Questions for the DCS User Group Meeting

Would it be possible to have a 'cheat sheet' or chart of the PS2 PS3 upgrade parts, serial numbers and what can be done to what with the various parts?  

 

Ex: If I have a PS2 5volt Premier engine with the MUX board can I just add the PS3 board for an upgrade or do will I need more parts, like a speaker. 

 

I have read through the PS3 upgrade thread and I am rather confused.  

 

2.  Any chance at all of getting those curved RealTrax switches that were cataloged about 5-7 yrs ago?

 

Thanks.

Dave,

 

Your questions are on the list - thanks!

Have some "lashed up" engines where the grade crossing button is eliminated. ??

Is there a fix for the "quickspeed" which comes up during fast scroll?

Will we be able to eliminate the "inactive engines" section?

When will the next software update be out?

If not already done, select directional or all for horns/whistle on a lash up?

And possibly a MTH weblink to print out a code cheat sheet for guests?

Thank you Barry

 

 

 

proto scale couplers

electro scale couplers

working scale couplers

O scale 2 rail couplers

.........

Lima, what is "a code cheat sheet for guests?"

What Joe said and more 2/3 rail.

 

Clem k

Lima,

I can address these right now:

Have some "lashed up" engines where the grade crossing button is eliminated. ??

This one's been asked and answered in the past.

 

That's the way it is because, of necessity, lashups have a reduced set of soft keys. That isn't going to be changed any time soon.

Is there a fix for the "quickspeed" which comes up during fast scroll?

There si no fix required. If you don't like the feature (I, personally, use it all the time), just turn it off: Menu?system/Remote Setup/Quickset Speed and press the OFF soft key.

Will we be able to eliminate the "inactive engines" section?

I don't see how that would be possible. It's used by the READ command and the ALL ENGINES command.

 

It's also used by the Lashup function, however, that's one place I'd prefer to se the Inactive Engine List not used.

When will the next software update be out?

Good question, however, it's been on the list for a while.

If not already done, select directional or all for horns/whistle on a lash up?

I have no idea what that means.

And possibly a MTH weblink to print out a code cheat sheet for guests?

I have no idea what that means, either.

Joe,

proto scale couplers

electro scale couplers

working scale couplers

O scale 2 rail couplers

C'mon, that's all one question that's already on the list from the last time you asked about it.

Clem,

What Joe said and more 2/3 rail.

That's not a question.

Sorry Barry. Yes it's all the same question.

 I think it was answered, by saying it's way down the list. I'm probably in a minority to say it's important for O scale's future. The future buyers will probably be okay with the lobster claws and tubular rails. I will keep using the old Atlas scale electrics as I can find them. It is very important play feature for me.

 

When/if the engine sounds will be improved?

 

i would like scale proto couplers, don't know why MTH doesn't Think this would be a big plus for their engines?

Barry, I know you are working on this but when can we expect the next revision to the DCS Companion Manual (I call it the Bible)?

 

Thank you in advance for your answer. Santa Fe Mike Sudlow

Gary,

When/if the engine sounds will be improved?

You need to be more specific. From my perspective, I find the engine sounds for all of my PS2 and PS3 engines to be excellent.

Mike,

 

I'm hoping to have something to say about that at the user group meeting later this month.

I'm wondering if MTH is thinking about a   mini  receiver(tiu) type that would fit right inside the engine and do away with the TIU and   special wiring.... Remote would talk directly to the engine. I'm just asking.

Gregg,

 

Not a chance.

Gregg,  I believe the one scale guys have asked for just a TIU with one fixed channel.  That way it can fit in a piece of rolling stock.

 

I repaired one that was outdoor battery equipped.  They took 2 cars, one had the battery which fed the TIU out of the case in the second car.  That car feed the wires into the engine for power and DCS signal.  Neat.   G

Well, I don't want to get in trouble here but MTH sounds in my opinion could have better base response, the chuffing sounds of steam engines could be deeper.  I don't have issues with the diesels. There's always room for improvement if you want to stay cutting edge.

