Trying to understand.

Jim,

1) can I use it with my basic setup???

Yes, you can.

2) what do I need???

3) can I presently use it with my Weaver Rs-3 diesel and Lionel M7 Lirr passenger trains.

The complete #50-1001 DCS Remote Control Set (http://www.mthtrains.com/content/50-1001) has a remote and TIU, and will will work operate up to 99 DCS engines (PS2 and PS3) simultaneously, as well as any number of conventional engines. These include your  Weaver and Lionel engines, in conventional mode. The set has an MSRP of $329.95, however, it typically may be found new at dealers for $280.

 

A less expensive alternative is the #50-1033 DCS Remote Commander Set (http://www.mthtrains.com/content/50-1033). It ail operate any DCS engine that has been reset to Factory Settings. However, it will only operate one engine at a time and will not operate any conventional engines. The DCS Remote Commander has an MSRP of $39.95.

 

This and a whole lot more is all in "The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", now available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book from MTH's web store site! Click on the link below to go to MTH's web page for the book!

While DCS includes sound, it is really more about control.  It allows you to have independent control of multiple engines on the same track.  It also allows you to control accessories, lights and switches.

 

To be able to control an engine, it needs to be a DCS engine OR a TMCC/Legacy engine with a TMCC or Legacy base.

 

Eric,

To be able to control an engine, it needs to be a DCS engine OR a TMCC/Legacy engine with a TMCC or Legacy base.

Not so.

 

Actually, DCS can control conventional engines quite well, even while also controlling DCS and/or legacy/TMCC engines, via the TIU's Variable channels.

Wow! I had no idea of the possibilities. How hard is it to install??? I just finally got all my wiring connected to the transformers but now I have to redo it??? Granted the wiring looks like a rats nest, I am trying to clean it up a bit. But right now I am just excited it works! Lol Thanks for your replys!

Jim,

How hard is it to install??

Not very. Just break the wires between the transformer and the track, and insert the TIU. The manual that accompanies the DCS set will get you started.

 

However, if you want to know just about everything that there is to know about DCS, I suggest that you make a small investment in a copy of the "The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", now available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book from MTH's web store site! Click on the link below to go to MTH's web page for the book!

Your LIRR M7 doesn't have any sort of command control installed. Not sure about the Weaver loco, but if it does, it would be Trainmaster Command Control (TMCC).

 

Both of the above would be operable in conventional control under DCS--it would essentially be acting like a remote-controlled transformer handle, but you would not have individual control of different trains.

 

Adding DCS to your layout typically consists of little more than hooking the control box (TIU) between your transformer and track (using the (Fixed 1) input/output to control DCS locomotives.

 

Without any DCS locomotives (as your first post seems to indicate) you'd make one small change--bridging the (Fixed 1)/(Variable 1) inputs together, then running wires from the (Variable 1) output to the track. From this point the setup acts like the remote-control transformer described in the second paragraph.

 

---PCJ

jjmagoo:  When I was first given DCS (right after its initital release) , I had no DCS locos.  Plopped the TIU between transformer & control panel, and enjoyed running my conventional locos with walkaround control, which is great.  Eventually I added DCS locos, with no changes to wiring, and have been running with few problems.

So basically this is almost "a Must have"!!!???  Can it control lockouts???  I have two sidings and dread having to hook up the toggle switches.  Can this control power to my sidings???  Once again  thank you for all your expertise on the DCS system!!!  Do to monetary concerns I will probably just get the remote command module.

Nothing to dread.  You have a wire running from a transformer post to center rail.  If you have DCS it runs through a red terminal on TIU.  Between transformer or TIU if you have one and the track, connect a wire to that wire.  Run the new wire to one terminal of a toggle switch.  If you have more than one toggle switch, simply continue this wire to one terminal of the next toggle switch.

 

Fron the other terminal of each toggle switch, run a wire to the center rail of the siding you wish to control.  This center rail should be isolated, by a gap, from the center rail of the rest of the layout.

