@CAPPilot posted:Nope, was not talking STAR wiring. DCS is working on many layouts with bus wiring, although STAR wiring is better.
The $60 DCS Remote Commander Set can be added to the layout fairly easy. But hooking it up in passive mode means track power will not go through it, requiring another way to power it. That was the added complexity that I did not think you would want.
I used one on my test layout but had a Z-500 to power it. That was a long time ago, but I don’t remember any issues. Plus it gave me command control of my DCS PS2 engines (one at a time). For me, I no longer have fun running engine in conventional.
Thanks CAPPilot. I appreciate your comments. I'll bet that my O Gauge layout would satisfy the star wiring recommendations, since I was attempting to avoid voltage drop on the mainlines when originally wiring the layout, so I have what essentially amounts to "Star Wiring". (Voltage drop is something I never considered as a young boy, since my layout was all Super-0 track with a copper center rail.)
I just don't want to take a chance on purchasing a MTH Premier steam engine if the "simple" commands, like whistle, bell, and direction can't be operated without possibly requiring some more wiring. Returning locos that have been "run" can be challenging -- or, not possible.
