Hi, I'm interested in MTH trains and I'd like to have some information because living in Italy, there are no shops where I can get information. How does the DCS remote control work? Is it included in every package with new locomotives or must it be purchased separately? Does it work like the Lionchief? I have a 3-track AC layout, but reading in the pages of the various shops they say that these new locomotives, for example 30-21074-1Alco PA, are also DCC, at this point I'm very confused. Can you help me?
I will try to answer your questions. DCS is nothing like LionChief or LionChief Plus. MTH engines do not include a remote like LionChief engines. LionChief and LionChief Plus work via bluetooth with is a direct connection from the remote to the engine by radio. DCS uses a Track Interface Unit (TIU) that connects to and sends a signal through the rails similar to DCC. The DCS remote talks to the TIU and can control any MTH engine with PS2 or PS3. PS stands for Proto Sound. Older DCS systems came with a TIU and a remote. Additional remotes could be added to the system but one remote can control up to 99 engines at one time though controlling more than 2 at a time is somewhat cumbersome. The new TIU, which hasn't been released yet, will incorporate wifi and will work with any smart device like a tablet or cell phone. MTH engines with PS2 or PS3 can operate conventionally with your transformer. You don't need DCS to run them though DCS opens up many more options than running conventionally. DCS has a DCC option. The engine can be controlled by a DCC system. I have never tried this since I have a DCS system but I know it's possible. I hope this answers your questions. If not, ask and I will try to answer.
Hello, I would like to ask you something else: I have to use a Marklin AC power supply with only direction control because here in Europe the voltage in houses is 230V, with Lionel locomotives I have no problems with sounds because I use the Lionchief , I assume that with Mth or Williams I would hear only the sound of the engine at most or am I wrong?
You are correct, you wouldn’t be able to activate the whistle/horn, bell and other sounds with the Marklin transformer. MTH made the DCS Remote Commander which can run any PS2 or PS3 engines and activate the sounds. You can power it with your Marklin transformer. I just checked and saw 2 listed on eBay, one for $225 and the other for about 265. MTH also made a remote and receiver that they used to include in train sets that would be powered by your transformer. This remote doesn’t address an individual locomotive. It sends the DCS signal through the track and any MTH engine on the track will respond. I don’t remember the name of this simplified remote but I’m sure you could find it on eBay. The dealers you buy trains from might have them in stock even though they haven’t been made for a few years.
