The DCS system is a digital control system that controls each locomotive individually, without affecting others. Details can be found on the MTH website. "Conventionally" means as trains have been for 70 years, the transformer sets voltage to the tracks which controls the speed, and reverse is accomplished by a momentary break in power. PS2 locos operate either way.
By white, I referred to 8.4-volt battery color, not port color. The round port or no port indicates the older 8.4 volt system, which is nearing the end of its reliable life. If you have engines like that, they are older than 2005.
Probably would be best if you listed the engines individually by model number, and then described precisely the problem. But again, do not power up an engine with a white battery.
