Is Barry's book a required bible?

Lots of stuff you wouldn't find in a Web search--a sizable pile of in-depth subject matter that only someone who knows the technical guts of the system backwards and forwards would know.

 

---PCJ

I am new to DCS. I bought the book at the same time I purchased the DCS system. There is so much to the system that I think it is invaluable as a reference. The MTH manual leaves so much out. A lot of the info in the book I have found on a couple of DCS tips and tricks websites, but not everything and not in the detail in the book. The only thing I find lacking in the book so far is the lack of an index. It's hard to flip thru the book to remember where you saw that......... But still I feel it was worth the money. Id like to see Barry do an index, and someone make some quick reference cards, laminated. I just can't remember anything anymore, and there are lots of screens to scroll thru. My 2 Cents......... And not to step on anyone's toes but I found it on Amazon for  $18.23.

No, but if you don't get it you'll be sorry you passed it up.

 

Barry has accumulated practically all the info that's been put out here and from his own and others testing in order to write the book.

 

A person may be able to run DCS just fine with what knowledge he/she gets from the manual that comes with the DCS system, but if anything comes up that can't be found in the OEM manual, then what?  I guess you could call MTH.

 

As much as the systems and engines cost, why not spend the extra $20?  There's not many things you can buy in O scale that cost that little these days.

If you are planning to use DCS, you need this book.

I was just going to say the same thing...What he said!

 

You will find it a valuable tool! Lot of good info in there as others have said. My only regret is getting the digital instead of the print copy. I have found I prefer the book to digital copy. 

 

After just reading Dlo Traf's post, it did remind me that the digital copy allowed me to print out a list of all the 3 letter commands and a couple other things, which I put in plastic and keep by the track for ready reference. Having both the book and digital isn't bad after all!  I just thought I made a mistake there!

 

I'm still pushing for Barry to do a "DCS For Dummies" shortened version of his book that has only the essential steps to get an engine or two assigned and running.  Probably wouldn't be more than 10 pages, maybe less!

I use DCS a lot (and Legacy, as well).  For the DCS user, I have found Barry's book to be a very valuable reference.  I have the hard copy of the book, which is what I much prefer because I like to keep primary reference materials handy in my train room.  It's on a shelf just under my Z4000, TIU, AIU, and Legacy Base and Base-1L, and even though I haven't needed to refer to it often, it sure has proven its worth when I did need it.

 

I agree that about the only important thing missing is an index, which I consider to be an indispensable part of any comprehensive reference book.  And Barry's book certainly is comprehensive.

DCS is a computer to me and to buy a new computer without any understanding or instructions of how it works or definition of what it can do is a shame and waste of its capability. I'm using DCS for over 10 years and still learning about the system's capability. I've had Barry's book from the beginning as it is the most comprehensive instruction manual available, to my knowledge. If you want to use the DCS system, I highly recommend having the book. Like Allan, I keep mine handy and still refer to it frequently.

Barry's book is highly recommended.

I love Barry's book I keep it next to my TIU for quick reference. It has so much more information than the users guide and much easier to use.  Learned alot from it and still learning.

I read all the above, and then left to read others. I got no further than the next one and found some info, so I came back here to post.............

 

NO, his book is not required or maybe not even a bible. You can use DCS without it.

However, the post below, his response to a member, was on that other thread and I read it and it reinforced my thought when I left here the first time.....so I came back to post this:

 

Nope, not required. But it certainly can help. Kind of like going to a new city without a map or GPS. Those 2 items help with travel, and the book helps one "navigate" the perils of DCS. Read the post below,copied from the other thread...it does not get much more comprehensive than that. It would only take a few tips like that, to help you solve a few difficult problems, before you would feel that you had gotten your money's worth. Unless you really can't afford it, everyone gave you great advice, I can't add much.

 

Just my two cents. Greg (and no, I do not schill for Barry, or even own a copy of the book. But I barely run trains anymore, either.)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Did you do the following (from page 99 of The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition):

Starting an All Engines Session

When starting an ALL engines session, it is important to first ensure that all of the engines that are to participate in the ALL engines session are on tracks that are receiving power and are in DCS mode. Next, press the READ key. This will ensure that only those engines that are drawing power will participate in the ALL engines operation by moving those engines that are drawing power to the Active Engine List and those that are not to the Inactive Engine List. Press the ENG key to see the Active Engine List.If operating using DCS release 4.0 and PS2 lashups are to be included in the operating session, move them from the Inactive Engine List to the Active Engine List and move their member engines to the Inactive Engine List.

