Is there anything to know when looking for at buy a dcs system

Jeremy,

There are three (3) components to the DCS hardware: TIU, remote and AIU.

The AIU design hasn't changed since DCS's inception, and the AIU does not have any upgradeable software.

There are two versions of the remote. The older version has closer together knurling on the thumbwheel and the newer version has the knurling spaced  a little further apart.  Also, the newer remote seems to have better defined detents on the thumbwheel, as well. Regardless, I don't have any knowledge of one being "better" than the other.

The TIU is another story altogether.Over the years, there have been several versions of the TIU:

• The original Rev. G is inferior to all the other models of the TIU duke to it's lack of fuses and overall less robust PCB traces.
• The Rev. H, H1, H2, I, I3, I3a, and I3b are all equivalent in capability and robustness.
• The Rev. L (current model) is quite a bit superior to all of the other models. It has a much faster DSP (digital signal processor) chip resulting in higher DCS signal strength and the ability to support a greater number of feet of track per channel, and a USB port as well as a serial port for connecting to a PC.

A complete comparison of all TIU models is available in the DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition, page 206 Appendix C: TIU Hardware Revisions.

All versions of DCS software will load and operate in all models of the TIU and remote.

I would strongly urge you to buy a current production DCS set, and only from an authorized MTH dealer so as to obtain a factory warrantee, regardless of price.

This and a whole lot more is all in "The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", now available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book from MTH's web store site! Click on the link below to go to MTH's web page for the book!

One of the I3s has a hardware issue that needs to be upgraded?  I think I have that model, and the L I replaced it with works hands down much better.

Mike

I am a veteran of DCC and am a novice still at the DCS system. Barry's Book is the keystone to understanding.

Be certain to purchase Proto two or three engines from MTH to work with this system. The older style Proto 1 may or may not work at all. With that said, I did sell off some very fine proto one engines and replace them with proto 2 or better.

I will be using TMCC at some point in the future.

Given the prices that used DCS sets are still going for, I also would hold out for the Rev. L DCS system.  In my case the serial cable I use for my Legacy system doesn't work for the DCS for some reason, but the USB port worked fine for updates.

That would be my recommendation as well.  If you can afford to start out with the latest version, do so.  If you can't afford it, wait a while an save up the money first.  The system is not all that expensive when you consider the cost of locomotives, etc.

I just purchased my New DCS System from Just Trains in June 2012/ Cost me all of

275.00 with the Revision L Track Interface Unit

and I am pleased as punch with it. it also Runs My newest Acquisition An MTH  Millenium Edition  Hudson and all the passenger cars very well.

I'd like to put in a plug for Jasons Train Shop.  They are great to do business with, vey patient and they have great prices.  New version DCS, $265.00

I agree with Barry, that you should avoid second-hand equipment, regardless of how attractive the price.  Goggling will disclose many authorized dealers with good prices. 

Let me be kind:  some local hobby shops are much better than others when it comes to helping customers with problems.

Let me be honest:  some local hobby shops are unable or unwilling to give a hoot after they got your money.