MTHTrains DCS Operator's Manual

OPERATOR’S

ANUAL

Fifth Edition

www.mthtrains.com

Take Total Control

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

Maximum Power Input:

AC Power Supply

0-22VAC, 190VA, 10.0 AMP

DC Power Supply

24VDC, 10.0 AMP

Auxiliary Power Supply

12-22VAC, 1.5 AMP

Welcome to the world of digital command control! M.T.H. Electric Trains® has developed the most advanced and user-friendly layout control system available in model railroading today. The Digital Command System (DCS) allows you to achieve realistic operation heretofore unknown in the hobby. DCS was designed so that even the most advanced operations can be performed easily, so you can quickly begin to enjoy the hobby at a whole new level.

With DCS you can control every command-capable locomotive on your layout, including TMCC locomotives, independently. For Proto-Sound® 2.0 locomotives, you can adjust lighting, chuff rate or diesel rev level, sound and smoke volume for each locomotive; dial up a specific scale speed; program multiple-headed locomotives to act as one; record and playback an operational script; and much, much more.

These operating instructions include Quick-Connect instructions that tell you how to set up a loop of track quickly and get running right away, so you can gain the benefit of DCS command features as soon as possible. The Quick-Connect section is followed by more advanced connection and operation information.

CAUTION: ELECTRICALLY OPERATED PRODUCT: Recommended for Ages 14 and up. Not recommended for children under 14 years of age without adult supervision. As with all electric products, precautions should be observed during handling and use to prevent electric shock.

WARNING: When using electrical products, basic safety precautions should be observed, including the following: Read this manual thoroughly before using this device.

- M.T.H. recommends that all users and persons supervising use examine the hobby transformer and other electronic equipment periodically for conditions that may result in the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons, such as damage to the primary cord, plug blades, housing, output jacks or other parts. In the event such conditions exist, the train set should not be used until properly repaired.

- Do not operate your layout unattended. Obstructed accessories or stalled trains may overheat, resulting in damage to your

layout.

- This train set is intended for indoor use. Do not use if water is present. Serious injury or fatality may result.

- Do not operate the hobby transformer with damaged cord, plug, switches, buttons or case.

This product may be protected by one or more of the following patents: 6,019,289; 6,280,278; 6,281,606; 6,291,263; 6,457,681; 6,491,263; 6,604,641; 6,619,594; 6,624,537; 6,655,640.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction To DCS................................................................................... 6

The DCS Remote Control................................................................................... 7

The Track Interface Unit (TIU).......................................................................... 8

The Accessory Interface Unit (AIU)................................................................. 9

Recommended Wiring Methods......................................................................... 10

Chapter 2: Quick Start In Command Mode.............................................................. 14

Overview................................................................................................................. 15

Using The Remote Control................................................................................. 16

Accessing A Locomotive..................................................................... 17

Selecting And Starting A Locomotive............................................... 19

Making The Engine Go....................................................................... 20

Reversing Direction.............................................................................. 21

Activating Basic Sounds....................................................................... 21

Shutting Down A Locomotive........................................................... 22

“Jumping” Between Active Egnines.................................................. 22

Controlling All Active DCS Engines At Once................................ 23

Chapter 3: One-Touch Locomotive Control.............................................................. 24

Labor/Drift............................................................................................................ 25

Boost/Brake........................................................................................................... 26

Coupler Operation................................................................................................ 27

Smoke On/Off Control...................................................................................... 27

Volume Increase Control...................................................................................... 27

Engine Start Up..................................................................................................... 28

Engine Sound On/Off Control......................................................................... 28

Volume Decrease Control.................................................................................... 28

Engine Shut Down............................................................................................... 29

Headlight On/Off Control................................................................................. 29

Proto-Cast On/Off Control............................................................................... 29

Passenger/Freight Announcements................................................................... 30

Read Button........................................................................................................... 31

Doppler On/Off Control................................................................................... 31

Emergency Stop.................................................................................................... 31

SoftKey Operation................................................................................................ 32

Using The Remote Control Backlight............................................................... 35

Using The Remote Control Microphone.......................................................... 35

Chapter 4: Menu Operations - Sound......................................................................... 36

Introduction.......................................... ................................................................ 37

Bell, Horn, Engine/Accent Volume.................................................................. 38

Proto-Whistle........................................................................................................ 39