 

If any engines are in the list that will not be included in the ALL engines operations, they should be moved to the Inactive Engine List by pressing soft key S1 (INA). Then press soft key S3 (ALL) to initiate the ALL engines session. If there is more than one TIU on the layout a list of TIUs will be displayed. If operating in Normal TIU mode, select the TIU whose engines will participate in the session. If operating in Super TIU mode, select any TIU. In either case, the Engine Control Screen will be displayed showing an engine name of ALL.

 

This and a whole lot more is all in MTH’s “The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store!

If you are planning to use DCS, you need this book.

While this is true, it is very unfortunate and sad that 3rd parties have to write books and produce videos to inform the consumer how to use the product.  If companies took enough pride in their products to ensure consumers had enough information to properly use them, we would not need 3rd parties to figure it out for us.

 

Ron

 

 

OMG yes! Just ask him! 

 

All kidding aside, I don't run DCS, but I have only heard positive comments on his bible.

Do you like pounding your head against the wall!

It's needed to the point that MTH should just suck it up and buy it from Barry and give it way to their customers for free

Dave R, Purchase Barry's book and the OGR Video Guide to DCS, money well spent on both.

PCRR/Dave

Can't tell you the number of times I have referred to "THE BOOK".  Actually guys, Barry's book has an MTH product number.  If you go to their website, you can purchase it.

 

Alan

That simplicity is covered well in the actual manual that comes with the unit. 

 

It's if/when the first "Engine not on Track" or "Out of RF Range", etc messages come up that you will need the book to try to efficiently troubleshoot your problems.

 

Very true. 

 

-Dave

Get a copy, and keep it handy.

I got mine and suggest you get one. I like one forum member, Dio Traf got into

this DCS system as a experiment and needed some more guidance than what MTH

provides. 

 

have one installed on iPad and found using the bookmark feature can find necessary information quickly. I purchased from the MTH website.

 

"You think you might not, then you might then, then you need it, so there you are" !!

"DEFINATELY'

Dave R,
    I got to tell you I have never met Barry, however Barry has helped me down thru the years with not only his fantastic book, but with his personal interface right here on the OGR forum, his knowledge is vast and if you happen to need extra input to understand building your DCS layout he freely offers his expertience here on the forum.  Some of us are pretty knowledgable with DCS now, mostly because of Barry and his engineering.  Trying to build a DCS layout especially for the 1st time, without Barrys book IMO is going to be vey very frustrating for most people, eliminate the bulk of the problems with his engineering experience, which he has compiled into his fantastic DCS O Gauge Companion.  Having had to write different instructional engineering for NASA, I highly complement Barry for his ability to engineer in wording
that most all runners can understand, he simply did a great job with it.  I keep it track side while building.
PCRR/Dave

Yes. A must.....if you have to ask the question then you know the answer.

 

 

 

If you do ask again then Barry will remind you again..... 

 

 

.

 

Gotta Say YES, Get the Book.

I had DCS for a short time before I got the book and the book has covered every issue I know of.

I have both versions now.

 

Well worth the small price.

 

And YES, MTH should Pay Barry and include it with every system.

 I ran for awhile without it. You don't have to have it, but....you need it!

It's a great resource that helps sort things out. There's just too much stuff to memorize and this book helps as a reference to known issues and factual fixes.

 You could go without it as he's so generous with helping people here anyways. Most of us buy it to pay our dues! We owe that much at least.

I highly recommend it, it's well worth the cost.

 

 

Joe B.

I have the book on top of my workbench at all times.  The effort Barry put forth in his book can not be matched.  Any question you might have will be answered in the book.  This book is not only great for new DCS people, it is helpful to those who know a good bit on DCS.

In case the first couple dozen yesses didn't get it for you. yes the information is available on the Internet if your time is worth nothing have fun sorting it out, otherwise by the book!!

Where would we be without it? Just running TMCC. 

A most definite YES! And remember that the Adobe Reader allows for searches, so it really doesn't take long to find your topic of interest among the vast amount of information in the book.

 

For beginners to DCS, I highly recommend Rich's Guide to DCS DVD as well as Barry's book. Rich clearly describes the system and is a very enjoyable video to watch. Then, after watching the video and successfully installing your first DCS layout, the book becomes invaluable for the more intricate features of DCS (and also the basics, if these have been forgotten . . .)

 

Alex

Oh Yes!!!!!

Looks like Amazon has the softcover version for 40% off MTH 's price though I went with the electronic version

With no bible required

Tell that to all our guests who are constantly messing things up with the various Aux keys and then can't fix it because it isn't on the overlay template.

