MTH DCS Remote Commander, a cheaper way to access Protosound 2 (read pinned comment) and 3 engines.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ส.ค. 2024
- I've recently learned that early proto 2 with the round charging jack under the engine (9 volt battery system) won't work with the remote commander. The MTH Commander instructions point this out. My MTH General 440 is an early system and also just sits there (I was bummed).
While this doesn't access all the functions on a protosound 2 and 3 engines - it does make commonly used functions easier to use (like the remote couplers). If you are handy, you can used the output from a non MTH transformer to power this unit as well. You can only run 1 locomotive at a time with this system.
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I've recently learned that early proto 2 with the round charging jack under the engine (9 volt battery system) won't work with the remote commander. The MTH Commander instructions point this out. My MTH General 440 is an early system and also just sits there (I was bummed).
Hi Jeremy. Thanks for that heads up for everyone. I have the MTH Remote Commander working great as i pointed out in my first/last comment as you know. Just recently went on eBay and won a GP-20 MTH Diesel and it also works excellent with just the Module Connected to a section of track and track powered with real old ZW postwar transformer. That's the good news. The bad news is i also have a Pennsylvania RS-3 by MTH and no matter what i try it sits there. No reaction from the DCS Remote Commander with that one. I will have a peek and see if that one is as you found out (earlier model) or if it's been on a DCS Track with an assigned ID# and just needs a full system DCS Factory Reset or what have you. Again, good info and thanks for updating your YT on this. The MTH Remote Commander is just awesome for the engines where it does perform.
Congrats! I'm you have the remote commander working Now you have to figure out if the RS-3 is an early Proto 2 or if there is some other issue.
@@TooManyHobbiesJeremy What's your opinion on this. TIU full DCS is way to overpriced for my taste right now. HOWEVER do you have any experience with MTH DCS Explorer at all? I'm considering getting it from McMuffin's Trains brand new at an incredibly BETTER price than used eBay units. My goal is to use it initially to Reset To Factory Default setting (Feature) to try on another MTH RS-3 I suspect is been run on a full DCS and our beloved Remote Commander cannot see it until it's been officially reset to Factory. Which I understand the DCS Explorer DOES implement.
You may have to do some more research - but I don't think the explorer can do a full reset. I believe it is limited in its capabilities. Better than the remote commander but not as powerful as the TIU.
@@TooManyHobbiesJeremy Thanks. I think that i will ask the expert at Mr McMuffin's Trains and also get some confirmational feedback on that. MTH absolutely MUST (i hope) at some point, offer budget friendly user's/customers a little more necessary features. Maybe even a newer DCS Remote Commander (within reason of course) which can encourage more interest toward that currently sky high costly TIU/Remote Full DCS System Thanks for the quick reply and by all means keep doing these fantastic videos!
have operated Real Alco's RS2, RS3, S1. Down on the Michigan Southern, White Pigeon,MI back in the mid 90's. And that rs3 sound very much like the real ones. Great job.
This is super cool. I really like the coupler disconnect function from the remote. I never knew that trains could do that with just pushing a button. The sounds are amazing as well, Thanks for sharing Jeremy 😎
You bet! Thanks as always for the great comment.
That remote function would be sort of cool to add to my American Flyer trains. I know the modern ones do it, but I don't have any of those right now.
Hahaa! Thanks for the shout out. That startup is familiar to me, when I was probably 12 or 13, my grandpa took me to the railroad museum in Green Bay. He was engineer for that day, the museum at that time had a working ALCO switcher, dont remember which model, wasn't an RS3. If I remember correctly he let me start the engine that day, sounded JUST like that! That was a once in a lifetime opportunity!
Wow! What a great memory to have. I have to visit that museum again soon. I love looking at the Aero train & the other passenger cars.
You did a splendid job of explaining protosound 2 functions, Jeremy!, Thanks & this 81 year ‘boy’ really enjoyed your vid.!!🎉🎉
Thanks Benard ❤️ A little bit of research goes along way 😁
Awesome video Jeremy. I think the DCS Remote Commander is a great value for running PS-2 & PS-3 engines. The smooth operation at slow speed is very impressive. Thanks for sharing this with us!
Thank you so much Brad. I find the longer I'm in a hobby the more my focus changes. I've been into toy trains since I was at least 10 years old. Slow speed operation wasn't something I was interested in back then. But now I can appreciate it much more. Of course I still like to do a full speed run every now and then 😁
Great video. I bought that and used it once. I realized that it doesn’t do the station stops for my subway sets. It’s still great for other trains!
That's great to know. I would like to get my hands on a subway set. But they have proven to be a popular train. Welcome to the channel ❤
@@TooManyHobbiesJeremy I have a lot of subway sets, I love them!
