Hoping you Forum members can help! I just bought, tried and tested a DCS system for the first time.
I run a Lionel TMCC/Legacy layout with 2 lower level loops on a modern ZW with 180 Watt bricks. I have two upper level loops that I power with a postwar ZW, for running in conventional mode for postwar trains and occasionally MTH stuff. I connect a ground wire from modern to postwar ZW so I can still run the upper level loops with a TMCC engine. I also run MTH engines on the TMCC loops using 'conventional' operation, Using Cab-1 or Cab 2 to control track voltage. Ok so I finally took the plunge to try DCS.
DCS Question. Once assigned to the DCS remote, do MTH engines no longer respond to Conventional control ?
I just bought an older (PS2 era) DCS system and upgraded the TIU and Remote to the latest version.
I successfully put an O-72 loop on my carpet and tested out a new MTH MP15 (PS3) BC Hydro diesel . After watching the quick instruction video:
1) I connected a Postwar ZW to the TIU fixed voltage in.
2) connected the TIU fixed voltage out to the track with a lock-on
3) Turned on the DCS remote, selected the 'Read' button for the remote to identify the TIU. Success.
4) Selected 'system', 'Engine setup', 'add engine, 'add MTH engine', then it found the new engine. Success.
I fumbled my way around with the remote for a few but successfully ran the MTH engine back and forward for a few laps. OK - DCS success!
Now, taking my MTH engine back down to my TMCC layout, I put the engine back on a ZW powered track I use in conventional mode, along with the MTH PGE RS-3. (also PS3)
Now, the BC Hydro engine no longer responds in conventional mode. The PGE RS-3 does.
After applying power - the engine immediately takes off in forward, instead of waiting for the capacitor to charge and the power up sequence to happen. After a full lap the sound finally comes on. I have NO Fwd-N-Rev control; using the ZW direction button. I'm in full on, forward only mode. (I do have a TMCC ground wire connected to U terminal on Postwar ZW from my TMCC ZW U terminal, so I can run TMCC engines on all loops)
The RS-3 still behaves 'conventionally' and I haven't exposed it to the DCS setup.
Any suggestions for my BC Hydro diesel ?
Once assigned to the DCS remote, do MTH engines no longer respond to Conventional control ?
Thanks, Kyle Miller
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