What features does Dcs offer?

My layout is all MTH / DCS, Lionel TMCC, & Lionel Chief Plus, No Legacy.

     I like the MTH system because it can run all my Lionel TMCC Engines

Lionel can not run MTH engines, that is way I picked MTH / DCS over Lionel Legacy.

I also use all the soft keys on my MTH / DCS Remote Control.

     I use these cheat sheet to keep every thing organized with not having to use a thick manual.

 

Soft Keys

 

SCS (sound coupler slack)

SO1 (sound one, usually 1 horn blast)

LIN (lights, interior)

Sl1 (probably a crew talk sequence)

SFS (sound, forward signal)

SRS (sound, reverse signal)

SXS (sound crossing signal)

S02 (sound two, usually crew talk)

LND (Ditch light auto or off)

STW (train wreck sound)

DOD (odometer)

DCH (chronometer)

SSU (extended start up)

SSD (extended shut down)

Might be better to look at the engine too.  There are capability differences in the engine software.  The Control system is just designed to capitalize on that.  At the basics, they all do the same thing, throttle, sounds, couplers, lights, control track and accessories.

 

Forget TMCC that is to basic with only 5 outputs.  2 lights, 2 couplers, and 1 configured for smoke, cablight or MARS.  Basic Sound set and control.

 

Legacy and DCS are well above that.

 

As an example the synchronized smoke, chuff rate and pretty much all aspect of lighting and sounds can be controlled by DCS, because the PS-2 or 3 engine has that capability.  Turn off individual lights.  Change coupler slack sound, throttle smoke to a different levels, labored chuff, change chuff rate, and on and on....

 

TMCC, you can turn off all lights, or you can turn off cab/mars or smoke if configured.

 

Better to just open an MTH instruction sheet on a PS-2 or 3 engine, and read the manual for DCS system.  Same with Legacy.  G

I am aware that DCS allows use of TMCC, but I'm looking more for differences in functionality sticking strictly to one system.  

 

The soft keys are one I was unaware of, and the impression is that these can be programed to operate any feature that is otherwise accessible throught the menus. Does Legacy offer this function?

 

The ability to turn on and off individual features and change settings is something TMCC does not have, but Legacy does.  

 

Anything else I'm missing?

Gentlemen,

    Although DCS does run most everything on my Legacy engines, I run both DCS & Legacy.  Legacy/TMCC also controls my FasTrack wireless low voltage Command Control switches, using track power, directly from my Cab2 or TMCC Cab1 remote controls. Unfortunately DCS can not due this without the use of an AIU and wiring.

IMO it's best to have and use both DCS & Legacy, especially if you own FasTrack.

PCRR/Dave

I don't have any Legacy experience 

Making a lash up on DCS is straight forward and logical,  I can name my turnouts  instead of trying to remember a number. I also use the labored sound and smoke and the Doppler effect in sound. Can also measure track signal, easy to find weak spots, the speed control is in scale MPH. The All command comes in handy also. The routes are nice, the record function is great. Also measure track voltage and keep track of miles and hours on locomotive. Adjust volume of different sounds. Set chuff rate on steamers (from 2 to 36 I think).  

Really should do as GGG says and get a manual.

 

I'm sure if i'm wrong on any of this I will be corrected.

How old is DCS now? because all these features where there from beginning.  

Clem k 

There are a few main differences between DCS and Legacy (rule out TMCC since it doesn't come close to either of the other two).

 

DCS has 2-way communication between every DCS engine ever manufactured and the DCS Remote. This allows the engines to feed back things like time powered up, scale miles traveled, the length of any given stretch of track, the engine's battery condition (PS2 only since PS3 has no battery), and track voltage.

 

Legacy is 1-way communication from the Cab-2 to the engine. Newer Legacy engines may have an IR sensor underneath the engine that can communicate with a Lionel Sensor Track, however, this is not standard for all Legacy engines, is limited to communicating only where there is a Sensor Track, and each Sensor Track is in the $100 price range.

 

DCS, right out of the box, allows control of conventional engines from all manufacturers. This is an extra-cost option with legacy.

