New to DCS

If it's new it might not need an upgrade? I would set it up and get things going with the remote first and then do any upgrades, add wifi, etc. if needed.

Of course, the reading should still be first on the list before setting things up. If you don't have Barry's book(s) (DCS Companion and/or Wifi Companion) I would get that/those as well.

If the TIU and remote were purchased new from a hobby shop, they should be equipped with either DCS version 5.0 (Basic wifi app capable) or version 6.0 (premium app capable). If you purchased your DCS equipment used or mint, power up your DCS handheld and check what version of software is installed when the remote initializes. In my experience, as long as you don't wish to control engines from your smartphone, any version of DCS 4.0 and up generally works fine. However, if you plan to run TMCC/Legacy engines without purchasing the app, make sure your TIU and remote are operating DCS 5.0 or below, because DCS 6.0 will not let you run Legacy engines without purchasing the Premium app. 

Definitely read through the quick-start section of the DCS manual, and the system requirements. MTH does a pretty good job explaining how to get things up and running. If you run into any problems, however, consult Barry's book or post your problem here. 

I would check the version of the remote software and of the TIU software.  If they are the same, go ahead and set everything up and get it working.  If they are not, then do the upgrade first---different versions cause issues..

Jim,

any version of DCS 4.0 and up generally works fine.

Not necessarily.

There were several ugly bugs that were present in releases prior to DCS 4.30 that were corrected in DCS 4.30 and newer releases of DCS.

However, if you plan to run TMCC/Legacy engines without purchasing the app, make sure your TIU and remote are operating DCS 5.0 or below, because DCS 6.0 will not let you run Legacy engines without purchasing the Premium app. 

That's not quite correct.

In order to operate legacy engines in TMCC mode, any version of DCS since 4.0 will work. In order to operas Legacy engines in full Legacy mode, the DCS App and DCS 6.0 are required, along with additional Legacy hardware. The free addendum to The DCS WiFi Companion 1st Edition, available here, contains everything that you need to know about using Legacy with the DCS App.

This and a whole lot more about DCS is all in MTH’s “The DCS Companion 3rd Edition!" This book is available from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store!

This and a whole lot more about DCS WiFi is all in MTH’s “The DCS WiFi Companion 1st Edition!" This book is available from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store! Get the free TMCC & Legacy Addendum here!

Up and running.  Very cool.  Almost too many features!

The next question is a little advanced from where I am now...

Is there a downside to using transformers with different wattage ratings, i.e. Postwar ZW and KW for different power districts, with the consideration that trains will be crossing from one to the other? (other than the peak load should not exceed the capacity of the lesser of the two).

Thanks. 

No problem.  Just so long as each can provide adequate voltage under load to run the trains.  In fact, I used to have ZWs, a Z4000, and a KW supplying different portions of my layout.

One item to watch.  Make sure all the transformers are phased and the voltages are all set very close to each other.  As you cross power districts, the adjacent transformers will be paralleled, if the voltages are materially different, you can get fireworks.

GRJ is of course correct in his observation.  But do note that his observations apply to every multi-transformer layout, even those with identical transformers.

Thanks.  The bonus of the PW transformers is that the have a non-polarized plug to easily deal with the phasing (unless someone "fixed" it wrong and added one).

What I did was line up my collection of transformers, get them all phased with my Z4000, and then install polarized plugs where there were none, and replace those that were out-of-phase.

Jim,

  RJR is absolutely correct, in my case I just use the older type plug adapters and mark them, as to which way they need to be plugged in.  This makes for a very inexpensive fix, use a permanent marker or colored nail polish for your identify marking on the adaptor. Phasing made easy.

PCRR/Dave