MTS 1 and 2

R

Robert Howard

Registered
Soooo what puts me off DCC is the large initial setup costs.

The only way I can afford to go down this route is by using secondhand LGB kit. Probably MTS 1 or 2.

I appreciate that there will be some limitations but are there any gotchas that make this a waste of money? For example, can you still get compatible software, decoder sand locos?

I am only planning to run a few locos and would like to use digital sound.

Any advice appreciated!

Rob
 
I admit I don't own any MTS (except for a few LGB decoders), but I believe you should certainly forget about MTS1, its way too old now. I suspect MTS2 would also be rather limited in speed step support and would be unable to control all the functions of modern sound decoders?

Some manufacturers do sell "starter" DCC sets that might be suitable, the main problem is likely to be the track voltage as such sets are more typically aimed at the smaller scales. For example I run an NCE 10 amp system at 18V with my G stuff, but also have one of their PowerCab sets which is only a couple of amps at around 15V (mainly used for N and OO gauge stuff). The amps is enough to shift an LGB loco or two, but some larger locos do prefer more volts and are a little sluggish when I've tried them on the PowerCab.

You might want to look at the Piko DCC system, which I believe is a slightly dumbed down/cheaper Massoth system. Massoth is well thought of by folk on here.
 
Rob - you could look at the Piko DCC system as a possible alternative to MTS? The Piko kit is Massoth-designed, I believe, and the Piko handset is pretty much interchangeable with Massoth's own navigator, but the Piko central station is significantly cheaper than Massoth's.
Piko did, I think, have some teething troubles with some early units, but these have hopefully been sorted and I think several folks on here use the system now.

Be aware that all LGB's MTS gear (even MTS3) is now effectively at end-of-life, with Marklin moving over to their own system for new LGB products; of course this has no real effect on the operation of old MTS kit, except that I understand that MTS2 systems may not be 100% compatible with the new decoders that Marklin are using in future LGB products. It is just worth bearing this in mind when considering the purchase of a second-hand system, it will probably work fine but you might run into servicing and spares problems later on if you have any trouble with it.

There are of course several other options, such as the Lenz system - Cliff George is one of our resident Lenz experts here on GSC and can advise you on that much more than I could.

Jon.
 
To be fair, i know you said price puts you off but it's worth spending that bit more..
massoth, central station and wireless navigator is well worth the money, plus, you only have to do it once.. :D
 
I get what Phil says re the Massoth Gear and newer Marklin Locomotives, I upgraded to Massoth 2 or 3 years ago and will never go back. However I feel we do sometimes get too obsessed with out of date kit. For instance there are many 486 Computers out there churning away quite happily with Windows 98 and no support from Microsoft - so what. Yes the newer kit may not work. But if you want to go down a less expensive route, then a Serial LGB Setup with Compatible Decoders that you install yourself could these days work out very inexpensive. Limiting I admit, but then horses for courses.
JonD
 
Rob wrote that he wants to play with digital sound. That means ruling out older DCC systems such as early MTS, that simply don't support parallel function commands and the sheer number of F buttons implemented by modern sound decoders.
 
I would love a Massoth setup.. But, the upfront cost is eye-watering (yes, even second-hand)..

I (as I fit decoders, et al) will probably have to bite the bullet soon, as I am beginning to find there are limitations on the Digitrax kit I 'inherited' from my Father.. I will be fitting Massoth for many years, I suspect, although there is a new Marklin system on the horizon. - Now that WILL be expensive!

USU and Zimo decoders get mentioned a lot on the Forum, but I am not up to speed with their Central Stations (or even if they do them).

The limiting factor for Central Station output is current, rather than voltage.. G scale loco's can draw 2-3amps each (more on stall), but how often do you actually run them flat-out? - Current provides the 'grunt', but the voltage-level governs the speed.
I do not think you would find a system giving (say) 15V track-voltage limiting. A current rating of (say) 2A might be if you want to run more than a couple of small loco's at any one time.
 
Thanks all for the info and advice.

Have decided to not rush into anything at the moment and see what the options are later on when I have saved some pennied.

Cheers

Rob
 
When the time is right and if you decide to go for new Massoth gear, give me a ring/email/PM and I will give you a good price.
 
PhilP said:
I would love a Massoth setup.. But, the upfront cost is eye-watering (yes, even second-hand)..
Click to expand...
Yes, but you only have to buy it once? thats what i'm trying to say..?
its an upgradable system with firmware updates..?
end of the day, you get what you pay for.. ;)
 
Never go with the MTS I or II systems as when you hit a function key, that key times 1 second is a delay. F8 is 8 seconds to respone.
This is a serial (non parallel) system, 14 speed steps only, and MTS II addresses 1-8 and MTS II addresses 1-22.
MTS III can have a Massoth navigator tied to it and you will get 28 speed steps.

Most other systems will do 14, 28 and 128 speed steps and go over the function limit of 10 functions, and address 0-9999.

All decoders will work on all systems. I have the Zimo and MTS I, MTS II with parallel added. I only use the MTS for compatibility mode when working on other peoples engines.
I use the Zimo for all upgrades and repairs and for running my own trains.

The newest Zimo system is not yet in production, but will cost about the same as the Massoth Navigator system.
There are other systems available such as MRC, NCE, Lenz, as well as the systems mentioned above and there are many more.
I always ask if they can do more than 8 amps and 24 volts which quickly eliminates many systems, My present ZImo (no longer produced) outputs 8 amps at 24.8 volts
 
Robert MTS2 and MTS3 are manufactured By Massoth. MTS2 parallel or P upgrade should be able to be picked up for less than £100 Plus if you are running LGB Loco with sound it is a perfect match. The hand controller needs to be parallel or P upgrade as well. As for 14 speed steps it is a small price to pay when you first start off. I used one with great success over the last 11 years and have just changed to the Massoth 1210z from muns only because I run 6 trains at the same time by computer.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom