DCS Questions

[Anonymous]

A few DCS questions for the experts…. I have relatively large (6 independent but connected loops) TMCC layout and have long been thinking of moving to DCS. I’ve done a fair amount of online research and believe to have a good understanding of the basics. There are a few things I could use some clarification on:

First, I will need at least two TIUs and haven’t seen much on how this would work. How are they physically connected or are they not connected at all? I’ve read about putting them in “super mode” so one TIU can hand off to another – in laymen’s terms, how does this work? Any general words of advice for a multiple TIU setup?

Second, I’ve seen in several places (including this site) the suggestion that you should isolate the center rail for each section of track that has a power connection. I assume the rationale for this is so that the locomotive picks up only one DCS signal at a time without echo? I haven’t seen anything in the MTH documentation about this - how important is it? I’m guessing this is similar to the signal-cleaning light bulb – not mandatory but a good idea in the long run.

Finally, I’ve read that you must build TMCC lash-ups through the cab-1 remote. Just to confirm, is it also true that you must operate the lash-up through the cab-1? (Or once it’s built can you operate it through DCS?)

Thanks in advance for any help. I’ve posted questions a few times and have always been impressed with the responses. I greatly value and appreciate those of you who keep the information flowing….

Allan Wright

[spankybird]

HI Allen,

First I would strongly suggest if you haven’t already, pick up the video from OGR on DCS.

Now to try to answer your questions

QUOTE: How are they physically connected or are they not connected at all?

They are NOT connected to each other at all. The talk to each other via radio waves. You must program one of them to TIU # 2 ( super mode).

QUOTE: Second, I’ve seen in several places (including this site) the suggestion that you should isolate the center rail for each section of track that has a power connection.

This is for power district control. Each channel of the TIU can handle 10 amps.

The ‘Echo’ is controlled by multiple leads to your track.

QUOTE: I’ve read that you must build TMCC lash-ups through the cab-1 remote

It’s the best way that I know of.

Hope this helps
tom

[Anonymous]

Thanks Tom - Appreciate the help. Will definately take your advice about the OGR video.

Allan

[Anonymous]

Spanyybird what's OGR stand for? I have dcs but I run only MTH engines
I can get mine to do what I want ,but would like to learn more. I would like to buy the Viedo.

[spankybird]

Here is there web site

http://www.ogaugerr.com/

Click on video, then look for the DCS video. Item number V- DCS -01

It's $19.95 plus shipping.

tom