Working on a portable layout that can be taken to a hospital for kids to play with and other similar locations. This is a great low cost way to let kids who couldn't get close to the layout still run the trains. Bought a cheap 10 inch Android tablet for $89 and it works great. MTH had a small layout with this at a show in Denver. It was a HUGE hit with kids because they let them run the trains through a tablet and showed them how to do it. (Whereas Lionel had Lionchief trains running but the reps couldn't be bothered to interact with the kids.) Basically MTH's response to LionChief, but it's backwards compatible, where LC isn't. Keeping in mind it's intended use, I give it a 2 thumbs up :-)
Thank you Eric for another informative video. Once again you have answer my question before I asked someone about DCC, DCS and wireless access for running trains whether it be O, HO or N Scale.
Wow this video helped me so much, i only have my layout set up for lionchief operations but now i see that it is that easy to run mth engines! Thanks so much for uploading this!
I have n,ho, and g scale. A little over two months ago, I added O. Have to say, tempting to ditch everything and just stay with O! I am paying far less for these beautiful steam engines in O gauge than any other scale! Wish I started sooner. This video is great, as I am clueless w all the digital O gauge. 7 new steam engines waiting to run! Lol.
Thanks for the video, I am returning to model trains after many years of absence and recently bought an MTH Railking starter set, Norfork Southern GP20 locomotive and the Explorer wifi unit. The engine has Proto Sound 3. After using it for a few days I found out that you can't access all of the functionality without buying the more expensive wiu and tiu controlers. Is this the way they suck you into buying more stuff? Love the train even though I can;t access all of the capabilities.
Currently i use MTH DCS Remote Commander. With it i can access and activate PFA and when in Neutral stopped press SND often and it plays the Freight Yard Communications. Can this DCS Explorer even with limited functionality at least allow you to operate Via App those 2 settings And/Or Couplers like the MTH DCS Remote Commander? Thanks for the very informative introduction and user friendly setup DCS Explorer offers.
Hi, I’m just getting my feet wet into this hobby and I truly appreciate such an in depth tutorial on the DCS Explorer. I happen to have one now as part of my first beginner sets I purchased last year with the railking Union Pacific dash 8 and had a quick question about running anything older that proto 2&3. I happened to recently purchase a railking loco sound Norfolk Southern dash8 and, (again I’m a Newbie) somehow expected this to be compatible with my DCS Explorer….it did not. Do I need to purchase a conventional power control such as Rail King MTH Hobby Transformer Z-750 Controller and Power Unit in order to run any engine older than proto 2&3?
Hi Eric always look forward to your videos have learned so much. Did you ever make a video on improving electric conductivity thru Atlas switches? Even some of my newer MTH engines hesitate going thru some of them. Thanks.
Bringing all my trains out of a temporary 8 year storage( health problems & building a new train board). Have a mth tiu & remote, z4000- there is the now older 50-1034 wifi interface unit vs this newer 50-1035 wifi unit. Can some please discuss the differences, since I probably should invest in this wifi stuff. Believe this 50-1035 dcs wifi explorer can only store max 3 engines(per mth website), can't do engine lashups.
Will the Explorer activate ditch lights on newer diesel engines when the bell is activated, since there are no auxiliary buttons? I'm an n-scaler but bought a premium dealer addition diesel to replace old Scouts under our christmas tree. I'm just wondering if the Explorer is worth it or I should go with the whole TIU setups. Thxs Great video very informative 👍
I have a question. So you mentioned that the dcs explorer communicates with your cable internet modem. So if you don't have a router will it not work. I thought that this was a bluetooth app meaning that it only needs to communicate with the app on your cell phone. So really need an internet connection always on for this to work? please let me know. Thank you.
Hey eric i just was gonna put in a suggestion about doing a review on the santa fe 3000 2-10-10-2 ive only seen a few and was wondering if you could do a full review thanks
Eris, so, if I understand correctly, the DCS Explorer is what comes standard the an MTH started set now, correct? So, if I get my grandson an MTH starter set and he doesn't have a smart phone, he can't run the train?
My name is Juan from Argentina , I bought the DCS Explorer in 2019, however I cannot find the MTH dcs app. in my Samsun (android) cell phone , it does not show, why is that?, what can I do?, does it only work with Iphones, Help Please and many thanks
Hi Eric. AS always great video. Quick question. You can add up to 3 engines, does that mean you can run those three on the same layout from the same DCS Explorer? Obviously I am new to DCS/Legacy, running conventional with Z 250s. Cheers.
Hi, I’m Andrew. I ain’t telling my last cause it’s classified. I’m a fellow southern person and I’m for a state next door to yours. I’m making my own layout, but it’s still a work in progress. I haven’t done the scenery yet, but it’s a good n scale layout. But I may need a few tips from you about how to do scenery and paint and/or number unpainted locomotives. You more experienced then me so your the kind of expert I could get help from. My layout is called the Blue Ridge & Allegheny Western Railroad. It’s based during the steam era. So what do ya say.
