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I'm looking at 2 paths to DCS adoption here - the DCS Explorer - vs. find a used TIU + Remote combo.

But - wondering about the limits of the DCS Explorer - (putting aside the tablet/phone vs handheld control issue)

While I know it's being rolled out in starter sets - it seems very capable.

My current understanding is the Explorer only supports PS train functions - and no layout/accessory control.

The Explorer train functions look equivalent to full DCS - maybe lacking the legacy stuff.

Wondering about power distribution and how much track this can support?

Can you split the power and control 2 small loops with the Explorer?

Can you control multiple Explorers with one instance of the APP?

Does the retail version (sold outside the sets) of the Explorer include a power supply?

Does the Explorer power jack retrofit other MTH bricks?

Even keeping to an ideal hypothetical timetable - it seems building a layout where I would implement a full DCS system is 6 months off and maybe even longer until I can replace my manual switch collection.

On the other hand - I'd like to be running my multi-loop Christmas layout with DCS this year!

Thanks for any thoughts!

 

Last edited by Former Member
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The DCS Explorer is a moderate step up from the DCS Remote Commander. It's functionality is equivalent to that of the free app. It is absolutely not as capable as the DCS Remote's control of individual engines.

It lacks a number of individual engines' features, and doesn't handle lashups, TMCC, Legacy, accessories, switch tracks, import/export, or record/playback, as well as lacking other features. It's intended purpose is to get new people into DCS.

It only allows a maximum of 3 engines to be added to the app, although you could operate all 3 simultaneously.

It comes with its own power supply, which is limited to 6 amps total draw, and cannot be used with a higher powered transformer or in passive mode.

Lastly, the single purchase units aren't scheduled to arrive at MTH until mid-January.

Last edited by Barry Broskowitz

First step is would you prefer to control your trains via a smart phone or MTH DCS remote? With DCS you can add the WiFi unit to the TIU, don't think you can add remotes to the Explorer. All features accessible with the Explorer?

The TIU version would seem the better, though more expensive, way to go.

Last edited by BobbyD

The Explorer will only allow very basic functions for the engine alone:  speed (but not setting max speed), direction, horn, whistle, electro couplers, master volume, smoke on/off, engine sound on/off, headlight on/off.  The rest of the features I have tried give a statement that you need to buy the whole system.  So, the Explorer isn't close to being the full DCS system.  It is more like the old Remote Commander except it works more reliably and runs multiple trains.  It requires a power supply and has a jack that fits a MTH brick.  I have connected two 4x8 independent loops of track to one Explorer and it runs the two trains just fine.  I don't know how much track it would support, but I would suspect that is more a function of the number of power feeders you used.  I don't see how you could control more than one Explorer with the app, but not sure why you would want to.  By the time you run 3 engines with smoke you would be getting close to the max for a MTH brick.  If you had two Explorers and two smart devices you could probably run them separately by using the MTH network setting for one and your home network for the other.  I think you would be better off with the full DCS system than spending the money on multiple Explorers and bricks.

The single purchase Explorers without a transformer must be available because I purchased mine from Model Train Stuff a week ago.  

Actually, the separate sale units are still on the water.

I expect that your store broke yours out a RTR set and substituted a DCS Remote Commander for a customer who wanted the set without WiFi capability.

It will control the following functions:  You can turn the smoke on/off.  You can operate the horns, bells, and whistles.  You can control the speed and set a maximum speed.  You can control the couplers, headlight on/off, engine sound on/off, activate Passenger/Freight announcements, and you can control the sound volume.  You can control up to three engines at once.

The dcs explores does all the functions as the remote commander. You can not control the track power to run ps1 locomotives. The thing is with the full dcs is you get all features. So my opinion is that get a TIU because if you have a tmcc base you can tie them together and run any Lionel command locomotives threw the TIU. The thing is you can only access the tmcc futures. You can also have conventional threw the TIU.

Barry,

The PFA is in white, then under is the Doppler in white, the Protocast in grayed out underneath. 

When I click PFA the explorer flashes but no sound occurs, it lets me click Activate nothing happens then goes to arrival and nothing, Segment 1 and nothing, segment 2 and nothing and finally Departure and nothing happens but a flash of the Explorer lights.

Robert,

I just tested the PFA function with my DCS Explorer and it works fine.