If you have ever stood near a real steam loco working, there's a lot more noise than chugging and air pumps.  There is much clinking and clanking; too much noise to hear "cab chatter" and coal being shoveled.

  Is an icon in the display for the direction you left your engine in possible? If i cant see the engine i have to roll the thumbwheel to see which direction the cars of the consist are doing.

Gary,

MTH sounds in my opinion could have better base response, the chuffing sounds of steam engines could be deeper. 

OK,  can work with that, thanks!

 

Willy,

Is an icon in the display for the direction you left your engine in possible?

That will be in the DCS app. It's been in the beat version since day 1.

Hi Barry,

 

How about DCS integrated hardware/software to more precisely control train stops & starts to support functions such as station stops, collision avoidance, blocking, etc.  I am aware of the similar current revolution counter based functions already existing in DCS.

How about DCS integrated hardware/software to more precisely control train stops & starts to support functions such as station stops, collision avoidance, blocking, etc.

I'll put this on the list. however, I'm reasonably confident that, if this ever happens, it won't be any time soon.

Ok, I got another one.  Like many I've decided to go DCS Wifi over the other brand.  But the wait is getting unbearable  How about a progress report and rough ETA?

That will be covered at the User Group Meeting.

Ok, how about this.  I would love to control my TMCC switches(DZ-2500 switch machines driven by the data driver) via the DCS remote.  Also controlling the TPC300/400 with DCS remote. Possible?

  A programming option where fwd or rev signal will command relays accordingly with a   safety feature of neutral or 0 mph only?

Gary,

I would love to control my TMCC switches(DZ-2500 switch machines driven by the data driver) via the DCS remote.  Also controlling the TPC300/400 with DCS remote. Possible?

No, it's not going to happen. Just TMCC engine control, not TMCC accessories or switch tracks.

Will,

A programming option where fwd or rev signal will command relays accordingly with a   safety feature of neutral or 0 mph only?

Do you even you know what you mean?

 

Forget about it.

WHAT?????

I think he means that SFS or SRS works only when stopped and sets the loco to go in that direction.

  Yes as RJR said.

 

 

  Let me rephrase..when you hit SFS it would command the forward direction relay but only in neutral or 0 smph and same with SRS for the reverse relay. Now you could roll the thumb wheel and no which direction your going. This would be handy especially for those engines you cant or remember which direction you left it in. I have several consists running at once plus sidetrack switching and the engines sometimes are not visible.

Willy,

 

I repeat - forget about it. I have.

I think what willy is talking about is the whistle automatically blows when you change direction. I have worked on a couple of engines with DCC Tsunami sound and it can be programmed to do that.

When you put the engine in forward it blows the whistle twice and reverse three times automatically. This does need to be programmed. Also the bell can be programmed to automatically come on when the engine starts moving then shutts off at 10 smph. This can also be programmed to what ever you want. It's pretty was pretty cool when I was running the engine.

Would that be able to be done in DCS?

Ralph

OK, that I can deal with. It's on the list.

Barry,

   Having talked to Bill Ingraham more than a few times, he is a seriously talented electrical engineer, he is not a word smith however, Ralph4014 broke it down for you pretty well, bringing the DCC type engineering to the P2/P3 set up would be real cool.

I would still like to see the Hand Held remote control made fully rechargeable, if you could ask for this upgrade once more, I would appreciate it.  I am using (Willygee) Bill Ingraham's engineering to make it happen with my 2 DCS units right now.

PCRR/Dave

 

 

Dave,

 

Unfortunately, as I stated at the top of this thread, the cutoff date for questions was the end of the day, Sunday.

 

The question list went to MTH yesterday morning.

Barry,

   With your word smith talents, I am sure you can make it happen at the actual meeting.

PCRR/Dave