 

Controlling accessories and switch track is more cost effective with DCS. An AIU (street price around $85) allows control of just about any brand of switch or accessory. Each AIU can control 10 switch track and 10 accessories, 20 devices all together, at a cost of approx. $4.25 per device. However, one must wire the devices to the AIU.

 

Legacy controls switch tracks and accessories using a variety of add-on devices (SC-1, SC-2, ASC, etc.) at a cost per device that is considerably more than that of the DCS AIU. Accessories and switch tracks need to be wired to these devices, however, the devices themselves communicate wirelessly with the Legacy Base.

 

There are available FasTrack switch tracks and Lionel accessories that can also connect wirelessly to the Legacy Base, obviating the need for additional devices while eliminating some wiring. However, these switch tracks and accessories carry a premium price, and the switch tracks are limited in what those turnouts that are available from Lionel as compared to what's available from, for example, Ross, Gargraves or Atlas O. Z-Stuff also makes switch motor for Gargraves, Ross and Atlas turnouts that talks to a data wire driver, which then talks wirelessly to a Legacy Base.

 

Lionel is at present, ahead of MTH as regards the ability to use a Smartphone or tablet  to control Legacy engines via WiFi. Lionel has a system of components that may be used to accomplish this already available, as well as both a free app and a $50 app. However, I fully expect MTH to level that particular playing field by the end of this year. While the Legacy WiFi system works very well (I have it installed on my layout), it is, in my opinion, quite expensive. However, I'm rather certain that MTH will do its best to be expensive, as well.

 

Legacy engines are only available from Lionel and DCS engines are only available from MTH, although many TMCC engines are available from Atlas O and others. However, kits are available from MTH to convert any engine with a DC motor and a flywheel to PS2 (very soon PS3) and kits from 3rd parties can convert almost any engine to TMCC. However, no such kit exists to convert any engine to Legacy.

 

Two final differences are observations and opinions on my part:

• Legacy is more centered towards putting one "in the cab of the locomotive" while DCS is more directed towards addressing more of all of the aspects of a layout
• DCS is more defined by it's software while Legacy utilizes a lot more hardware.

Somehow, my 2 cents turned into a dollar. It must be due to inflation.  

 

 

Barry,

   Your analysis is right on the money, and it is why I like to run both DCS & Legacy, for many years I only ran DCS, used the AIU's and old 711/072 switches, now with the wireless low voltage FT CC switches I really love building layouts.  You do make a real good point about Lionel not engineering as many different FT switches as I would like to own.  In fact I am still waiting on the 031 FT CC switches, that were suppose to be out this last year.  I am hoping in the future Lionel will engineer a double cross over FT CC switch, it sure would be nice to see them give Steve at Ross a run for his engineering money.  To me DCS is still top dog, however the Legacy is a real nice addition to a DCS layout, and some of the operating rolling stock, like the Legacy Crane Car is going to be super cool.  I like it when your 2 cents turns in to $5.00 dollars, I learn things that way.  The one thing MTH does not have that I would really like, is the ability to upgrade my old Conventional Lionel Tin Plate Engines, with P2/P3 remote control electronics, so I am going to send my old 264 up to guns for a TMCC control package.

PCRR/Dave

 

Barry has answered the differences much better than I could. I know you wanted the differences, but planning on ending up with both DCS and Legacy systems allows you to run the best of both manufacturer's products and get the full benefits of both. Just something to think about.

 

And Barry forgot one thing, there is no equivalent to the DCS O Gauge Companion available for Legacy/TMCC systems. You are stuck with only the manufacturer provided manual. (And of course the excellent help one can get here on the OGR forum)

there is no equivalent to the DCS O Gauge Companion available for Legacy/TMCC systems.

Aw, shucks...

 

I'm a Lionel Legacy guy and I'd say that Barry nailed it pretty well in his explanation of the differences.