 

That's all there is to it.  I did my first when I was about 10.  My current layout has about70 such toggle switches.

Well thats reassuring!  I was just watching a video on youtube about the DCS.  I am now torn between getting the basic remote commander or going to the next model.  I like the engine sounds and such, but was interested in the smoking capability?  If i owned an engince that smoked could I control it with the basic model?  Thanks for everybody assistance!

 

Jim,

You have received excellent advice here.

If you would like to visit the Munoz Lines with your kids, we'll show you how DCS and Legacy works. We're in Carmel, NY about 1 hour away.

 

We'll be happy to let all of you run the trains.

 

Eliot

Jim,

If i owned an engince that smoked could I control it with the basic model?

No, you could not control the smoke output.

I assume he means controlling smoke, not controlling loco. ???????

Yes, my apologies.  Bad spelling and grammar!

 

Basically, I was wondering if any the downsides of getting the basic unit and or the the unit thats next up?

 

Thanks for all your help!

 

 

 

 

 

Jim,

 

There's a huge difference between the DCS Remote Commander and the full DCS set of the remote and TIU. If you only plan to have a few DCS engines and only run them one at a time, then the DCSRC should be fine for you.

 

However, if you plan to have several DCS engines and would like to operate them several at a time, utilize all of the DCS features and functions, or run them as multi-engine lashups, you'll want the full DCS set.

 

A compete description of both units and their respective capabilities is in The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition.

 

This and a whole lot more is all in "The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", now available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book from MTH's web store site! Click on the link below to go to MTH's web page for the book!

Thanks Barry. I just purchased the book and Wow!!! I have some homework to do! Well done! Thanks for the suggestion!

Jim,

Now, referring back to your original post:

DCS does not simulate the sound, it is built into the engines, MTH or Lionel.

1) Yes, as long as you have only one power connection to the loop. BUT it works better with Blocks as explained in Barry's book.

2) Any PS2 or PS3 engine and the DCS system or a DCS Remote Commander. Note the Commander has some limits.

3) Your Weaver and Lionel trains will run on the Variable channels but they do not get command control this way. Command Control Upgrades are available for them.

 

Later: Can it control Lockouts (Turnouts/switches I assume)

Yes, by adding an AIC you can control up to 10 switches and 10 accessories per AIC. You can daisy chain up to 5 AIC's on a TIU (DCS Command unit)

NOTE, Do not plug them into the wrong port on the TIU, it can damage the TIU.

 

Later: THE DCS RC cannot control Smoke on an Engine. Use the Pot ion the bottom of the engine. NOTE: Do not run the smoke unit out of fluid, it will burn the wick requiring replacement. Not expensive, it's a do it yourself, just a pain.

 

And Barry's book is the Bible of DCS, I feel MTH should buy lots of them and ship them with the system.

 

Is it worth it? Absolutely. I have DCS and Lionel's TMCC (connected together).

 

Once you go Command control, you never go back!

 

I even got a DCS Remote Commander for the Christmas loop now.

Remember tho, if you do that, you must do a Factory Reset on the engine before you transfer it from the Full DCS loop to the DCSRC loop. The DCSRC only talks to an Engine on the default ID. Loading it into the DCS remote alters this ID number.

OK, I have been reading the book.  WOW, very informative.  Also everybody's words of encouragement has been greatly appreciated.  I was at my local hobby store yesterday and was ready to purchase the DCS commander.  While talking to the fellas at the store I mentioned I owned the Weaver RS-3 engine.  The gentleman mentioned that I will not be able to use the Weaver and the DCS and get the full features???  The Weaver is setup for the TMCC.  Gosh, I thought I would be able to use it use the DCS????  The Weaver does not have smoke but it does have Engine sounds and the horn and bell going for it!  Any thoughts or suggestions???  Once again thank you for all your help!!!  I am still getting the DCS commander was just wondering if the weaver will work at all?  Thanks!

