I know in the HO and N scales you can buy upgrade chips and add DCC.
Can you do this with TMCC and/or DCS? This will probably decide which one I would go with…
DCS has offered free software upgrades in the past. You can download it from their web site.
sorry - what I mean is can you add TMCC or DCS to a conventional loco yourself? Are there upgrade kits or boards you can wire into an older or non-tmcc/dcs loco?
Yes to both.
TMCC is much simpler and much less in cost than DCS.
DCS kit includes many more parts to be replaced, thus the extra cost. If it’s a non MTH enigne, then you may not have all the extra’s that DCS offers. (chuff rate, fan dirven smoke, etc.)
Do you have a link to one of these kits for sale somewhere, or some information on them? I have been browsing the net, but haven’t found these… Sorry to keep bothering you!
Jim - try Train America Studios, they have all the hardware and also do the installations for a reasonable cost. They, and a couple of others, advertise in CTT and will have their web address with their ads.
TAS is high $$$ but good. Digital Dynaimics is a lot cheaper and gives great results. Tim [pigseye] is using DD boards. I got two that should arrive anytime. One to convert an older Lionel with AC Pullmor motor and one for converting a MTH [PS1] SD70 [pulling all the PS1 out and converting to TMCC]. I’ve convered some MPC GP9’s [with the two small can motors in the tucks] to TMCC and it was easy. They run great. DD has the boards on sale until Jan 1 [I think???]. $150 [$20 off] for both boards [TMCC and Railsounds which includes speakers and all]. You can also add electro couplers too.
Jim, here is a link for DCS
There is no “standard” command system in O guage, so there really are no loco’s available as “command ready” that can be easily upgraded like HO. Its best to decide on either DCS or TMCC and buy the engines with it included. Or get both systems and then you run it all. From what I understand TMCC can be added to most anything and is less expensive than adding PS2, that has limitations as to what it can be added to.
thanks for all the info - I’m printing this out right now!
I personally would recommend Digital Dynamics. I’ve used them on numerous occasions, and Ed is great to work with.
I would not reccomend TAS.
I have put in units from TAS. They worked, put the instructions were not the best. The instructions talked about different colored wires connecting to different components, but all the wires were black.[:0]
Another company providing TMCC upgrades is the Electric RR:
http://www.electricrr.com/
Daniel Lang