Will DCS REALLY run TMCC engines with no problems?

[Anonymous]

Hi everyone! I run completely Lionel and now have branched out to K-Line and Atlas and Weaver thanks to Elliot helping me see the light and restrictions of staying with just Lionel. My question is: Will DCS really run TMCC engines with no problems or is there a lot of tweeking that needs to be done? I'd like to branch out even further to MTH and I am wondering if I should add DCS to my already existing TMCC or should I just go completely with DCS if it runs TMCC equipped engines anyway. I hope I am getting my point across here? Geez, it ain't all locons any more is it bunky?[V]

[Anonymous]

For DCS to run TMCC, the TMCC command base must remain connected to both the outside rail and to the DCS TIU (via serial cable). DCS remote can then control TMCC for everything EXCEPT BUILDING lashups. You'll still need the CAB1 to build a TMCC lashup. Also, a TMCC/Proto2 lashup is not possible.

If you want to control your switches with the DCS remote, I believe you must replace your SC2s with the MTH AIU.

Your TPCs are no longer needed because the TIU can control conventional engines.

$300 for DCS TIU and one AIU but you can sell your sc2s and TPCs to offset. you'll still need both remotes and the TMCC base.

Too many dang initials in this hobby now days...

[ChiefEagles]

Spankybird and Jim Duda run both. They know it real well.

[spankybird]

Good Morning Jack,

I let Jim tell you how much he like running TMCC under DCS.

You will also find that the extra features in a PS2 engine is 5 years ahead of TMCC. You will love running DCS PS2 engines.

tom

[Jim Duda]

Aw hell, guys...time for a confession. So here goes, "Bless me Father, for I have sinned..." The brutal truth is I'm the laziest curmudgeon on the planet so after wowing all the TMCC guys by controlling their TMCC trains with the DCS handheld, I settled back into my natural, "do it the easiest way" mode that I patented years ago.

Now, after I run the DCS stuff, and put a TMCC engine on the track, I simply pick up the Cab-1 handheld, punch in the engine ID #, and run it. Yup, I still use the Cab-1! Yikes!!! But when I switch to a conventional loco like Williams, I use the DCS handheld, though.

So Jack, bottom line: Since you have TMCC already...keep it and run your TMCC stuff with it. (Remember though, you have the capability of controlling it with DCS if you want.) My suggestion is to use BOTH...then you have TOTAL flexibility in all aspects. That's what I wanted.

I believe the $250 "DCS Special" expires June 1...so if you're gonna do it, ya got about two weeks.

JD

[ChiefEagles]

Those two [Jim and Spankybird] talked me into DCS. Then I'm adding the TMCC module later. Right now, all I have are conventional engines. Want to get layout built and the new track will cost too. Then, if any left over, I'll start on MTH and Lionel "fancy" engines.

[spankybird]

There are some great prices in the new MTH 2004 vol 2 catalog. Railking Hudson (PS2) for $300.00 list, you most probably pick them up for $260.00 each. Not bad for command controlled.

[nblum]

You'll also need the cab-1 for any trouble shooting and for setting locomotive stall, maximum speed and reprogramming.

You may need to do some rewiring of your layout if you do not have a block control system and have a largish layout. DCS sometimes requires paired common and signal wires, soldered connections to the track, insulation of the middle rail between blocks, and star wiring system. You may also need to add some light bulbs or lighted bumpers to certain track sections, particularly in yards, to maximize signal strength. If you want to get a better idea of the pluses and minuses, check out the DCS Forum on the OGRR site. Lots of helpful information and people there.

[4kitties]

Jim, I didn't realize that MTH wasn't planning to keep the $250 package price indefinitely. Could we say, then, that this was a long-time limited-time offer? I had better hurry to my dealer...

[Jim Duda]

I got mine at Dixie Union Station several months ago and I got the impression it was a "Special" of sorts...but most definitely call your favorite place and see what they say. I'm guessing that all MTH dealers can give you more details...

JD

[Anonymous]

I have mentioned this before and I don't know the answer but when dcs was released one of the local train stores had it as a demo and I had some real trouble with the control wheel on the dcs remote. It has to do with pushing down as I spun the wheel to get it to work right. I don't know if this has been addressed( the train store went belly up) but I would recommend to anyone that before you buy any control system to actually try it in a store to see if you like the system and you can control it. I didn't like the dcs remote so I did not buy it( of course I don't have any mth engines that work anymore anyway).

