MTH DCS Commander - 50-1028

You should be aware that there are a lot of things in DCS that simply cannot be done using a DCS Commander. There's also a limit of 10 engines that it can store and you can only have 6 amps of power going to the track. Further, it cannot control an AIU and therefor cannot operate switch tracks or accessories.

This device was developed for HO and is, in my opinion, really not suitable for larger gauges.

If possible, I would urge you to return this device and, instead, purchase a DCS TIU and remote.

when I use dcs mode with mine the momentum icon automatically disappears after I touch the dcs button. interested to see what the issue is.

Barry, thanks for your response and input.  I read up on the limitations of the Commander prior to purchasing.  However, I have a relatively small layout that is used only during the Holidays.  I was actually going to purchase a simple Conventional Transformer to run my system.  I simply wanted to get away from the push button remote, wanting a "dial" type control and don't have near the budget for the full DCS System.  I then found the Commander and thought this was a fair / modest upgrade to the Conventional transformer and my local train shop said it will be able to handle a layout of my size with only 1 train.  Do you still suggest returning the Commander and go with the Conventional Transformer?  I am a novice and appreciate any input you can offer. 

Westinghouse, thanks for responding also.  I am still miffed...not sure if there is something wrong with the controller or user error (most likely).  I can usually figure this stuff out but not this time and the reason I am reaching out for input.

Thanks again!

C. Bond

 Do you still suggest returning the Commander and go with the Conventional Transformer?

I would not suggest returning to conventional operation. The DCS Commander is, indeed, a step up from conventional operation, however, it lacks a good portion of the walk around DCS experience.

I too have a small layout and find the DCS commander a perfectly solid upgrade from conventional.  I have had mine for about 3 years with no problems, I would suggest resetting the locomotive itself.  If that doesn't work you probably have a bad unit. Make sure that you have the suggested amount of power going to it and after it is powered up hit the DCS button, you should then a number 1 should appear on the LCD screen or whatever the number of the locomotive. Hit the start up button and throttle up.

Thank you everyone for taking the time to respond.  It appears I figured out how to turn off Momentum in DCS Mode.  It was "trial and error" but to shut Momentum off I need to set the Accel and Decel to their default setting.  For Accel it is 16 and Decel it is 8.  When the Momentum settings are set to 16/8 the feature turns off.  Thanks to the help of my local train shop and looking at the Momentum Settings after a Feature Reset this was determined.  While this seems odd to me (odder that MTH does not make any mention of this in the manual) this is the exact same way the display unit at the train shop works also. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

C. Bond

WHile Barry's posts are certainly valid, we have a number of customers that have bought these for small layouts and they are happy with them. We sell them for $209.96 with the power brick, and it's a reasonable upgrade price vs DCS and a Z4000 vs the remote and brick in the starter set. 

I have to come down on Barry's side here, the DCS Commander has too many limitations for anything but a very specific set of circumstances.  The full DCS system just offers a host of advantages over the DCS Commander.

As far as the cost, if you have a number of command engines, I can't see that the difference between around $200 and say $450 for the full DCS and a 180 watt power brick should be a limiting issue.

DCS commander has limitations, but it has advantage for the small layout too.

It provides dc and allows those who operate HO to run HO and O together without the need for an additional power source.  It has a voltage and amp meter beneficial for trouble shooting. 

It is a transformer like base, no walk around, but has plenty of features beyond the basics.  With a price point with in reason.

So it really is personal preference.

Clearly full DCS can do more and handle expansion.

Glad you figured out the momentum.  G