PS-3 and MTH DCS Commander

I say go for the full DCS system. You will love it in a short time and not look back!

Does it function and run fine on your layout?  If so, I would not get hung up with the DCS Signal number.  G

Maybe you need the full DCS system with both the TIU and DCS base. Not sure how many engines the DCS commander will handle.

How old is the DCS commander system? That too could have something to do with it, as the DCS commander might not be fully capable of doing PS-3.

 

Lee Fritz

Lee,

as the DCS commander might not be fully capable of doing PS-3.

FYI, the DCS Commander was developed specifically to operate PS3 engines, primarily HO. However, it also operates O gauge PS2/PS3 engines just fine.

Barry,

 

Thank you for clearing things up.

A question about the DCS commander. How many engines can it handle?

 

Lee F.

Lee,

A question about the DCS commander. How many engines can it handle?

From page 181 of The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition:

ENG: used to access all PS2/PS3 engines loaded into the DCS Commander. Up to 10 engines may be loaded at any one time. For additional information, refer to the section Accessing and Editing Engines later in this Addendum

 

This and a whole lot more is all in "The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", now available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book from MTH's web store site! Click on the link below to go to MTH's web page for the book!

Thanks Barry!

 

I might buy a DCS commander in the used market at a train show.

Also thinking about updating my TIU and handheld for the DCS system I have now. Don't know what version I have but it is from the time when MTH was selling the Reading Lines T-1 cab 2124 brand new, MTH # 20-3130-1.

 

Lee Fritz

The thing that gets me is that the Commander is supposed to operate PS-3 units. My commander is a couple of years old but works flawlessly with the PS-2 units. The fact that the Trainz servie tech said it worked fine on a layout means the Commander must be the problem. He even took it to an MTH workshop and had it looked at and test run! Tested again last night on a Lionel loop of Fastrack and the PS-3 engine sent back a 1 on the signal test. The others sent back a 10. It will run on the 1 but will lose contact with the system eventually. I may try to clear and reprogram the engines tonight.

Thanks for input from all.

Contact MTH. There have been a couple of PS3 minor manufacturing issues that have caused exactly the kind of signal strength problem that you're experiencing.

 

Odds are that it's the engine, not the DCS Commander, that's the problem.

Thanks Barry. I think I shall contact MTH again. I've talked to Ben before, but this so far, has been a dead end. This was a huge investment for me and the frustration is incredible. I'll give the service department number a try and see if they have any advice or suggestions. By the way, the Trainz service people were very good and did what they could. They even called me back to check on the problem.