MTHTrains Digital Command System WIFI User manual

DCS WiFi
Digital Command System
User’s Guide

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 light-
ing, chuff rate or diesel rev level, sound and smoke volume for each locomotive; dial up a
specic 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 benet of DCS command
features as soon as possible. The Quick-Connect section is followed by more advanced con-
nection and operation information.
Take Total Control
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 re,
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.
©2019, M.T.H. Electric Trains®, Columbia, MD 21046
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

DCS WiFi DIGITAL COMMAND SYSTEM USER’S GUIDE
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Chapter 1: Introduction To DCS..................................................................................................5
The DCS WiFi Interface Unit (WIU)..................................................................................6
The Track Interface Unit (TIU)...........................................................................................7
The Accessory Interface Unit (AIU) ...................................................................................8
Recommended Wiring Methods..........................................................................................9
Chapter 2: Quick Start: Command Mode ..................................................................................13
Overview ...........................................................................................................................14
Accessing ALocomotive...................................................................................................15
Selecting And Starting ALocomotive...............................................................................18
Making The Engine Go.....................................................................................................20
Reversing Direction...........................................................................................................20
Activating Basic Sounds....................................................................................................21
Shutting Down A Locomotive...........................................................................................21
“Jumping” Between Active Engines .................................................................................22
Controlling All Active DCS Engines At Once ..................................................................22
Chapter 3: One-Touch Locomotive Control ..............................................................................23
Alternate Control Screen...................................................................................................24
Coupler Operation.............................................................................................................24
Headlight On/Off Control..................................................................................................24
Smoke On/Off Control......................................................................................................24
Engine Sound On/Off Control...........................................................................................24
Labor/Drift.........................................................................................................................25
Passenger/Freight Announcements....................................................................................25
Doppler On/Off Control....................................................................................................26
Proto-Cast On/Off Control................................................................................................26
Boost/Brake.......................................................................................................................26
Master Volume Slide .........................................................................................................26
SoftKeys............................................................................................................................27
Chapter 4: Menu Operations - Sound ........................................................................................28
Engine Operation Screens .................................................................................................29
Volume Controls................................................................................................................30
Proto-Whistle.....................................................................................................................31
Chuff Rate .........................................................................................................................32
Proto-Chuff........................................................................................................................33
Cab Chatter........................................................................................................................33
Brakes................................................................................................................................33
Clickty Clack.....................................................................................................................33
Auto Coupler. ....................................................................................................................34
Doppler Loop.....................................................................................................................35
Table of Contents

Chapter 5: Menu Operations - Control. .....................................................................................37
Smoke Volume...................................................................................................................38
Ditch Lights.......................................................................................................................39
Setting Maximum Engine Speed.......................................................................................40
Setting Acceleration Rate ..................................................................................................40
Setting Deceleration Rate..................................................................................................40
Setting Direction Control ..................................................................................................41
Chapter 6: Menu Operations - System.......................................................................................42
Engine Setup......................................................................................................................43
Adding Engines.................................................................................................................43
Deleting Engines ...............................................................................................................45
Editing Engines .................................................................................................................46
Track Setup........................................................................................................................47
Adding Tracks ...................................................................................................................47
Deleting Tracks..................................................................................................................48
Editing Tracks....................................................................................................................49
Switch Setup......................................................................................................................50
Adding Switches................................................................................................................50
Editing Switches................................................................................................................52
Deleting Switches..............................................................................................................53
Chapter 7: Advanced Wiring......................................................................................................54
Wiring Through AVariable Channel Only........................................................................55
Connecting TMCC To A DCS Layout...............................................................................56
Track Signal Improvements...............................................................................................60
Setting Up A Programming Track .....................................................................................62
Appendix....................................................................................................................................63
Frequently Asked Questions..............................................................................................64
Glossary.............................................................................................................................67
Service & Warranty....................................................................................................................69

DCS WiFi DIGITAL COMMAND SYSTEM USER’S GUIDE
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1
Introduction To DCS

DCS WiFi DIGITAL COMMAND SYSTEM USER’S GUIDE
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Introduction To DCS
RESET
Resets module to
factory settings
Wi-Fi
Blue when
Wi-Fi available
POWER
Green when
plugged in
TIU
Purple when TIU
is connected
LAN
Blue when ENET is
connected
WPS
White when
WPS initiated
The DCS Wi-Fi Interface Unit
PWR
Connect wall
adapter here
WPS
“Wi-Fi Protected Set Up”
Press to connect to your
WPS capable router
ENET
Ethernet port
for wired LAN
TIU
Connects to TIU
via USB cable
HOME/MTH
Selects between HOME
and MTH networks
WIU MODULE IS
PROGRAMMED WITH
SOFTWARE VERSION
1.1 OR LATER

DCS WiFi DIGITAL COMMAND SYSTEM USER’S GUIDE
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Introduction To DCS
The Track Interface Unit
Also known as the TIU, the Track Interface Unit is the brains behind the DCS system. Con-
nected between the transformer and the track, the TIU receives signals from the DCSApplica-
tion 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 sig-
nals 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.

