I'm finally starting to get into command control and I have a question about the two DCS system setups. I know you have the DCS remote with the TIU and then there's the DCS Commander with the Z 1000 power supply. Does anybody know the difference between the two? And which one makes more sense to use on a 4 by 8 table with track?
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The DCS Commander is a stationary, DC-only, 6 amp maximum product that is intended primarily for the HO market.
I would strongly suggest that you purchase one of the following:
A third, considerably much less capable solution, would be a DCS Explorer to use with a (limited command set) DCS App.
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Thanks, Barry! Going to pick it up next week on payday.
Going to pick it up next week on payday.
Which one did you decide to buy?
The first option. Can I use a PowerMax 40 watt transformer from Lionel with the TIU? It's a smaller version of the CW-80, and I've used it with the three MTH engines I have without any problems. I would like to try to save money where I can instead having to go and buy a Powerhouse Brick and a Lock-On for my layout.
Ignoring command-control for a second, are you saying that your 40 Watt transformer has enough power to run your layout in the way you want?
Also, are all your engines PS3? Or if there are some PS2 engines, do you know if any of them use the 9V-size battery?
I have three MTH's, two of which are on the layout, the other is being repainted. All three of them are 3.0. And I have three LionChief engines. My layout is only on a 4 x 8 sheet of plywood. A simple loop of track with just a siding. Pretty much I'm the Model Railroader with the poor man's budget.
If you only have a small layout, you may be fine with the free app and the DCS Explorer. They come with the new starter sets and I run three MTH locos at a time. It's certainly limited feature wise, but it does about the same things that the Bluetooth Lionchief app does. For small RRs, it's a fantastic option.
If you are thinking of buying another MTH Railking starter set, the Explorer is shipping with them, like the Amtrak set that's available now.
So, for the price of the full DCS system, which you may not need, you'd get another full train, track, plus the DCS Explorer.
It's worth considering, depending how detailed you are going to run.
pdxtrains posted:If you only have a small layout, you may be fine with the free app and the DCS Explorer. They come with the new starter sets and I run three MTH locos at a time. It's certainly limited feature wise, but it does about the same things that the Bluetooth Lionchief app does. For small RRs, it's a fantastic option.
If you are thinking of buying another MTH Railking starter set, the Explorer is shipping with them, like the Amtrak set that's available now.
So, for the price of the full DCS system, which you may not need, you'd get another full train, track, plus the DCS Explorer.
It's worth considering, depending how detailed you are going to run.
I'm going to expand eventually and my layout is going to change a lot because I'm also making a YouTube series with my trains and in order to shoot certain scenes I need to create different layout configurations. Still working out the script though but it's better in my opinion to have the stuff ready to go when it's time to do all the stuff. So I might as well get the full package.
If you are expanding, then you are making a good choice. Good luck with the videos!
pdxtrains posted:If you are expanding, then you are making a good choice. Good luck with the videos!
Thanks. Considering I'm making a darker version of Thomas the Tank Engine(Because there are a lot of adult Thomas fans. Myself included.) I need all the luck I can get.
So here's where I was going with my questions about your PS3 and LionChief engines, compact layout, modest power requirements apparently met by a 40 Watt transformer, and "poor man's budget."
Your engines (can) operate on DC voltage. The DCS TIU can operate in command-mode on DC voltage. You can buy a 90 Watt Universal Laptop Charger (DC output) for about $10 (free shipping). In the photo inset you can see a slide-switch where you select the DC voltage 12V, 15V, 18V, etc. with an LED selection indicator.
To be clear, I'd guess maybe 1% (maybe less?) of 3-rail O-gauge operators operate DC only. OTOH, your situation is rather unique. You can always change to AC operation with no change in track wiring.
stan2004 posted:So here's where I was going with my questions about your PS3 and LionChief engines, compact layout, modest power requirements apparently met by a 40 Watt transformer, and "poor man's budget."
