help - Running trains with DCS Commander

Yes, can be powered with AC, however- note, short circuit protection can be better or worse with some transforrmers.

Lighted passenger cars work fine.

Note- this may be an entry level device and that's the problem- limitations. The App self limits what functions work with DCS explorer and beyond the 3 engine limit. Highly suggest you understand the app does not allow upgrade license features compared to a full blown WIU and TIU or WTIU.

Thanks for letting me know!

But I think you are confusing one device for another, the DCS Commander doesn't have WiFi control.

This is the device I plan to use - picture from MTH - it is more limited than full DCS but not as limited as the WiFi explorer to my knowledge.

OK, i have that version too ad it is limited.

Yes, can be powered with AC, (example Z brick) but rectified to DC for output.

Many Lionel items are AC- especially certain sound cars, even new ones. A normal LED or incandescent car lighting should be fine.

Has not had a firmware update for a very long time. Many newer MTH features thus are not in the firmware.

Cannot do lashups (MU)

Very current limited

Basically his was designed for HO, and then more or less dropped and no support. It feels like very early and thus limited version of DCS before more features got added. zI generally would no recommend this for O scale and eventually the function limitations and lack of support or firmware updates may not give you every command or setting access especially in certain more recent engines with more features.

https://mthtrains.com/sites/de...ction/50as17834i.pdf

Another option for DCS on a budget is the Remote Commander. You can only control one engine at a time but it gives you the basic functions with a wireless remote control.

It was made for ready-to-run sets with the power going from a Z-750, 1000 brick, through the RC to the track. Mine is wired in "passive mode" which means the two wires are connected to the track and the RC gets powered without transformer power needing to run through it. The remote is line of sight to the RC so I mounted it to the front of my layout.

Bob

Thanks for the help!

I'm not sure what would be better between the Commander and Remote Commander, I only run 1 loop of track where I plan to use MTH, one engine at a time, isolated.

NorthEastTrainFan:

Most of the locos in my modest collection are Lionel, but I own ONE MTH loco with PS-3. I installed a REMOTE COMMANDER as the cheapest way to provide control of that MTH loco.  It works OK, but I must be aware of the line-of-sight aspect. My layout is an L-shaped platform (15 x 19 feet) in an L-shaped room. There are locations where line-of-sight isn't possible, so I just move to another place in the room.  Somewhat inconvenient, but do-able.

The MTH REMOTE COMMANDER system isn't immediately responsive to commands like Lionel's TMCC, but it is what it is ... a bargain basement system -- affordable and good enough for me.

Mike Mottler    LCCA 12394

Thanks for the helpful info on the Remote Commander!

Does anyone here use the DCS Commander (big stationary controller) with O scale, I've heard it outputs 6 amps which can cause issues, can anyone elaborate?

Since I only plan on running 1 train at a time, but want more features than the Remote Commander, would it be a good option for my situation?

I used it for quite a few years on a 5x10 layout.  I was very happy with it.  I only ran 1 train at a time.  I liked how simple it was to use.

I now have the full DCS system but use very little of all that it has to offer.   I probably enjoy working on the layout as much as running trains.  I think I would still be pretty content with the Commander.