MTH DCS

Stay away from the 13a TIU.  Some had major signal problems.  Bite the bullet and get a Rev. L

Thanks David.  At $150 I thought that this was a great find or something fishy.

I3a not 13.  G

Smelling like a tuna factory, I got suckered and should have posted here first.

PRADDICT,   what were you suckered into?

Hi Robert: There is a learning curve to the DCS System & MTH Wi-Fi 

I would recommend that you purchase this system new from a MTH Dealer that you can drive too.  They will show you on their store layout and how to set up and run trains, This suggestion is on the back of every MTH catalog.

These dealers want you to be successful because they want to sell you more trains. This is what worked for myself. I also have about 8 videos on my YT channel that show how to set up and run MTH trains. 

Hope this helps: Gary

 I don't know why someone would think they can get the system brand new for half price? I think we are brainwashed to always look for a bargain.

As far as value, the old models still work. On some layouts you have to add lights to the outputs. To connect to the modern WIFI, you'll need an adapter. That's why they sell for around half price. I still use an older one myself. My 1st original still worked but I sold it to the NJHRs who wanted old ones for believed stronger variable channels.

 It's always easy to spot the newer version L TIU. They have the USB port. Old ones don't.

 Our grandson got a Lionel Polar express for Christmas maybe 2 years back? His dad searched online and grabbed one at a lower price. He didn't know about the new one having Bluetooth. He also didn't know that he got the very old one with a weak motor that crapped out. Because he bought it thru Amazon, he badgered them to get a replacement. They did, but it's still not Bluetooth. Our grandson knew the difference. He told me about it (I already knew as well). His dad saved around $50 to $75! Oooh!

Wasn't worth the disappointment and the hastles of down time.

 I read on this forum almost everyday about someone getting a brand new or almost new engine that doesn't work right. Near every time it's from the early 2000's. Why do you think it's lower priced? They like you?

I feel the clock is ticking on this stuff. If it's still in the box or not, it doesn't seem to matter.

Thank you Gary.  I am still cautious about taking the dive into DCS.  The biggest problem for me is the start up cost of the DCS system and a DCS locomotive.  I am guessing that it will cost near or over $500.  I was thinking of starting with the system that comes with the lower priced RTR sets.  I have seen these for around $50.  The only problem is that it will only run one PS2/3 locomotive and not older traditional ones.  I have a couple of engines that I would upgrade to PS2/3,  but that will cost $200 or more for each one.  I heard that MTH will soon stop making the DCS controllers,  maybe the prices will drop.

RJG posted:

PRADDICT,   what were you suckered into?

Buying what that looked like a good deal but it was actually the oldest version and didn't work. I thought since I bought it from Trainz in like new condition it would work like it even if I waited two months to try it out. I wasn't setup to try it out when I bought it and I was just planning ahead. I am old and should have known if it seems to good to be true it is.

RJG posted:

Thank you Gary.  I am still cautious about taking the dive into DCS.  The biggest problem for me is the start up cost of the DCS system and a DCS locomotive.  I am guessing that it will cost near or over $500.  I was thinking of starting with the system that comes with the lower priced RTR sets.  I have seen these for around $50.  The only problem is that it will only run one PS2/3 locomotive and not older traditional ones.  I have a couple of engines that I would upgrade to PS2/3,  but that will cost $200 or more for each one.  I heard that MTH will soon stop making the DCS controllers,  maybe the prices will drop.

You can dip your fingers in gently with the purchase of a DCS Remote Commander. $50 or thereabouts. There are two pieces:

The hand-held is an IR remote (same cheap technology as TV remotes). It sends instructions to the receiver which sends out an appropriate DCS signal/command. Those wires connect it to the track.

It works quite nicely for one engine only.