Operating TMCC AND DCS

[dbaker48]

I had sent MTH, a email regarding this question. I just received a reply from MTH, I am really impressed !!!!!

[:D]

Thank you for your email message expressing your interest in learning more about compatibility of the M.T.H. DCS system. We certainly appreciate your interest in our digital technology and look forward to your continued support of M.T.H. Electric Trains.


DCS can be operated with any AC transformer, including the Lionel ZW and Powerhouse Blocks. In addition, it is possible to upgrade older locomotives, including some from Lionel for command operation with DCS. You will need to upgrade the locomotive with the Proto-Sound 2.0 sound system which has a built-in DCS receiver. You'll find more details about the upgrade program by clicking <http://www.protosound2.com/upg/index.htm>here.


In addition, DCS can operate any non-command equipped locomotive remotely through the system's variable channels. This functionality is explained in the DCS manual which you can download by clicking <http://www.protosound2.com/service.asp>here.


Sincerely,


M.T.H. Customer Service

[jefelectric]

Smokebox,

Try this site.

http://www.tastudios.com/

[Anonymous]

Where do you purchase Railsounds boards? Do they come in EMD, AlCo, and FM sounds? Horn options?

Thanks,

Smokebox

QUOTE: Originally posted by ChiefEagles

Second thought. Buy a PS1 version at a good price and convert it to TMCC. Tim Mitchel [Pigseye] has done this with great success. I am doing a PS1 diesel and converting it to TMCC and Railsounds [since MTH diesel sounds is NOT good].

[dbaker48]

Thanks for the input ![^] Gosh, sure feel lot better about it all. The worst part is all the waiting, as I indicated we are building the room, (architect out tomorrow). [yeah] So were still on playing on the floor. Taking advantage of the time for planning.

The questions I have asked, and advice or thoughts I have gotten, I am SO happy with.

- Circuit Breaker Box --- It works, (from experience already), looks good, and we had a GREAT time building it. That was worth it even if it didn't work. Actually, we built 2, 1 for each ZW. My son was showing trhe one he built to his friends, and he was so proud that he had built it himself. The other kids were asking him all kinds of questions about what it does, and did he do the soldering etc..!

- The RR Track software, that is awsome! Sure accomodates planning, and what ifing, and the concept reviews are great.

- The DCS video, again that has been really valuable. I have watched it 3 times and will more I'm sure.

Sure appreciate you guys!!
Thanks - Tom, Chief, Bob, Jim H, winrose46, and graz

[ChiefEagles]

Second thought. Buy a PS1 version at a good price and convert it to TMCC. Tim Mitchel [Pigseye] has done this with great success. I am doing a PS1 diesel and converting it to TMCC and Railsounds [since MTH diesel sounds is NOT good].

[Anonymous]

I don't think that the new ZW will have any problem in a DCS environment. I posed that question to the DCS experts on the OGR forum and they said that all should work just fine.

[ChiefEagles]

I think you will find Scott's box is not quite the same. Will work but not as easy as the one you built. I like to run TMCC with the CAB1. DCS remote is not as quick to respond. Some say turn off the display. Thought that was the arguement to use DCS remote. I run the PS2 engines with the DCS remote. Postwars run better from using the transformer handle than the DCS remote [I'm thinking of gettting the TMCC compontent to run conventionals]. New conventionals run great with DCS remote. Definitely get both systems.

[spankybird]

Don, you will be able to use the power bricks from the new ZW if wired directly to the TIU. This will force you to control conventional engines via the varible chanels of the DCS. The powermaster is inside the ZW housing with the hand contols.

tom

[winrose46]

I started out like you with TMCC and then went to DCS. I have no issues with DCS controlling TMCC engines. I still use the CAB1 for the cranes. Also, with DCS you might start a TMCC engine and it has 22 smph or other number (not 0) and you will find it only goes up to 31 smph. There is no issue with using the CAB1 to increase the speed of the DCS engine to get it faster and then control it again with the DCS controller. It works well. While I only have the newer engines (Started back into this in 2004 so my oldest engine is a Kline 2003 Hudson, but I have had no issues with the paint, castings or any other detail items on the current set of Lionel, mth or kline engines (steam or diesel). Good luck and enjoy. You will not be disappointed. Also, I decided to purchase the Acela after saying I would not purchase any more trains/engines so I will not be scuba diving this year in the Bahamas. Scuba is really nice and you will enjoy it. Be carefull, it is almost as expensive as trains and has reoccuring costs wereas you pay for the train engine once.

