Need a basic DCS setup

Tim L. ShuckOGR Forum Member

I recently purchased an MTH Premier CNW U30C (20-20931-1) which I had intended to be part of a static display with MTH O-gauge rolling stock, and detailed CNW art prints purchased many years ago. However, the ‘I want to see this run’ bug has bitten so am thinking of creating a short ‘test’ track so I can see the engine actually move and function.

My question is, what do I need to power and run the engine? I’m not creating a layout, have only one engine, no switches, etc., but starting from scratch. I’d like to have basic DCS functions but don’t need all the ‘bells and whistles’ (no pun intended).

I think I need:

A few sections of RealTrax
The DCS Remote Commander set
The RealTrax Lighted Lockon
The RealTrax Wire Harness, to connect the Lockon with the Remote Commander receiver
A power supply, such as the Z-560, Z-500 brick (or Z-1000 or Z-750?), to power the Remote Commander receiver. Not sure which would be best, obviously don’t need a lot of power.

Do I have this right; will this setup work? My last O-gauge experience was with my brother’s Lionel set from when we were kids a long, long time ago. I do have a 15+-year old MRC Tech 4 220, used to power a small HO gauge layout I had at the time, that has AC output terminals, but it hasn’t been turned on for 15 years.

A power supply and the Remote Commander set seem to be the most elusive items to find online, out-of-stock at many places (for new equipment).

Thanks.

5/10/212:00 PM

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Richie C.OGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

Just to be clear, you can operate your MTH engine conventionally, basically on any O gauge track, with just a transformer connected to the track. If the transformer has horn, bell, whistle buttons you can also access those functions for your engine.

Check your owner's manual for conventional operation instructions.

5/10/212:33 PM

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Mike H MottlerOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

I connected a MTH Z1000 to a modest-size, tubular rail L-shaped layout and run a MTH Aerotrain (with PS-3) on the rails via DCS Remote Commander. Not fancy or complex; however, it works!

For your small set-up, a MTH Z500 would suffice, but a MTH Z750 would provide "reserve" as a margin for future growth. In my experience, small layouts don't last long. They grow into larger layouts!

Mike Mottler LCCA 12394

5/10/217:34 PM

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gunrunnerjohnOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

@Tim L. Shuck posted:
A power supply and the Remote Commander set seem to be the most elusive items to find online, out-of-stock at many places (for new equipment).

I can probably take some of the blame for the Remote Commander sets being in short supply. The creation of a use beyond simple layouts made them a desirable item.

Use the DCS-RC To Make A Perrpetual Barking Watchdog Generator

There's been quite a run on my boards, so I suspect that a lot of people are also looking for the DCS-RC to go with it.

Mine are all installed and barking.