New DCS user comments

I don't believe the Commander can talk to the TIU as they are both Command output devices, the Commander just has the interface built in.

For the finding of soft keys I arrange them in the order I use them :

Forward double hoot, Rev Triple Hoot, Crossing sound set, cab light on/off, Extended Start up, Extended Shutdown, ect

Then you don't need to recall the acronym, just the position.

Since you have Barry's book I'll let you look up l how to arrange them VS typing it all here.

It may take some time to get used to, but you will remember the acronyms after using DCS for a while. As Russell said above, you can arrange them in the order of most used first. And also as Russell says, I don't think you can use the Commander with a TIU either, but maybe Barry will be along to clarify, if there is a way to do it?

When I first got DCS I printed a list of all the soft key commands, put it in a sheet protector and kept it near the remote. After some usage you will figure out the commands you use the most, then you can re-arrange them in the remote. You probably won't need the list much after that. 

I also got Barry's book in digital format when I got DCS and I don't remember exactly, but I think that's where I got the list to print out. Or if you have print version, you could just tab the page for the list and keep it near the remote. That may help you some. I think you will like it a lot better after some more usage and you become more familiar with it.

Yes, you can run trains with the TIU/remote and the DCSRC on the same track at the same time.

Power the track via the TIU.  Then attach the DCSRC output terminals to the TIU output terminals or the track.  There is no power connection to the DCSRC input.  The DCS remote will operate engines 1-99 and the DCSRC IR remote will operate engine 0 (factory reset address).

Just to be clear I'm not referring to the DCS remote but the DCS Commander.

You need to be careful. The TIU passes AC or DC to the track, however, the DCS Commander will only pass DC voltage to the track, even if its input is AC.

The smart thing to do is to use the DCS Commander as a fifth TIU channel on a separate loop of track, separate from the TIU's channel's tracks. If you do this, remember that the DCS Commander outputs DC voltage regardless of the input being AC or DC.

If I understand the OP's question, he wants to use the Commander most of the time since it has a User Interface to his liking.  But to access advanced DCS features, he wants to be able to call upon the TIU.  IF this is the case, could he power/operate his system via the Commander and put the TIU in passive mode?

I can imagine some conflicts such as changing an engine's address using the Commander such that TIU would have to re-learn what's out there before talking to that engine.  But, depending on what he's trying to do, perhaps a few extra steps might be an acceptable.

Stan,

IF this is the case, could he power/operate his system via the Commander and put the TIU in passive mode?

Yes, he could, however, the TIU can only share one channel with the DCS Commander, and it would have to be a Fixed channel. The Variable channels cannot handle DC voltage.

Frankly, the DCS Commander is a poor substitute for a TIU and remote combination. If I had a need for a "fifth" TIU channel, I might consider it. Otherwise, I'd turn it into cash to purchase something else for the layout.

Would be good if MTH offered a base unit like the Commander with more buttons that could be used in the system ... I guess the phone apps will be the only new development we can hope for.

I'd be pretty surprised to see MTH offering something akin to an upgraded DCS Commander.  Most command users want remote controls, it's much more convenient to be able to walk around and control the layout.

Barry & Gunrunnerjohn,

    Man do I agree with you guys, just get rid of it and purchase some more Command Control Switches with the money.

PCRR/Dave