MTS3 vs Massoth dimax

beachdonkey

beachdonkey

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Could anyone please give an opinion on the advantages the Massoth system has over MTS3 please?
I currently have MTS3 with a navigator and have been happy with it but I have just had a week off work and my mind has been quite idle which usually gets expensive. My railway is not huge and the most I would presently run is 2 twin motored loco's (saxon 1VK's or mallets)so I am thinking functions more than just amps.
 
I converted to Massoth many moons ago but then I had more than 23 locos (which I think was the limit on MTS) and have not looked back. As the layout expanded I got a booster so at the moment the system looks like this:

Control Panel-01.jpg

Nowadays you have to get two separate boxes for each of these units but otherwise understand that functionality is the same. For me the benefits were:
- load all my locos on the system (but not of interest to you?)
- easy programming using the handset either tethered or wireless
- good wireless reception from one end of the garden to the other (about 100ft)
- easy to setup locos on the handset
- comfortable to hold handset
- the handset shows the ampage being drawn
- it works!!

I think its a great system although the manual could be written in simple, clear and easy to understand style and not try to tell you all what the system can do in one step. That's the only time it turns me off.

For you, I think the system would be a luxury but having said that if you did go for the system you will be pleased that you did.
 
Mts3 and a nav are a great combo..i had it...and for the same reasion as Keith, i upgraded. Lack of loco adresses... 5 amps was fine...i have my massoth set to 7 amps now...yes i get more funtions on the sound units.. do i actually use them...
 
godd to know this, thanks. BTW I have 18 loco's in total but only run two at any one time.
 
I would echo everything said above.... if you can afford the move up to a "full" Massoth setup, I don't think you will regret it.
Yes, there are a few other systems out there that are newer and possibly more sophisticated, but to my mind the Dimax still does everything I could ask of it; as you've already got a Navvy then it's an obvious choice.

Jon.
 
beachdonkey said:
Could anyone please give an opinion on the advantages the Massoth system has over MTS3 please?
I currently have MTS3 with a navigator and have been happy with it but I have just had a week off work and my mind has been quite idle which usually gets expensive. My railway is not huge and the most I would presently run is 2 twin motored loco's (saxon 1VK's or mallets)so I am thinking functions more than just amps.
Click to expand...

The Massoth Central station is new and can be kept current through firmware and software upgrades, the MTS3 is legacy kit (but solid and reliable).

I found the Massoth Central Station easier to hook up to my PC for automation if that is likely to be anything you are interested in trying out.
 
It is fair to say that the MTS3 is getting a bit long in the tooth, and repairs now are unlikely. Having said that, when combined with the navigator it does give quite a good system with a fair amount of functionality (1000+ addresses, higher address numbers and higher function codes to name but 3).
As you have got the navvy, the Massoth upgrade is an obvious progression - so do it when you feel you can. Are you using the Navvy wirelessly? If not, this might be a good immediate upgrade and the kit will be compatible with an upgrade to Massoth CS later. Dont forget you need a power supply for your new CS - your existing MTS one will not work as it is AC and the new Massoth requires DC.
 
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I've just upgraded to a Massoth 1200Z from MTS 2.

My main reasons for doing so is because I want to use the loco numbers for the addresses, and because I have a fleet of more than 20 locos....
 
stockers said:
Dont forget you need a power supply for your new CS - your existing MTS one will work but your limited to its output power.
Click to expand...

If you do purchase a 1210Z, DO NOT USE an original LGB Transformer (or any) that provides AC output as the 1210Z no longer supports AC power input, only DC.
 
Thanks Mark - I'll edit my earlier post.
 
In our group, over half have digital systems, and half of that half have Massoth. The other half have the compatible Piko system, your Massoth navi will work with piko, and vice versa. Have a search around for prices, this may be the way forward for you. The Piko system is 5 amps ( as is MTS111 ) so is almost a drop in replacement for your MTS central.

And, as you were wondering, the other half of the half run MTS11, MTS 111 and CS2

Malcolm
 
stockers said:
It is fair to say that the MTS3 is getting a bit long in the tooth, and repairs now are unlikely. Having said that, when combined with the navigator it does give quite a good system with a fair amount of functionality (1000+ addresses, higher address numbers and higher function codes to name but 3).
As you have got the navvy, the Massoth upgrade is an obvious progression - so do it when you feel you can. Are you using the Navvy wirelessly? If not, this might be a good immediate upgrade and the kit will be compatible with an upgrade to Massoth CS later. Dont forget you need a power supply for your new CS - your existing MTS one will not work as it is AC and the new Massoth requires DC.
Click to expand...
I am using the navi wirelessly which I found a very worthwhile addition and can wander around the garden with it.....until I put it down somewhere and then can't find it. Must be an age thing.:nod:
 
Are the 1200Z and 1210Z diferrent models or is the 1210Z a newer version please?
 
You can't buy the 1200Z new anymore - it has been replaced by the 1210Z and a matching separate power unit. The reason is down to new EU regs about everything having to have a separate "switched mode" power supply, so the old 1200Z with its integral mains transformer was no longer legal to sell.
They are of course still perfectly legal to own and use, and to sell secondhand, so you could pick up a used one. I must say that I prefer my 1200Z all-in-one unit, though the 1210Z and its matching power pack pretty much does the same job (I think the only real difference, casing and power supply aside, is that the 1210Z may not have quite as many Massoth Bus ports.....but then if you're using RC, you really only need one!).

Jon.
 
Zerogee said:
You can't buy the 1200Z new anymore - it has been replaced by the 1210Z and a matching separate power unit. The reason is down to new EU regs about everything having to have a separate "switched mode" power supply, so the old 1200Z with its integral mains transformer was no longer legal to sell.
They are of course still perfectly legal to own and use, and to sell secondhand, so you could pick up a used one. I must say that I prefer my 1200Z all-in-one unit, though the 1210Z and its matching power pack pretty much does the same job (I think the only real difference, casing and power supply aside, is that the 1210Z may not have quite as many Massoth Bus ports.....but then if you're using RC, you really only need one!).

Jon.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the explanation Jon.
 
I have a 1200Z here.. I must upgrade the software on it..
I also need a round-tuit, to get a Navigator sent off for repair..

I think I already have a home for the Navigator, but the 1200Z could do with finding a new home..
I must sort it, and list it..
 
PhilP said:
I have a 1200Z here.. I must upgrade the software on it..
I also need a round-tuit, to get a Navigator sent off for repair..

I think I already have a home for the Navigator, but the 1200Z could do with finding a new home..
I must sort it, and list it..
Click to expand...


I can feel a serendipitous solution emerging here..... we have someone who wants a Massoth system (and already has a Navvy), and here's Phil with a "spare" 1200Z that is in need of a good home..... :)

Jon.
 
One point not so far mentioned is the range of the Navi, I found them to be a little limited in my Garden but at one extremity by my Tin Shed (just over 100ft from the Wireless Reciever) I found things to be a bit flakey so upgraded to the extended Aerial add on (has a little Rat's Tail). Sorry just loked at Massoth listing and cannot find the ref. Certainly made all the difference for me, but as you already have Dimax Handsets I presume you have no problems.
 
Have checked my Navvy and can get a signal at well over 300 feet. That's without the 'rats tail'. Maybe your tin shed is reducing its range. If I put the Navvy on the grass, it does sometimes loose connection - I now have a 'rats tail' (long range) Navvy and that is noticeably better when put down. My garden is well over 100 ft long. Part number for the long range transmitter is 8133301
 
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