This is not Eric, but I can help you out. To letter engines, you can buy sheets of prototypical decals for your locomotive, or buy decal paper to print on. I would stick with buying pre- made decal sheets because its much easier, and saves you time. You will also need Micro- Set and Micro Sol to apply the decals. You can find lots of this info on various forms if you are interested.
This is later, but I hate, this damn thing. Rather just run conventional honesty. I’ve never, never had this thing work right, I HAVE GOTTEN IT TO WORK. But it sucks it’s terrible. Trains never show up, you never know why, I don’t have any error codes, it constantly just stops working. I completely regret buying this, 3 trains I have now are essentially useless. I hate this damn thing so so much.
I am an N scaler by nature but you sir make me want to switch to O scale. Your layout, knowledge, and passion are world class.
Your short demo was nice and clear. The default password was what I needed to get started. Excellent. Thank you!
This one of favorite reviews of the DCS Explorer.
Working on a portable layout that can be taken to a hospital for kids to play with and other similar locations. This is a great low cost way to let kids who couldn't get close to the layout still run the trains. Bought a cheap 10 inch Android tablet for $89 and it works great. MTH had a small layout with this at a show in Denver. It was a HUGE hit with kids because they let them run the trains through a tablet and showed them how to do it. (Whereas Lionel had Lionchief trains running but the reps couldn't be bothered to interact with the kids.)
Basically MTH's response to LionChief, but it's backwards compatible, where LC isn't. Keeping in mind it's intended use, I give it a 2 thumbs up :-)
Thank you Eric for another informative video. Once again you have answer my question before I asked someone about DCC, DCS and wireless access for running trains whether it be O, HO or N Scale.
It's been a while since a proper video has come from you. Great to see a new video from you!
Very good Eric. Thanks for the easy directions
Great video Eric, this is one of the things I always liked about MTH is their backward compadablity on all new products....Frank
Eric, thank you. You cleared up several quextions I had about DCS
Amazing video and it really really helped me get back into model railroading. Thank you!
Very cool Eric! Looking forward to the next one!👍
Thanks for this, Eric. It's just what I needed to know for my upcoming small layout.
OOOhhhhh I see the light now! Great video for all my old and boxed up PS2 Loco's !!! All I need now is a house to run them in!!
Nice video Eric I see Big Six back there creepin
You helped immensely!
Great video with exception of one thing. If a person needs to change the fuse how do you do that and where can a fuse be purchased?
Wow this video helped me so much, i only have my layout set up for lionchief operations but now i see that it is that easy to run mth engines! Thanks so much for uploading this!
Will the DCS controller control a conventional engine on the tracks? Just a standard engine that uses variable AC ?
very good review Eric. Thanks you
Hi Eric, thanks
I have n,ho, and g scale. A little over two months ago, I added O. Have to say, tempting to ditch everything and just stay with O! I am paying far less for these beautiful steam engines in O gauge than any other scale! Wish I started sooner. This video is great, as I am clueless w all the digital O gauge. 7 new steam engines waiting to run! Lol.
Thanks for the video, I am returning to model trains after many years of absence and recently bought an MTH Railking starter set, Norfork Southern GP20 locomotive and the Explorer wifi unit. The engine has Proto Sound 3. After using it for a few days I found out that you can't access all of the functionality without buying the more expensive wiu and tiu controlers. Is this the way they suck you into buying more stuff? Love the train even though I can;t access all of the capabilities.
Nice!
Great review Eric!!
Will this system work with HO DCS engines?
AWESOME stuff Eric! Thanks bud!
Currently i use MTH DCS Remote Commander. With it i can access and activate PFA and when in Neutral stopped press SND often and it plays the Freight Yard Communications. Can this DCS Explorer even with limited functionality at least allow you to operate Via App those 2 settings And/Or Couplers like the MTH DCS Remote Commander? Thanks for the very informative introduction and user friendly setup DCS Explorer offers.
3:52 for every meme boi yes he said the thing
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
That's a neat device! I'd like to see something similar for running HO scale and N scale trains, both with and without DCC!
When is episode 69 coming?
Thank you for the perfect explanations! How much power do I need in order to run 2 engines? My track keeps short circuiting 😥
Can I use this for HO scale?
Can this be used to run conventional locomotives along with mth proto sound2?
Is there an adapter to power the DCS explorer from a Lionel Powerhouse 180 watt brick?
Question are you use MTH tracks or lionel tracks
Eric. Is it possible to retro fit older trains like the Lionel James Gang to Any version of DCS, adding smoke features, etc?
Swell video Eric
Hey there Eric will the dcs wifi explorer control conventional engines from the wifi app on a phone
Hi, I’m just getting my feet wet into this hobby and I truly appreciate such an in depth tutorial on the DCS Explorer. I happen to have one now as part of my first beginner sets I purchased last year with the railking Union Pacific dash 8 and had a quick question about running anything older that proto 2&3. I happened to recently purchase a railking loco sound Norfolk Southern dash8 and, (again I’m a Newbie) somehow expected this to be compatible with my DCS Explorer….it did not. Do I need to purchase a conventional power control such as Rail King MTH Hobby Transformer Z-750 Controller and Power Unit in order to run any engine older than proto 2&3?
