Adding DCS to TMCC Layout

I have the two bricks wired to the TIU, the outputs of the TIU channels go to each loop.  The Legacy base (same for the TMCC base) simply connects to one of the output common terminals on the TIU. 

Note: Make SURE both commons are connected together to allow the TMCC/Legacy signal to make it all around.

As far as TIU power, you can add an aux power supply, but I supply mine from one of the 180W bricks, as long as channel 1 is powered, you have power.  There are advantages to having external power, one being when the brick on channel 1 trips, the TIU is still powered.

Thank you.  What method do you use to connect the power bricks to the TIU given that the Lionel equipment uses that (I believe it is called) molex connector?

Also, when you say both commons are connected together, I am not sure what you mean.

Again, thank you for the advice. 

I happen to have a supply of the proper size Molex connectors from my previous life building equipment that used them.  I make a cable with the Molex connector and the dual banana plug on the other end to directly connect to the TIU. You can buy the Molex plugs from Mouser or DigiKey.

Here are the connectors and pins that mate with the PH180 connector. 

http://www.alliedelec.com/sear...il.aspx?SKU=70190783

http://www.alliedelec.com/sear...il.aspx?SKU=70190616

The "commons" are the black terminals on the TIU output channels.  For TMCC, ALL of at least one side of the outside tracks has to be connected for it to function.  Since you have TMCC running, you obviously have that already, just pointing it out.

RL NYC,

I see that you plan to acquire The DCS O Gauge Companion. That's a smart decision on your part. By purchasing the book, you'll be able to maximize your DCS experience.

I suggest that you acquire a copy now rather than later. It will answer many, many questions for you, and has diagrams and discussions regarding integrating DCS and TMCC or Legacy.

This and a whole lot more is all in "The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", now available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book from MTH's web store site! Click on the link below to go to MTH's web page for the book!

I will definitely get the book Barry.  I am a believer in reading manuals, else you are not getting what you paid for, as they say.  At the same time, the tips are helpful because as I am reading the manual it would be nice to have some clue as to how this thing should work and the experience of those who have used it.

What does the connector cable between the TMCC base and TIU actually do, btw?

(Edit:  Just ordered book.  Will arrive when I am back from vacation.)

What does the connector cable between the TMCC base and TIU actually do, btw?

It allows you to operate all of your TMCC (or Legacy engines in TMCC mode) from the DCS Remote. It's MTH cable #50-1032.

Thank you

Barry, does the guide describe if it is possible to integrate DCS in such a manner so that, if I want, I can continue to use the Cab 1 to operate in conventional / variable voltage mode?  From what I am reading thus far in the manual, if the TIU is the primary interface, I won't be using the Powermasters and will lose the ability to control conventional locomotives using the Cab 1.  (I understand I can control them with the DCS handheld).  

Thx again.

does the guide describe if it is possible to integrate DCS in such a manner so that, if I want, I can continue to use the Cab 1 to operate in conventional / variable voltage mode?

Not specifically, since it's a DCS book rather than a TMCC book.

I'm not familiar with the Powermasters. I assume that they connect to the TMCC command base. If so, you would need a splitter cable of some kind so that they could be connected to the TMCC base along with the MTH cable #50-1032. Someone on the TMCC/Legacy forum should be able to help with that.

Regardless, you really don't need them since DCS has the capability to control conventional engines from the DCS Remote.

Barry, the Powermasters receive a signal directly from the CAB1 at 27mhz and control the track voltage.  Since they're not really receiving the TMCC signal, they're not capable of being controlled through the DCS remote.

I too am new to TMCC and DCS. I keep seeing references to "BRICKS" What is a BRICK? Are these references to the older large Lionel transformers like a KW and ZW? Or is there a power supply that only provide power with no handles to adjust the voltage?

Thanks RAY

Bricks are the fixed transformers that provide 18-20 volts with no adjustment.  They're commonly used for command operations.

Examples are the MTH Z750 or Z1000 bricks, or the Lionel PowerHouse 135 and PowerHouse 180 bricks.

Lionel PowerHouse 180 Brick

MTH Z1000 Brick

Thank you Barry and John.  I will do some more reading, of the manual and guide, and will come back with any questions once I have a better understanding of how the DCS system works.  I am excited because after some reading, I already know that it is a very nice piece of equipment and it will be a lot of fun.  I do want to try, to the extent possible, not to lose any TMCC functionality with conventional locos.  If that is not possible, not the end of the world obviously.  We will see.

Since you wouldn't be running the conventional stuff on the same track at the same time as DCS or TMCC stuff, why not just use a toggle switch to change the power source from the TIU to the PowerMaster?  You could even switch the input power to the PowerMaster and TIU with the same switch.  One click and you have your current functionality.

John,

Since they're not really receiving the TMCC signal, they're not capable of being controlled through the DCS remote.

I didn't say they could.

Since you wouldn't be running the conventional stuff on the same track at the same time as DCS or TMCC stuff, why not just use a toggle switch to change the power source from the TIU to the PowerMaster?

Wy do extra wiring? Is there any reason not to just leave the PowerMaster connected to the TIU as its channel input power source? For command, why not simply use the Cab-1 to set power to 18 volts and proceed from there?

Barry, why do you take everything as a challenge?  You said you didn't know the PowerMaster, and I was just explaining their operation. Clearly, you didn't know the capabilities, as they have no association of any kind with the command base.

I never disputed or contradicted anything that you said about the DCS system or it's capabilities.  Maybe you should get the burr out from under your saddle about me and try being a bit more objective.

The only reason I suggested not wiring the Powermaster through the TIU was that even though it's set at full voltage, it's still not passing a pure sine wave.  I didn't know if that would create any issues if that were the case.  Also, why require the CAB1 to initialize if you don't have to?

To address the OP's original concern, I believe, a TIU can be used in a passive manner without connecting it to the TMCC system.  Power it as was suggested and then run conncections from the TIU to Track and use TMCC to control track voltage as has been the habit.  My only concern would be whether this approach will allow both sets of command signals to comingle on the layout.  I have never tried it.  FWIW

Charly, Yes, it will work.

It is possible that DCS will have a slightly reduced signal level but it is usually sufficient.

Barry,

I have the guide now.  Delivered quickly.  Do I now have a good excuse not to read the manual?  ;-)