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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 ve AIUs can be daisy-chained to
one TIU.
ATTENTION: Connecting the TIU to theAIU output may cause damage to earlier
model AIU’s
ACC
IN = Armature of Relay
1 = NO (normally open)
2 = NC (normally closed)
SW
IN = AC Common
1 = Straight
2 = Curved

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Introduction To DCS
Recommended Wiring Method
It is important for good operation to make the most efcient use of the power and digital sig-
nal 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 nd that the blackening on your
track creates resistance that drains power and signal. If so, use Scotch-Brite®, ne-grit sand-
paper, 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

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Introduction To DCS
Recommended Wiring Method
NOTE: This very quick wiring scheme (through the Fixed In 1 and Fixed Out 1 inputs) al-
lows 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 conven-
tional mode and TMCC operation.
Maximum Power Input
0-22VAC,190VAC,
10AMP
OR
0-24VDC, 10AMP

DCS WiFi DIGITAL COMMAND SYSTEM USER’S GUIDE
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Introduction To DCS
Recommended Wiring Method
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.
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. 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 recom-
mend 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.

DCS WiFi DIGITAL COMMAND SYSTEM USER’S GUIDE
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Introduction To DCS
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 ows through the transformer. If
enough heat is generated by the high current, the strip will open
the circuit and prevent further current from owing out of the
transformer. The bi-metallic strip is not a precise overload protec-
tion 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 elec-
tronic 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 elec-
tronic type transformer.
Fuse
Controller Brick
Brick
TIU
TIU/Barrel Jack
Adapter Cable
(50-1017)

DCS WiFi DIGITAL COMMAND SYSTEM USER’S GUIDE
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2
Quick Start:
Command Mode

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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 or later
equipped engines in command mode on a simple layout.
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. Open the DCS Application on your device.
4. Put a Proto-Sound 2.0 or later 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 to your App.
7. Select and Start Up the engine.
8. Make the engine go by rolling up the throttle.
The two Fixed and two Variable channels of the TIU are built differently and serve differ-
ent 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 Vari-
able channel from the DCS Application. 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 Application.
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 chan-
nels 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 Application. 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 DCSApplication
is designed to communicate with the Z-4000 remote receiver, and it can vary track volt-
age 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.

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Quick Start: Command Mode
Accessing the Locomotive
When a Proto-Sound 2.0 or later engine is placed on a track connected to a TIU, the DCS sys-
tem 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 or later 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 dia-
grammed below.
NOTE: When you rst power up the track, your Proto-Sound 2.0 or later 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.
1. Open the DCS Application and tap the Run My Trains icon.
2. On the Main Control Screen, tap the Choose orAdd an Engine icon.

DCS WiFi DIGITAL COMMAND SYSTEM USER’S GUIDE
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Quick Start: Command Mode
3. Select Add Engine from the Engine List screen.
4. Select Add MTH Engine from the menu.
5. Select the engine you want from the available choices listed.

DCS WiFi DIGITAL COMMAND SYSTEM USER’S GUIDE
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A pop-up Success! screen will appear. 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. This screen will show you the engine you have added.
From this screen, you can choose to return to the Main Control screen and run your new
engine immediately, or you can return to the Engine List screen and add additional engines.
If you want to add additional engines, remove the added engine from the track, place the new
engine on the track, and repeat steps 4 and 5. You need to complete these steps only once
per engine, when you rst 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 or later engines and anticipate buying many others, you
may nd 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 Wir-
ing” section of this manual 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.
Quick Start: Command Mode

DCS WiFi DIGITAL COMMAND SYSTEM USER’S GUIDE
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1. When all Proto-Sound 2.0 or later engines are added, put the ones you want to run on the
track and tap their name on the menu to put them on the active engine list.
2. Tap Start Up to activate the lights and smoke and initiate the engine start-up sounds.
4. Your locomotive is now ready to run. You need to tap the Start Up icon every time you want
to run an engine in a new session.
Quick Start: Command Mode

DCS WiFi DIGITAL COMMAND SYSTEM USER’S GUIDE
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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
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 simply by tapping the down arrow (the Engine
List button) on the top purple bar. This will take you to the Engine List screen.
To activate an engine on the inactive list, tap on Edit. An up arrow will appear next to the
engine name. Tap on the up arrow to move the engine up to the active list and tap Done. Proto-
Sound 2.0 or later engines must be on a powered track to be activated.
To inactivate an engine, tap on Edit and tap the down arrow that appears next to the engine
name. The engine will move down to the inactive list. Tap Done when you are nished.

DCS WiFi DIGITAL COMMAND SYSTEM USER’S GUIDE
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Making the Engine Go
There is no neutral in DCS command mode; the default start-up direction is forward. There are
several ways to control the speed of your locomotives.
Speedometer: Tap once anywhere around the circular bezel once to set the speed. The engine
will accelerate or decelerate at the default rate. Tap twice anywhere around the circular bezel
to set the speed at faster rate. Touch, hold, and drag from the tip of the speed indicator needle
around the circular bezel in either direction to select the desired speed.
The speedometer will display the engine’s speed in SMPH (scale miles per hour). You may
also tap the - or + icons to control the engine speed.
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:
1. Press the desired direction button while the
engine is in motion to drop the locomotive’s
speed to 0 smph. Wait for the engine to come to
a complete stop, then select the desired speed for
the engine to begin moving in the new direction.
Quick Start: Command Mode
COMMAND MODE DIRECTION CYCLE
Forward is Default Startup Direction
FORWARD
FORWARD
REVERSE REVERSE