Your engines (can) operate on DC voltage. The DCS TIU can operate in command-mode on DC voltage. You can buy a 90 Watt Universal Laptop Charger (DC output) for about $10 (free shipping). In the photo inset you can see a slide-switch where you select the DC voltage 12V, 15V, 18V, etc. with an LED selection indicator.
To be clear, I'd guess maybe 1% (maybe less?) of 3-rail O-gauge operators operate DC only. OTOH, your situation is rather unique. You can always change to AC operation with no change in track wiring.
Well the good news is my dad is going to chip in for some of the stuff I need because he and I work on the layout ever so often. Plus I am going to expand at some point so having that Lionel Powerhouse brick will help. Because I have Fasttrack as my main O gauge track I'll need that TMCC/Legacy lock-on. But thanks anyways.
FUTURERAILPRODUCTIONS,
I do believe you are making a big mistake, save your money and purchase a full DCS and a Legacy package also. Invest in your Train layout a little at a time, and if your Father is willing to help out all the better. I recommend to all beginners, the purchase of at least a Z-1000 Transformer, Barry's O Gauge Companion Book and the OGR Video Guide to DCS. Then come back here to the OGR for any advice you need.
PCRR/Dave
Construction on the Pine Creek Railroad Tain Room Continues
Pine Creek Railroad posted:FUTURERAILPRODUCTIONS,
I do believe you are making a big mistake, save your money and purchase a full DCS and a Legacy package also. Invest in your Train layout a little at a time, and if your Father is willing to help out all the better. I recommend to all beginners, the purchase of at least a Z-1000 Transformer, Barry's O Gauge Companion Book and the OGR Video Guide to DCS. Then come back here to the OGR for any advice you need.
PCRR/Dave
Construction on the Pine Creek Railroad Tain Room Continues
Except one problem. I don't have any Legacy engines. I only run LionChief and MTH. What would be the point in getting a Legacy package if I don't run Legacy engines?
All I want is a basic setup that allows me to run ProtoSound 3 engines on the 4 x 8 layout I have. So this is what I want answered. How do I power the TIU in the simplest way possible with a Lionel Powerhouse 180 watt brick, and how do I get said power to the track? I've read stuff about Molex connectors and I just don't understand any of it. I just want to know where to plug in the stuff in simple terms.
FutureRail Productions posted:All I want is a basic setup that allows me to run ProtoSound 3 engines on the 4 x 8 layout I have. So this is what I want answered. How do I power the TIU in the simplest way possible with a Lionel Powerhouse 180 watt brick, and how do I get said power to the track? I've read stuff about Molex connectors and I just don't understand any of it. I just want to know where to plug in the stuff in simple terms.
Im new to this - but my understanding is you probably want to power the TIU with something other than your track power.
For 4X8 - a full DCS setup seems like overkill - Start with the Explorer - its so easy - you'll be running trains in 5 minutes.
I can't seen any reason to go full DCS until you start having a bigger layout with a lot switch machines.
I know the Explorer is billed as a "starter" device - but I think it will prove to be more useful than expected with small/medium layout guys.
Roving Sign posted:FutureRail Productions posted:All I want is a basic setup that allows me to run ProtoSound 3 engines on the 4 x 8 layout I have. So this is what I want answered. How do I power the TIU in the simplest way possible with a Lionel Powerhouse 180 watt brick, and how do I get said power to the track? I've read stuff about Molex connectors and I just don't understand any of it. I just want to know where to plug in the stuff in simple terms.
Im new to this - but my understanding is you probably want to power the TIU with something other than your track power.
For 4X8 - a full DCS setup seems like overkill - Start with the Explorer - its so easy - you'll be running trains in 5 minutes.
I can't seen any reason to go full DCS until you start having a bigger layout with a lot switch machines.
I know the Explorer is billed as a "starter" device - but I think it will prove to be more useful than expected with small/medium layout guys.
