Running PS2 Equiped Locomotives on TMCC Layout

Jim Harrington posted:

I'm sure this has been discussed before - I wasn't' sure if it should post under DCS or TMCC forum....

I have several TMCC locomotives which I operate with Lionel's TMCC system in command mode.

Unfortunately, some of the equipment I want has only been offered by MTH, typically PS2.  Short of adding MTH's DCS system or convering to TMCC w/ Railsounds at $200+ each,  what are the options? (Not interested in conventional operation)

Thanks,

Jim

 

Simply add the MTH DCS system to your layout, then you can operate TMCC equipped with either the Cab-1 or, if you already have Legacy, then use the Cab-2, With the DCS system, you will then be able to operate any and all MTH locomotives, whether PS2 or PS3.

That is exactly what we have done on our layout, and folks run whatever they bring with any of the three different command controllers, i.e. Legacy, TMCC, and DCS, sometimes all at the same time.

Is the DCS Remote Commander a viable option?  Seems to have limitations.

What is the street value for good used PS2 boards?

You need the full DCS system for multiple MTH engines. The Remote Commander (RC) will only run one engine and that one engine has to be reset with the full DCS system in order to operate with the RC. Some newer PS3 engines can be reset with the RC, but no PS2 engines have that feature.

The DCS system and TMCC/Legacy operate perfectly together. I would just go for the full DCS system, I have both Legacy and DCS on my layout and enjoy them both. 

Adding DCS would involve some re-wiring/additional wiring for the signal distribution, correct?

Jim,

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!

I guess that would be an 'it depends'. I believe the recommended process is to connect the DCS system and try it before making any changes or doing any rewiring. It could work just fine as soon as you hook it up, or you may have to make some adjustments. If you need to make adjustments it could be as simple as adding a block or two here and there, a lighted bumper or something like that. IMO, it isn't that difficult, but I really started from scratch on my current so I didn't have existing wiring to contend with.

I would recommend one of Barry's books though, there is a TON of good info in those and after the initial purchase it will be referred to for many years to come. I have read the DCS Companion a couple of times and looked up countless items over the years. However the new DCS WiFi Companion just arrived yesterday and I have not gone through it to see what I think. It's supposed to be basically the same book only written for the new MTH app instead of the DCS remote. Maybe he will be along to clarify. He also provides a LOT of help to users here on the forum that have problems. He does this whether they have purchased his book or not.

Hope that helps a little. I am not an expert like some here, but I try to help where I can. Others here are much more knowledgeable. Either way, good luck with you choice here. Oh, one more thing, without DCS you are leaving a lot of NICE MTH engines on the table that you may really enjoy if you had them. I really like both MTH and Lionel and would hate to be stuck with only one of them. Again, Good Luck !!

I see Barry posted while I was typing. Of course I defer to his post over mine in case of conflicting info.

I can tell you that we're doing significant rewiring of the club layout to try to get DCS to run in a decent fashion.  I'm not even dreaming of 10's all around, just normal operation!

Most of the modular club guy's I've talked to at shows have a similar story, so it's not always a "walk in the park".