 

On top of what Barry said, off the tp of my head I think the following also should be noted in any comparison (full disclosure, I own TMCC, Legacy and DCS):

 

DCS: 

random can chatter automatically launched

doppler effect (really, really cool)

able to act as a voltmeter

able to read system signal strength 

odometer

tachometer

extended startup and shutdown sequences

many random sounds and chatter

Clickety-clack engine sounds

auto increased "stress" on engines climbing hills

auto decreased stress of declines

Can play music or you can be your own conductor through speaker system

Set the number of cuffs/puffs per revolution from 2-16 manually

Manually or auto set brake sounds, lights and virtually every other feature

Operate in phantom (or stealth) mode

With rails are electrified, engine lights stay off, saving bulb life

you can program different track sections to be on/off

DCS added remotes cost around $90 whereas, an add on Legacy remote is around $200

 

There are very many other features I'm not recalling from quick memory. 

 

Obviously, Legacy has cool features too, but the OP asked about DCS. 

 

 

 

 

PJB,

but the OP asked about DCS. 

Actually, he asked about a comparison between DCS, TMCC and Legacy.

       
       


Actually, if you were to read the title and his post - he asks about DCS features. Which ones DCS has not offered by TMCC or Legacy. So let me make it plain- my earlier response is a comparison in the non-Barney fashion. Rather than attempt to list each product's features, I've listed (from memory) DCS features and other attributes that I think are unique or different to that offered through Legacy.

Peter

Barry, as most always, very good information there, some of which I was unaware of.  I was surprised by the prices you mentioned for DCS products, as I had been under the impression that the DCS system would be about equal to Legacy in cost.  it appears the TIU plus one AIU would cover many smaller layouts, where as to get a Legacy system to the same functionality would cost somewhere around 50-75% more. furthermore with an $85 price per AIU you would get a lot more bang for your buck.  

 

 

Thanks for the list, PJB, though I think some of the things mentioned are also found in Legacy.  I currently only have original TMCC, so what I know about Legacy is mostly from reading things here on the forum, and also from the beautiful product reviews by Eric at Eric's Trains.  

 

In this case, PJB has it right as to what specifically I was looking for, things DCS can do that Legacy can not, cost and add on devices not factoring into the equation. I'll also add one more factor to the mix to spice things up some more;  Out of these features available ONLY on DCS, which ones do you folks use often, and which are 'neat' but really don't find regular use?  

 

Edit... Seems my post got garbled up somehow...Hope it's fixed...

I am new to Legacy and I have had DCS for a few years so here are some notes that came to my mind when I read this thread:

 

Legacy:

great throttle feel,

Very nice brake

Excellent easy quillable whistle.

Nice LCD screen but heavy and big remote for one hand operation.

Some issues with charge circuitry

Can't run DCS enignes

Need to use modules for every Legacy engine, not DCS

Can't upgrade sound files

Can't see engine Cab # all the time.

Software upgrade costs $ IF you can't do the John's Blue module update

 

MTH DCS:

 

Great flexiable software

Upgradeable sound files, free from interent

After using the Legacy throttle, I like it better than DCS

Quillable whistle is very awkward with the DCS remote

Easy one hand use of the remote

No factory option to recharge the batteries. I think there is a mod to do it though.

Displays Engine cab # on screen all the time

Can run TMCC as noted before.

 

Now, If MTH remote control can be updated to have a chargeable batts, Legacy like throttle, brake and Whistle...well that would be great!!!

 

These are quick "things" that came to my mind. If I made a mistake anywhere, take it easy...no body died...Yet

 

If you have the Legacy sensor track, you don't need the module, just drive your Legacy locomotive over the track and all the module information is filled in.

 

As far as the black modules, you only have to buy a single module one time and you can use it for all future upgrades.

 

 

John,

If you have the Legacy sensor track, you don't need the module, just drive your Legacy locomotive over the track and all the module information is filled in.

If and only if the Legacy engine has the IR function. Not all Legacy engines  do.

Certainly correct Barry, only from around 2011 or all the Vision Line stuff. 

 

I made a multi-engine module with all my Legacy/TMCC locomotives, so I have that base covered with one module.

 

Guns & Barry,

   I had a major computer crash this week, will both you guy resend me your e-mail address once again.  My e-mail is Pine-Creek@live.com

PCRR/Dave

Dave,

 

Just get them from our forum profiles.