Chuff Rate............................................................................................................. 40

Proto-Chuff............................................................................................................ 41

Cab Chatter............................................................................................................ 41

Brakes...................................................................................................................... 42

Clickty Clack.......................................................................................................... 42

Custom Sounds...................................................................................................... 43

Auto Coupler......................................................................................................... 47

Doppler Loop........................................................................................................ 48

External Mic........................................................................................................... 49

Chapter 5: Menu Operations - Control....................................................................... 50

Smoke Output Control........................................................................................ 51

Ditch Light Control.............................................................................................. 52

Setting Maximum Engine Speed........................................................................ 52

Setting Acceleration Rate..................................................................................... 53

Setting Deceleration Rate..................................................................................... 53

Setting Direction Control.................................................................................... 54

Activating Labored Smoke.................................................................................. 54

Brake Boost............................................................................................................ 55

Chapter 6: Menu Operations - System........................................................................ 56

Engine Setup.......................................................................................................... 57

Adding Engines..................................................................................... 57

Editing Engines..................................................................................... 60

Deleting Engines................................................................................... 61

Track Setup............................................................................................................. 62

Adding Tracks....................................................................................... 62

Editing Tracks....................................................................................... 65

Deleting Tracks..................................................................................... 66

Switch Setup........................................................................................................... 67

Adding Switches.................................................................................... 67

Editing Switches.................................................................................... 68

Deleting Switches................................................................................. 69

Accessory Setup..................................................................................................... 70

Adding Accessories.............................................................................. 70

Editing Accessories.............................................................................. 70

Deleting Accessories............................................................................ 71

TIU Setup............................................................................................................... 72

Add/Edit/Delete TIU......................................................................... 72

Super TIU............................................................................................... 73

Reset TIU............................................................................................... 74

Adjusting The Remote LCD Contrast.............................................................. 74

DCS Setup.............................................................................................................. 74

Track Signal............................................................................................................ 75

Remote Setup......................................................................................................... 76

Setting The Remote Control Address............................................... 76

Remote Powerdown............................................................................. 77

Remote Back Up................................................................................... 77

Quickset Speed...................................................................................... 78

Operating Mode.................................................................................... 79

Chapter 7: Menu Operations - Advanced.................................................................. 80

Creating A Lashup................................................................................................ 81

Setting Up A Route.............................................................................................. 89

Setting Up A Scene.............................................................................................. 91

Recording/Playing Back An Operating Session.............................................. 94

Resetting Engine Features................................................................................... 96

Reading Engine Information.............................................................................. 97

Configuring DCS For 50 or 60Hz AC Input................................................... 97

Chapter 8: Universal Locomotive & Accessory Operation.................................. 98

Advanced Wiring.................................................................................................. 99

Wiring Thru A Variable Channel Only............................................. 99

Connecting TMCC To A DCS Layout............................................. 100

Wiring For Use With A Z4000 Remote Receiver........................... 101

Large Layouts........................................................................................ 102

One Gauge Layouts............................................................................. 103

Track Signal Improvements................................................................ 104

Setting Up A Programming Track.................................................... 106

All Mode Tracks................................................................................... 107

Universal Locomotive Control........................................................................... 109

Operating TMCC Engines.................................................................. 110

Editing A TMCC Engine Address.................................................... 112

Operating Conventional Engines...................................................... 113

Operating Proto-Sound

2.0 Engines In Conventional Mode... 114

Operating With Multiple Users.......................................................... 115

Switch And Accessory Operation...................................................................... 117

Smoking Whistle................................................................................................... 118

Appendix A: SoftKey Codes/Screen Messages....................................................... 120

Appendix B: Frequently Asked Questions................................................................ 124

Appendix C: Trouble-Shooting..................................................................................... 128

Appendix D: Transformer Compatibility Chart...................................................... 140

Appendix E: Station Stop Proto-Effects Operation............................................... 142

Appendix F: Glossary...................................................................................................... 144

Appendix G: Index........................................................................................................... 146

Service & Warranty............................................................................................................ 147

Chapter 1

DCS Remote......................................... 7

Track Interface Unit (TIU)................. 8

Accessory Interface Unit (AIU)......... 9

Recommended Wiring......................... 10

Introduction To DCS

DCS Command System User’s Guide

Introduction To DCS

DCS Remote Control

This is the device you will use the most when controlling your trains. It communicates with the TIU via a 900MHz signal in much the same manner as your cordless phone communicates with its base. The remote does not talk directly to the locomotive or accessory you are controlling.

