad to hear it is working great for you after such a long time. I personally like DCS and am not overly surprised by that. Hope you can do whatever you want as far as wiring. Barry Broskowitz's book is an excellent resource. Barry was on constantly helping people up till his death. Definitely missed along with Marty Fitzhenry. Both were great with DCS. Dave Hikel is also very knowledgeable I believe. There are lots of good people here that know it well but seem to be concerned with proper wording. Unfortunately I my self sometimes get my wording messed up but, Really everyone here is very good at helping if you need help.

I think I was relatively late to the DCS party, approx 11 years.  Just have 1 TIU and remote but have never had a problem.   Looking forward to the next 11 years hopefully😄

I’ve had DCS since the early 2000s, not long after it was first released.  The beauty of it is that with the cable and the Lionel TMCC brick, it will run all of my command control equipped engines whether they be MTH, Lionel, Weaver, or Atlas.  The handhelds have been reliable, so I see no reason to change as long as I’m around and running trains.  

I've been around toy trains all my life, but never paid attention to command control until about 6 years ago, when I met Marty Fitzhenry. He introduced me to DCS, and I was pretty much hooked. He did my first conventional-to-DCS conversion on my MTH Blue Comet. I also have the cable that makes DCS compatible with TMCC-equipped locos. So far, so good. The thing I like best about DCS is the ability to run my trains from anywhere in the train room; no more standing behind the transformer.

@Chuck Guajardo posted:

........................."I'll need to re-wire my tables to continue running DCS.  That is my Problems "

What are your ".....problems"?

Please provide a photo of your wiring from behind and below your transformer and circuit panels.

Detailed questions will usually get detailed answers.  The more detail the question usually the more detail the answer.