MTH control equipment, DCS. analog and/or DCC.
This page is intended to explain a little about the DCS control system
First of all DCS is a proprietary control system from MTH, it has been around a fair time (in digital electronic development terms) but is some ten years younger than DCC and consequently it is a much more modern, and I would say a more capable and efficient system. The original Protosound system came out in 1995, Protosound 2 came out in 2000, Protosound 3 arrived in 2007 with the first Ho models and filtered through to the other gauges in 2013. Protosound 3E+ arrived in 2014 for Motorola/Märklin Ho 3-rail.
For Ho 3-rail:
The PS-3E+ decoder reads the commands put out by the Motorola derived digital controllers supplied by Märklin for their 3-rail AC powered system. MTH does not currently offer a controller. The PS-3E+ decoder will also operate under analog AC control.
For Ho and S gauge 2-rail:
The PS-3 decoder reads the commands put out by any of MTH's DCS controllers, it will also read the major generic DCC commands, it will also operate with a default set of sound effects with an analog DC controller. 16 volts DC is the recommended maximum input voltage. The PS-3 decoder is not "handed", it will pick up control signals from either the positive or negative side.
For the other gauges , ie O gauge (Railking, Premier and tinplate), gauge 1 and tinplate Standard Gauge:
The PS-3 decoder has the same DCS/DCC/Analog capabilityas above. The difference comes in taking up to 22 volts DC or AC. In analog AC mode a number of features such as reversing, bell, whistle and coupler can be operated by pulsing the power.
The Protosound 2 decoder does not have the DCC decoder function and only picks up DCS commands on one line, which is no problem for 3-rail systems but means that 2-rail locomotives are "handed". 2-rail PS-2 locomotives have a "polarity" switch to let you choose which side is active, so a locomotive can be sat on the rails pointing in either direction, but thought must be given to the wiring of any layout that may have reversing loops or "wyes" or turntables. PS-2 has the same DC and AC analog functionality.
If you like operating under analog then any of the generic 3rd party controllers with a suitable power output should do, as will any of the MTH controllers that have sufficient current capacity to handle the expected loads. If you want analog control of multi-unit power hogs then perhaps the twin throttle Z-4000 controller may be suitable and it may be worth pointing out that it has the option of the 40-4001 Remote Commander which can link to three Z-4000s if you want to have a walk-around handset. It may be stating the obvious but european customers may need to source a 240v or 220v to 110v step-down transformer. These are relatively easy to find and need not be that expensive if you shop around.
If you already have a DCC system then you should look for the locomotives with the PS-3 decoder.
If you want to have a DCS controller then there are three basic choices.
For the cheapest trial or if you are running a single locomotive (round the Christmas tree or similar) then the DCS Commander Remote may be all that is required. It can also be usefully employed in in battery power conversions. Please be aware that this unit can not do a factory reset for locos.
For maximum flexibility with operation from a remote handset then the TIU is worth looking at, it has two fixed (DCS only) outputs plus a further two outputs that offer DCS digital as well as variable voltage AC, with a maxiumum of 10 Amps from each output. A remote control option from a phone or tablet is due in late 2015.
If you do not like remote handsets and a 6 amp output is sufficient then the DCS Commander may fit the bill, it is lower cost than the TIU+handset.
Those with brand-x locomotives, or the very earliest purely analog or PS-1 MTH locomotives may be interested to know that conversion/upgrade kits are available for both steam and diesel. These generally require an O gauge or larger body to fit the components, it is a pity that an equivalent Ho sized kit has yet to appear.
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This is the master list, you may also view lists of the current catalogue items and currently unavailable or previously produced items
For pricing/availability please select a. Shipping Option | |||
40-1000 | aug03 | Z1000 TRANSFORMER | |
40-1000A | oct13 | Z1000 BRICK | |
40-1000B | aug06 | Z-Controller | |
40-1015 | REALTRAX WIRE HARNESS | ||
40-200 | aug08 | Z-DC-1 TRANSFORMER | |
40-300 | dec16 | Z-DC300 30 Watt DC Transformer | |
40-4000 | Z4000 dual-throttle controller,110 volt input | ||
40-4001 | Z-4000 REMOTE COMMANDER SYSTEM | ||
40-500 | jul00 | Z500 TRANSFORMER | |
40-560 | OCT18 | RailKing Z-560 56 Watt Power Supply | |
40-750C | aug01 | RailKing Controller Set | |
50-1001 | aug00 | DCS Remote Handset + TIU | |
50-1002 | aug00 | Digital Control System Remote Handset for TIU | |
50-1003 | aug00 | TIU (Track interface unit - use with handset) | |
50-1003L | TIU (Track Interface Unit - use with handset) rev L | ||
50-1003old | TIU (Track Interface Unit - use with handset) old ver | ||
50-1004 | aug00 | AIU (Accessory Interface Unit) | |
50-1005 | mar02 | PS 2 Battery Charger | |
50-1007 | mar02 | TIU/TMCC 6' Connector Cable | |
50-1008 | aug02 | RECHARGABLE BATTERY | |
50-1009 | aug02 | 6 FT MINI TO MINI CABLE | |
50-1011 | jul00 | RailKing IR Remote Control | |
50-1012 | jul00 | RailKing IR Remote Control System | |
50-1013 | jul00 | RailKing Remote Lock-On | |
50-1014 | mar02 | Terminal Block | |
50-1017 | dec03 | TIU/BARREL JACK ADAPTER CABLE | |
50-1018 | dec03 | TIU/TMCC 6' Connector Cable | |
50-1019 | dec03 | PS 2.0 Battery Charger | |
50-1020 | dec03 | 24-Port Terminal Block | |
50-1021 | dec04 | PS Locomotive External Battery Charger Kit | |
50-1022 | dec04 | PS 2.0 Locomotive External Battery Charger Kit | |
50-1023 | mar05 | Original PS Reset Kit | |
50-1024 | mar05 | AA NICAD PROTOSOUND BATTERY | |
50-1025 | jun06 | DIESEL LOCOMOTIVE LIGHT ELECTR | |
50-1026 | jun06 | DIESEL LOCOMOTIVE LIGHT ELECTR | |
50-1027 | jun06 | DIESEL LOCOMOTIVE LIGHT ELECTR | |
50-1028 | oct13 | DCS COMMANDER CONTROLLER | |
50-1029 | aug13 | DCS COMMANDER SYSTEM W/100 watt 110v supply | |
50-1030 | dec07 | DIESEL LOCOMOTIVE LIGHT ELECTR | |
50-1031 | dec07 | DIESEL LOCOMOTIVE LIGHT ELECTR | |
50-1032 | dec08 | TIU/TMCC LEGACY 6 FT. CONNECTO | |
50-1033 | oct10 | DCS Remote Commander Set | |
50-1034 | oct15 | DCS WiFi Module | |
50-1035 | DCS Explorer Track Interface Unit | ||
50-1036 | Oct18 | DCS WiFi Digital Command System | |
50-1037 | jun20 | DCS Transformer/Barrel Jack Male Adapter Cable | |
50-1038 | apr20 | DCS Remote Control - Handheld Unit | |
50-1039 | dec20 | PS DCS WiFi Digital Command System 2 | |
50-1901 | mar04 | PS-2 UPGRADE KIT - STEAM | |
50-1902 | mar04 | PS-2 UPGRADE KIT - DIESEL | |
50-1911 | jan16 | PS3 Steam Locomotive Upgrade Kit | |
50-1912 | jan16 | PS3 Diesel Locomotive Upgrade Kit | |
50-240 | dec16 | Z-DC24 24-Watt Power Supply |
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the MTH miscellaneous item index page or
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