B/L - Screen backlight on/off

AUX - Auxiliary menu

ACC - Accessory menu

BELL - Rings bell

ENG - Engine menu

(to select and control engines)

MENU - Access 4 main menus

Sound, Control, System, Advanced

LABOR/REV UP OR DRIFT/REV DN

Makes an engine sound like it's working harder or easier

BOOST/BRAKE

Temporarily Raises or Lowers Speed

SMOKE - Turns smoke unit on & off

VOL+ - Globally increases all sounds

VOL- - Globally decreases all sounds

ENG SND - Silences engine sounds

HDLT - Turns headlights on & off

PROTOCAST - Activates Proto-Cast™

READ - Search for TIUs, AIUs and

Proto-Sound

2.0 Engines on the track

DOPPLER - Activates

Proto-Doppler™

E-STOP - Cuts power to

all tracks

PFA - Activates

Passenger/Freight Sounds

SHUT DOWN - Deactivates

all sound, smoke & lights

START UP - Activates sound,

smoke & lights

Programming Port - Tether

attaches between remote and TIU for

programming new software features

CPLR-F/CPLR-R

Fires front & rear couplers

THUMBWHEEL - Throttle &

selection (scroll & press) tool

DIR -

Changes locomotive direction

W/H - Blows whistle/horn

SW - Switch menu

TR - Track menu

(Access various tracks / blocks on your layout)

MIC - Turns

Proto-Dispatch™ on & off

MICROPHONE

LCD DISPLAY

SOFTKEYS -

Activate locomotive features

DCS Command System User’s Guide

Introduction To DCS

The Track Interface Unit

Also known as the TIU, the Track Interface Unit is the brains behind the DCS system. Connected between the transformer and the track, the TIU receives signals from the DCS remote control and relays those signals to each train you are controlling via the rails. The type of signal relayed to the train depends on the operating mode at the time. If operating conventionally, the TIU will raise and lower track voltage to control engine speed. If operating in command mode, the TIU will send a digital signal to each train you are controlling via the track rails.

This digital signal is very powerful and contains a lot of information much like the digital signals used in today’s high tech products. These digital signals are what allow DCS to perform the hundreds of functions designed into the system.

ATTENTION

TIU contains internal fuses. If there is no output, open the case (6 Screws) and check the fuse. More information on Page 133.

DCS Command System User’s Guide

Introduction To DCS

The Accessory Interface Unit

The Accessory Interface Unit, also known as the AIU, plugs into the TIU and controls any accessory or switch wired to it. Each AIU can control up to 10 switches and 10 accessories and features the ability to turn the accessory on or off, or activate it momentarily.

The AIU essentially acts as a large relay and simply replaces the manual switches that are normally used to turn on and off model railroading accessories. Connection to the TIU is done through a special cable (included with the AIU) and up to five AIUs can be daisychained to one TIU.

ACC

IN = Armature of Relay 1 = NO (normally open) 2 = NC (normally closed)

IN = AC Common 1 = Straight 2 = Curved

ATTENTION: Connecting the TIU to the AIU output may cause damage to earlier model AIU’s.

Introduction To DCS

Recommended Wiring Method

It is important for good operation to make the most efficient use of the power and digital signal available on your track. Poor wiring and bad connections offer resistance and can interfere with receipt of the DCS signal and limit the number of engines and cars you can run on your track. Be sure to use proper wire (we recommend 16-gauge or larger paired wire, like speaker wire) and good connections (good connections mean crimp or solder).

Because center rail blackening is not conductive, you may find that the blackening on your track creates resistance that drains power and signal. If so, use Scotch-Brite®, finegrit sandpaper, or an LGB® track cleaning block to clean the blackening off the top of your center rail.

Advanced wiring information and diagrams, including wiring for layouts using blocks for conventional operation, are located in the “Universal Locomotive and Accessory Operation” section of this manual.

