MTH DCS Set

That's how I started.  Add a switch or two, maybe a siding.  Then add another loop on the outside.  Try to run multiple locomotives/trains at once.  Create a lash-up! Then lock up your $$ or you'll be hooked. :-) 

Geoff,

Barry's recommendation is spot on. I bought my first DCS system when they first came out. I picked up Barry's book many years later. If I were to buy another system his book would be my first add-on.

Ain't command control great?? 

--Greg

Geoff,

   I second what Barry gives for advise, pick up a copy of the DCS O Gauge Companion and a copy of the OGR Video Guide to DCS, both are great educational info on your DCS unit.  IMO a definite must for the DCS/Legacy beginner, and great review info for the experienced runner.  If you are a visual type learner the OGR Video Guide to DCS is a great place to start, Rich Melvin the CEO of OGR does a great job with this video instruction, I highly recommend it.  The Video now probably could use updating, however the basic instructional info in video form is outstanding.  Barry's Book is the DCS Bible, study it then come back and ask questions in the DCS section of the OGR,  I highly recommend the addition of Legacy to your layout also.  Barry covers it all in his outstanding DCS O Gauge Companion.

Welcome to the best forum on the world wide Net.

PCRR/Dave

Go for it. I bought mine in March and still can't get it to work. 

Been reading Barry's book too. Very fustrating. 

Tmcc works though

I'll get it to go one of these days

Glad you like your new system but why does he need a book to make it run?

"Does anybody else who has one have any tips/tricks?"

Need a book to run? No. HOWEVER, Barry's book specifically answers his question. 

Ok Tom I do understand your answer but shouldn't the DCS manual cover it's needs. I don't want to open a can of worms just trying to get the reason for a book.

Jim,

but shouldn't the DCS manual cover it's needs

The DCS manual covers less than 50% of DCS as compared to The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition.

The DCS manual is 119 pages in a 5" X 7" format while The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition is 215 pages in an 8" X 10" format,and the font size is about the same.

The DCS mania; is black and white while The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition is full-color.

The DCS manual is a very basic guide that pretty much states what pressing each button on the remote does. The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition is set up as both a tutorial as well as a reference manual which explains not only what buttons do what, it also discusses why things work the way they do.

The DCS manual discusses MTH engine operation via the remote acceptably enough to get someone started using DCS. TMCC is discussed in a couple of pages. It does not discuss AIU operation, switch tracks or accessories at all.

The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition discusses everything in-depth, and also discusses how to connect Lionel command bases (both TMCC and Legacy) separately or together; use of the AIU to operate switch tracks and accessories; and connecting switch tracks and accessories from both MTH and other manufacturers.

With thee exception of a couple of simple wire to track connection diagrams, the DCS manual's pictures are solely those of greyscale DCS Remote screens. The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition has 64 figures, many in full color, that actually illustrate how to do things, as well as 10 Appendices tag provide reference material that does't exist elsewhere.

The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition include sections on the DCS Commander and DCS Remote Commander. The DCS manual does not.

I've attached a table of contents and a table of figures to this post. Feel free to download them and peruse them to see what makes this book unique.

Then, make up your own mind as to as regards its usefulness.  

Everything that you could want to know about DCS and a whole lot more is all in MTH’s “The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store!

The Manual that comes with the DCS set is perfectly adequate.  It's what I used when I got DCS, long before Barry wrote the first edition of his book.  It has been improved since then. 

But, Barry's book is the complete reference guide, with tips and tricks and troubleshooting.

For advice, try the DCS sub-forum rather than this sub-forum.  I would note that some persons give sounder advice than others.

Jim 1939,

RJR is correct is the COMPLETE reference guide. As I stated earlier that I purchased my first DCS setup long before Barry's book. It seems like it was almost seven years. Think of his book as the complete Owner's Manual, too. IMHO It would be unwise to think that you can do without it. The DCS Forum is where you need to be.

OK guys I will check out the DCS forum.

I agree with all the others recommending the DCS O Gauge Companion book. It will pay for itself many times over, well worth the price. I also highly recommend the printed copy.