(And don't get us started on why old men insist on entering another engine number when they are only controlling one engine and then crash. Worse than young kids)

 

Barry's book is fantastic, even better on late nights, weekends or when the internet is down. Legacy needs a book just like it.

$12.95 Well spent I have read it cover to cover. Still learning it.

 

Overlays, how 90's, I prefer a nice icon

If they can't enter an engine ID ain't no book going to help them there

I have the Book of Barry and refer to it for clarification of information.  The book which came with the system is also handy. 

 

That said, a lot of the problems we've encountered we've had to resolve via trial and error and sometimes the resolution isn't a point covered in any of the manuals or add-on books.

 

Barry has often times suggested a possible cause or solution that has either been the answer, or lead to the answer, in response to a query on the Forum.  He is very experienced and knowledgeable.

 

And so have a lot of you fine 3-railers here ... no one person has all the answers.

To CLOSE this topic permanently, my opinion:

 

It was clear quite quickly that by a huge majority, the book had value. So, I ordered it rather quickly, and it came in yesterday morning. This has provided me a unique ability to comment on my own question, something rarely possible.

 

I had asked: "...it's really 'required reading', or is most of the information available for free on the Internet?" The honest answer is NO, it is not required reading and most (if not all) of the information is available on the Internet. But, this answer is pretty superficial, and doesn't come anywhere close to addressing the details contained in Barry's book.

 

To substantiate my claim that Barry's book is not "required reading", I would argue that through various support websites and, with significant weight placed on this forum, many questions can be answered here.

 

However, the above has several (quite) significant flaws:

- It assumes that the person responding has the same knowledge as Barry, which IMO is an incorrect assumption.

- Asking users on this forum (or other support websites for that matter) could be considered unfair to the parties asked to research information for you, as it often requires work and research by others on your behalf (i.e. Do the dang work yourself!). This is not fair, (again, IMO), as Barry's book addresses so much. He already invested the time I'm speaking of.

 

Bottom line:

From my pre-final-setup questions, the perceived challenges I see in the future, and trial-and-error that would most likely take a very long time to resolve (if at all), Barry's book is not required reading.

 

But, Barry's book is not written for those who choose to do everything themselves (it's not a DIY book, but an informational one), and for better or worse, it's written for those who choose to opt-out of prolonged DCS setup that would most definitely require a flurry of questions posted here on this forum.

 

For me, having skimmed through Barry's book more than a few times now, it appears his book is an undeniable requirement for those that want to concentrate in specifics (that Barry admits are beyond the scope of his book, page 54): "Those topics, while very important, are completely outside the scope of this book.", with strong consideration given that the proposed reader is respectful enough to not "milk" freebee information from others (i.e. forum users who have Barry's book).

 

With no slight intended against other purchasing options, I included Barry's book with other purchases to take advantage of "Am*z**'s" free shipping, for a total cost of $18.15. Since DCS specifics are not my primary goal {when gradually stepping into the world of DCS}, Barry's book is exceptionally good. It addresses areas I needed clarification (track wiring), while simultaneously addressing my specific remote (The "DCS Commander").

 

My conclusion is that if you're willing to waste a lot of your own personal time regarding things as simple as connecting two wires to a track section, or how to software upgrade your controller's software/firmware, then you don't need this book.

 

But if, like me, you want to concentrate on layout, decorative accessories, expansion of engines and rolling stock, than you would be foolish to not buy Barry's book.

 

It's like re-inventing the wheel; it's been done (what I've read from Barry's "Forward"), so why waste your time when Barry has already done the work for you? To avoid paying $18, one would fight, scream, pull-out-their hair, and curse like a truck driver (no offense to truck drivers), for just a fricking $18. Why???

 

IMO, the answer to my own question of: "...if it's really 'required reading', or is most of the information available for free on the Internet?", is:

 

YES!

Nothing in this hobby is "required," but the astute hobbyist will generally try to avail himself or herself of the best, most accurate, and most comprehensive information available from the most authoritative, experienced, and dedicated sources.

 

In some cases the Internet may be the source of such dependable information, but often enough it is not, and the reader is left to somehow decipher the good from the bad...hopefully reaching the right conclusion and saving time, money, and frustration.

 

No, you don't absolutely need Barry's book, but if you're operating DCS you're certainly foolish to not have it close at hand in one form or another.  And I would say the same about a book covering Lionel's Legacy system, if one was available and if it was written by someone equally experienced and dedicated in working with that system.