Optimal Performance Wiring Principles:

Use 16-gauge or larger paired wire (such as speaker wire)

Use a star pattern (home run wiring) to wire directly from the TIU to each

lock-on

Use a terminal block to carry power and signal from one TIU channel to

multiple lock-ons

Avoid common bus wiring

Solder for tight connections (not required)

Clean the blackening off the top of the center rail (if necessary)

Power accessories and turnouts via auxiliary, not track, power

Place a lock-on (or wire directly to track) approximately every 25 linear feet,

both center and one outside rail

DCS Command System User’s Guide

Introduction To DCS

Recommended Wiring Method

Note: This very quick wiring scheme (through the Fixed In 1 and Fixed Out 1 inputs) allows for operation of the connected loop of track in DCS command mode only. Please see the “Advanced Connection” section of this manual in the “Universal Operation” chapter for all the wiring options if you have more complex wiring and operational needs, including conventional mode and TMCC operation.

Maximum Power Input

0-22VAC,190VAC, 10AMP

0-24VDC, 10AMP

Introduction To DCS

Transformer Note: Although we do not recommend using the DCS System with homemade transformers or those that put out more than 12 amps, virtually any commercial AC hobby power supply will work with DCS. (See Transformer Compatibility Chart, p. 114) Bear in mind that as you begin to run more and longer trains together, you need to have lots of power on the track. For this reason, we recommend that railroaders with large layouts and long trains use M.T.H.’s Z-4000®(Item No. 40-

4000), which is the most powerful UL-rated transformer on the market.

Optional Additional Equipment Shown:

M.T.H. Terminal Block (Item No. 50-1014)

The screws in each terminal strip of this terminal block are electrically connected to one another, making it easy to wire the TIU’s output into the binding posts and then wire out to several lock-ons from different terminal pairs.

Recommended Wiring Method

DCS Command System User’s Guide

Introduction To DCS

Controller

Brick

TIU

Brick

TIU/Barrel Jack Adapter Cable (50-1017)

Recommended Wiring Method - Older Transformers

Older transformers, like the Lionel postwar ZW or KW models employ a bi-metallic strip to act as a circuit breaker. The strip responds to heat as high current flows through the transformer. If enough heat is generated by the high current, the strip will open the circuit and prevent further current from flowing out of the transformer. The bi-metallic strip is not a precise overload protection device and does not measure the current. As a result, it may not trip when excessive amps are being generated by the short circuit. Should the strip thus fail to trip, excessive and potentially harmful current could be sent through the TIU.

MTH therefore recommends that any user employing an older transformer that does not meet today’s U.L. standards install inline fuses or circuit breakers between the transformer and the TIU input channels. An AG3C “fast-acting” or “fast-blow” fuse rated at 15 amps would be suitable protection. These can be obtained from most hardware or electronic stores including Radio Shack. Users will also need an inline fuse holder to house the fuse. Radio Shack sells a heavy duty model, part number 27-1217.

Recommended Wiring Method - Electronic Transformers

Any transformer employing two parts, a brick (step down transformer) and a controller (used to vary the voltage output) may cause operational problems due to low power or poor DCS signal. To correct this problem, MTH recommends connecting only the brick to the TIU inputs. In addition, check the output voltage of the transformer; it should not exceed 22 volts (or 18 volts if lighted cars are used on the track).

When using the Z-500, Z750 or Z1000 electronic type transformer use an adapter cable, MTH item 50-1017, to connect the brick directly to the TIU input as shown below. DO NOT use the controller portion of an electronic type transformer.

DCS Command System User’s Guide

Chapter 2

Overview................................................ 15

Using The Remote............................... 16

Accessing The Engine......................... 17

Selecting & Starting The Engine....... 19

Making The Engine Go...................... 20

Reversing Direction............................. 21

Basic Sounds......................................... 21

Shutting Down The Engine............... 22

"Jumping” Between Active Engines.. 22 Controlling ALL Engines At Once... 23

Quick Start In Command Mode

DCS Command System User’s Guide

Quick Start: Command Mode

Setting Up And Using DCS - An Overview

Setting up the DCS system for simple command mode operation is quick and easy. The eight steps below are all that is required to begin operating a single Proto-Sound 2.0 equipped engines in command mode on a simple layout. Each step is explained in more detail on pages 16 - 23.

1. Connect the TIU Voltage In Channel to the Transformer Terminals.

Connect the black negative (-) and red positive (+) wires from your transformer to the TIU’s black and red banana jacks (respectively) on the “Fixed Voltage In1” channel. Make sure the connections are tight.

