Is DCS really Complicated?

[Anonymous]

I have been reading alot here and there about the MTH DCS system, and though it sounds pretty exciting to run your trains remotely, it seems that the most complex thing about it is the wiring. Some of the few diagrams I have seen almost makes me want to shy away from DCS because the wiring looks to be too complicated for it to even work correctly.

I only have 2 RailKing locomotives with the PS1, which both I havent ran in a few years (I know, I suck badly) since I kind of fell out of the hobby for awhile. But after seeing my uncle's TMCC layout and such it rekindled my interest in it again, except I may go the DCS route for myself since I have RailKing.

I really dont want to upgrade the PS1 in my older locomotives to the PS2 because I really don't have an electronic background to do that type of upgrade.

If DCS is really worth it, then I may eventually consider it down the line.

[Anonymous]

In as few words as possible: No, DCS is not complicated. I figure that if I can set up and operate the system, anyone can do it. If you are capable of hooking-up components to your TV or stereo, you can certainly hook-up DCS to your layout. Truth is, DCS is even easier than that.

As for those PS-1 locomotives you have that have not been run for years: Do NOT try to run them, even for a short time, until AFTER you have replaced the batteries with new ones!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Allan Miller

In as few words as possible: No, DCS is not complicated. I figure that if I can set up and operate the system, anyone can do it. If you are capable of hooking-up components to your TV or stereo, you can certainly hook-up DCS to your layout. Truth is, DCS is even easier than that.

As for those PS-1 locomotives you have that have not been run for years: Do NOT try to run them, even for a short time, until AFTER you have replaced the batteries with new ones!

Not to worry....a long period of non-usage like that will usually always drain the battery down to nothing. I plan to get the metal hydride rechargeables for both of my PS1 locomotives and I gotta replace a bulb in one of them before they will hit the rails again.

I am curious though, does the PS2 system also use a battery? It seems that the PS1's were more of a pain to operate (which is why I may consider getting a Z-4000 soon to help with setting modes for them) and the constant battery issues.

[willpick]

Yes, PS2 still uses a battery. In fact, it is a necessary evil[}:)]. The battery is used by DCS to write information into the memory of the PS2 electronics. Info such as chuff rate, smoke volume, audio volume, and the engines' name are recorded so that the parameters are loaded when the engine is powered up again.
So a charged battery is essential. Older PS2 from before 2004/2005 use the 8.4V battery, newer(2005+) use a 3V battery as the microprocessor changed from 5V logic to 3V logic. I look at the battery as a part that has to be maintained--- Like making sure that all your cars' fluids are tooped off-- I usually run 2 or 3 engines for 2-4 weeks, then I rotate my other ones to the layout. This way, I keep all my batteries in tip top shape-- And I've replaced 3 so far on engines that are 5+ years old.
HTH!

[Anonymous]

DCS is more "complicated" primarily because it has many more features than TMCC and to operate fail-safe requires more specific layout wiring than a conventional buss wiring system which easily acccommodates TMCC's single wire hookup.
That is not to say that DCS is not a good system or the preferred system if you like more "whistles and bells". But it is definitely more complicated as the huge number of trouble-shooting posts on the OGR thread over time attests. Barry Brokowski has been a godsend for MTH and its DCS users[and before him Dave Kline-"Toy Trains" assisted early users of DCS].

[jonadel]

As Alan M. stated, if you can hook up a stereo system you can hook up DCS. I waited to wire my layout until DCS was available, all you need are a few terminal blocks, appropriate wire, some lock on's and you are in like Flynn. It really is that easy and IMO not complicated at all, if you can run your TV remote you can run DCS. Now........ the five remotes I have in the living room for the TV, satellite system, vcr, dvd and the home theatre system are another matter[:)]

Jon

[wrmcclellan]

DCS is only complicated if you have a very large layout with lots of independent tracks. Wiring feed style (hub and spoke pattern with home runs to TIU) and layout is critical. For the average home layout there is no problem.

Just follow the various rules you have seen posted for wiring.

Regards,
Roy

[Anonymous]

Please try to read the manual. A lot of the issues I see with DCS systems are related to people trying to hook things up the way they want to or "wished" the system would work. If you follow the manual and the advice outlined in the previous posts along with notes about the few "gotcha's" for large complex layouts you'll be fine.

[Anonymous]

And don't forget the lighbulb trick, it worked wonders on my layout.

[jimhaleyscomet]

For a simple DCS layout, just imagine putting an "auxllary controller" between the power source (an old ZW in my case) and the lockon. Kind of like a button switch for an accessory. If you run an old power source you also want to add a fuse box or circuit breaker.

That is all there is to it. It sounds complicated buy is VERY easy when you get the equipment.

Jim H