I'm eventually going to expand and I might as well just buy the full thing rather than buy it at a later date. Besides I'll have all the features with the full setup. And I'll just buy a z1000 for my aux power. I've read some of the other posts about this, and watched several videos and they all recommend the z1000 but none of which tell me how to wire the thing. Plus I would prefer to have fixed voltage because I know I will get 18 volts regardless because that's what it puts out.
FutureRail Productions posted:I'm eventually going to expand and I might as well just buy the full thing rather than buy it at a later date. Besides I'll have all the features with the full setup. And I'll just buy a z1000 for my aux power. I've read some of the other posts about this, and watched several videos and they all recommend the z1000 but none of which tell me how to wire the thing. Plus I would prefer to have fixed voltage because I know I will get 18 volts regardless because that's what it puts out.
Currently I use an old laptop power supply that outputs 18 volts DC at 3.75 amps for the AUX input on my TIU. These can be bought on ebay for much less than a Z1000. Just make sure you buy one with the smaller barrel connector that matches the Z1000 and should plug right in and work.
The power you input to the TIU on the AUX is not very picky, you can use AC or DC power. It is recommended to keep the voltage between 12 to 22 volts and make sure your power source is rated for at least 1 Amp.
FutureRail Productions posted:Roving Sign posted:FutureRail Productions posted:All I want is a basic setup that allows me to run ProtoSound 3 engines on the 4 x 8 layout I have. So this is what I want answered. How do I power the TIU in the simplest way possible with a Lionel Powerhouse 180 watt brick, and how do I get said power to the track? I've read stuff about Molex connectors and I just don't understand any of it. I just want to know where to plug in the stuff in simple terms.
Im new to this - but my understanding is you probably want to power the TIU with something other than your track power.
For 4X8 - a full DCS setup seems like overkill - Start with the Explorer - its so easy - you'll be running trains in 5 minutes.
I can't seen any reason to go full DCS until you start having a bigger layout with a lot switch machines.
I know the Explorer is billed as a "starter" device - but I think it will prove to be more useful than expected with small/medium layout guys.
I'm eventually going to expand and I might as well just buy the full thing rather than buy it at a later date. Besides I'll have all the features with the full setup. And I'll just buy a z1000 for my aux power. I've read some of the other posts about this, and watched several videos and they all recommend the z1000 but none of which tell me how to wire the thing. Plus I would prefer to have fixed voltage because I know I will get 18 volts regardless because that's what it puts out.
I think the wiring is black terminal to negative - red terminal to positive...pretty sure 100 watts is plenty for accessories.
I think the Explorer can be used with the full DCS setup - they can be on the same network and controlled with the same instance of the app - but can't share track power.
Doing some digging through Google and I found Ray4449's page. That actually might be more beneficial for me because I'm going through it and explains it in simple terms. Thanks for all your help.
FutureRail Productions posted:Doing some digging through Google and I found Ray4449's page. That actually might be more beneficial for me because I'm going through it and explains it in simple terms. Thanks for all your help.
Link to Rays page? thanks!
H1000 posted:FutureRail Productions posted:I'm eventually going to expand and I might as well just buy the full thing rather than buy it at a later date. Besides I'll have all the features with the full setup. And I'll just buy a z1000 for my aux power. I've read some of the other posts about this, and watched several videos and they all recommend the z1000 but none of which tell me how to wire the thing. Plus I would prefer to have fixed voltage because I know I will get 18 volts regardless because that's what it puts out.
Currently I use an old laptop power supply that outputs 18 volts DC at 3.75 amps for the AUX input on my TIU. These can be bought on ebay for much less than a Z1000. Just make sure you buy one with the smaller barrel connector that matches the Z1000 and should plug right in and work.
The power you input to the TIU on the AUX is not very picky, you can use AC or DC power. It is recommended to keep the voltage between 12 to 22 volts and make sure your power source is rated for at least 1 Amp.
