Should I Buy DCS?

 Your reasons are already valid ones.

The fact that you can have trains sitting on live track waiting for commands is the main reason I went to command.

Whatever system you get, you will adapt to the remote. I personally like the MTH remote. I know it well and don't always need to even look at it anymore for the basics. It expands with time and stays current. That feature alone is well worth the money. I think it's the best value in command out there.

 I am biased. I have checked out the competition!

I use my DCS controller to operate my MTH, Lionel TMCC, Legacy, and Conventional engines.  It is my favorite controller to use.  I even control the switches and accessories on my layout with it.  For ME it is the most comfortable, and informative controller of all.  I'm not that much into the WIFI only because I enjoy the feel of the remotes.  JMO

If you have access to a local club, private layout, or train store that has DCS, spend some time with your locos on one of these layouts.  It may answer a lot of questions.   The Fort Pitt Hi-Railer modular layout has DCS, we usually allow those who want to run their locos on our lay access.  You're welcome at any train meet. 

Mike CT.

Go for it.  Nothing wrong with the DCS remote.

DCS is great. I run both DCS and Legacy. The DCS remote is just fine and easy to learn. My grandchildren, who currently only run conventional, love using the DCS remote when they visit. I'll get them DCS using WiFi soon.

I have DCS and find it easy and fun to use. I would recommend it.

I bought TMCC first then upgraded to Legacy and ran the few MTH engines I had in conventional. I came across a used DCS system (which Barry does not recommend) to try it and I now run both. I like both systems and I like their remotes. I do have the WiFi for the Legacy and can run it off of my iPad but I still prefer the remotes for their tactile feel. I would recommend getting a DCS system and enjoy it. You can always get WiFi later if you want. I am waiting on the DCS WiFi simply because I do like the remote better.

Yes, it is easy to use!

I've been using DCS since its beta testing stages in 2000.  Great, and time tested with thousands of users.  I still have my original TIU's from 2001 and never upgraded or had issues.  Still running with v3.10 and never had any issues.

Given that DCS is now approaching its 15th year of providing everything it promised, the question isn't whether you should get it, but rather why have you waited so long?  Relative to your investment in the roster of MTH engines, the cost of DCS is minor and can provide so much more enjoyment for you.

I  say go for it.  I waited a long time and now can't remember why.  The ability to use the protocast sound effects and adjust the smoke at will is great. Also I love being able to set up locomotive lashups. Now since the wifi module seems to be only a month or two away,  you might have a case for waiting until that comes out.

I run mth proto 2 and 3 engines on one loop and the other I run conventional, using the variable voltage input.  I don't have a legacy base to hook in, but I will likely pick on up next spring.  With thisset up I have even run a marx commodore vanderbilt with my dcs remote. Also my sons can run lionchief engines on either track, and when I  want to keep my little speed demons in check I just lower the track voltage 8n the conventional loop.   The other thing is I can just turn up the voltage on the conventional loop and still run my dcs engines there, and I often do. 

I think you will be happy with dcs as you learn how to use it. 

I would recommend DCS anyone who enjoys O gauge trains. Its basically my primary OS although I also have a Cab 1L for my Legacy engines. I would recommend that you also invest $15 or so up front in the "DCS O Gauge Companion" book and give it a good read. Especially wiring. Your layout doesn't have to be STAR wired exactly but your wiring and track continuity does have to be good otherwise DCS won't work the way you want it too.

If most of your train gear is MTH, I would suggest that you buy it.

Really can't add anything more to what has been said. Yes buy it. It will be a worth while long term investment.

Michael

Just info I'm TMCC and Legacy.

At one time I was going to add DCS and purchased the complete set.

Tried to sell it shipped for 300. That was with back up aux power and nothing that was used. It's still sitting under the layout boxed.

If you decide you are interested e-mail me and we will discuss what you want to pay.

Other wise it will just sit there, because I'm not going DCS as originally planned.

Too much for a old man to try and learn at the same time.

Even includes Barry's book as well.

Larry

Have fun what ever you do.

Do it! You won't be sorry.

