Lionel DCS is it REALLY posible ?

Good grief, DCS has been in use since around 2000!  Yes, people have made it work.

Thank a lot John.

Maybe I did not correctly phrase my topic. I meant controlling Lionel trains with DCS. Some engines I have tried respond but not that good. I am a fan of MTH but have some Vision line and legacy engines I would like to see out of their boxes and running in my tracks as good as the MTHs do.

thanks a lot

jorge

Thanks Cappilot

I understand and agree with Your reply

I do have every item I need to do this but still not very happy with the performance I get of the Lionel engines under DCS.

maybe it is just a matter of time,we are getting closer everyday 

cheers

Jorge. Just go out and purchase a legacy system and your problem will be solved. Use the legacy remote for your legacy & vision locomotives to get the full benefits & features and continue to use you DCS system for your MTH locomotives. It’s OK to have both systems on your layout operating together at the same time.

WOW thanks a lot FMC this is the best thing I have heard EVER!!!

after spending a lot of money in Wi fi module cables controls and what not

My deepest appreciation for your Advice YESSS!!!!

jorge

Any suggestions about wiering and updating my legacy base I have had it for a while never downloaded any updates 

best regards

jorge

The Legacy will be frustrating at first but once you get the hang of it you'll love it. I never use my DCS for Lionel anymore, only to run my MTH Locomotives but have it set up to run Lionel in case the legacy goes down.

I'm just going to say that I had terrible performance when I setup my new layout running TMCC through DCS. I couldn't understand why, because it had worked before. Then I realized that I connected the black wire from the command base to the input side of the TIU instead of the output side. 

I don't have Legacy, but have studied how to install it. There are a few extra steps, such as, you need the Legacy base to TIU specific cable. The TMCC cable will not work. Also, you need to be on the latest version of the TIU, WiFi app and WiFi adapter code. There were problems with Legacy when it was first released. 

George

Thanks George your comments are very welcome 

jorge

Thanks Gene there is nothing bad about learning all we can

my regards 

jorge

Jorge Gomez Espana posted:

After much trying and reading I am not satisfied with the much talked about System.has anyone really made this work and how?

thanks a lot

the title of your post is "Lionel DCS is it REALLY posible ?"

the short answer is no lionel does not run with DCS.

you still need the lionel system either TMCC or legacy to be able to use your mth handheld. and you loose some of the legacy stuff.

bigdodgetrain posted:

Jorge Gomez Espana posted:

After much trying and reading I am not satisfied with the much talked about System.has anyone really made this work and how?

thanks a lot

the title of your post is "Lionel DCS is it REALLY posible ?"

 

the short answer is no lionel does not run with DCS.

you still need the lionel system either TMCC or legacy to be able to use your mth handheld. and you loose some of the legacy stuff.

I guess you are splitting a hair here by meaning that there are no DCS commands being sent to Lionel trains. However, the DCS "system" is certainly being used to run those trains through a direct cable connection to either the Legacy or TMCC base. I don't see the value in confusing this topic to split that hair though.

George

Thanks George I see Your point

best regards 

jorge

George S posted:

I'm just going to say that I had terrible performance when I setup my new layout running TMCC through DCS. I couldn't understand why, because it had worked before. Then I realized that I connected the black wire from the command base to the input side of the TIU instead of the output side. 

I don't have Legacy, but have studied how to install it. There are a few extra steps, such as, you need the Legacy base to TIU specific cable. The TMCC cable will not work. Also, you need to be on the latest version of the TIU, WiFi app and WiFi adapter code. There were problems with Legacy when it was first released. 

George

The Legacy comes with a Y cable to attach to the TIU and to the Cab 1 base if you still want to use it. I retired mine.

Thanks again George

every bit of information helps a lot

cheers

jorge

I have very good performance  from my 2 Lionel Mohawks running on DCS. Run a whole lot better than that big red circle with an automobile antenna sticking out it.

George S posted:

bigdodgetrain posted:

Jorge Gomez Espana posted:

After much trying and reading I am not satisfied with the much talked about System.has anyone really made this work and how?

thanks a lot

the title of your post is "Lionel DCS is it REALLY posible ?"

 

the short answer is no lionel does not run with DCS.

you still need the lionel system either TMCC or legacy to be able to use your mth handheld. and you loose some of the legacy stuff.

I guess you are splitting a hair here by meaning that there are no DCS commands being sent to Lionel trains. However, the DCS "system" is certainly being used to run those trains through a direct cable connection to either the Legacy or TMCC base. I don't see the value in confusing this topic to split that hair though.

George

it is not splitting hairs as you call it.  the only thing  dcs about it is the command sent to the tiu once that happens if you do not have a tmcc/legacy base that command goes no where.

I have a whopping 1.5 months under my belt running Legacy and DCS together on my new layout.    My early conclusion is they work "OK" together for the most part.  Is that hedging my answer enough?   

Saying "Great" would be an overstatement, since I've already encountered scenarios where there are some strange things happening between the two systems -- especially when I have multiple triple-headed lash-ups on the layout along with other single locomotives.  In that regard, Legacy seems to be holding up stronger than DCS.  But I do prefer DCS's way of handling accessories vs. Legacy's -- both in terms of wiring simplicity and general operating ease.