Thanks for the tip on these power supplies - I have a pile of them.
My TIU will be here today!
Here you go.
FutureRail,
My point is you will eventually expand, no need in purphasing multiple times, you will in the future want both Legacy and DCS, and will want those big fancy engines. I tell you this from experience. Especially sense you going to use the trains in video productions.
In this hobby in reality there is no over kill!
PCRR/Dave
That reminds me, I need to pick up a used ZW-L.
Scotty we need more power.
Pine Creek Railroad posted:FutureRail,
My point is you will eventually expand, no need in purphasing multiple times, you will in the future want both Legacy and DCS, and will want those big fancy engines. I tell you this from experience. Especially sense you going to use the trains in video productions.
In this hobby in reality there is no over kill!
PCRR/Dave
That reminds me, I need to pick up a used ZW-L.
Scotty we need more power.
Well I'm going to go with what's current on my layout and I already have a plan in place. There's an adapter for the Powerhouse brick to the TIU so I'll buy that and the Powerhouse brick, and then I'll buy the complete DCS system, and it's all going to be purchased next week on payday. Maybe someday I'll buy the Legacy system but right now I have no use for it. But I appreciate the advice.
In this hobby in reality there is no over kill!
Dave, you only say that to justify all those transformers to your wife.
Sometimes I wonder if Dave's transformers are overcompensating for something else???
Please don't take offense Dave, I'm just razzin you a bit!
Happy Railroading!
FutureRail Productions posted:Well I'm going to go with what's current on my layout and I already have a plan in place. There's an adapter for the Powerhouse brick to the TIU so I'll buy that and the Powerhouse brick, and then I'll buy the complete DCS system, and it's all going to be purchased next week on payday. Maybe someday I'll buy the Legacy system but right now I have no use for it. But I appreciate the advice.
I was hoping you would get to this plan. I think you're finally headed in the direction that is compatible with where you are, and where you're going!
Ed
eddiem posted:FutureRail Productions posted:Well I'm going to go with what's current on my layout and I already have a plan in place. There's an adapter for the Powerhouse brick to the TIU so I'll buy that and the Powerhouse brick, and then I'll buy the complete DCS system, and it's all going to be purchased next week on payday. Maybe someday I'll buy the Legacy system but right now I have no use for it. But I appreciate the advice.I was hoping you would get to this plan. I think you're finally headed in the direction that is compatible with where you are, and where you're going!
Ed
Thanks a bunch, Ed. Might look into Legacy next year as well as getting the Vision Line Big Boy. 4014 will be up and running hopefully by May of next year. So I figured that's as good of a time that I could get it. The return of a steam giant I guess you could say.
My two cents? PCRR/Dave is right.
Why, just yesterday I slipped into The Train Shack in Burbank and bought a Legacy system to accompany my DCS system. Turns out, I have a Lionel crane car that responds to TMCC commands. I'd forgotten all about it.
LaramieJoe
H1000,
No offense taken buddy, when John H sees the final pictures of the new Train Room/Bar with all the Z4K's and ZW's and a couple KW's in use at the same time, he will finally see why I have been over compensating. Justification is not an issue, Sanity is the issue!
Scotty we need more power!
PCRR/Dave
Dave,
I will say it does look pretty impressive.
I think you should change your catch phrase. I like Scotty, but I find this guy pretty funny also....
I'm watching and waiting. I see 16 throttles in that picture.
H1000,
You bet and he is an American Conservative to boot, I like it. Did you say more Power! Might have to start using that line also!
John H,
Actually there are 4 on each old ZW (8), two on each KW (4) and 2 on each Z4K (6) for a grand total 18 total Channels so far. The KW's just get used for Street Cars and Fire Bumper Cars and maybe an old Conventional Oval for the original Lionel Northern Pacific Passenger set.
Still need to pick up a used ZW-L when I can find one!
PCRR/Dave
Scotty we need more Power!
Tim - Did You Say More Power!
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