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So I'm trying to use the MTH DCS system to control some premier 3/2 engines in 2 rail mode and all I'm getting is rf errors and enfine not on track. Now I get those in 3 rail mode too, but in 2R it's worse. When I do finally get it to recognize the loco, it barely  moves stopping and dying again. I'm not sure if its due to dcs being primarily a 3 rail system or if the 2 rail power pickups are just not nvery good or what.

Is there a relatively cheap dcc system that I could purchase to test the locomotive under a dcc system and see whether it works better? And then if it does I could consider something bigger?

All I had it hooked up to was one ross switch and one piece of 37 inch gargraves track coming of of each leg of the switch. And I still couldn't get signal from the dcs

thanks,
Adam
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sounds like dirty track or weak pickups.   Before you buy another control system, chekc that both wheels and track are clean.   then check the pickups.  

 

If you have a set of the test stand rollers, try those.   If not, turn the loco upside down in a cradle and hook leads directly to the appropriate truck frame sides or touch the wheelsets.

 

I have DCC and would not part with it, so I know nothing about DCS.  

 

As for inexpensive systems, I think NCE, Digitrax, and MRC all have starter systems.   Depends on your definition of cheap.   

Are you putting DC voltage into your DCS system? 2 rail wants DC voltage. Try to see if putting the loco on the track the other way works, the signal goes down the HOT rail and I believe the the engineers side is the side that picks up the signal but somebody please correct me if I am wrong on this detail. Make sure you have the DCS switch turned to DCS and not DCC.

Originally Posted by prrjim:

sounds like dirty track or weak pickups.   Before you buy another control system, chekc that both wheels and track are clean.   then check the pickups.  

 

If you have a set of the test stand rollers, try those.   If not, turn the loco upside down in a cradle and hook leads directly to the appropriate truck frame sides or touch the wheelsets.

 

I have DCC and would not part with it, so I know nothing about DCS.  

 

As for inexpensive systems, I think NCE, Digitrax, and MRC all have starter systems.   Depends on your definition of cheap.   

Wheels are clean and track is clean. The loco works just fine in 3 rail mode. But when I switch it to 2 rail I get the errors.

Originally Posted by Matt Makens:

Are you putting DC voltage into your DCS system? 2 rail wants DC voltage. Try to see if putting the loco on the track the other way works, the signal goes down the HOT rail and I believe the the engineers side is the side that picks up the signal but somebody please correct me if I am wrong on this detail. Make sure you have the DCS switch turned to DCS and not DCC.

DCS and PS3 locos are supposed to run on both AC and DC. So I was using the AC transformer. Do you think a DC transformer would name a difference? The train in question is the new mth Santa Fe ps3 Hudson.

Last edited by adferraro

A couple of questions:

  1. Is the layout a small continuous loop?
  2. If so, did you put a break (insulated joiners) in one joint?
  3. If there are multiple feeds, is there a break between feeders?

The reason for this is that the ONE huge enemy of DCS is signal feedback/cancellation. Multiple feeds in a single block tend to cancel each other out. This will also be the case with DCC in some situations.

I would save the money and get the MRC Prodigy Advanced or something similar that has a large upgrade possibility. Digitrax makes a decent setup for $200 but they are a bit too complicated to use and the NCE also makes a really nice system that is a little more complicated than the MRC but much more open ended for open source computer control like JMRI.

I agree with Matt, get the Advance2 set.  It's super simple to use and can be upgraded in amps for our power hungry locomotives. I have re-motored all my locomotives that draw more than 1.5 amps to draw up to 1.5 and use QSI HO decoders rated at a constant 1.5 amps.  For those using up to 1 amp I have used Tsunamis.  The new QSI with ET are so good I think all my new decoders will be QSI, if I can find some.

 

Peter

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