Able to add DCS?

[phillyreading]

Does any one make an add on DCS compatible electronic unit?  I was wanting to upgrade a K-Line GG1 to DCS or PS-2 but don't want to buy the extra TMCC stuff to run it in command mode, looking only for DCS!!!

Lee F.

[Anonymous]

Not sure if it can be done, but you could check with Train America Studios.  They can upgrade PS1 to PS2.

[phillyreading]

lionroar88,

Do you have the website for Train America or a CTT mag page number to find more info on them?   Found it on page 89 of CTT Sept. 07 issue.

Just looked at www.tastudio.com and they want close to $300.00 to add DCS to a Lionel loco, did not say about adding DCS or PS-2 to an electric loco, not sure that I will be doing this as the price is a little more than I can currently afford.

Lee F.

[chuck]

A PS-2 "kit" runs about $200.  The rest of the fee is for labor charges to gut the loco and replace everything, lights, couplers, smoke units, install tach and then program the loco.  The PS-2 boards are completely blank when you get them and you will need to find a suitable PS-2 sound/control file to download.   I would strongly suggest looking for a PS-2 loco that matches your needs before trying the upgrade route.  If you had a loco that you paid $500-$800, then the upgrade might make sense.   If not, consider selling your old engine and using the money to buy a new PS-2 unit.

[Dave Connolly]

 I'd tend to agree with Chuck on this. Also you will have to download one of MTH's electric sound sets for this engine. It will read in smph on the remote but chances are will be somewhat off if running with other MTH engines. The soundset takes into account the gearing of the loco to provide this. Works fine in their own engines but not others.

  You can get by with just purchasing the TMCC base and MTH cable. About 80 to 90 dollars. The MTH handheld works great with TMCC engines.

[Anonymous]

lionroar88,

Do you have the website for Train America or a CTT mag page number to find more info on them?   Found it on page 89 of CTT Sept. 07 issue.

Just looked at www.tastudio.com and they want close to $300.00 to add DCS to a Lionel loco, did not say about adding DCS or PS-2 to an electric loco, not sure that I will be doing this as the price is a little more than I can currently afford.

Lee F.

Looks like you found it...

Also, I agree with the others, you would be FAR better off getting the Command Base and DCS cable, a heck of a lot cheaper than purchasing the upgrades.  The only reason I am considering upgrading my engine is because I got a heck of a deal on it, it is MTH, and upgrading is still cheaper than buying the PS2 version of the same engine...

[phillyreading]

Just got the email back from Tas Studios and they want $310.00 for the upgrade. Don't know if this includes shipping as that can get expensive from West Palm Beach FL.  Looks like I won't be upgrading to PS-2, already have the DCS T.I.U. and A.I.U.

The GG1 is set up to have TMCC installed in it, it has a TMCC harness to hook up to.  Not looking to add TMCC to my layout for just one locomotive.

Maybe I can catch a sale on a GG1 with PS-2 in it.

Lee F.