MTH 50-1033 DCS

DCS signal and Legacy are different but can interfere. In this case, the LEGACY signal might "step on" or interfere with the DCS signal because this is not as strong of a DCS signal transmit strength as a full blown TIU.

Again, the signal can coexist, but there also can be conflict.

The only way to know is to try it in your specific install.

I have had this system on my otherwise (and mostly) -TMCC layout for years.  It does work on the layout (1990, pre-DCS wiring), but under some conditions the DCS system can be lost, apparently. It seems that a TMCC brass loco on the same track can kill the DCS signal (the TMCC, as usual, just soldiers on - "don't care 'bout no stinkin' DCS signal"). But, I have run my Lionel SP AC-9 in TMCC and an MTH PS2 steamer (I forget which one) in DCS successfully, simultaneously, one behind the other, with a CAB-1 in one hand and the Remote Commander in the other.

The Remote Commander is cheap, and easy to install, and even if performance is spotty here and there, it's worth having.

Actually, many TMCC/Legacy engines will nuke the DCS signal, and the DCS-RC being a cheap low cost box, it's dcs signal is much lower in amplitude than the output from the full MTH TIU channel.  You can add the requisite 22uh choke to the power input of the offending TMCC/Legacy engine to minimize the impact on the DCS signal.

Anyone have an idea what the largest layout this remote commander might still work on? Mine is merely 10'x16'.

This seems like a low cost, low risk remote option for a couple of Mth diesels I just picked up. They run very well with my Lionel TPC unit. Command voltage might let me get more out of the smoke unit and possibly even slower starting speeds.

Second hand full DCS command sets are obviously inflated . Along with the fact  there are just too many variables between versions, updates, and issues like them failing  over time.

@RickO posted:

Anyone have an idea what the largest layout this remote commander might still work on? Mine is merely 10'x16'.

That's a question akin to asking: How long is a road?

There are far too many variables on any layout to answer that question with any degree of accuracy.  Suffice to say that more than 100-120 feet of track would probably be a major challenge for the DCS-RC, and it's quite likely that even that amount of track would be too much.  It stands to reason that however much track you had, it would have to be all one power district. Switches and crossovers, etc. would take a significant toll on the amount of track it could support as well.

The signal from the DCS-RC is much lower in amplitude than from a TIU, and the TIU struggles with more than 200-250 feet of track on one channel.

Thanks John.  I may leave well enough alone.

I am a novice at this, but I thought that the basic DCS systems can’t handle the high wattage power supplies. I know that DCS Explorer was limited to 100 watt supply.

Someone correct me if I am wrong.

@Carl Peduzzi posted:

I am a novice at this, but I thought that the basic DCS systems can’t handle the high wattage power supplies. I know that DCS Explorer was limited to 100 watt supply.

Someone correct me if I am wrong.

Correct mostly:

The IR DCS commander 50-1033 can be run in passive mode- thus bypassing this current limit.

The DCS Explorer Wifi cannot be used passive, and thus IS restricted to internal current limits.

Passive mode is where the device is just "adding" the DCS signal to the track, but power from your power source is run separate and typically must have an inductor (choke) so as to not degrade the DCS signal.

one example discussion of passive mode and IR commander

https://ogrforum.com/...hrough-switch?page=1

Thanks Vernon. I’m still getting to know all these systems. 😀

@Carl Peduzzi posted:

Thanks Vernon. I’m still getting to know all these systems. 😀

It's OK, I had to learn too.

Again, per the manuals and ratings stamped on the boxes, you are correct. Those darned exceptions and when and what they apply to are what complicates things.

It's a lot to learn.

Be aware that the DCS remote commander will not work with MTH locos that were previously run in full DCS (with a TIU) and not completed a factory reset using a TIU.  Locos made after 2013 can be reset with the DCS remote commander by pressing the SND, DIR “-“ keys in sequence, otherwise earlier locos require a reset using a TIU.