A number of years ago I got back into HO, I decided to go with MTH because I already had MTH and the DCS system in G scale. Im in the process now of building my first real HO layout and have finally come to the conclusion that I should make the switch to DCC. (Mostly due to the closing of MTH, selling off of HO and being able to finally use other makers engines). After looking into different DCC systems I will most likely go with the Pi-Sprog full package. I like being able to control everything from my phone (WiThorttle)
I know there has been much controversy around MTH in HO. I have read mixed reports about MTH's DCC compatability. From what I understand initally it only had limited DCC function but then they changed course to allowing full DCC function? I really like my MTH engines and dont want to sell them or anything like I know some will suggest.
My main question is am I missing out on any MTH features when running them in DCC? When they switched to PS3 did that then allow all DCC features to be avalabile?
According to JMRI's site it says "The HO locos from Mike’s Train House (MTH) with designation PS3 support limited DCC programming, and full DCC control of operation." What does this mean exactly?
krakow A number of years ago I got back into HO, I decided to go with MTH because I already had MTH and the DCS system in G scale. Im in the process now of building my first real HO layout and have finally come to the conclusion that I should make the switch to DCC. (Mostly due to the closing of MTH, selling off of HO and being able to finally use other makers engines). After looking into different DCC systems I will most likely go with the Pi-Sprog full package. I like being able to control everything from my phone (WiThorttle) I know there has been much controversy around MTH in HO. I have read mixed reports about MTH's DCC compatability. From what I understand initally it only had limited DCC function but then they changed course to allowing full DCC function? I really like my MTH engines and dont want to sell them or anything like I know some will suggest. My main question is am I missing out on any MTH features when running them in DCC? When they switched to PS3 did that then allow all DCC features to be avalabile? According to JMRI's site it says "The HO locos from Mike’s Train House (MTH) with designation PS3 support limited DCC programming, and full DCC control of operation." What does this mean exactly?
Not sure what you mean by missing out on MTH features
I have exactly one MTH loco with PS 3 and run it on my NCE powercab. I keep a seperate chart handy because it functions are different from any of my other engines which is a PITA.
Could you be losing some functions running a DCS locomotive on DCC? I suppose so but I cannot miss what I never had.
Joe Staten Island West
I don't have any personal experience with MTH locos, but if you follow the DCC fora (NCE, Digitrax, etc), you will see lots of instances where folks have ripped out the DCS stuff and installed "real" DCC decoders. They report that they are then able to easily program and operate those locos on their DCC system of choice. There is little or no mention (that I recall, anyway) of anyone missing any MTH or DCS-only features.
As an aside, you are aware that you can use WiThrottle (or Engine Driver for Android) on virtually ANY make of DCC system that has a computer or WiFi interface, aren't you? If that's the only reason you picked the Pi-SPROG, you may want to look again.
I have some MTH engines and a DCC layout. They all look great and run really well. Sound is really nice too. They do have some goofy features like they will suddenly start talking while sitting there idling. The talk is really inane and annoying. Toy train stuff. There is some programming that can be done with JMRI but it is limited. If I could figure out how to turn off the talk, I would.
Nevin Wilson If I could figure out how to turn off the talk,
That was my comment years ago. There can only be so much talk, and when you have heard it all, it becomes noise.
I have never read that DCS provides something unique that DCC doesn't have.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
I seem to remember something about MTH using different LED polarity than DCC, so that a direct replacement of a decoder might not work. I don't have any MTH engines, so I don't know from personal experience. Does anyone know?
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.