I currently ran into a scenario that even has MTH wizards scratching their heads.  So all in all, I'd say the OP has a worthwhile question if he was really asking how well Lionel Legacy and MTH DCS co-exist on the same layout.  The textbooks say one thing.  Reality tells us something a bit different, 'cause we're certainly not in Kansas anymore, Toto! 

David

David what a nice way to explain the subject!!!

 Thanks a lot 

jorge

JGE,

   I added Legacy to my DCS layouts a few years ago, it does work.  However DCS can not wirelessly control my FasTrack Command Control switches, as my Legacy Cab2 does.  There are certain aspects of Legacy that DCS can not control.  However DCS controls about 90% of all Legacy functions.  

I still like using my Legacy Cab2 and my DCS Hand Held Remote Control also.  I use them both on my layouts together, and have  great time doing it.  Even had the DCS HHRC upgraded to fully rechargeable, to match the abilities of the Legacy Unit.

Yes it does work quite well in fact.

PCRR/Dave

Legacy Shay on the over head shelf layout, DCS Controlled GG1 and Conventional Coke Train on the Donovan's Reef bar Layout and Legacy Northern Pacific GP9 on the lower Bar Tunnel layout all controlled by DCS and Legacy.

Construction continues on the Train Room DCS/Legacy layouts.

I have both and run the appropriate brand with their controller, it seems easier, and then I add the Lionchief  and Bluetooth versions to make it more exciting.  

As far as 990 goes I find it easier and use friendlier than DCS controller plus I don't get error messages ( engine not on track: it right there, Check engine, why its running fine just not responding)  with Lionel 990.

Your name is very appropriate JUST HAVING FUN is it not what is all about?

your opinion is very much to the point and much appreciated 

it is good to have this fantastic group of helpful altruistic gentlemen 

my best regards 

Hi Dave

can You please tell me about HHRC please?

your comment is really good and simple

thanks a lot

jGE

Actually the ONLY help I can offer is that after reading, for several YEARS,  the pros and cons of controlling TMCC locos with DCS is that......YES it IS possible but there are some limitations to TMCC locos controlled by DCS.

JGE,

   HHRC - Hand Held Remote Control

Stick around there are all kinds of letter short cut abbreviations when talking about our hobby.  You will eventually learn them all.

PCRR/Dave - Pine Creek RailRoad/Dave

Red jimmy 

thanks a lot for your input.

It reminds me of a great saying

KISS,keep it short and simple

your opinion is well taken 

cheers

Thanks a lot Dave Pine Creek 

I will try my best ,but being 70 I do not have much space left in My hard disk

learning Three languages,pilot argot in two and train stuff in all has my memory ptretty much full

ha ha thanks and good day

JGE

JGE,

   We are pretty much the same age, you just learn this stuff as you participate, it imbeds on it's own, because of the interest factor in the hobby.  Then you start making some if it up on your own, that is when things really start to get interesting.

All the best,

I also speak several languages, and American Sign Language is one of them, my Daughter is profoundly Deaf and talks only sign language, I am pretty much fluent, so I understand the brain capacity overload stuff.  It's not just our age it's trying to do to many things at one time! 

PCRR/Dave

Likewise Dave

😊😊😊

JGE

At the risk of being scolded not to mention repetitive ... buy a Legacy system if you value running all your trains in their native environments.

Both Lionel and MTH locs. are expensive.  Take advantage of all their features.  Get Legacy.

At the risk of sounding like I am scolding.....the OP mentions in his 5th post above that he aleady owns a Legacy system, just hasn’t wired it up or updated it?

I’ve tried to follow along but got lost along the way.  Not sure how he is trying to run his Legacy engines with DCS if it hasn’t been wired up Legacy yet.  I am sure someone on here will help this gentleman out.  I will just watch for now.

Thaks RT I already have all the needed gadgets and have tried to wire them accordingly as described in the addendum in book 3 but the results were not that great 

thanks for your help I will have to check everything is properly wired and  try again

my best regards 

jge

Thanks MO50

You are right I think I need to update my Legacy 

my best regards 

JGE

MrMoe50 posted:

At the risk of sounding like I am scolding.....the OP mentions in his 5th post above that he aleady owns a Legacy system, just hasn’t wired it up or updated it?

I’ve tried to follow along but got lost along the way.  Not sure how he is trying to run his Legacy engines with DCS if it hasn’t been wired up Legacy yet.  I am sure someone on here will help this gentleman out.  I will just watch for now.

 

LOL!  Thanks for that.  Seriously.  

I need to take more time in reading the posts.  Haste makes for bad responses.  Apologies.  

MRMOE50,

   In my post I was simply trying to advise JGE that running both DCS & Legacy systems at the same time does work, even running both via the DCS HHRC.  I can however see how this thread could be misinterpreted very easily.

RTHOMPS,

  Not need to apologise lots of us do not go back and re-read every thread before answering it, no big deal it's all good fun talking to each other about our train hobby.

PCRR/Dave

rthomps posted:

MrMoe50 posted:

At the risk of sounding like I am scolding.....the OP mentions in his 5th post above that he aleady owns a Legacy system, just hasn’t wired it up or updated it?

I’ve tried to follow along but got lost along the way.  Not sure how he is trying to run his Legacy engines with DCS if it hasn’t been wired up Legacy yet.  I am sure someone on here will help this gentleman out.  I will just watch for now.

 

LOL!  Thanks for that.  Seriously.  

I need to take more time in reading the posts.  Haste makes for bad responses.  Apologies.  

All in fun...happy to see you took it that way! 😀