However, if MTH put Transit Station Announcements in your engine (for use with subways and trollies), I can guarantee that the PFA button won't do anything at all. Transit Station Announcements are not supported by the app when using a DCS Explorer. You need to be using a TIU and WIU.

Following is an excerpt from The DCSWiFi Companion 2nd Edition, page 130, regarding how to trigger PFA sounds:

  • Tap the PFA button to open the Passenger/Freight Announcements window. 
  • Tap Activate to begin to play the announcement sequences. Activate will change to Arrival. 
  • Tap the Arrival button to stop the engine and play the first sound sequence. Arrival will change to Segment 1. The engine’s reverse unit is temporarily disabled so that the train will not move until the full PFA sequence is completed or cancelled. Also disabled is the use of the Bell and Horn/Whistle buttons. 
  • After waiting about 30 seconds for the sequence to finish, tap the Segment 1 button to play the next sound sequence. Repeat this for the remaining sound sequences. At the conclusion of the Departure sound sequence, the DCS engine's bell will begin to sound and the engine will resume movement in the same direction that it was going when PFA was initiated. 
  • Once the bell turns off, the operator regains control of the engine.

 DCS Book Cover

Everything that you need to know about DCS WiFi is all in MTH’s “The DCS WiFi Companion 2nd Edition!"

This book is available from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store!

Last edited by Barry Broskowitz

my mth dcs remote 50-1002 was bought 10 yrs ago, used ok 1 day but sat in box for 10 years because of my health problems. Can the newer mth dcs explorer now do all functions like lashups, chuff rate changes. or, do I give up many functions as the older posts here suggested. Tried the remote today, updated to the 6.1 software & my original remote will not run or find my original protosound engines using my tiu & variable output channels on my mth z4000.  

Can the newer mth dcs explorer now do all functions like lashups, chuff rate changes. or, do I give up many functions as the older posts here suggested.

No, it cannot do all functions. For that, you'll need a TIU, WIU and the DCS App (Premium version). Specifically, the DCS Explorer cannot do lashups or make changes to chuff rates.

Tried the remote today, updated to the 6.1 software & my original remote will not run or find my original protosound engines using my tiu & variable output channels on my mth z4000.

The DCS Remote can run only PS2 and PS3 engines in command mode. Original Protosound engines may be run only in conventional mode using the TIUs variable channels and the remote's TR screen, or the DCS App's (Premium version) Track Control Screen.

Original Protosound engines cannot be "found" by DCS because they are conventional, rather than command control, engines.


DCS Book CoverEverything that you need to know about DCS is all in MTH’s “The DCS Companion 3rd Edition!"

This book is available from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store!

 DCS Book Cover

Everything that you need to know about DCS WiFi is all in MTH’s “The DCS WiFi Companion 2nd Edition!"

This book is available from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store!

Last edited by Barry Broskowitz

Conventional runner here but I am sorely tempted by the recent wifi / bluetooth capabilities of MTH  and Lionel.  Sorry for more questions related to the number of engines possible to control using these MTH wifi items.  

1. The DCS explorer will control only three locomotives simultaneously. Is it simple to change the three it recognizes? For instance I might like to run three locos for several days and switch to a different three.  Has anyone tried this and how big a pain is this to do?  I assume I would need to delete the previous three and go through the reload procedure?  Any issues?

2.  This 50-1036 combination should be arriving soon and it is pretty cost effective it appears.  Based on reading the instructions, it seems this unit would recognize, one by one, my engines as I put them on the track and energized them.  Eventually all my locos would be in the "memory" and ready to roll, whenever I want.  Is this true?

thanks for the help! 

 

DCS Wi-Fi Remote Control System 50-1036

Very true, although I defer to Barry B for all-things-DCS. @Barry Broskowitz

Yes, the price seems cost effective (as bundling usually is) but I am left to wonder if it comes with the remote control unit. I don't think so; and with that, you would be compelled to get at least the basic app for your smartphone/tablet, which is quite limited. The premium app is another $30 or so. 

I just ordered the WIU from Mario's Trains - it should be here on Monday. I have also order Barry's book, which comes highly recommended. 

My only complaint as of today is that the remote controller/hand-held is slow to respond to thumb wheel changes. New batteries and direct-line-of-sight to the base unit (the TIU) doesn't make any difference. Not sure what is going on. 

-- Dr Joe

Last edited by LaramieJoe

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