That's awesome 😎
@@Coreyt1976 I am just getting into the Hobby and I am looking for a NY Subway set, what would you recomend
@@alfaroinc1I never got this notification. Were you able to find a set?
Thanks immensely Jeremy - very clear and concise in brief, as your/this single Video on the Remote Commander for MTH (PS2 Locomotive Switcher in my case). I was skeptical while i wait for an ordered Z1000 MTH brick/controller. I read forums dedicated to MTH DSC Remote Commander with NO MENTION whatsoever that all one needs to do if you have the old ZW 275W Transformer, AND NOT FAST TRACK but Menards Tubular 3-Rail Track! is simply as you mention in another of your vids using a different transformer to power the track and thus this MTH DCS Remote Commander will perform flawlessly ALL those commands you point out as if a Z500 or other MTH Transformer was plugged into the module. My understanding is they call it Passive Mode without running power thru the module but letting the track energy initialize the guide signal box instead. I set the ZW Dial to 16V. It's working magnificently and i wouldn't have dared try it outside a MTH Transformer (in my case the still in transit z1000) if not for watching your video(s) and testing that theory. Please keep your very good informational videos coming! Thanks again. We are rolling with a MTH V-1000 PS/2 Switcher nicely responding to the handheld remote without issue,
That's awesome! Thanks for the excellent feedback. That keeps my energy for making such videos going.
Thank you for keeping it simple I sold all my sd70 p3 sets I can't find anything new or used so I was going to purchase p3 and p2 loc so now I know what to purchase 🙏🙏🙏
I recently learned that the first gen P2 (9 volt with round charging jack) won't work with the remote commander. Luckily MTH spells that out in the directions. I have early P2 General and when the commander is hooked up that loco just sits there....
Great job with the video! Thanks again for sharing the information.
Thank you
Your intro music sounds like we are going to a disco!😃
Dyno-mite! ❤️😁
Awesome review Jeremy! I missed this one somehow.😮
Thanks! with all the postwar and MPC Lionel stuff I have been doing - I haven't used this setup in awhile
Hi this is Dave I just got my dcs commander and boy it's awesome I'm getting great sounds I want to thank you for putting on your video or I would be playing around with those buttons on z 1000. I wish you happy railroading
That's great news! I really appreciate the feedback. I'm glad the DCS remote is working out well for you.
Very cool Jeremy.
Say, I will need the power brick to use the DCS remote commander?
Jeremy, you also didn't say how the track receives full power? 🤔
I use my Cab 2 with the 180 Watt powermaster to control my F59 Pacific Surfliner via command control and the one thing that annoys me is when I do the passenger announcements, when I press the direction button to advance the dialogue and I see the lights cut out due to it being in “conventional” mode. This system seems like a fair and nice work around but I don’t know about investing in another system for the one MTH engine I have and potentially others I might get in the future.(Looking/asking) for opinions
Great question, keep an eye out for a cheap used one. With this work around you can only run one MTH on the track at one time. It only works with proto 2 & 3.
Great vidio, wondering how far away can you be from that controler? 35' is what i get from Lionchief rc. Thanks for the coffee...
Excellent question! It would depend on lighting conditions. Hmmm, that might make a good video.
im outside in the garden Yard layout so lets include sunlight into equation... Thanks
Based on your earlier comments, you mentioned that your layout is conventional control only (variable voltage for those who read this later). I'm not sure the remote commander is what you are looking for. As it is command control with full voltage. Of course if you found a good deal on one it would be worth testing it out.
Thanks for the video ideas. It's still chilly in Wisconsin but I'm not against tossing up a table outside to test things out 😁
I run my lionchief at full voltage and my remote so that part works, just would like an mht 2 or3 loco if it works like my lionchiefs. Best of both worlds....
So, if I understand you correctly, I will need a MTH Z-500 Transformer Power Unit (Brick) to use the MTH DCS Remote Commander I am currently using a Lionel CW-80 to power my track with my more modern trains with PC boards. Can you recommend a quick way to connect/disconnect the power to track when changing back to transformer power for my postwar Lionel. I have power connected to four parts of my main loop and back to the transformer. My layout is all tubular with contacts soldered to the track. Thanks.
Hi Chuck, I would use banana plugs or some kind of easy to use modular connector to switch out the two. This link is just to give you an idea of the kind of connecter I am thinking of. www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/pomona-electronics/MDP-2/603379
Now that I think of it, you could use an old fashioned knife switch - like they used for tv antennas.
www.amazon.com/AXLIZER-Electricity-Experimental-Simultaneous-Connections/dp/B08RHZF4FM?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A2ESNEXDO95PHB
You can also use a battery like Ryobi 18v with a 5amp in line fuse .. come see what my G scale MTH dose
@@icebearexprez9515 neat idea!
