Question about adding DCS to Lionel setup

You *should* be able to buy an adapter and run the Power House to the DCS explorer, then wires from the DCS explorer to the TMCC lock on.

Don't plan on using the TMCC Direct Lockon with DCS, it stomps on the DCS signal.

Thanks guys.

How would I go from the PH180 output to the DCS Explore power input?

Or, would I be better off returning the lionel equipment and buying DCS Explorer and MTH power supply?  Any down-side to that?  Are all MTH 18v?

Thanks again!

Or, is there a simpler method of running a single (for now) MTH train?  I really kind of like the 1 remote for 1 train deal...

I am basically in the same boat. You say MTH commander are you talking about the remote commander. https://mthtrains.com/50-1033

If so it can be ran in passive mode, run wires from the fastrack spade connections, out to the remote commander output. Don't think you can run two MTH engines separate with this, they would both respond equally on the same track. Also note that the engine must be at the factory reset condition to respond to this remote. There is a key sequence to reset to factory condition.

Oldmike

The key sequence on the DCS-RC to reset to factory reset ONLY works on fairly new PS/3 locomotives.  The DCS-RC will run any PS/2 or PS/3 locomotive as long as it's reset, but most will need to be reset using the full DCS system.

You can make a simple cable to convert the output of the Lionel PH-180 to a barrel jack for the DCS Explorer.  Unless you spend a lot more money for something like the Z-4000, the MTH power supplies don't have nearly the quality of circuit breaker as the PH-180.

Molex 0003092032

Tons of these on eBay

This might be silly...  but, does anyone know if the old track lock-on and remote from my old Proto-Sound 2.0 RTR set could be wired to my fastrack to run the new PS 3.0?  Even as a temporary solution?

Sure, you can just run a wire from the two contacts. to the Fastrack terminals.

You dont need to wire an MTH lock-on. What you need is to get track power out of the fastrack or into it as desired. What you need is this, which you should be able to get at any train LHS,or make one yourself. http://www.lionel.com/products...-power-wire-6-12053/

oldmike

Thanks guys.  This will make life simpler.

I will likely buy the Explorer in the near future.  But this will (hopefully) get me running the new MTH train under the tree before Christmas.  

Note the explorer will not run passive mode,so power must come in through the barrel jack. I was thinking about the explorer, but would rather have the grandkids use a remote as opposed to my phone.  Also while the phone app is cool, I like the tactile feel of a remote, plus you don't have to take your eyes off the train with a remote.

oldmike

Guys, I am an American Flyer S Gauge guy using Gilbert track.  I need to get power to the DCS Remote Commander Receiver.  Is there a plug made that will take wires from my transformer to a male plug (I can Buy) that goes into the female plug in the receiver?

use a track clip run it to commander where its says to track the red and black buttons for get the plug and use normal track power you already have

So, my old RailKing PS 2.0 lock-on worked when I soldered leads to fastrack - but it doesn't work in passive mode.  I was worried about running the PH-180 through it - thinking it's probably not rated for so much power.

I've ordered the DCS Explorer.  Also, I'm thinking seriously about buying Cab-1L & Base-1L (just to control my turn-outs and loose some wiring & switches).

Currently, I have PowerHouse 180 wired to a TMCC Direct Lock-On.  From the Direct Lock-On, I have two power drops to the track.

Based on comment above, I understand that the TMCC Direct Lock-On will kill the DCS signal.  Will DCS kill TMCC?  I assume the direct lock-on "blocks" the signal, since the two can co-exist on the track???

If so, can I wire the DCS Explorer "after" the tmcc direct lock-on? 

Or, thinking it might reduce amperage going through the DCS Explorer...  Anyone know if I can just power the DCS Explorer from one of the power drops, in between the TMCC DL and the track (leaving the other power drop connected directly from TMCC DL to track)?  Or does all power the track receives need to be pushed through the DCS Explorer?

Thanks!!
Skip

You can put the TMCC Direct Lockon before the DCS Explorer on the input power side and it should be OK.  However, wired directly to the track, it stomps on the DCS signal.

All the power needs to go through the DCS Explorer, you can't power half the loop directly.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

You can put the TMCC Direct Lockon before the DCS Explorer on the input power side and it should be OK.  However, wired directly to the track, it stomps on the DCS signal.

All the power needs to go through the DCS Explorer, you can't power half the loop directly.

Thank you!

Just so I'm 100%...  PH-180 to TMCC LockOn to DCS Explorer to two Fastrack connections?

Also, the PH-180 isn't too much for the DCS Explorer?

Really appreciate your help!!

Best,
Skip

Yep Skip, but I can't imagine the need for the TMCC Lockon, the PH180 has an excellent electronic circuit breaker.

The PH180 will only supply what the circuit demands in current, but if you have a derailment you could pop the fuse in the Explorer.  You can also add a fuse in series with the input to limit the maximum current to the Explorer to the 6A rating.