Tell Me About the DCS Remote Commander

Although I've never tried it, my guess is you are correct.  If, for example, you had two (or more) separate loops of track, each controlled by separate DCS Remote Commander receivers located side-by-side or in very close proximity to each other, a command from a single Remote would likely affect all of the operating locomotives at the same time.

The IR signal from the Remote is pretty directional, but if two or more receivers were very near each other, I imagine all would react to the signal.

I have the full DCS on my main layout and use the DCS Remote Commander on my tinplate layout, but the layouts are in separate rooms and the tinplate pike is only set up to operate one train at a time.

Perhaps someone else here has tried the multiple setup thing, but I have my doubts about how well it would work unless the trackside receivers were some distance apart from each other.

Thanks for the info Allan. Now that I think of it, my LHS sets up a small layout under the tree at Christmas with two loops, both using the DCSRC. Perhaps he can answer questions although I hope more folks here will chime in. 

If using two on the same layout, I don't see why labeling corresponding remotes and bases and locating them on opposite ends of the layout wouldn't work. Anyone using these put the receiver under the layout and run satisfactorily? My TIU and transformers and equipment are all under my layout and would like to keep things there but don't have a problem moving things. 

I only have one set, but found I could bounce the IR beam off the sloped walls of my layout room and run the engine I was using.

For a single engine I think it's a great item to have, but for multiple engines I think you'll find it has limitations.

Thanks Bob. I may just grab two for the heck of it and see what happens. They are relatively cheap enough to do so and I can always sell or return them if they don't work. Just wanted to see what others experiences have been. 

I don't plan on running multiple engines on one track, just two on two separate tracks. 

I have heard ,that you would have to isolate the receivers,from each other,also while on the subject.i under stand that you can not,use these for subway cars. i read it will not control subway stops is this correct ,but can you still get the stop announcements?

Rich, 

The recievers don't need to be electrically isolated but isolated from each other to avoid confusion, yes, or at least that is my understanding. Don't own Subways these days so I'm not sure but the PFA can be activated via the DCSRC. Whether or not it can run in auto mode, etc I don't know. Might want to get in contact with MTH to see. 

but the PFA can be activated via the DCSRC

The subways don't use the PFA key, rather, they have a separate soft key menu system.