2. Connect the TIU Out Channels To The Track. Connect wires from

the red and black “Fixed (DCS) Out1” banana jacks to your track or lock-on. If you connect directly to the track, red (hot) must be connected to the center rail and black (ground) to the outer rail.

3. Put four AAA batteries in the handheld.

4. Put a Proto-Sound 2.0 equipped engine on your track.

5. Turn on your transformer and increase the throttle to 18 Volts (or between ¾ and full power for older transformers).

6. Add the engine into the remote’s memory

- see Using The Remote and

Accessing The Locomotive beginning on page 16.

7. Select and Start Up the engine - see Selecting and Starting The Locomotive on

page 18.

8. Make the engine go by rolling up the throttle - see Making The Engine

Go, Reversing Direction and Basic Sounds beginning on page 20.

Quick Start: Command Mode

Using the Remote

When using the thumbwheel to scroll up and down, whether to change a locomotive’s speed or to scroll through features, you should roll gently over the thumbwheel; do not press too hard. The thumbwheel is pressed down to select and activate features, as discussed in the “Advanced Locomotive Operation” section.” Do not attempt to scroll and press at the same time.

When accessing Menu functions, you will use a combination of button presses and thumbwheel scrolls to access and move through menus, as described in the “Advanced Operation” chapter.

The two Fixed and two Variable channels of the TIU are built differently and serve different functions, although the same DCS signal is sent to the track on all four channels.

Variable channels have internal circuitry that allows them to vary track voltage from within the channel. That means you can vary the voltage on tracks connected to a Variable channel from the DCS handheld. These channels are perfect for tracks on which you want to run conventional mode engines (e.g., original Proto-Sound, PostWar, etc.) via the DCS handheld.

Fixed channels are straight throughputs. That is, the voltage that enters these channels is the same voltage that comes out, with no voltage variation within the TIU. These channels are ideally meant for command mode operation only. There is, however, one way to set up Fixed tracks so that you can operate conventionally via the DCS handheld. If you are using a Z-4000® to power tracks connected to the Fixed channels, you may set up a Z-4000 remote receiver (Item No. 40-4002) for those throttles. The DCS handheld is designed to communicate with the Z-4000 remote receiver, and it can vary track voltage that way. Please see the “Advanced Wiring” section of this manual in the “Universal Locomotive and Accessory Operation” chapter for more information about this option.

DCS Command System User’s Guide

Quick Start: Command Mode

Accessing the Locomotive

When a Proto-Sound 2.0 engine is placed on a track connected to a TIU, the DCS system will bring it up in command mode by default. Because DCS command operation differs in some fundamental ways from conventional operation, please read this section in full before running your trains in command mode.

With a single M.T.H. Proto-Sound 2.0 engine (and tender if the engine has one) on the track and voltage applied to the track, press the Menu Button and complete the steps diagrammed below.

NOTE: When you first power up the track, your Proto-Sound

2.0 locomotive remains silent and dark. This is normal; it is in Command Mode and will not start up until you tell it to. The instructions below will tell you how to access and operate that locomotive.

Note: Pressing the S2 Softkey under S/U provides a shortcut to the Engine Setup Menu

1. Press the Gray MENU button to bring up the four main menus in the DCS system.

2. Using the thumbwheel, scroll down the menu list until you arrive at System.

3. Press the thumbwheel to enter the System Menu. Your screen should reveal at the bottom that you are in the System Menu.

DCS Command System User’s Guide

Quick Start: Command Mode

Wait until the LCD says the engine was added and returns to the engine menu addressing that engine. Because M.T.H. features the SmartRead system, your engine tells the TIU its name and you do not need to enter any information in order to add the engine. The LCD will show you the engine you have added.

If you want to add additional engines, remove the added engine from the track, place the new engine on the track, and repeat steps 1 and 2. You need to

complete these steps only once per engine, when you first add it to your system, not each time you place a previously added engine on the track.

Adding Many Engines

If you own several Proto-Sound 2.0 engines and anticipate buying many others, you may find it convenient to establish a dedicated programming track rather than removing all other engines from your track every time you add a new one. Please see the “Advanced Wiring” section of this manual in the “Universal Locomotive and Accessory Operation” chapter for instructions.

See the System Menu/Engine Setup section in the “Menu Operation” chapter(s) of this book for instructions on renaming, renumbering, or deleting your engines.

