Following is the summary of last week's 20th York DCS Users Group Meeting. Many thanks to Don Klose for being our meeting scribe and preparing this report!
20th DCS Users Group Meeting
Barry greeted everyone and welcomed them for the 20th meeting of the group. Barry thanked Marty Fitzhenry, Bob Snyder, Pat Marinari, and Bob Robertory for assisting with the upgrades. He also thanked Don Klose for being the meeting scribe. At the meeting many TIUs and remotes were upgraded to MTH’s DCS 5.0 and also 8 remotes were cloned. Thanks to MTH for making available to the group the new DCS App which assist in making folks Wi-Fi ready for DCS in the near future. Don Klose was officially the first individual upgraded to DCS 5.0 from MTH.
Barry pointed out that the new Loader Program 5.0 will be available shortly as well as DCS 5.0 on the MTH website. DCS 5.0 adds wifi capability and corrects bugs in DCS 4.3 . You can now go to the Google Store and download the free DCS App. The iOS version app will shortly be available via iTunes. The premium DCS app will be available in the 1st quarter of 2016.
Barry’s 3rd edition of the DCS Companion is available now. It has 242 pages, including a new section on the MTH WiFi App and, as requested, an index for easy reference. it is available in a print edition (34.95) or an eBook (14.95). To find it online type DCS Companion in the MTH search engine or go to http://mthtrains.com/60-1386. Barry pointed out that if dealers or clubs wish to purchase multiple copies of the book they can speak to him or E-mail him directly to receive discount pricing information.
Highlights from the Q&A Session
One person brought up the request for MTH to provide a beeper locator when the DCS remote gets set down and lost on one’s RR. All agreed that it’s a great idea. Stay tuned.
The issue was raised that when the DCS Wi-Fi WIU module shortly becomes available will it be able to be simultaneously accessed along with Lionel’s LCS WiFi module, allowing those who uses both systems to use both company’s WiFi apps together. Barry pointed out that the MTH’s WIU (WiFi module) will allow for an Ethernet or WiFi connection to a router. For a WiFi connection, the router will need a WPS button. The WIU will have complete instructions how to install it to your home network, allowing you to use your DCS/Legacy apps together on your layout. The WIU will work with any TIU.
It was also pointed out that the new DCS app will improve performance of the playable whistle. The new app has a “pull rope” icon on the screen which is a much more effective whistle controller than is the remote’s thumbwheel.
An attendee raised the issue of losing the DCS signal on their layout. It was pointed out that running track power through electromagnets or coils in accessories or switch motors will degrade the signal; they must be powered separately to avoid the issue.
With DCS 5.0 the issue was raised about upgradeability from older versions of DCS. It was pointed out that upgrading from any version of DCS directly to DCS 5.0 will work without a problem. However, if upgrading from DCS 2.x you must reset both the TIU and remote after upgrading.
It was asked if the remote will be improved in the near future and the answer is that most likely it will not.
The question was asked if does the current WiFi App provide any increased functionality for a DCS engine. The answer is no.
The question was asked re: DCS 5.0 when MU’ing, are there any issues and it was pointed out that the marker light issue in DCS 4.3 has been resolved.
Another individual mentioned that their club, at a recent show, had a drone being demonstrated that caused issues with their club remotes, possibly due the use of a similar frequency.
Another person raised the question, what would be the cause when two engines on the track at the same time have signal strength issues with one engine having 8-9 and the other 5-6. They are using a Z4000 and 14 gauge wire with Gargraves track. It was thought to be possibly due to interference from either a TMCC or Legacy engine, or a passenger car or caboose with a constant voltage (CV) lighting board.
Barry concluded the Q&A and introduced Andy Edleman, MTH Vice-president of Marketing.
Andy Edelman
Andy told everyone that the DCS app was released by MTH to Google Play for downloading to Android devices and to iTunes for downloading to iOS devices, and that the new WIU is right now leaving Asia and will be available in stores after Thanksgiving.
He also pointed out that with the app hitting the market, budget money previously allocated for its development can now be used for other product development, such as PS3 upgrades kits and mew PS3 hardware.
The development of a scale coupler has to go back to the drawing board. The muscle wire technology in the smaller scales is not durable enough for the O and S gauge products.
In the future, if a PS2 board fails, one will have to replace the board with a PS3 board and MTH will repair those engines in or out of warranty.
Future integration of new technology in accessories and rolling stock for the DCS world i being envisioned. It’s Andy’s hope that maybe in the 2016 Vol. 2 catalog we will see offered moving doors in the subway cars. The smaller boards now offer greater flexibility.
With Lionel releasing the protocols for its Legacy system you will not see any changes physically in the remote. However, possibly with the app it may open up some new doors. Until then all Lionel products will operate in TMCC mode.
Andy stated that PS3 upgrade kits for S gauge will be available. The smaller boards are great for the O gauge 44 toners or Dockside switchers.
He stated the costs for the DCS App are as follows:
- The Basic App is free, it controls one DCS engine
- The Standard App is $4.95 and controls 99 engines with soft key functions
- The Premium App is $24.95 and controls 99 engines with all DCS functions.
The WIU list price is 189.95.
Andy also pointed out that, when operating the app, it’s best to use the WIU in Home mode rather than MTH mode or it will block your connection to your home network and the Internet. The switch on the side of the WIU gives you this option. When the app has Internet access, you can receive support online during your DCS experience, view catalogs and receive upgrades of the app.
See you next York! 
"more like one out of a million...................So there is a chance!!!"
Make sure you tell them it ISN'T a software manual. Tell 'em it's a really thick whitepaper. 
