MTH Proto1 & Proto2

[Anonymous]

Recently acquired a RK Challenger and the DCS System for a ZW and $250 (not bad???). I see alot of MTH with Proto1 for sale and am wondering what the DCS will operate on these PS1 engines if anything? Do they have auto couplers, smoke rate,etc. that can be controlled thru the DCS TIU??? Your help is appreciated. THANK YOU!!!!!!!

[Anonymous]

You can use a DCS handheld controller to operate a PS-1 train as a conventional train. The command sequences for PS-1 can be operated through DCS, so you can operate the electro-couplers or put the engine in to the freight year or passenger sound sequence, just as you would with a transformer's bell and horn/whistle buttons.

Similarly, you could run convention engines (e.g. Williams) with DCS, but only as conventional engines. (It will be like using the RailKing remote control.)

However, you cannot access any of the special features (e.g. extended start up, shut down, freight yard sound clips) on demand, program the engine, or monitor scale speeds. For these features, you need a Protosound Two engine. If you have a TMCC base and a cable from the TIU to the base, you can run TMCC engines through DCS just as if you were using a TMCC hand control--only better: you can program a TMCC engine along with MTH/Railking Protosound Two engines to run a sequence of commands (e.g. back up, couple up to a car, take the car somewhere else on the layout and drop it off, etc.)

We run DCS, TMCC, and conventional engines--just depending on the mood we're in and what engines we want to see at the time.

[Anonymous]

wldii,

The PS-1 locomotives are not command locomotives-they are conventional. They can be controlled through the TIU from one of the "Variable" Channels in conventional mode only. They can be upgraded to PS-2 through kits available from MTH or from MTH authorized service centers. They can be upgraded to TMCC through the "Equalizer" board from Digital Dynamics. Operation in "command" with the Equalizer will require a TMCC Command Base. Bear in mind that most PS-1's that are out there will require a battery replacement prior to operation (due to age). PS-1 steam locomotives were equipped with smoke, and I believe that the couplers on both steam and diesel could be fired by a series of bell and whistle commands-the manuals should be available on the MTH website if you want to see them.

Given the choice, go for PS-2 locomotives going forward-newer, better electronics, excellent sound, outstanding speed control, and, best of all, command control under DCS. The detail on the later, PS-2 versions of the is better than the older PS-1 versions also.

[spankybird]

Hi Wldii,

You have been given great answer and also very accurate. I also want to say welcome to the CTT forum to you and Edward.




The DCS can be used to set engines setting, such as volume, turning on and off brake sounds, etc. Other than that, the PS 1 engine is a conventional engine with sounds.


click on the pics to enlarge them.

The upgrades that have been mentioned can be done. The kit is around $180.00 and to have it installed is about another $125.00. This is why some folks have decided to sell the
PS1, if MTH has re-issued the engine in PS2, and just buy a new one.


tom

[Bob Keller]

We have a feature on installing a PS2 upgrade kit in our September issue, which is shipping to the printer.