George (G3)

I agree with the above, including those who say there is nothing wrong with the remote.  It's certainly more durable and easier to handle than a smartphone or tablet.  And, my grandchildren learned to use it before they could talk.  I have 4, including 2 that were original issue and still work fine.  The ability to control any loco, any time, and anywhere independently of the others, makes for great operations.

All in video DCS with 2 remotes..As you can see i do a lot of multi units and need the stability. I have had rare glitches but are easy fixes especially using forum members..sometimes an answer in minutes.I am excited about the wifi system as well.So yes go for it.

BTW...with the tablet set up i think you need the TIU anyway and you could sell the remote with ease.

  Middle and end of video has most of the action.

I like DCS...when it works. 

My old layout it worked flawlessly for years and years. My current layout, a far less complicated 4x8, - it won't work at all. All Check Track, out of range, TIU error messages, etc. Tried posting here and no luck. Tried rewiring the layout three times. Replaced all of the track. Bought a new remote and TIU, tried light bulbs, filters, tethered remotes, aux power, etc. NOTHING worked despite the remote showing "10/10" signal strength. I finally went to 100% conventional and it works great. 

After spending so much money and 6 months trying to get it to work on 3 ovals, I gave up It wasn't worth the hassle and headache for me. I've heard and seen others with the same issues. I love the system when it works but when it doesn't, you want to pull your hair out. I'll stick to conventional. If you go DCS, I hope you don't have the issues I did. 

I also recommend getting the DCS system. After you have it, you will wonder how you ever managed to get along without it. It will add a LOT to the operation of your trains and it will be a LOT more fun for you to operate them. DCS has some really nice features that I think you will really like. You will wonder why you waited so long to get a DCS system.

Command control and the electronics was a big reason I got back into the hobby after retirement. That is half the fun of it all for me. After being out of the hobby for many years, I discovered all this new stuff while out shopping for a train set for my grandson a few years ago and it all grew from there. I am still learning and also still amazed at all the modern trains and electronic controls we have available to us today.

I would highly recommend a Rev L TIU, and personally this would be a must have for me. I would also suggest getting the new version of the DCS O Gauge Companion (aka Barry's book) that is soon to be released and available for pre-order right now. 

Good luck and enjoy your new DCS system.

I've never had the complete fail with DCS, but I will say that in general, especially if you have a small to medium sized layout, TMCC/Legacy is easier to get working.

Michael,

As Don mentioned you can run your Legacy engine in command control with the DCS remote, but you must buy a Lionel command base, either a TMCC or Legacy one.  No matter which one you get, you will not be able to access the Legacy functions, only the TMCC ones. 

If you want to run your Legacy engine in command control mode with your DCS handheld, I recommend looking for just a used TMCC Command base.  Its a whole lot cheaper than the Legacy system, and as I mentioned above you can't access the Legacy functions anyway.  You can sometimes find them cheap on Trainz.com auctions.  You can also find the Cab1 handheld/base set fairly cheap too.  Even with the TMCC base hooked up to the DCS system, you can still run your Lionel engines with the Cab1 handheld which gives you another handheld to work with.

I really think that you should get one, however you might be better off using the phone/tablet when it comes out.

Still need the purchase a TIU and then the Wifi module to plug into the TIU.  Buy the complete system, you can always get Wifi later.

My friend talked to MTH at the last NMRA convention.   The MTH salesman was touting the many benefits of DCS over DCC to my friend.    So my friend asked him where he could buy decoders for his collection of Brass Locos and Atlas Diesels.   The salesman told him he could not, he had to buy MTH locos to get it.   Not sure if this is true of the MTH system or not, but my friend walked away shaking his head in disgust.   

Be warned it is a closed system.

Well, that's not really true.

I have upgraded at least 20 locomotives of various brands to DCS, including a number of brass steamers.  There are kits to upgrade both steam and diesel, and if you prefer TMCC, ERR sells the upgrades for those as well.

Don't always believe everything you hear.

No, don't wait for wifi... Get it now and use the remote.  One should not use a phone when operating heavy equipment. 

Put your phone away... when you are running trains you don't want to be interrupted by phone calls and text msgs anyway.

