DCC versus DCS Control

Ray has a page on his site with a brief explanation of DCS on the top and more links of it.

http://www.rayman4449.com/DCS_...deos.htm#What_is_DCS

For me, the big difference is that DCC can be a more complicated version and DCS makes things simplified. The remote has buttons that are simple and direct, with nothing to memorize. 

Thank you.  For my simple mind it sounds like DCS is the way to go

DCS is fine if you are only going to operate ProtoSound engines. However, if you want to run any locomotives with ESU, QSI, Tsunami, etc. decoders then you will need DCC.

I have an NCE 10-amp Pro Cab to run both MTH and non-MTH engines. My ProtoSound 3.0 GP40's run flawlessly with DCC.

DCC is a National Model Railroad Association Standard for the control signal.    Any loco with a DCC controller can be controlled by any brand DCC controller.    The standards are open and there many mfgs.    

DCS is proprietary control system developed by MTH and the signal standards and control standards are closed to other mfgs.   

I like the open system better.   I have a Digitrax control system, and loco decoders (recievers) from Digitrax, NCE, QSI, TCS, SoundTraxx, and I did have some Lenz.     All worked fine together.

 I should have added that you need the MTH boards inside. I have installed them in many engines. Here's just one....

You have to have a command board of some type and I chose to stick with MTH. Their newest PS3 boards, are the only ones that will run on both DCC or DCS.

If I were starting today DCC. All the beauty of theMTH locos and you can put a board, without sound, in almost anything, for a fraction of converting the Loco to DCS. I love DCC for N and will be building a DCC++ system for under 100 that will allow O and N controL. I'll just leave the boosters with each layout. 

Appreciate the inputs but still a long way from deciding how to go forward with the control systems.  I may have to start all over.  Meanwhile I was looking at a command control crane car built by Lionel.  As a minimum it was stated that it requires a CAB-1L remote for it to function. Will the CAB-1L work with my DCS Remote Commander that I use to control my MTH locomotive?  Would there be interference running both simultaneously?  Also in addition to buying the CAB-1L it looks like I also need to buy a remote?

For the Lionel Command Control Crane, you'll need the Legacy system or the more basic Legacy Cab 1-L and Command Base 1-L system.  You need both the remote and the command base that come with each system.  It will also allow you to control Lionel locomotives in command mode.  You can operate the crane with the DCS remote if you buy the Lionel system and a cable to connect the MTH TIU to the Lionel command base (cable from MTH obviously), but  I think most folks would not recommend this, as it is not as intuitive by a long shot from what I know.  The DCS and Lionel systems can be run simultaneously without problems, in general. I'm not familiar with the issues of simultaneously operating DCC and DCS or DCC and the Lionel Legacy/TMCC systems, or if it is even possible.

Should add that the Lionel locos are not 2 rail trains and, unlike some MTH locos, are not equipped with DCC.  If you are using DCC you are pretty much restricted to 2 rail locomotives.  Not even sure the Command Control Crane can operate on 2 rail track.  Indeed, it probably cannot I suspect. It has a third rail (middle rail) pickup that isn't going to work on 2 rail track.  If you are going 3 rail, then DCS and Legacy make more sense than DCC.  If you are going 2 rail (DCC) then forget about Lionel equipment unless you are going to have them converted to 2 rail (not very economical).

Not to be contrary, may I say with respect and a smile, forget all the above.

If you are really starting from point zero with no investment what so ever, absolutely go battery powered remote control.  Take it from someone who made as much money wiring layouts as building the custom curved benchwork.  It takes a lot of time to properly wire any RR.  Do not be sucked into believing that all you need is two wires for DCC.

Do you really want to need all this?

12 colors, three sizes, no real end in sight.

So that means I need to purchase both a Legacy CAB-1L and Command Base -1L.  Are these Lionel items?  Will I be able to run my 3-rail MTH locomotive in DCS mode while operating the Lionel crane car with the CAB-1L system?

Eagle posted:

So that means I need to purchase both a Legacy CAB-1L and Command Base -1L.  Are these Lionel items?  Will I be able to run my 3-rail MTH locomotive in DCS mode while operating the Lionel crane car with the CAB-1L system?

Yes to all of these.

The minimum spec of a CAB-1L/Base-1L is because although the command crane is a Trainmaster Command Control (TMCC)  device, the TMCC controller and base (i.e. CAB-1/Base-1) are no longer produced, and have been superseded by Legacy, which builds on its predecessor's feature set.

The CAB 1L/Base 1/L package is an 'economy' verson of Legacy--it can do a little more than a CAB-1 (so far as Legacy locomotives are concerned), but not as much as the full-blown Legacy remote/base. If you already have the full Legacy system, CAB-1L remotes allow you to add additional basic controllers to your setup at a lower price point. 

DCS and Legacy/TMCC signals can run on the same track without interfering with one another. I've actually run DCS and TMCC diesels coupled together using a DCS remote (I had a TMCC base for some time before acquiring a CAB-1 some time before the 1L version was released). It was a real juggling act, but I did it without making a mess

---PCJ

If you do not have DCC experience, primarily a system HO folks use and now becoming prevalent in certain elements of O gauge; do not get hung up about it.  If you want to run O gauge toy trains on 3 rail track with command control you can go DCS, Legacy or both.  Or go to a blue tooth or LC+ system.  Bottom line is the type of train you buy at the basic level dictates the control system unless you want them all.

Frankly too many choices now, and too confusing really.  With advocates for each.  No longer do we argue about command control versus conventional.  Now we argue about which command control system.  I feel your pain. G

@Engineer-Joe posted:

I should have added that you need the MTH boards inside. I have installed them in many engines. Here's just one....

You have to have a command board of some type and I chose to stick with MTH. Their newest PS3 boards, are the only ones that will run on both DCC or DCS.

I inherited a gorgeous Lionel PRR S2 6-18010, from my late brother. The only electronics that It has is a RailSounds board. The rest of my engines are all MTH Premier PS3. Can and should I upgrade the S2 to DCC or DCS?  I have the MTH TIU, AIU, wifi modules. Should I switch to a DCC system in the future?