Which controller to use/ buy?

[Anonymous]

went to the train store to find out all i could on controllers. and someone told me to buy the digital controller if i wanted to use the wireless remote control. is it the one to buy or what? your opinions will help. my thought...... if i'm going to play with trains until i pass them on (like my dad did), then get a good one to last awhile so you dont spend your money " twice" . but willing to listen to what you guys have to say and think. and also I plan to run three to four trains "maybe" down thye road when I get "hooked"......thx

cade

[Roger Bielen]

Cade, a similar question came up a week or two ago, you might get some answers there. To get things started you will have to decide which way you want to go: conventional control - transformer/controller only; Lionel's TMCC remote system only; MTH's DCS remote system only; or the combined TMCC & DCS. There are advocates of both on the forum, some very opinionated and others that'll give the facts.

If you decide to go all the way with TMCC & DCS it can be done in stages. More than likely the train store that you deal with will pu***heir product. It may be necessary to visit more than one or two stores, preferrably with operating layouts, or try to hook up with another train enthusiast.

[Anonymous]

Cade,

I have the DCS system from MTH and does take things to a different level. I've had it since it came out and I amsure there are thngs I have not yet tried on it. Additionally, I'm sure they will offer enhancements in the future.

Lionel will introduce it's TMCC II but I'm not sure when.

[Anonymous]

What is DCS & TMCC mean? I know its a wierd question but I'm a rooky. with both of them combined is it a plus? benifits either way? I'm headed to the other question that roger suggested to see what they had to say.......thx cnwman & roger.

I always forget to search other questions first before posting, sorry.

cade

[tmcc man]

Cade, TMCC stands for Train Master Command Control, and DCS stands for Digital Command Control. TMCC is from Lionel, and DCS is from MTH (Mike's Train House).
I am more partial to lionel, and have TMCC. They both have benefits, and each is good for running each companies trains. There are 3 companies that use TMCC, so there is a wide variety of TMCC equipped engines out there. The companies are K-LINE, ATLAS O, and LIONEL itself. I would first get a little layout started, and then move ahead after that. But, just keep asking us questions, that is the best way to learn, and go to your hobby shop and pick up some books. I also try to get to know the owner, and I have 2 hobby shops of which the owners and I are friends.

[Anonymous]

Lionel's TMCC page is here, http://www.lionel.com/GettingStarted/Findex.cfm

And this is MTH DCS http://www.protosound2.com/ http://www.mth-railking.com/us/dcs.asp[/url][url]

[Anonymous]

Weaver and Third Rail are also license TMCC.

DCS can control most ENG functions of a TMCC equipped locomotive, but not TR (Train/Track,) ACC (Accesory), or SW (Switch). These functions are covered by other means. If you want complete control of both systems on the same layout you will need a lot of hardware/money and a lot of wires.

here is a site to "try before you buy" TMCC:

http://www.coilcouplers.com/tmc/tmc.html

I would strongly recommend trying them both out before deciding if any of t his is your cup of tea. There are still a fairly large number of three rail fans that prefer the simplicity an ruggedness of the PW trains and a tranformer/console. While I do enjoy this mode of operation, I also enjoy using the CAB-1 to control the layout as I move around. To each his own.

[sean s.]

If you are just starting out, why not keep it simple and then slowly upgrade to DCS or TMCC?

I would suggest buying an MTH Z1000 or Lionel CW 80. Each would run you under $100 in a hobby shop, or could be found much cheaper online. Both are good, solid transformers that are built to power small to medium layouts.

Also, before even thinking about command control, do you have any engines equiped with Lionel's TMCC or MTH PS2? If not, I would wait and get to know the hobby with the aforementioned transformers.

Good Luck!

Sean

[jonadel]

Sean welcome to the forum[#welcome] and that is by far the best advice I could offer as well. I just started out with the transformers included with the train sets and that was fine. I then bought my first z4000 and then another one and then the DCS system. You don't have to have it all to begin with, just be a good observer and you will know what you want soon enough.

Jon

[tmcc man]

I forgot about 3rd Rail, and Weaver. oooooppps

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys I appreciate the info greatly!! thank god for the internet, or we all would be broke trying everything!

last question on this subject. what power do I need to have two trains going around a 14 x 14 room? or would these controllers that were suggested to start out with, be plenty?

cade

[Anonymous]

Amount of track isn't an issue. Proper wiring would allow you to run a starter set on 300 linear feet of track with an 80-100 watt transformer. Your POWER needs should be based on the electrical load the power supply will be seeing. A typical mid sized modern loco will only pull 2-3 amps. More loco's, more amps. Post War open frame motors draw more power and modern multiple units (like ABA sets of F-3's where every unit has two vertical can motors) also draw more power. Figure out the anticipated load and add a fudge factor of 25-40% for future growth and safe operating limits. A transfomer that is rated at 125 watts will trip at 125 watts but you don't want to run it at full or near full ratings for long periods of time. Leave a little cushion for transient loads/saftey.

BTW, none of the Digital Command Controlers have built in power supplies. You need some kind of transformer to feed these control devices and the tracs/trains/accessories attached to them. If all you need/want is basic walk around throttle control for two tracks, look at a Z4000 and the MTH remote commander. An alternative would be a modern ZW and a CAB-1/Command Base combo. The latter would also allow you to control any TMCC equipped loco's in command mode.