DCS Command controller and conventional mode

[RRaddict]

I hope someone here can help, I just purchased a MTH DCS commander but can't seem to get it to run my convention locos properly.  I cannot change directions with it or sound the bell or horn with the buttons made for those functions.  I tried the pass through and that didn't work either. I am hoping some one had a similar problem, any help would be great.

[dougdagrump]

The full DCS or the DCS Remote Commander set ?

[Seayakbill]

I don't use the MTH DCS commander but use the MTH DCS TIU powered by 4 Lionel 135 watt transformers. I have not seen the DCS commander in action but have read reviews of it and it seems to fill the bill for what it was intended for. Not sure what the capabilities are for the commander with conventional locos. I have no issues with sending commands through the TIU to conventional locos.

[gunrunnerjohn]

Sounds like you're talking about the MTH 50-1033 DCS Remote Commander, which is a basic set that will control a single locomotive that has been factory reset and never addressed again by the full DCS command set. 

[RRaddict]

I am using the DCS Commander the one here http://www.wholesaletrains.com/Detail.asp?ID=200483371.  It's making me wonder if this thing is broke I hope I am just doing somethng wrong.

[gunrunnerjohn]

They seem to think it's PS/3, I wonder if it's backward compatible?  It should be able to control them.  I looked at MTH, and they seem to only claim compatibility with the PS/2 locomotives with the 3V battery.  This seems to be a DC system to the track, so I'm wondering if the older PS/2 locomotives which require AC are compatible.

 

They mention conventional mode, but why use that for conventional mode, the transformer will do without the extra baggage?

 

*DCS Commander works with all Proto-Sound 3.0 locomotives (including all M.T.H. HO locomotives) and with Proto-Sound 2.0 locomotives with onboard 3-volt system. Proto-Sound 2.0 three-volt systems can be identified by their square battery-charging jack on the locomotive chassis. See the operator's manual for the exact location of the charging jack.

[phillyreading]

I have the older DCS TIU and handheld remote, to run in conventional mode I have to select track 1 or 2 and then variable output. The only advantage to using the conventional mode is having the use of handheld remote control feature. Have no knowledge of the capabilities of the new DCS Commander, which according to the MTH site is used with O gauge PS-3 engines and/or DCC for H.O.

[gunrunnerjohn]

I believe older MTH PS/2 and PS/1 locomotives don't like DC, which is why I think they make that distinction.