Reply to "FREE - TMCC & Legacy Information for MTH's Premium DCS Application!!"

Can I add the DCS hardware without having to rewire my layout?

The short answer is "yes", however, there are a few things of which you should be aware..

DCS is considerably more forgiving of less than ideal wiring schemes than initially thought. Typically, connecting DCS to an existing layout that isn't wired using a star or home run method will yield satisfactory results, however, there may be some issues or trouble spots.

Keep in mind that. although DCS operation will be determined by several factors, not the least of which is DCS signal strength, DCS will generally work satisfactorily with a signal strength of 7 or greater. If you connect DCS to an existing layout and experience problems, there are several remedies that may be easily applied.

It's extremely rare that a major rewiring is required in order to get DCS to work satisfactorily. For example, when I originally introduced DCS to my previous layout, I obtained very good results although signal strength varied between 6 and 8. This was a layout that was a wiring nightmare: solid core wire as opposed to stranded; 18 gauge wire; and true "spaghetti" wiring. It turned out that my use of lighted bumpers and track blocks were a big part of obtaining good DCS control.

Since 2003, DCS has improved exponentially. The current Rev; L TIU is much better at ensuring viable DCS signal strength and light bulbs, as I had in my bumpers, are almost never required.

I'd encourage you to give it a try. Even if your initial results are less than you'd like, there are several quick fixes that can generally get you where you need to be. Also, I'd encourage you to acquire a copy of either The DCSS Companion 3rd Edition or The DCS WiFi Companion 1st Edition, depending upon how you plan to operate DCS, with a. DCS Remote or the DCS Application. This will answer many questions in advance of adding DCS and will help you to avoid some possible mistakes.

Everything that you need to know about DCS is all in MTH’s “The DCS Companion 3rd Edition!" This book is available from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store!

Everything that you need to know about DCS WiFi is all in MTH’s “The DCS WiFi Companion 1st Edition!" This book is available from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store! Get the free TMCC & Legacy Addendum here!