In the market for a DCS System is there anything i need to know?

Jeremy,

When buying a DCS System you'll want the latest revision model "L". This can be identified in two ways:

1) There will be a sticker on the bottom that will indicate "REV. L"
2) the TIU will have a USB port on one end of it.

When you receive the TIU, you'll also want to consider making sure the latest Firmware is installed (Version 6.10). Most new TIU's should already have it but in case they do not the upgrade is free and easy to do with any PC.

If you decide to get a DCS Remote, you'll also want to make sure that the Firmware is applied to that as well. Again, free and easy to do with any PC. 

If you go the WiFi & APP route with the WIU, you'll want to make sure the WIU has the latest firmware installed (Version 1.1) which also requires the TIU to have Firmware version 6.10 installed. The DCS Remote is not required but still optional if you proceed in this direction.

Follow H1000's advice! IMO, I  would get the remote even if you choose the wifi route. I think there is possibly still a few things the remote is needed for? Maybe someone can speak specifically to that point, like maybe Barry, H1000 or others more knowledgeable than I am. Also, I have both wifi and remote and still prefer the remote, by quite a bit...strictly personal preference here as some folks prefer the wifi.

I would also get Barry's DCS Companion. Either the DCS or Wifi version (I have both of those too). It is worth every penny, IMO. It will be something you refer to from now on as you use your DCS system.

I second that on getting the DCS remote and Barry's DCS companion.

For your first system, buy new with a warranty from a known dealer.  Later if you expand and you know your way around, you may consider buying used from a reputable source, but I'd be wary of eBay for stuff like this.

I for sure plan on getting the remote.  We do both at the club, however I feel like the app leaves a little to be desired at least in my opinion.  Thank you all for the feedback.   

I think there is possibly still a few things the remote is needed for?

The only things that the app doesn't do that the remote does are:

• PS1 engine menu on the remote's TRK screen. My understanding is that this will not be in the app.
• Z4K Tracks. Again, my understanding is that this will not be in the app since the smart devices cannot spec 900 MHz to the Z4000.
• ProtoDispatch. This could be in a future app release.

I believe that's about it.

Hey Jeremy, Brandy here, don't buy one of Barry's Book's as the Club has 2 editions, and the last one I bought to donate to the Club, I think that I've been the only one to look at it, so take it home, and use it like it was yours......I think the "Duck" may know where it is....!

Brandy,

...and here I was hoping to make a few bucks!  

Seriously, make sure that the club has the latest editions - 3rd edition for the DCS Companion and 2nd edition for the DCS WiFi Companion.

Note that there's a reduced price for clubs who purchase copies for their members in quantities of 6 books or more. E-mail me for details.

Make sure to use a modern transformer with a good circuit breaker. Your choice of transformer should be based upon the size of your layout.  When we first ran DCS on our club modular layout (20x32 at the time) it was done with a DCS Remote Commander w/ a Z1000 transformer. The Z4000 and ZW-L are great transformers, but bigger isn't always better.

Barry Broskowitz posted:

Brandy,

...and here I was hoping to make a few bucks!  

Seriously, make sure that the club has the latest editions - 3rd edition for the DCS Companion and 2nd edition for the DCS WiFi Companion.

Note that there's a reduced price for clubs who purchase copies for their members in quantities of 6 books or more. E-mail me for details.

well maybe we can work something out lol!

Thank you all very much for the input.  I ordered a new system from my dealer yesterday.  It'll be nice to start working through some of these situations at home since we have some issues at the club from time to time.   

I'm very happy with DCS now that I've frozen it at Release 4 .... no problems, no iPad either ....