 

Jim,

 

The DCS Remote can operate TMCC engines in TMCC command mode, provided that you connect a TMCC (or Legacy) command base to the TIU using MTH's cable for that purpose (#50-1032). However, the DCS Commander (as well as, the DCS Remote Commander) does not have that capability.

 

Regardless of whether you use the TIU and remote, the DCS Commander or the DCS Remote Commander to operate your DCS (PS2/PS3) engines, you can still use a TMCC Cab-1 (with TMCC command base) or Legacy Cab-2 (with Legacy command base) to operate your TMCC engines.

 

Further, only the DCS Remote and TIU can operate conventional engines, conventionally. Neither the DCS Commander nor the DCS Remote Commander have that capability.

how does one go about getting into DCS? I have two loops not connected but running side by side. On the inside loop I have set up switches which change that trains 

direction if wanted.

 

Could this give me freedom of movement rather than sitting at a control panel?

 

 

 One of my early setups in DCS was exactly this type of configuration.  I had one (separate) channel of my TIU controlling each loop.

 

DCS is great for freeing you from a control panel.  I am planning on wiring my switches through an AIU.  Doing this will allow you to throw them from your DCS remote.

 

I'd go with regular DCS.  It will give you a lot more flexibility in the long run.  Even on a small layout with only a couple of engines.

 

My advice is go go with the full DCS system.  The DCS Commander is a lot more limited, not to mention one of your stated goals is a wireless remote.  The DCS Commander is run from the control panel on the unit, no wireless remote.

 

Yes, I think I am going to get the main unit.  I like the potential I have to utilize the whole system.  I placed an order for the MTH mp-15 LIRR locomotive though Nassau Hobby.  So the plan is to stick with the weaver and then possibly retire or sell it sometime In the future.

Rufus,

how does one go about getting into DCS?

Learn all that you can about DCS before jumping in head-first!

 

I recommend that you purchase a copy of "The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", now available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book from MTH's web store site! Click on the link below to go to MTH's web page for the book!

 

 

 

 

 

The freedom of movement applies to conventional locos also.

One great thing about DCS is that with a TMCC or Legacy base you can run EVERYTHING.  I have several conventional engines that I want to keep (or start) running and I have no wish to sell them off because they are "conventional".  This feature of the system is attractive to me because I am on a fairly limited budget.

I will jump in and add a boost for Barry's book.

You really want that book if you plan on using DCS, it has all the info you need.

 

And yes, the Variable channels of a Full DCS system will allow you to run a conventional engine remotely.

OR run the voltage up and run a PS2 or PS3 engine on the same track.

Barry's book will tell you how to do this easily.

And Yes, one AIU added will also allow you to control up to 10 accessories and 10 switches. Note, Some complex accessories take more than one slot.

This is a lot of control with only the DCS set and one add on.

Right, Barry!  I misspoke.  I control conventional engines with DCS.  I was thinking of command control features and didn't say what I meant to.

 

Ok, after much deliberation and analyzing I did the basic thing.  I purchased an MTH RTR train set with the DCS remote control unit included.  I was all set to purchase the DCS remote but figured I can get a new locomotive some cars and the remote DCS system all in one.  I figure as I get more comfortable with my layout I will purchase the DCS Remote.  The only issue I am having is how do I install this using my Z1000 transformer???  Thanks for all of your help once again!

Don't touch the Z1000 connection except to make sure that the handle on the Z-Controller is set at full voltage.

 

Just connect the output of the receiver to the track, red terminal to center rail and black terminal to an outside rail. Don't connect anything to the input side of the receiver. It will back-power itself from the tracks. This is called Passive Mode of operation.

 

This and a whole lot more is all in "The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", now available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book from MTH's web store site! Click on the link below to go to MTH's web page for the book!

Hello Barry, thank you for your help.  Your book is very informative.  I have hooked up the wires from my track to the Remote base unit.  I then have wires from the base unit going into the 1000.  Black with Black & Red with Red.  I think this is correct since it appears to be working.  Pretty incredible!!!

Jim,

 

If it works, you have it right!

 

Phew! Thanks Barry!