Just wondered if an MTH Shay with Proto Sound 1 by QSI can be used with my currect DCS system that operates PS 2? Can it be changed over without a big deal? Thanks to all, Jake
They can be upgraded to PS-2 but I believe it will cost about $150 to $200, give or take a little.
Jake, PS1 is not command control(as i’m sure you know[:)])-- it’s an enhanced conventional control system-- the bell/whistle button combinations activate sounds, couplers, etc. There is no cruise control.
You can control a PS1 engine via DCS by using one of the variable channels instead of the fixed channel. If you still have your DCS manual, there is an explanation of this in there. You can also use the MPG sub menu to program your PS1 engines(couplers/sounds). see page 97 of manual—
HTH!!
Thanks to all, Jake
I have a Proto-Sound 1 Genesis engine and right now I operate it with Lionel TMCC (with the TPC, of course), so I’m sure there’s a way to operate it with the MTH system as well. From what I’ve read in the catalogs, I think you have to change the remote so it controls the track voltage.
The best option to deal with P-1 is to dump the electronics and replace with TMCC (see TAStudios, etc.). Why bother with DCS!??
Some of the PS-1 locs are quite nice–but the MTH system is one of the larger gaffs in the history of the toy train industry…
[;)]
ProtoSound 1 engines are very nice, may not be as good as PS2 but they still are good. The only thing you have to watch is that you make sure the NiCad battery doesn’t go dead, because that could scramble the PS1 board. The best way to prevent this from happening is to buy a capacitor that holds a charge for only about five hours while you’re running your train.
Be aware that if you ever do upgrade your engine to TMCC, you won’t have the Freight Yard/Passenger Station ProtoEffects which I think are neat for some engines. You will, however, have CrewTalk and TowerCom, which are also nice. But as for your situation, I think it’s probably best to stay with PS1 and just operate the DCS remote in conventional mode, controlling track voltage to the train. Really, there’s not much difference in controlling command engines and conventional engines with the remote, except with conventional engines there can only be one on the block it’s on, and instead of the voltage of the track being constant, you’re controlling the voltage with the thumbwheel, much like your regular transformer controls. Because of this, you’ll be able to activate the Freight Yard Sounds and the couplers with the remote’s whistle and bell buttons, just like on a normal transformer. I do this with my Genesis engine and my TMCC command, and it works very well.
I like the DCS system, I’m used to it and know it well now, so I’ll stick with it. The engine in question is a 260E MTH deal, black, red trim. I like those engines, might just chance it over to PS 2. Wonder if a guy like me can do that? Jake
Jake,
Don’t know what all you will need to rerplace to upgrade to PS-2 from PS-1.
I tried to see what it would cost to upgrade a K-Line GG1 engine to PS-2 and it was about $320.00 plus shipping to TAS. So I am looking for a new GG1 engine instead of updating to PS-2, costs would have been near $500.00, might be able to buy a new MTH GG1 for that money.
Lee F.