Since I now have a few MTH trains I purchased a MTH DCS system. At the same time I ordered a video about the system. In the video it talks about the AIU (Accessory Interface Unit). It will operate 10 switches and 10 accessories through the hand held remote control. I thought that would be nice to be able to change switches and run accessories from the remote but wanted to know if anyone else is using it and what their opinion was.
I know that Lionel also has an automated system that works with the TMCC / Legacy system and wanted to know if either system has an advantage over the other.
If anyone has information on either of these systems or has used either I would appreciate your input.
I run both systems DCS and Legacy on my layout. I like running them both. For me I really like the Legacy system for ease of hooking up but DCS has different buttons to acuate different things on the engine. If you can afford it get both.
Can you run both systems on the same block at the same time (a Legacy loco with Lionel Legacy system and a MTH loco on the DCS syetem)? I know the Lionel system sends signals through the common (outer) rails and the DCS sends it’s signals through the power (center) rail.
I have been using DCS since its release many moons ago. I also have TMCC since its release which goes back many more moons. I have yet to purchase legacy, still on the fence if I really need a third operating system.
As far as DCS, the system took command operation to a whole new level which really allowed for multiple train operations. Through my DCS system I run MTH PS-2 locos, TMCC locos, and conventional locos all at the same time and at times on the same main lines. I am looking forward when PS-3 makes its way into MTH O Gauge locos, from what I was told sometime this fall we will start seeing these locos. PS-3 will have the ability for many more commands.
I have the DCS system and it works pretty good. Have not tried to run conventional and PS-2 at the same time, however I did do a two engine(both PS-2 engines) lash-up of an SD-45 diesel and a T-1 steam engine and it worked very well.
The AIU(the AIU is basically a switch box) needs to have power to it for switches and accessories to work with it, and the AIU plugs into the TIU with a cable that looks like a phone cord, and then can be accessed after programming it for the switches and accesories. You can hook-up five AIU’s together for a total of 50 switches, if you have more than five AIU’s you need another TIU to handle them.
I have switches on four differant tracks working with my AIU and the unit don’t know they are on differant tracks, also have my TIU powered by an MTH Z-750 transformer.
Well after listening to everyone here and reading a few articles, I purchased the DCS system. While I was at it I also got two of the AIU units to run the switches. I already had the Legacy system so now the only thing to do is set it all up.
Wiring the switches will probably take the longest since I have 14 to do. Oh well hopefully I can get started Sunday.
BILL, as BILL D said yes you can. I have set up my DCS using two 180 watt power blocks and run them separtely from the Legacy system which is run off a new ZW. Throw the power switches and I had no problems.
I bought the MTH DCS System (TIU & Remote) at Trainworld.com for $272.99 and the AIU’s came from Modeltrainstuff.com Which is M.B. Klein in Baltimore. They cost $84.99 each $169.98 for both.
A word of advice on the AIU when programming switches, don’t leave any ports unlabeled, even if you don’t use one at least put in unused(don’t skip a port in labelling, even if not used NAME IT!).
Seems that the cost has gone up just a little since I got my DCS system.
Thanks for the information to name the switch ports. Should I do the same with the accessory ports?
BTW Model Train Stuff sold the system for $259 but was out of stock. I’ve found that Model Train Stuff and Train world are the least expensive on the internet. Unfortunately I don’t have a decent hobby shop in my area so online is my best way to shop.
I would suggest doing the same for the accessory ports as well, name them, especially when you skip a port! Example; port one-highway flasher, port two-unused, port three-coal elevator. Not sure what MTH names the ports, as I don’t use the AIU for accessories.
You have asked a lot of good questions, and the response in my opinion have all been very good as well. Thought I would share with you my experiences and thoughts. I have all three systems running, Legacy, TMCC, and DCS with two AIU units.
The single biggest advantage I find is I can run everything with my DCS Remote. All or any of the engines, activate any accessory, and operate all the switches, from the one remote. I have also used the Record Session of both the DCS and Legacy systems. I have found the DCS system is my preferred choice for “Recording” only because all the switches are connected to the AIU.
Multiple System Operation
I have all the systems on all the time, no specific reason other than I can pick up any one of the remotes and use them whenever. As I’m sure you realize by now the DCS/Legacy/TMCC are indeed compatible with the correct cabling. Some folks have a power selector switch to toggle between the various systems, but I have not found that necessary. When I want to run a conventional engine, I put the command control engines on sidings that I can remove the power from. Then I use the Variable Track power controls on the DCS remote and control the track voltage on the main lines and appropriate sidings I have left turned on. This gives me the ability to still use the DCS remote to operate the switches and accessories as I desire. (I have the switches and accessories on separate power supplies from the track power.)
AIU and Switches
I actually have 24 switches controlled by the AIU’s. I have 4 locations (crossovers) where I have 2 switches connected to the same location on the AIU. That way when I activate say, switch #2 both switches (2a and 2b) respond. Again the reason is a crossover, or another situation is I have a figure 8 inside an oval. And at the center intersection I have 2 Wyes and they switch appropriately to the
I’ve had the DCS system since 2002 and I really like it, it’s always worked well and I have no complaints. I did buy the AIU and it’s still sitting in the box, I had good intentions of setting it up but I just haven’t gotten around to it yet. I still enjoy throwing the switches via the movable controllers and my guests always enjoy pushing the buttons for the accessories.
Maybe one of these winters I’ll get around to hooking it up as I think it is a pretty neat option.
When you decide to connect it, assuming the AIU would be close to your control panel, all you would need to do is wire it to your existing switch controllers. Would not need to run wires to the switches. Same for the accessories and their controllers.