How do MTH Engines run on standard DCC Systems

[CSX1987]

Fair question here, this is mainly long term as my layout will exist when I finally move, so this is long term.  My prototype layout is going to be set in the current day and will have DCC the only question is that with MTH having their own DCS digital system how effective are the engines in DCC? I really like what I see put out by MTH in HO scale, their SD70ACes appear the be the ideal road diesel, however if they don't run the way I desire it to I'd simply go with Athearn's SD70ACe.

[wjstix]

I'm sure someone with more direct experience will chime in with a better answer, but my understanding is that MTH's DCS-equipped engines will work fine with DCC, it's just that you may not be able to access some of the options that you can with their DCS system. If you want to run the engine, turn on the lights, ring the bell and blow the horn, it should work fine from what I have heard.

Conversely, you could go with an MTH DCS control system, which is supposed to be able to operate both DCC and DCS engines just fine.

[jalajoie]

It is my understanding MTH decoders don't support Advance Consisting.

[Paul3]

CSX1987,
As wjstix says, MTH DCS locos should run fine on DCC.  However, they will be limited compared to other brands of decoders.  For example, say you want to speed match your MTH locos to the other DCC engines you own.  It can't be done.  You can change all your other locos to match the MTH, but you can't change the MTH at all.

wjstix,
I don't believe that DCS can run a DCC loco.  IIRC, their factory rep was on here years ago and said that they felt that having that ability would be too limiting on their software, or something like that.  They may have changed, but I am not certain.

jalajoie,
I think you are correct.  MTH only supports "Basic" or "Universal" consisting, which means that you either have to program the DCC address to the same on all locos in the consist (Basic) or have a Digitrax system (Universal).  IIRC, no other DCC system uses Universal consisting.

Paul A. Cutler III
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Weather Or No Go New Haven
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[wjstix]

Re DCC the MTH website says:

Already Have A DCC System?

Proto-Sound 3.0 equipped locomotives can be controlled in command mode with any DCC compliant command control system. While the user won't have access to all of the incredible features of Proto-Sound 3.0, independent control over the locomotive is possible. This means you can continue to use your existing DCC controller to independently control your other DCC equipped locomotives in addition to your Proto-Sound 3.0 locomotive on the same track at the same time.

Apparently you can't run DCS engines from DCC, it only works with engines equipped with Proto-Sound 2.0 or higher, unless you use the DCS Commander which allows you to control DCS engines on a DCC or DC system.

http://www.mthhotrains.com/command.asp

[Hamltnblue]

From what I've read the speed matching issue is based on how speed is done with MTH.  MTH uses scale mph for steps and not set voltage readings.  I think the decoders in atlas gold engines can be set up the same way.  I haven't read about the consisting methods they use.  They seem to have everyone fixated on the new automatic coupler function and ignoring the other weakneses.

[rrinker]

 They RUN fine, the problem is there's little if anything you can adjust with DCC. Speed matching should be fun, you'll have to adjust other locos to run with the MTH. Newer QSI equipped locos, or older ones with the QSI upgrade chip, also have the 1smph incrememnt functionality so technically should be able to run right with an MTH loco. There's a lot of functions in MTH locos, should you really be interested in train wreck noises and stuff.

                               --Randy