[spankybird]

I don't find the tumb wheel any woorse that what is on my mouse.

[Anonymous]

WOW!! I knew you guys could help me! I am printing out this thread so I'll always have it! DCS, here I come. I also get an additional 20% at my train store (Arizona Trains in Tucson--Same owner as AZ trains in CA). Why the extra 20%? I live in that place.

[ChiefEagles]

Sounds great Jack. Now we both can install it and learn to run it.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Jim Duda

I got mine at Dixie Union Station several months ago and I got the impression it was a "Special" of sorts...but most definitely call your favorite place and see what they say. I'm guessing that all MTH dealers can give you more details...

JD

Jim, I sent you email earlier today on this. My local train shop guy wants $299.95 and MTH said, "We don't sell direct so we wouldn't know about a special deal".

However, I have found them online for $251.95

[ChiefEagles]

My "train lady" sold me mine for $250 and then gave me a discount for not putting it on a credit card/check card. Call around.

[Jim Duda]

Micobiz - www.dixieunionstation.com They're in Ohio. You get the handheld, TIU, OGR video in either DVD or VHS format, and a free caboose (mine was Union Pacific). Shipping was about $8. Talk to Rocky Lane. But there are lots of others that should make you the same deal. Make sure you get the TIU-TMCC Command Base interface cable - $16. I'd also suggest the Radio Shack #273-1690 wall txfrmr and the Rad Shk #273-1716 type "M" adaptaplug to power the TIU, both for $19, and some #274-717 banana plugs. That should get ya up and runnin'.

Let us know how you make out...you too Frank!

JD

[Buckeye Riveter]

One item of confusion for me is the purchase of the Radio Shack wall transformer and the Radio Shack type M adaptaplog. Why do you need these?

[ChiefEagles]

Power the TIU. Gives it separate power to run the unit. Transformer gives power through the TIU to track [veriable or fixed voltages]. Its all on the video. Not complicated at all. Wiring was the same as I did my conventional layout in the 80's. I recommend all folks wire their layout that way [even running conventional]. No power drops for long layouts.

[Anonymous]

The DCS will run TMCC locomotives with no problems. It works great for TMCC!

I almost never use the Cab-1. I always use the DCS handheld. The issue that Gomez brings up about the thumb wheel only occurs when the handheld is new and stiff, and does not occur on all of them (only my first of three did this-one of the first production batch). After a little operation, it was fine. The other two DCS Handhelds never did it.

As the throttle, bell, and whistle work the same with both PS-2 and TMCC from the DCS handheld, I see no reason to switch back and forth (although I did a lot of this in testing and comparing). The screen is there, if you want to see what TMCC throttle notch you are on, and that is helpful too. The throttle detents on the DCS Handheld, as opposed to spinning freely on the Cab-1. Some like this, some don't. I prefer the detents.

Many people feel that the DCS Handheld provides more accurate control of TMCC locomotives. I think this boils down to a matter of taste.

For those who like to punch in the engine I.D. number on the Cab-1 as opposed to scrolling to select an engine, the 3.0 level of DCS software allows this.

Neil is absolutley right about having a Cab-1 around for programming. It is also necessary for TMCC lash-ups (some thing I am still hoping a new version of DCS software will correct). It is also necessary for operation of the new TMCC Crane, from what I understand (I don't have one-yet).

One of the nicer aspects of DCS is that it is not limiting. You can use the Cab-1 or not, depending on what you want to control. The DCS handheld can control all except for the aforementioned TMCC Lashups and items like the crane. With DCS and a TMCC Command base, you can run almost anything out there.

It is nice to have choices. Part of it is what you are used to. No method is "wrong".

On a side note, the wiring issue continues to come up. In most cases, no special wiring will be required for DCS to operate correctly. Large layouts (approaching 80 feet or so in loop size) may require special wiring, most do not.

[spankybird]

Hi all,

I will also suppport that I did not have to re-wire my layout when I added DCS. I have posted it here often enough that most of you have seen it. If not or not recently, then click on the web icon below

[ChiefEagles]

Better be good. Just ordered NS SD60 with P2 from my train lady. Hey this hobby is costing me more than fishing. [;)]