Sweet cool I just got back it the model train set again and this is perfect back it's in my price set
Hi Eric always look forward to your videos have learned so much. Did you ever make a video on improving electric conductivity thru Atlas switches? Even some of my newer MTH engines hesitate going thru some of them. Thanks.
Will thess work with Lionel LionChief Plus 2.0. I’m wanting to run both Lionel an MTH
Bringing all my trains out of a temporary 8 year storage( health problems & building a new train board). Have a mth tiu & remote, z4000- there is the now older 50-1034 wifi interface unit vs this newer 50-1035 wifi unit. Can some please discuss the differences, since I probably should invest in this wifi stuff. Believe this 50-1035 dcs wifi explorer can only store max 3 engines(per mth website), can't do engine lashups.
Nice video!!
Can Legacy and the DCS explorer be combined? I am planning on building a new Lionel Fastrack layout (6x12 ft)
Cool
I might get one of these.
Will the Explorer activate ditch lights on newer diesel engines when the bell is activated, since there are no auxiliary buttons?
I'm an n-scaler but bought a premium dealer addition diesel to replace old Scouts under our christmas tree. I'm just wondering if the Explorer is worth it or I should go with the whole TIU setups. Thxs
Great video very informative 👍
I have a question. So you mentioned that the dcs explorer communicates with your cable internet modem. So if you don't have a router will it not work. I thought that this was a bluetooth app meaning that it only needs to communicate with the app on your cell phone. So really need an internet connection always on for this to work? please let me know. Thank you.
Lol the DHS and NSA is on wifi pop up
You should review the Lionel legacy polar express Berkshire
As far as power adapter, DC is a Must for MTH HO.
I just got the legacy system but now I am hoping to get a dcs system, there is a beautiful CP mp15ac at my lhs
Could you do the C&O T-1 2-10-4?
Yes!
Hey eric i just was gonna put in a suggestion about doing a review on the santa fe 3000 2-10-10-2 ive only seen a few and was wondering if you could do a full review thanks
Could you do a video on MTH DCS Wi-Fi. I have it and have many questions still
Can u do the New York Central Commodore Vanderbilt, Milwaukee Road Hiawatha
Eris, so, if I understand correctly, the DCS Explorer is what comes standard the an MTH started set now, correct? So, if I get my grandson an MTH starter set and he doesn't have a smart phone, he can't run the train?
Bachmann has a Bluetooth locomotive controlled by iPhone or iPad , there is no extra wire or set ups, just plug it in
I found a bachmann O gauge train set, its called the greyhound, I think thats the full name. Can you review that starter set!
?
why show grayed out functions if they are not availabe via the wifi controller in the fist place? am I missing something?
Because if you upgrade the the full DCS system they are no longer greyed out.
My name is Juan from Argentina , I bought the DCS Explorer in 2019, however I cannot find the MTH dcs app. in my Samsun (android) cell phone , it does not show, why is that?, what can I do?, does it only work with Iphones, Help Please and many thanks
I like how the locomotive was blowing smoke rings.
Hi Eric. AS always great video. Quick question. You can add up to 3 engines, does that mean you can run those three on the same layout from the same DCS Explorer? Obviously I am new to DCS/Legacy, running conventional with Z 250s. Cheers.
Yes.
ericstrains so you can run three engines/trains can you run 3 engines on 1 train?
@@Ericstrains Does this work on HO scale to or no?
How much is the MTH digital explorer
Can you do a engine latch up?
So you need home internet to use this device?
Erik Vince you don’t need home internet to use the device but you would need to have internet access at some point in order to download the dcs app
@@Ericstrains thank you very much how much does the part that connects to the track cost
wow that long time go 2005
How can I wire this to my fastrack layout
Make a video about the polar express
Eric I subbed!
Noice
so basically instead of buying the $150 DCS explorer just buy a ready to run set
Hi, I’m Andrew. I ain’t telling my last cause it’s classified. I’m a fellow southern person and I’m for a state next door to yours. I’m making my own layout, but it’s still a work in progress. I haven’t done the scenery yet, but it’s a good n scale layout. But I may need a few tips from you about how to do scenery and paint and/or number unpainted locomotives. You more experienced then me so your the kind of expert I could get help from. My layout is called the Blue Ridge & Allegheny Western Railroad. It’s based during the steam era. So what do ya say.
This is not Eric, but I can help you out. To letter engines, you can buy sheets of prototypical decals for your locomotive, or buy decal paper to print on. I would stick with buying pre- made decal sheets because its much easier, and saves you time. You will also need Micro- Set and Micro Sol to apply the decals. You can find lots of this info on various forms if you are interested.
Thanks dude
No problem, happy to help. Hope it works out for you.
Kinda sucks Lion chief is built into the engine
This is later, but I hate, this damn thing. Rather just run conventional honesty. I’ve never, never had this thing work right, I HAVE GOTTEN IT TO WORK. But it sucks it’s terrible. Trains never show up, you never know why, I don’t have any error codes, it constantly just stops working. I completely regret buying this, 3 trains I have now are essentially useless. I hate this damn thing so so much.