I have an HO layout and DCC so am very familiar with it.
However for my 4 year old son I have MTH O scale. I want to set him up with DCS and am sticking with MTH, I prefer there stuff much over Lionel but really do like the Atlas products. I want to keep this as simple as possible for the most part so it remains fun for him, I just want to get more functionality and options into the layout and be able to run multiple units. It seems the DCS system is pretty cut and dry for the most part. He is actually quite good with a little complexity and I think this will bring a new dynamic of interest for him to the layout and also grow with him better than the simple RTR controller system it currently uses. Currently we probably have about 80-100 linear feet of track spread out across his playroom. I will probably be adding another 20-30 linear feet bringing it into his bedroom for which will have a reversing loop.
What is there to the setup of the wireless DCS system and can I use the transformer that came with the RTR Railking set? I believe it's 18v 100 amp.
I don't know anything about O scale, AtlasO, MTH, or DCS. What I do know is that a lady called our club about a problem she was having with some O equipment. After much going back and forth, and several trips by her to the train store where she bought the equipment, she determined that whatever power supply they had sold her was inappropriate for the trains. She ended up frying the wiring in the tender and several related issues. So do some research before you use anything.
That said, you will probably get better answers on the toy train forum. Probably best if you re-post there.
Hi TexasSP,
In your case, setting up DCS will be as simple as two wires in and two wires out from the "TIU" (Track Interface Unit). Yes, you can use the Z-1000 transformer brick that came with the starter set to power the layout trough DCS. You can make it easier to use the Z-1000 by also purchasing a #50-1017 power cord adapter. That will let you convert the Z-1000's size "M" barrel plug into the banana plug binding posts on the TIU without modification.
Since you want to run MU'ed you will want to purchase the #50-1001 DCS set. The other DCS systems (DCS Commander and DCS Remote Commander) can't MU. The DCS set will also let you expand to control switches and accessories in the future. You can add an AIU (Accessory Interface Unit) when the time comes.
If the layout grows beyond what the Z-1000 transformer can handle (18 volts, 100 watts, 6 amps) you can add another Z-1000 or other AC transformer without purchasing any additional command control hardware. Each TIU has four power channels rated at 10 amps each. Forty amps will run a LOT of layout, even in O.
There are some other advantages to the full DCS system for younger operators. One of the biggies is that you can set a maximum speed limit in the DCS remote so the train can never be run faster than the layout can handle. Don't be surprised if your 4 year old figures out how to change such settings on his own. The DCS user interface is VERY intuitive for those who have grown up in the era of "on screen programming." My god sons started running DCS at ages 2 and 4 respectively. The older one just turned seven and can program MU's all by himself.
Have fun!
Dave, very nice response and thank you so much. That is the kind of feedback I was looking for. I have also now read that you can use the lionel tmcc plugged in through the DCS with some kind of adapter which adds more benefit in my mind.
I do foresee DCS is the very near future for the layout. Thanks again for the response. -Brian