[dbaker48]

Bob,
I'm certainly not doubting your findings, maybe I'm looking for "sweet lemons", but hopefully they have improved the material compatibility issues. If I looked it up correctly your engine was built in 98? I think I am learning enough where I could implement the transzorbs, that you had also recommended.

Does the "strategy of operation make sense to you"? Tom 's comments regarding the transformer also has me concerned.

Its best to know this stuff up front than be surprised later.

Thanks,

Don

[dbaker48]

You know the old saying about a fool being born every minute? Sometimes I think I took up about an hour of that time. It seems like the more research I do the worse decision I get, or impatience has its price.

1. Visited a train shop saw the Cab Fwd on display, and demo. between my wife, my son and the store owner, I was conviced and we got it ! Then had to get the TMCC system, got the command set. [:D]

Only problem was how big O72 really is, and space required.. Oh well, overcome that... Build a room. [%-)]

Then 2006, Lionel comes out with a smaller Cab Forward. (Lionmaster) [:O]

2. Well got all this stuff, need to protect it.... [X-)]
So.. purchase a video $20 (for ckt bkr box), $50 on components, and build it. Then find out can purchase the same unit for $20 from Scotts. (Should have listened to Roy)
[sigh]

3. Now emphasis is on purchase of Big Boy, MAJOR MISTAKE #2 --- Take wife and son to MTH, store. Now we have the Big Boy on order, and DCS. [D)]

Maybe I should take up scuba diving..........
[censored][banghead][censored]


Seriously, don't think I'm upset, I just get frustrated with myself for letting all this happen.
The good news is: When its all done....I'll have a tremendous layout, or great beginings for a museum, or maybe a big auction.
[:D]

[lionelsoni]

You may want to read this about the Big Boy:
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=58191

[spankybird]

I use two post war ZW's on mine. The TIU has a build in surge portector. TMCC does not would have to add one. Scotts Odds-n-ends has them.

http://www.scottsodds-n-ends.com

[;)]

[dbaker48]

Tom,
Thanks, I do have the command base, interesting about the new ZW, and I was debating over the MTH Z4000, might know I would go the wrong way. (I do have the old ZW, but concerned about that xfmr with the new stuff regarding possible voltage spikes, eventhough I have fast acting ckt brkrs on the outputs).

Don

[jimhaleyscomet]

I would plan on using both remotes. That way you can be controlling two separate engines (OneTMCC, one PS2) without having to select back and forth on one remote.

JIm H

[spankybird]

To run the TMCC engines under DCS you will still need the TMCC command base.

You may have a problem with the new ZW with DCS and the new ZW has a built in powermaster which crops the sine wave. (DCS likes pure sine waves).

[dbaker48]

I sure some of you guys probably have both systems. I would appreciate any comments if you think I am crazy or what.

My situation --
I currently have the TMCC and new ZW (actually both ZW's), I purchased when I got the O scale Cab Fwd. I also have a fair amount of postwar, and General Mills era engines. I have the TMCC working fine, even with the older stuff under Track Control.

We desperatly want a O scale Big Boy and have decided on the MTH, which will be available in May 06, (have it on order). And will get the DCS system also.

My Plan --
I like the DCS remote better than the TMCC, and it appears to me that the accessory control capability is less expensive with the DCS also. Since the DCS is setup to run TMCC equiped engines, I shouldn't have a problem with the DCS and the Cab Forward. THEN upgrading some of the older stuff with the DCS and Railsounds upgrade kits. And also in the future focus on MTH equipment because of the attractive pricing, and variety of road names.

Am I on the right track?

Thanks for the input !!!