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Staff,

I don't have the DCS system yet, so do you guys think it's worth waiting for the new one or buying it on Ebay?
Will there be differences between them that is better to wait for the new?
I know the price on Ebay is very expensive so is it worth waiting for the new one?

Thanks.

Last edited by Leandro Garcia
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Depends on if you want to use a remote or the phone app.  The new version, yet to be released, will only be able to use the phone app wireless.  If you want to use a hardware remote it has to be, for now, tethered.  There was some talk from MTH R&D that a possible wifi enabled remote might be produced but that could be a few years away yet.

The current models can use a wireless hardware remote as well as the phone app byadding a WIU which could be difficult but not impossible to locate.  The remotes seem to be available without too much trouble finding.

The remotes are still in retailer's hands, but the TIU is mighty scarce right now as it's been out of production for some time.

As Marty says, if you don't want to be forced to use a smart device as your remote, your only choice is the old TIU.  I really wouldn't hold my breath for a physical remote from MTH, that will be years away if it ever happens.

Last edited by gunrunnerjohn

@MartyE, Thanks!

You were perfect in your answer!
I prefer the remote control, so I will explore options on Ebay!
Or if someone wants to sell here on the forum !

Thank you very much.

I also came late to the DCS game and had to find a set.

If you create a search on Trainz.com they come on pretty regularly.  Yes you will pay a high price, BUT if it has any issues Trainz will take it back , send you a label to ship back and refund everything, including shipping.  So you have 0$ loss.   Just read the description to make sure it is Rev L, they have a lot of older Revs too.  I had to buy 2 sets, one for my O gauge layout and one for my Standard Gauge.  About 4-5 months ago I paid, 500.00 for a TIU/Remote Set Rev L  and 675.00 for a TIU/WIU Set Rev L.   Then I bought a separate remote from Nicholas Smith to go with the WIU set.   Trainz.com is very accurate in their grading.  eBay is a gamble and bigger pain to return things.  Good Luck!

I also came late to the DCS game and had to find a set.

If you create a search on Trainz.com they come on pretty regularly.  Yes you will pay a high price, BUT if it has any issues Trainz will take it back , send you a label to ship back and refund everything, including shipping.  So you have 0$ loss.   Just read the description to make sure it is Rev L, they have a lot of older Revs too.  I had to buy 2 sets, one for my O gauge layout and one for my Standard Gauge.  About 4-5 months ago I paid, 500.00 for a TIU/Remote Set Rev L  and 675.00 for a TIU/WIU Set Rev L.   Then I bought a separate remote from Nicholas Smith to go with the WIU set.   Trainz.com is very accurate in their grading.  eBay is a gamble and bigger pain to return things.  Good Luck!

@Sean's Train Depot

Hello, thank you very much for your tip!

I will look at the site! My biggest problem is that I live in São Paulo, Brazil, so it gets a little more complicated!

I was in York in April, but couldn't find anything!

So thanks, I'll look there on their website!

Ahh, I follow your youtube channel, congratulations on your model and your trains!

Guys, one more question !

In my layout I have Legacy Cab#2 + Wifi + Sensor Track, so What should I buy to have both systems are working together Legacy + DCS ?

I think that I'll need:

50-1032 DCS/Legacy/TMCC Cable - Special DCS Cable that connects the DCS TIU to the Lionel LCS SER2

Lionel LCS SER2 - Lionel's WiFi receiver accepts commands from the M.T.H. DCS TIU Track Interface Unit and relays those signals to the Lionel Legacy Base.

Am I correct?

Thanks

Guys, one more question !

In my layout I have Legacy Cab#2 + Wifi + Sensor Track, so What should I buy to have both systems are working together Legacy + DCS ?

I think that I'll need:

50-1032 DCS/Legacy/TMCC Cable - Special DCS Cable that connects the DCS TIU to the Lionel LCS SER2

Lionel LCS SER2 - Lionel's WiFi receiver accepts commands from the M.T.H. DCS TIU Track Interface Unit and relays those signals to the Lionel Legacy Base.

Am I correct?

Thanks

Lionel's WiFi doesn't do anything in the DCS / Legacy integration.  It only communicates with Lionel WiFi Apps.

The main Lionel device here besides the Legacy base will be the SER2.  The TIU will connect to the SER2 using the cable you have listed.  This will allow the DCS remote to control Legacy / TMCC in TMCC mode only.  If you are using MTH's wifi app you will have about 95% Legacy commands.  There are very few Legacy commands MTH's app can't address.

Here's the basic hookup for your current set-up:

1. Connect 180W PH/TMCC Lock-on to TIU Fixed 1 input (you can keep the Lock-on; it makes wiring the PH to the TIU easier).

2. Connect Fixed 1 output on TIU to track.

3. Connect Legacy signal wire to TIU outputs. Connecting Legacy signal wire to inputs will cause interference.

4. Connect LCS SER2 to the rest of your LCS modules with a PDI Cable.

5. Connect SER2 Computer Port to TIU Computer Port together with DCS-TMCC/Legacy Connector Cable.

That's basically it. Piece of cake.

Here's a guide on MTH's website that will help you visualize how to do the hookup:

Last edited by Dylan the Train Man

Here's the basic hookup for your current set-up:

1. Connect 180W PH/TMCC Lock-on to TIU Fixed 1 input (you can keep the Lock-on; it makes wiring the PH to the TIU easier).

2. Connect Fixed 1 output on TIU to track.

3. Connect Legacy signal wire to TIU outputs. Connecting Legacy signal wire to inputs will cause interference.

4. Connect LCS SER2 to the rest of your LCS modules with a PDI Cable.

5. Connect SER2 Computer Port to TIU Computer Port together with DCS-TMCC/Legacy Connector Cable.

That's basically it. Piece of cake.

Here's a guide on MTH's website that will help you visualize how to do the hookup:

Hi, guys!

I think the final design of the connections is

Attachments

Images (1)
  • the final design

Leandro, IMO the TMCC Direct Lock-on serves no useful purpose in this configuration.  The Powerhouse 180 has an excellent circuit breaker, and my experience with the TMCC Direct Lock-on was that it had the propensity to falsely trip at times for no reason.  I removed them from my configuration and I don't miss them at all.  If you want to put something more useful than the TMCC Direct Lock-on there, put a TVS protection diode across those leads.

Leandro, IMO the TMCC Direct Lock-on serves no useful purpose in this configuration.  The Powerhouse 180 has an excellent circuit breaker, and my experience with the TMCC Direct Lock-on was that it had the propensity to falsely trip at times for no reason.  I removed them from my configuration and I don't miss them at all.  If you want to put something more useful than the TMCC Direct Lock-on there, put a TVS protection diode across those leads.

@gunrunnerjohn, thanks!

Uh, interesting that!
Where can I buy TVS protection ?
How do I install them?
Thanks !

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