I have a very large industrial layout. I'm wondering if this small DCS system would be good for it considering I have several locomotives that typically pull 25 to 30 car trains. Trying to keep the locomotives speed consistent and not jumpy.
This would work well if you only run 1 engine at a time. To run multiple engines you would need the full blown DCS system. On the other hand if you get a MTH proto 2 or 3 those have speed control turned on for conventional control by default. It works very well.
Hi Jeremy......so this remote eliminates going through the sequence of button pushing from the original control box. And being a remote, you can move around the room instead of sitting in one spot to utilize the control box. Cool ! But I'm not sure on having full power turned on continuously ? And what about other MTH engines on other separate loops ? This Commander system was introduced in 2010. Was yours difficult to locate....and was it reasonably priced ? Thanks for your thoughts.
Excellent questions James (keep them comming). In the order you asked them: yes with this system the transformer controls are not used. Yes, while my receiver is not overly sensitive you can move around the room. It's IR (infra red like a TV remote). I just though of a way to increase range is use an IR blaster. This system is only designed for 1 engine at a time on the layout. If you have multiple MTH protosound 2 & 3 engines on the layout, they would need to be electricity isolated from the one you are currently running. You would also need to isolate any conventional engines as well. To run multiple protosound 2 & 3 engines on the same powered track you need to go big & get the full MTH DCS system (TIU & remote $$$$). I've had my commander system for several years. I did a look at Ebay recently, they seem to be going for $50-$100 as of early 2023.
@@TooManyHobbiesJeremy Thanks Jeremy. If I have three loops on three individual transformers...I'm assuming I can run two conventionally and one with the remote without interfering with the other two, correct ?
That sounds perfect to me. I see no issues with your plan.
Hi Jermey I have an MTH christmas train with proto sound 2 which came with the DCS remote commander but it no longer seems to work with the train. I ended up buying the z-500 to get the train running again so I know it works. When I hit buttons on the remote the led flashes but the train won't turn on. I tried reseting the train to factory default setting using the z-500 but it still doesn't seem to work I must be missing something you or anyone on here have any ideas?
Thanks for reaching out! Since you don't have another engine to test things out on - check the battery in the engine. It may be bad. But that's unfortunately the best I have. Great job getting the z-500 controller to verify things with.
OK maybe when I set it up again next Christmas I'll get a new battery for it thanks for the reply!
I've bought that one and the DCS explorer.....cannot get any of them to run my MTH engines. Even tried to reset them...nothing. Frustrated
I’m wondering if anyone has used this in conjunction with legacy because I’d love to have MTH locomotives but trying to get a full blown DCS right now is almost impossible
Excellent question @pensyturbine. I have experimented using my Z-500 controller and feeding the output into the Remote Commander. While conventional locos didn't care - the Proto 2 and 3 locos didn't like the signal.
I recommend a switch or plug setup so when you want to run conventional then hookup to the controller. When you want to run the Commander - cutout the controller and hook the full voltage from the transformer into the commander.
It's possible the track output from the z-4000 is "clean" enough to run through the commander - I haven't tried it.
Hello, I was wondering can this work with Lionel ZW transformer.
I don't see why not. I have not tested it with the ZW. The MTH website should have directions which should list transformers.
On proto 2 mine just starts running and no response from the unit
How do I get it to act like my proto 3
You may have to do a reset on the engine. I also had issues when running power through the throttle and then to the commander. Vs running direct from the transformer to the commander.
Start by looking up the directions to do a reset to the locomotive. Basically this resets all settings to factory. If you don't have the manual you can download one for free from MTH.
Jeremy I need your help again I cannot get this damn thing to work still lol. I tried it with the metro north RS-3 and it still won’t work and that has proto 3. We need to do a FaceTime so you can walk me
Through this lol please
Absolutely! I'll break out my Proto 3 RS-3 so we can do some comparison testing. I'll send you an email right now (7:30 am central time). Let me know if you don't see it.
My question is will one remote work on most ps2 and ps3 locomotives?
Yep! This controller only works if the engine address is set to its default. So a used engine might require a reset but that's no big deal.
I figured this will not work with conventional locomotives
Thanks for watching the video. Correct - this is not designed to work with a conventional locomotive. You would need a MTH full TIU setup - that device can vary the voltage to the track to run conventional locos. I disconnect the remote commander when I run conventional.
@@TooManyHobbiesJeremy alright thanks