I’m in the process of converting my free-lanced HO layout from DC to DCC. Due to budget and time constraints, I’m progressing at a snail’s pace. I’ve run all the track wire and am about to purchase a DCC control system. I’m stuck right now though between the Digitrax Zephyr and MTH’s DCS system. I know that with DCC I will need a program track, and that it will run the new MTH K4 I’ve ordered, but if I use the DCS system, (which appears to be more user friendly), will I still be able to run my other DCC equipped, non-MTH locos and if so, will I still need a program track or will I just have to scroll to “add engine” and enter the address manually? I’ve played with the DCS system at a local hobby shop, and I’m really impressed with it, but I don’t want to invest in something that is exclusive to only one type of train manufacturer. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
SImple choice. DCC has a standard, supported by the NMRA and a lot of manufacturers. In other words, you can use that Digitrax Zephyr to runs locos equipped with decoders made by NCE, Lenz, QSI, ESU, TCS, and Digitrax. With DCS, you are stuck with MTH, they have expressed no interest in licensing the technology to other manufacturers. And as of now, the ONLY HO DCS loco is that K4, they don’t currently have decoders to put in other HO locos, and even so, can we count on MTH to make decoders for the myriad different locos there are? Not every DCC manufacturer makes decoders for every possible requirement - but they don’t have to. NCE makes special ones to fit where no Digitrax or Lenz decoder will, likewise Digitrax makes ones that fit specific situations that the others do not make. But it makes no difference with DCC< any DCC system can operate the decoders of any manufacturer.
–Randy
My personal choice in agreement with that stated above is to avoid the MTH system. As stated it is a stand alone system and most HO modelers do not have high regard for MTH which can be reviewed by doing an MTH search. I believe it will be obsolete within two years whereas an NMRA standards compatible system will not be. I’d also suggest you log on to Tony’s train exchange for a tutorial on DCC systems and comparisons before deciding. Ergonomics are important and are the best measure of which one is right for you. I’d visit several hobby shops that stock different systems to kick the tires before deciding. And don’t forget that since most hobby shops sell only one or at most two different systems the typical sales method is not to sell the features but to run down the competition. Don’t be bullied into a choice.
The whole “ease of use” thing always gets to me, too. All the major systems work pretty much the same - hit a ‘loco’ or ‘select’ button, type in the number on the side of the loco, and off you go.
As for programming - the top 3 or 4 systems all have computer interfaces - and a free program like DecoderPro levels that playing field as the same UI is presented regardless of which DCC system is attached to the computer. I find programming with a Digitrax DT400 to be very easy, just dial the CV on the left knob, and a value on the right knob. How hard is that? The real issue is knowing what each CV is and what the valid values are. That varies somewhat from decoder, other than the ‘standard’ CVs, and that’s where DecoderPro comes in. You want ditch lights on a Brand X decoder? Just click the boxes in DecoderPro.
–Randy
Since you’ve already ordered a K4, then obviously running a K4 is not a problem. But for now, that’s all you’ll be able to run. DCC systems can at least run one analog locomotive. I don’t know if the DCS system can.
Don’t be drawn to the dark side Luke use the (DCC) force, you will be very disappointed with an invader!!
Ken.
I agree with all those statements above. DCC is based on the NMRA standard and is supported by a whole range of suppliers that are being added to all the time. Don’t forget, DCC capability supports a whole host of accessory programing too such as switch, route changing, etc, etc… And that’s only the start! We have a way to go yet!
DCS is one locomotive from one supplier playing outside of the field.
Cheers
Barry
MTH DCS is the way to go. Just talk to any O gauger who has tried it. Many more advantages than DCC.
MTHrules–Please address the compatibility with DCC locos. Will they run them or not?
I guess since MTHrules has seen the post and not responded, that means it will not run DCC locos.
So DCS is a one loco system in HO.
Good one Spacemouse!
Sgt. JT Clark -
There are a lot of prejudiced folks on these forums when it comes to MTH. Take the comments with a BIG grain of salt (say, the size of North Dakota). I’d suggest you e-mail MTH and ask them if their DCS system will run DCC-equipped locomotives. That way you’ll know the answer.
My understanding is that DCS puts 24 volts on the track, where DCC typically uses 14-16 volts. That’s a very fundamental discrepancy. The MR review of the MTH K4 pointed this out, and noted that the K4 would only get up to about 30 scale miles per hour on DCC, which would not even win a sprint against a bicycle at the Tour de France. Putting a DCC engine on a 24-volt track would probably, as Randy calls it, “let the magic smoke out of the engine.”
If you’re running O-gauge, then DCS probably does deserve serious consideration, but I wouldn’t even look at it for HO.
from what i’ve read about the MTH HO engine, It can be controlled by DCS or DCC. The DCS signal is not supposed to interfere with the DCC signal. You can run a DCC equipped engine on the same track at the same time as a DCS equipped engine. I know that MTH is not well liked by the HO community, and I can understand some of the animosity, but to reject something without having tried it is not fair to MTH or to the HO community.
But were talking around the other way can you run a DCC loco on a DCS system? I think not
DCC rules. K!
Ken.
Stick with the open standard of DCC. DCS is like Beta video recorders or Apple Computers. It has some nice features and arguably some better features, but is proprietary and will have limited following, limited products, incompatabilities, and higher prices. Besides, as many have pointed out, many of the so called short falls of DCC are already fixed with the new bi-directional stadard and programs like Decoder Pro.
MTH is very unlikely to last forever, and what will happen to the DCS system then? The DCC system is supported by everybody EXCEPT MTH, so if one manufacturer retires or converts to manufacturing mechanical chopsticks the system will go on without a hiccup.
As for me, I will continue with my stone age analog DC system, alleged disadvantages and all. If I need a new circuit I can design it, using off-the-shelf electrical (not electronic) parts - and the circuitry can be understood by someone without a PHD in electronic mathematics.
Chuck
In case inquiring minds aren’t keeping track that is 13 for DCC, one neutral and one who thinks HOscale is identical to tinplate in O gauge.
Excuse me- I would never equate HO to O (scale or not). That’s like comparing an apple to a watermelon- they are TOTALLY different . ALL I wrote is what i’ve read about the MTH HO engine(both pro & con). The DCS system does work quite well in the larger scales, how well it will work in HO remains to be seen. I’m keeping a neutral stance on this–
If you like the MTH’s K4 then get it , But do NOT Buy a DCS system for use in HO.
Use any HO DCC system to run the K4. The K4 will operate on DCS, DC,and DCC
What to do? ( here’s a link to the Model Railroder Review on the M.T.H.'s K-4 Pacific.)
http://www.mthhotrains.com/PDFs/MR_MTH_Review_0706.pdf
I Like the K-4 too… I’m runing on DCC.