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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