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Post by Deleted on Nov 25, 2019 18:34:27 GMT
I was going to post this under "What have you done on your layout" but I need some advice.
The system works vey well on my layout... I'm running a Rev L TIU and an MTH DCS wifi unit. My new CP Holiday Train (aka, HOSS) and a Pacific PS4 Southern Crescent Limited (in PS3) are my only DCS engines. I bought this system used, mainly because of the CPHT purchase. I just love it!
BUT
There's always a but...
1.) My power corner is a MESS. I need ideas on how to clean it up. I have wire loom, and was going to incorporate that.
2) I hear there is a cable that runs from the TIU to the Legacy Base. True? Where can I procure such a cable?
3) I'm using the full MTH DCS phone app only. It's really nice. Do you guys think I should get a physical remote?
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Post by Country Joe on Nov 25, 2019 18:54:28 GMT
Trey, I don't know the answer to or have any helpful advise about the first two questions but I can offer some help with the third. Whether or not you should buy a remote is more a matter of preference than a matter of right or wrong. Some guys like the physical remote because you can operate it by feel when running in the dark. I like using a smart phone or tablet because it's illuminated. That's a big advantage when running in the dark. The MTH remote does have a backlight that you can set to auto off but the backlight eats up batteries. If you are happy with using your phone you don't need a physical remote. If you're not thrilled with using your phone then the remote gives you an alternative.
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Post by Country Joe on Nov 25, 2019 19:22:31 GMT
I thought of a simpler answer. The remote is nice to have but it's not necessary to have one. My remote came with my DCS set, but if I didn't have one I wouldn't spend the money. I'm perfectly happy using a smartphone and/or tablet.
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Post by JDaddy on Nov 25, 2019 19:39:29 GMT
Ok… I am new to DCS and I absolutely love it!
Not sure what you mean by your power corner being a mess. Can you simplify the connections and put the TIU on hanger screws under the layout?
Yes but I recommend you SEPARATE the Legacy base from the TIU. I run with a ZWL and really if you have the legacy remote your good. Run your Legacy engines with your Legacy remote. Run your DCS engines with theirs... just keeps it simpler
I like the remote because it fits in the palm of your hand and most of the functions you can do is with one hand... the other hand is free for a beverage of such sorts.
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Post by laz57 on Nov 25, 2019 22:15:51 GMT
Exactly what JDADDY said. I have each channel on the DCS run with a 180 watt brick and have the Legacy hooked up to run Lionel engines with the Cab2 and MTH engines with the handheld. All works great.
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Post by Spice7 on Nov 25, 2019 22:25:41 GMT
Good for you. I have tmcc and dcs at home. Tmcc, legacy and dcs at the club. It gives you great operating alternatives.
Don
bmrailways.com
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Post by Deleted on Nov 25, 2019 22:54:38 GMT
We like the DCS remotes and have three.
If you think that you might want one, get it now. MTH has announced that once the current remotes are sold, they will not produce more.
If you are interested in a cable, we got ours from Mr Muffins.
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Post by JDaddy on Nov 26, 2019 0:13:28 GMT
We like the DCS remotes and have three. If you think that you might want one, get it now. MTH has announced that once the current remotes are sold, they will not produce more. If you are interested in a cable, we got ours from Mr Muffins. Actually talking to Mike at York, they are making another run in January. |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 26, 2019 3:34:17 GMT
Trey, I think this is the cable you mean: mthtrains.com/50-1032I have DCS WI-FI and I prefer the phone or Ipad to the remote. Andy |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 26, 2019 14:03:24 GMT
Even though I have DCS Wifi, I prefer the remotes and plan on picking up a new one.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 26, 2019 17:51:46 GMT
Thanks for the insights guys! I need some direction on how to tuck away this TIU...
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Post by MichRR714 on Nov 26, 2019 23:07:44 GMT
This is what I did....  |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 26, 2019 23:29:12 GMT
If you are going to run Legacy engines with DCS in Legacy mode you will need to use the MTH app and you will need a Lionel SER2 and LCS power supply. When I get on a PC I can look those up for you. Other wise using the DCS remote the best you can do is TMCC.
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Post by harborbelt70 on Nov 26, 2019 23:43:12 GMT
IMHO, and FWIW, the DCS to Legacy base cable is only useful if you are thinking of controlling Legacy engines through the DCS system. This will not offer the full functionality of a separately wired Legacy system. In my experience, you cannot access certain Legacy operating features through the DCS system. That said, I have a bunch of TMCC engines stored on my DCS remote and they all work OK.
However, I use the two systems side-by-side but separately and have never had an issue as a result. I have had Lionel ground plane issues and DCS engine “not found” or “not on track” nonsense but that has not been the result of hooking up both to the same set of tracks. It’s the result of distinct system, or (in the case of Legacy) home wiring, quirks.
DCS remote: I just got a spare one against the possibility that MTH will stop making them. I have Lionel WiFi, which is OK, but not the DCS version, about which I have not heard great things other than in this thread. If you have already learned the DCS WiFi system, you might have no practical/play benefit from learning the remote as well. I like a handheld remote because I don’t want to struggle with WiFi network issues. Increasingly, however, I can see both manufacturers going over to WiFi and I don’t want to find that I am obsolescent. 😩
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Post by Deleted on Nov 27, 2019 3:58:50 GMT
IMHO, and FWIW, the DCS to Legacy base cable is only useful if you are thinking of controlling Legacy engines through the DCS system. This will not offer the full functionality of a separately wired Legacy system. In my experience, you cannot access certain Legacy operating features through the DCS system. That said, I have a bunch of TMCC engines stored on my DCS remote and they all work OK. However, I use the two systems side-by-side but separately and have never had an issue as a result. I have had Lionel ground plane issues and DCS engine “not found” or “not on track” nonsense but that has not been the result of hooking up both to the same set of tracks. It’s the result of distinct system, or (in the case of Legacy) home wiring, quirks. DCS remote: I just got a spare one against the possibility that MTH will stop making them. I have Lionel WiFi, which is OK, but not the DCS version, about which I have not heard great things other than in this thread. If you have already learned the DCS WiFi system, you might have no practical/play benefit from learning the remote as well. I like a handheld remote because I don’t want to struggle with WiFi network issues. Increasingly, however, I can see both manufacturers going over to WiFi and I don’t want to find that I am obsolescent. 😩I don't mind using both systems as a stand alone. Heck, I only have 2 DCS engines and frankly, one is for sale. I'm a Legacy guy at heart. What I DO like about the DCS system is the announcements and the sequencing of them for passenger trains.
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