MTH Control by DCC

Ive run PS3 on DCC on 2 rail with ESU cab control. It works, but its better run with DCS. The speed control isnt as fine, the functions aren't DCC standard and it involved quite a bit of time configuring the icons on the remote screen to match the PS3 functions. If you cant get a DCS set its an alternative, but I can see why a lot of HO guys rip it out and just install native DCC sets.

I have no issues running PS3 engines with my Digitrax system. But as said, the MTH functions are not in the standard positions but the speed control seems ok to me.

I bought an MTH Railking loco to use with a Protothrottle which is DCC based, but gave up. It's pretty clear that MTH is de-emphasizing DCC; they no longer provide a DCS/DCC switch on Railkings (you have to take the shell off and cut a wire to change it to DCC, and once you do that you can't run it using DCS). Also, I get the impression that the DCC decoder they use is a basic one and doesn't have the sophistication of mainstream DCC suppliers like ESU -- I had a lot of trouble fine tuning the momentum and braking that is essential for the Protothrottle to work properly. The loco did run on my DCC system, but it was an unsatisfactory experience. If I was going to run MTH I'd recommend DCS all the way, but since I prefer the sound profiles on my Lionel Legacy engines I'm sticking with them.

1. Operating MTH Protosound-3 on DCC:

This video #821, shows running an MTH Protosound-3 S2 Diesel, using an NCE DCC "PowerCab".

( https://youtu.be/ezE_1D1LV0g )

As others have mentioned above, the MTH Protosound-3 decoders:

• (1) don't work quite as well as regular DCC decoders like Soundtraxx or ESU
• (2) IMHO, they are also not as "durable" as the standard DCC decoders such as Soundtraxx and ESU-- but they DO work.

• I have been unable to change momentum and change sound volume, so I just use the defaults -- which seem to work OK.
• I have also encountered other "issues" when operating them with automatic control.

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2. The DCS/DCC Switch:

• All Protosound 3 locomotives (made since about 2011) can run on DCC.
• All the Protosound 3 Premier locos have the switch.
• The Protosound 3 Railking locos had the switch from about 2011 (when Protosound 3 was introduced) -- to about 2014.

• After 2014, the Railking DIESELS no longer have the switch, but they still have the SLOT that is marked "DCS/DCC".
• I have an MTH repairman install the switch for me.
• It usually costs around $20. The switch used is a standard MTH switch.
• . . . . ((As someone mentioned above, you can also just cut a wire --but then the loco can no longer run on DCS.))

• The one RailKing STEAMER I have, a 2-8-0, has a "jumper" in the tender. You can remove this jumper for DCC operation. (I taped the jumper to the floor of the tender, so I wouldn't lose it.).
• I'm guessing all the RailKing STEAMERs have this same jumper, but I'm not sure.

• This video #820 shows the added switch in a Railking diesel, and the built-in switch in a Premier diesel..

( https://youtu.be/AfX7SavSJow )

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3. Compilation Video:

This video #844 Pt. 1/2 is a 5-minute fast-forward compilation video -- that shows using an NCE DCC programmable model train controller AUTOMATICALLY running MULTIPLE MTH locos and streetcars on the same track.

The video is at https://youtu.be/YXrxmZK5Fzw .

I think that it sometimes shows as "unavailable" here, because I used a copyrighted soundtrack-- and consequently it has "restricted visibility".