Have Fun!

Ron

I agree with GRJ.  I have several non-MTH locos running under DCS, that I  converted.

Michael,

    Definitely purchase both DCS and Legacy, and for more interesting running I suggest FasTrack with Command Control wireless low voltage switches, that are remote controlled from the Legacy Cab2 or TMCC Cab1.  Run everything thru the DCS and you have ultimate remote control of all your layout, including the switches.  I guarantee you will no longer be bored with your layout.

PCRR/Dave

I am not a fan of DCS.  I had the same experience as SJC.  However, I was running TMCC using the DCS remote.  TMCC ran fine throughout the DCS failures.  In fact, the DCS remote ran my TMCC engines better than it ran DCS.

As a conventional operator, I think you'll find DCS to be a long, troublesome, convoluted struggle.  Some here have been fortunate enough (through trial and error) to get their DCS systems running.  Some of us have given up on the voodoo.

Don't believe me?  That's OK.  Compare the volume, variety, and severity of issues on the DCS board against the Legacy/TMCC board.  That should tell you something.  And it's been that way for the better part of 10 years.

A DCS layout is, in effect, a large antenna system which you get to tune without the benefit of tools or advanced electronics.  If that's how you want to spend your time, have at it. And when you see threads like this, you have to wonder.

https://ogrforum.com/t...81#44651685314955081

I run TMCC.  Its set of known problems is small, well documented, and usually easily solved.  It runs reliably. You don't need a book of spells to operate it, and no cottage industry has sprung up to try and get it to work.

Best of luck,

George

I had a short experiment with TMCC....the engine I had ran like hell in conventional but beautifully with TMCC. Never had an issue with TMCC. I don't use it anymore. Actually all but one of my engines is MTH PS2 or PS3...I like the product a lot! They run beautifully in conventional mode and I'm a big fan of the Railking Imperial products (I have several). DCS however, was a nightmare on my current layout. I actually hooked it up to test something recently and go figure it was working beautifully. I was tempted to leave it running but then smartened up!

I still have my TIU and use my remote for club running but it sits in a closet when not in use. 6 months and at least $500 after trying what seemed like every trick in the book to get it to work, I walked into my LHS and said "give me as many MTH Z Controllers as you got" and run my trains conventional. I have mostly all MTH products - great products except for the DCS system. Also, the watered down DCS Remote Commander worked well but I didn't like it overall. Conventional is for me. 

If you have TMCC or Legacy, you can still run your MTH locomotives via the cab 1 or cab 2... yes you are running them conventionally through the cabs but you can still blow the whistle, ring the bell, fire the couplers, change directions... what more do you need? 

IHO, I'm still having fun running them this way.

MTH Proto-2 and Proto-3 locomotives running under DCS can move very precisely. Was doing some track inspection with six-axle scale-wheeled diesels at the club (they find the bad spots easily) and decided to see if they'd fit on the turntable. Getting them properly positioned was easy as I could move the consisted pair at 2 scale miles per hour on the turntable.

Anxiously awaiting the WiFi hardware so I can play with the App I downloaded this afternoon.

Note the pilots are over the edge of the 33" Ross turntable, but the wheels are just inside the ends

And yes, it does turn.

And with TMCC in Conventional mode, i.e. controlling power to the track, all locomotives (conventional, PS-1, PS-2, TMCC, Legacy) run pretty smoothly.  As you noticed, your conventional engine ran better under TMCC due to the increased precision in voltage control to the track.

If you like conventional and don't want to upgrade all your locomotive electronics, TMCC in conventional mode will work great.  You just can't run multiple engines.  You'll need a TPC or one of the new PowerMasters.

George

The short answer is if you have MTH Protosound 2 or Protosound 3 locomotives you should buy the DCS system

I have both and they have there plus and minus but its where you want to take your layout they are fun to have and make running your layout awesome but just do your homework and because you have mth dcs locos already then adding dcs to your layout will only make it better I have quite a bit of legacy so I tend to run legacy but I also have some proto 2 and proto 3 so I just added dcs so good luck and enjoy the added excitement dcs will give you