4. Scroll and select Engine Setup from the available choices in the System Menu.

5. Scroll and select Add Engine from the available choices in the Engine Setup Menu.

6. Scroll and select Add MTH Engine from the available choices in the Engine Setup Menu.

Quick Start: Command Mode

1. When all Proto-Sound 2.0 engines are added, put the ones you want to run on the track and press READ to put them on the active engine list.

3. Press START UP (3 on the keypad) to activate the lights and smoke and initiate the engine start-ip sounds.

2. Press the green ENG button and scroll the thumbwheel until the arrow points to the engine that you want to address. Press the thumbwheel to select the engine.

DCS Command System User’s Guide

4. Your locomotive is now ready to run. You need to press the START UP button every time you want to run an engine in a new session.

DCS Command System User’s Guide

Quick Start: Command Mode

Active and Inactive Engines

Once an engine is added to your system, it will remain in place and always appear on the LCD engine list until you delete the engine. To make it easier to manage the engines being used in a given session, there are Active and Inactive engine lists. Engines currently in use are on the Active list, while other engines wait on the Inactive list until they are activated.

You may update the Active and Inactive lists any time you change the locomotives on the track simply by pushing the READ button, or you may change the status of each engine individually.

To activate an engine on the inactive list, scroll so that the arrow is pointing to it in the engine list and press the thumbwheel to move the engine to the active list. Proto-Sound

2.0 engines must be on a powered track to be activated.

To inactivate an engine on the active list, scroll so the arrow is pointing to it in the engine list and press the S1 key (under INA) to move the engine to the inactive list.

DCS Tip: Operators who remove engines from the track when not in use will find READ the easier method, while those who park their engines in a roundhouse – still on the track – will prefer to change engine status individually.

Making the Engine Go

There is no neutral in DCS command mode; the default start-up direction is forward. You simply roll the thumbwheel up to make the locomotive go forward. The LCD display on the DCS remote will display the engine’s speed in SMPH (scale miles per hour). Roll the thumbwheel down to slow or stop the engine.

DCS Command System User’s Guide

Quick Start: Command Mode

Reversing Direction

Because there is no neutral in DCS command mode, DCS engines go directly from forward to reverse. There are two ways to change directions in command mode:

Press the red DIR (Direction) button while you are in motion to drop the locomotive’s speed to 0 smph and change its direction. Wait for the engine to come to a complete stop, then roll the thumbwheel to the desired speed in the new direction.

Scroll back to 0 SMPH, wait for the engine to come to a complete stop, press DIR, and then roll the thumbwheel to the desired speed and the new direction. Pressing Direction once takes you directly from forward to reverse and vice-versa.

If you roll the thumbwheel to 0 SMPH then resume motion without pressing Direction, the engine will remain in its current direction. If you mistakenly press “Direction” to stop the engine but want to continue in the same direction, press “Direction” one more time.

Basic Sounds

The yellow BELL and white W/H buttons operate the bell and horn the same way in command mode that they do in conventional mode:

Horn/Whistle - The horn/whistle will sound for as long as you depress the button. It will stop when you release the button. The Proto-Sound 2.0 horn/whistle’s ending sounds are designed to vary with the amount of time you hold the button.

Bell - To sound the bell, firmly press and release the Bell button. To turn the bell off, press and release the Bell button again. The bell will continue to ring from the time you turn it on until you press and release the button again to turn it off. When you turn it off, the bell sound effect fades out, ringing fainter until it stops, just like a real bell.

Note: If you roll up the thumbwheel before the engine comes to a complete stop, the engine will continue in the same direction.

DCS Command System User’s Guide

Quick Start: Command Mode

Shut Down

1. To shut down the locomotive at the end of a session, stop the engine.

2. Press the Shut Down key (6) to turn off the sound, smoke, and lights. The locomotive will play a short series of realistic shutdown sounds before it falls silent. Repeat with all active engines. Note that power is still on the track after shut down.

3. Press and hold ON/OFF button (S5) until the LCD shows that the handheld is saving data. It will soon turn off. If you forget to turn off the remote, it will power down automatically after 10 minutes of non-use. Turn off your transformer.

Moving Between Active Engines

When more than one engine is addressed and operating, you can easily move among the different engines and control each in turn.

1. Press the green ENG button.

2. Scroll the thumbwheel until the arrow points to the engine you want to address, and press the thumbwheel to select it.

