DCS Command System User’s Guide
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Glossary
SMPH: Scale Miles Per Hour. Scale representation of actual speed as a proportion rela-
tive to a model’s size. O-gauge DCS models (including RailKing traditionally sized mod-
els) are calibrated to operate at 1/48 prototypical speeds. RailKing 1-Gauge and Standard
gauge DCS models are calibrated to operate at 1/32 prototypical speeds. For example, a
RailKing GS-2 running at 48 scale Miles Per Hour (sMPH) moves at 1 actual Mile Per
Hour (MPH).
Softkeys: S1, S2, S3, S4 & S5 buttons on DCS remote. Softkeys S1-S4 access more fre-
quently used DCS engine functions. The S5 button activates the “” arrow that scrolls
through the available Softkeys functions. Softkey functions are pre-programmed into
each engine’s sound set memory according to the operating features of that engine. Each
Softkey is assigned a 3-letter abbreviation. When a DCS engine is accessed, its Softkey
functions are transmitted back to the DCS remote via TIU. “L—“ = Lighting Function,
“M—“ = Menu Function, “F—“ = Feature Function, “S—“ = Sound Function.
Speed Control: DCS feature by which engine speed is regulated by track voltage
(Conventional Mode) or digital signal (Command Mode). Speed Control eliminates varia-
tions in engine speed due to grade changes, applied load (consist length, weight & inertia)
or curves.
Thumbwheel: Rotating, notched wheel protruding from the center of the DCS enclo-
sure face. Used to scroll through menus and engine speed. Scroll up by rotating thumb-
wheel forward (thumb pushing away); scroll down by rotating thumbwheel backward
(thumb pulling closer). Select a menu function by pressing down on the thumbwheel (so
that thumbwheel retracts into the DCS
TIU: Track Interface Unit. Unit that receives and transmits DCS command signals to
and from DCS remote (or PC) and DCS engines.
TMCC: TrainMaster Command Control. Available in some O Gauge engines allowing
those engines to be run in command mode via the DCS system.
Track Address: Numerical Address assigned to each track. May be reprogrammed as
desired via MENUSYSTEMTRACK ADDRESS. A track is defined as whatever is con-
nected to a single TIU channel. This could in fact be a loop of track or simply an insu-
lated block.
Track Name: Alphanumeric name assigned to each track. May be reprogrammed as
desired via MENUSYSTEMTRACK NAME. A track is defined as whatever is connect-
ed to a single TIU channel. This could in fact be a loop of track or simply an insulated
block.
Variable Voltage: In both “VARIABLE VOLTAGE IN1” and “VARIABLE VOLT-
AGE IN2” channels of the TIU, ‘VARIABLE VOLTAGE’ means that the TIU adjusts
(controls) the output voltage as per the signal sent via the DCS remote. The VARIABLE
VOLTAGE channels of the TIU are necessary for Conventional Mode operation of
DCS engines on DCS-equipped layouts and for operation of non-command control
(DCS or TMCC®) engines, but may also be used for DCS Command Mode operation.
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