Brandon Cole posted:
I am wondering if these engines need DCS to operate correctly and If DCC is the problem? Joe I am guessing you have DCS by your signature? What are you using AC or DC power supply?
Brandon
I tested an MTH F7 ABA set for a magazine review. It has a PS3 system. I ran it with DCS, DCC, straight DC, and straight AC. The table below is listed as Control System: Power Supply---Functionality
DCS: Lionel Modern ZW (18 VAC and 10 Amps)---All features accessible
DCC: Lenz Set 100 (5 amps) S/W version 3.6, track voltage 16 volts (Thanks to Terry Terrance for use of his layout and system)---All DCC functions are supported. All functions that were available in DCS were accessible with DCC. The only variation is DCS allows separate control of the marker, interior and number board lights, whereas in DCC these can only be turned on and off as a group.
Straight AC: Modern Lionel ZW (18 VAC and 10 Amps)---Control of bell and horn, and by various sequences of the bell and horn, activates the speed control and announcements.
Straight DC: MRC Pure Power G power supply: (18 VDC max at 10 Amps)---The loco has constant intensity directional lighting, engine start up and shut down sounds, and smoke. The latter can be turned off with a switch, the loudness of the entire sound system is controlled by an onboard potentiometer. There are no additional functions (bell, horn, etc) and squealing brakes.
Conventional Operation (be it straight DC or straight AC) is what I would call "Pain in the A@@ Mode" The start up sequence in conventional takes several seconds. It can take up to 30 seconds, depending on how charged the BCR is. The engine starts up at 6.5V, and moves at 7.5 Volts. If more than 7.5 Volts is applied right away, the engine will not move to prevent sudden coupler snapping starts. In that case, lower the voltage below 6.5 Volts. If you lower the voltage below 6.5 Volts after the engine has started up, even if it is running, it will shut down and you have to go through the start up sequence. In other words in my opinion, conventional operation is NOT RECOMMENDED.
And for the record, unlike my experience with their steamers, I have never had a problem with an MTH diesel