DCS Tip: When you press ENG, the arrow will point at the last engine addressed, allowing you to jump easily back-and-forth between two engines. This Jump function works like the “Last” or “Previous Channel” button on a TV remote control.

Quick Start: Command Mode

Controlling All Active DCS Engines at Once

If only DCS engines are on the track, you can send the same command to them all at the same time. To issue the same command to all active Proto-Sound 2.0 engines simultaneously:

1. Press READ to ensure a correct active engine list.

2. Press the green ENG button.

3. Press the S3 softkey under the ALL choice (beneath the scroll list of engines)

4. Send the commands as described in the One-Touch Operation Chapter.

DCS Tip: if an engine is listed as active on the LCD but is not on the track or is listed as inactive but is on the track, the ALL command will not work. Press READ to update the active engine list. Active TMCC engines will not respond in ALL mode.

Congratulations! You are now operating your locomotive in command mode! For more instructions on basic command mode operation, see the “One-Touch Operation” chapter of this manual.

DCS Command System User’s Guide

Chapter 3

Labor/Drift........................................... 25

Boost/Brake.......................................... 26

Coupler Front/Rear............................. 27

Smoke On/Off..................................... 27

Volume Increase................................... 27

Start Up.................................................. 28

Engine Sound On/Off........................ 28

Volume Decrease.................................. 28

Shut Down............................................. 29

Headlight On/Off............................... 29

ProtoCast On/Off............................... 29

Passenger/Freight Announcements.. 30

Read........................................................ 31

Doppler On/Off.................................. 31

Emergency Stop.................................... 31

Softkeys.................................................. 32

Backlight................................................ 35

Microphone........................................... 35

One Touch Locomotive Operation

DCS Command System User’s Guide

One-Touch Locomotive Operation

The most frequently accessed features can be controlled via the One-Touch buttons on the DCS remote handheld. These buttons will affect only the locomotive selected and shown in the LCD. You can watch the LCD screen to see which engine you are addressing and what features you are turning off and on.

Many of the most commonly used One-Touch buttons are located on the lower half of the remote:

LABOR REV UP / DRIFT REV DN:

Press the top end of the rocker switch to change engine sounds to labored chuff or higher engine revolution levels without changing speed. You will see an increase of smoke output corresponding to the sounds of the engine working harder, and the LCD will show Labored Chuff/Rev Up.

Press the bottom end of the rocker switch to change engine sounds to drift or lower revolution levels without changing speed. You will see a decrease of smoke output corresponding to the sounds of the engine working less hard and the LCD will show Drift Chuff/Rev Down.

For diesel or electric engines, the change in sound will become more pronounced with each press of the switch until you reach the system limit of eight REV levels. The sound level will remain as you set it until you press the opposite end of the rocker switch to return the engine sounds step-bystep to normal. The system automatically resets the sound REV level to a protoypical level based on the engine’s speed.

For steam engines, as soon as you release the button, the sound will return to the normal steam chuff setting.

DCS Command System User’s Guide

One-Touch Locomotive Operation

There are three degrees of chuff (drift, normal, labor) in steam engines and eight degrees of diesel revolutions above idle. Your diesel’s default rev sounds depend upon how fast it is running.

Smoke output in diesel engines increases or decreases relative to engine REV levels.

Note: Your engine’s default setting is to go into labor/drift mode automatically when the system senses that speed has changed. As soon as you use this rocker switch, the system is changed from Auto to Manual setting. To put the Labor/Drift setting back into Auto, you must do it through the menu. See the System Menu/Proto Chuff section of the “Menu Operations” chapter(s) of this manual for instructions

Boost/Brake:

Press and hold top end of rocker switch to temporarily increase speed of the selected engine.

Press and hold bottom end of rocker switch to temporarily decrease speed of the selected engine

The speed will continue to change (keep getting faster or slower) for as long as the button is pressed, before resuming the set speed when you release the button.

Please see Page 55 for more on Boost/Brake Operation.

CAUTION

Operating your engine in Labor or Rev Up mode with increased smoke output for extended periods of time uses large quantities of smoke fluid and may cause the wick to burn if it is not replenished. Check your smoke fluid levels more frequently than normal if you frequently operate in labor/rev up mode.

DCS Command System User’s Guide

One-Touch Locomotive Operation

CPLR-F / CPLR-R:

Press top end of rocker switch to fire the front coupler (if your locomotive is equipped with one)

Press bottom end of rocker switch to fire the rear coupler

When engine sounds are on, coupler release sounds will play as the coupler is fired.

