Operating in conventional and DCS on same layout?

[phillyreading]

The only concern I would have about using DCS or any other command control system and needing to have the voltage turned up to 18 volts or higher would be having a lighted car, caboose or passenger car, that may short out from being exposed to constant higher voltages. I had a Lionel lighted caboose that fried the truck assembly, melted the plastic on the truck assembly from the center rail pickup shorting out, that picked up the center rail power before I knew what was going on. I would not worry about transformer shorting out, mainly the lighted cars shorting out would be my concern. The only way to switch between modes if you need to is to use a double pole double throiw toggle switch, normally cost between $6 to $9 at most electronic places or Radio Shack.

[phillyreading]

Do you have the new DCS Commander base? The new DCS commander is for use with PS-3 and I don't know all the details about it, have heard it is like the H.O. version of DCC. DCS is for use with PS-2, don't know if PS-2 can be used with the new DCS Commander. PS-1 is just a sound system with a couple of extra features, PS-1 does'nt need a base unit, just a transformer with bell & whistle controls.

[DAVE_IV]

Thanks for your input. I will be running the DCS Commander table top unit, not the remote unit. Also, as of now all engines that would run on this system are PS2. I guess my main concern is that running a constant voltage power source to the track with the ZW attached will somehow fry my ZW or vise versa the ZW would fry my DCS Commander. Is this a valid concern? I am not well versed in electricity. Right now I am opting to isolate track power and ground and disconnect power from transformer to transformer when switching from conventional to DCS. I would much prefer a quick switch between modes. 

[phillyreading]

If you are using the new version of MTH's DCS or PS-3, the instructions will most likely be diffferant, as PS-3 commander is totally differant than PS-2 or basic DCS.

[phillyreading]

You could run one train in DCS mode and then run the other train under track voltage in conventional mode, just not at the same time on the same track. Use the handheld MTH remote with track voltage setting and control the voltage to the track.

[DAVE_IV]

Hello Toy Train fans. I need some help wiring my layout. I would like to control my conventional locomotives with a ZW transformer and then use some sort of toggle to swith to an MTH DCS Commander for Protosound 2.0 engines. My problem is that all accessories and light are planned to be powered by the ZW and share common ground. Should I wire track power seperate so as not to interfere with switching from conventional to DCS mode? Is there another option? Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks.