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Question about running two or more engines that are identical models

Allan MillerAllan MillerOGR Editor-in-Chief SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

I have three MTH PS3 GP20s with the same road name and same cab numbers.  Although I don't currently plan to operate all three in a consist (once I change two of the existing cab numbers), it would be nice to have at least two of the engines on the layout and able to operate independently of each other via DCS.  

 

I assume all three locomotives currently have the same ID, and I imagine that will be a bit of a problem.  At the present time I have only operated one of these locomotives, and the other two are still in their respective boxes.  Is it possible for me to operate two of these GP20s at the same time on the same layout (track) by assigning a different ID to one?  If so, what are the steps involved for changing the ID?

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GaryGaryOGR Forum Member

Allan,

 

Do an ADD ENGINE procedure just like you would if they were different engines.  DCS will assign each a unique number that will be stored within each engine.  DCS will know they are individual engines, each with a different slot in the engine list.  The only trick is for you to keep them straight.  You can always go with picking one from the list, hit START UP and see which one responds. 

gunrunnerjohngunrunnerjohnOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

I'm curious how often you actually have to do a factory reset anyway.  I would assume that in most cases the Feature Reset will fix most ills you'd have, right?  I have several engines that I have upgraded with the PS/2 upgrade kit that you have to enter the name.  I've also swapped in spare electronic boards that failed boards and renamed the engines.

gunrunnerjohngunrunnerjohnOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Correct, but the dealer program isn't available to mere mortals.   Since it's not likely I'll have to do a factory reset of engines that frequently, it's easier to spend a few minutes entering the name than sending it to a MTH tech and paying for the permanent name.

 

We could, of course, speculate why they can't include this capability in the DCS loader, but I guess that's another conversation...

Allan MillerAllan MillerOGR Editor-in-Chief SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER
Originally Posted by David Minarik:

Allan,

 

I can reset the permanent name for you.

 

DCS will allow you to change the name (all caps) with the handheld but if you every have to do a factory reset, it will revert back to the original name.  This will not happen after I reset it. 

 

Dave 

Thanks, Dave!  I shall haul two of the three engines over to you on my next visit.  It would be good to have all three operate as independent/distinctive units even if all three were on the same track at the same time.

 

Thank to all who responded to my inquiry!

G GreggOGR Forum Member
Originally Posted by gunrunnerjohn:

Correct, but the dealer program isn't available to mere mortals.   Since it's not likely I'll have to do a factory reset of engines that frequently, it's easier to spend a few minutes entering the name than sending it to a MTH tech and paying for the permanent name.

 

We could, of course, speculate why they can't include this capability in the DCS loader, but I guess that's another conversation..

 

 

 

 

 

Absolutely.   .... Allan you may also save yourself a bit of grief by using a programming track to add the new engines. As Gary Mentioned DCS will assign each engine it's own ID number which sticks with the engine unless the battery is low, edited or factory reset. A factory reset engine will add back at the lowest avaible ID (slot) in the dcs remote. Could be the same ID if all the other  lower IDs are used up.

 

 The factory reset also  restores the factory name however a feature reset leaves the name you've given the engine and ID number.

 

 

 

 

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