SMOKE (1):

Press this button to turn the smoke unit on or off (LCD will show “Smoke = On” or “Smoke = Off ”).

Because of the way the smoke unit works, it may take a few seconds after pushing the button before you see the smoke start or stop.

For instructions on setting the smoke density level (to minimum, medium, or maximum), please see the Control Menu in the “Menu Operation” chapter of this book.

VOL + (2):

Press this button to increase all sound set volumes above the default settings, up to the maximum level allowed for the selected engine (LCD will show “Master Volume Up”). The volume will increase one level with each button push (until you reach the maximum level) and will remain at the level you set until you press Vol- (5) to lower volume.

To control the volume of individual elements of the sound set (i.e. horn/whistle volume, bell volume, engine sounds volume, and accent sounds volume), see the “Sound” menu in the “Menu Operation” chapter of this book.

One-Touch Locomotive Operation

START UP (3):

On start-up, with the engine stopped (at 0 smph), press the button to activate sound, smoke, and lights (LCD will show “Start Up”). A newly accessed engine that has not been started up will move, but it will run silently without lights or smoke.

ENG SND (4):

Press this button to silence engine and accent sounds. The horn and bell will still sound if triggered. Press it again to restore sounds at the previous volume (LCD will show “Engine Snd = On” or “Engine Snd = Off ”).

VOL – (5):

Press this button to decrease all sound set volumes below the default settings, until the engine falls silent (LCD will show “Master Volume Down”). The volume will decrease one level with each button push (until you reach the minimum level) and will remain at the level you set until you press Vol+ (2) to raise the volume.

DCS Command System User’s Guide

One-Touch Locomotive Operation

SHUT DOWN (6):

Press this button to turn off sound, smoke, and lights in preparation for powering down (LCD will show “Shut Down”). Shut Down sounds will play, and the engine will fall silent with the lights off, though it will still move until you scroll to 0 smph. Note that power is still on the track after shut down.

HDLT (7):

With the engine stopped, press this button to turn headlight on and off (LCD will show “Headlight = On” or “Headlight = Off ”).

PROTOCAST (8):

To activate this feature, you must first onnect an audio source to the DCS system.

1. Plug a male-to-male mini cable (1/8” plug, like that used for the headset with a portable CD/tape player or M.T.H. Item No. 50-1009) first into the Proto-Cast port of the TIU, then plug the other end of the cable into your audio source’s headphone jack or line-out jack.

2. Play the recording according to the audio source’s instructions.

3. Press the “PROTOCAST” button to play the recording through your engine. When the Proto-Cast feature is enabled, your regular engine sounds are silenced so that the recording may be heard clearly. A (C) appears on the LCD to indicate that Proto-Cast is in use.

4. Press the button again to stop the feature and return to normal engine sounds.

DCS Command System User’s Guide

One-Touch Locomotive Operation

DCS Tip: Because Proto-Cast sends such a large digital signal on the track, it is important that your track be clean when you run this feature. If you get popping and distortion while running Proto-Cast, please clean your track. The large digital signal also means that playing the audio source too loudly can result in sound distortions; resolve this by turning down the audio source volume.

DCS Tip: If you want to stop the PFAs from running before the sequence is complete, press the PFA button again to turn the feature off.

PROTOCAST (8): (cont’d)

You can use Proto-Cast in only one engine at a time (the active engineat the time the feature is selected). Because Proto-Cast uses a large share of the microprocessor’s processing power in the TIU, activating other features while running with Proto-Cast may cause interruptions in the audio.

PFA (9):

1. Press this button to activate Passenger/Freight Announcements (LCD will show PFA = On” or PFA = Off).

2. Press the Direction button to stop the train, then press it three more times, pausing for several second as described in your engine’s conventional mode operating instructions, to cycle through the PFA sequences.

3. When the entire PFA script has run, the bell will begin to ring and the engine will pull out at the speed you had set when you pressed the PFA button. If you wish to run the engine at a slower speed than when the PFA was activated, scroll the SMPH to the desired speed. When the engine begins to move, scroll the SMPH one additional setting to lock in the new slower speed.

DCS Command System User’s Guide

+ 118 hidden pages

MTHTrains DCS Operator's Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual