Adding Lionel to an MTH Layout

You can use any of the three Lionel bases, the old TMCC BASE1, the newer "Legacy lite" BASE1L, or the full Legacy command base.  Yes, you can control them using the WIU.

Ricky,

Can you use the Lionel TMCC base OR the Legacy base?

Yes, you can use any Lionel command base.

Can I control Lionel Legacy and TMCC engines?

Yes. However, if you use the DCS Remote, you can only control Legacy engines as if they're TMCC engines. The DCS App allows true control of Legacy engines.

Also, is there a way to use it with the WIU?

Yes, there is. For all the details and a complete understanding of the DCS App and the WIU, acquire a copy of The DCS WiFi Companion 1st Edition and the free TMCC/Legacy Addendum. Both are available here.

P.S. - the print book is still available for delivery before Christmas!   

This and a whole lot more about DCS WiFi is all in MTH’s “The DCS WiFi Companion 1st Edition!" This book is available from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store! Get the free TMCC & Legacy Addendum here!

Hi,

Thank you for your help. After looking at the addendum, I have a few more questions. Can I use the TMCC Command bass with the DCS remote and the WIU App without the LCS Wi-Fi device? I am a bit confused when It said that the engine would not move. Using the TMCC base, will my Legacy or TMCC engine run and have sounds? Also, I don’t understand the Legacy page. Will the legacy functions work without the LCS Wi-Fi device? Thank  you for your help. 

Ricky

Ricky,

Can I use the TMCC Command bass with the DCS remote and the WIU App without the LCS Wi-Fi device?

Yes, you can. However, you would have to define your Legacy engines as TMCC engines. If you do not, they will start up but not move.

I am a bit confused when It said that the engine would not move.

That's because Legacy engines use Legacy speed commands, which the TMCC base cannot execute. Further, an SER2 module is also required because even a Legacy base cannot execute Legacy commands that come in via it's serial port. The SER2 module addresses that issue.

Using the TMCC base, will my Legacy or TMCC engine run and have sounds?

Yes, it will work as if you are using a Cab-1.

Also, I don’t understand the Legacy page. Will the legacy functions work without the LCS Wi-Fi device?

What it needs is not the LCS module, although that may also be present; it needs the SER2 module, See answers above.

The TIU must interface to the Legacy base via the SER2 module if Legacy features are desired. That's how the Legacy base is designed.

Whew! I fervently hope you solve this issue! :-)

It’s not a compatibility issue. It’s very easy to do. 

Tinplate Art posted:

Whew! While I fervently hope you solve this compatibility issue, I am SO glad I gave up my TMCC, Legacy and DCS "Lite" and am now digital free.

Thanks for this useless reply.

GRJ: My reply was a POSITIVE WISH for him to get his issue resolved! SORRY you took offense! Post amended! :-)

Hi,

Thank you for your help. How do I designate a Lionel Legacy engine as a TMCC engine using the TMCC base? Thank you,

Ricky 

Ricky,

How do I designate a Lionel Legacy engine as a TMCC engine using the TMCC base?

Just tell the app that its a TMCC engine when you add it.

If you really want to know how the DCS App and the WIU work, I suggest that you invest a few bucks in a copy of The DCS WiFi Companion 1st Edition.

This may be suggested above, but I always suggest to guys with a similar "problem" that they use the Lionel remote to run a Lionel (and Lionel-friends like Atlas) locomotive and the DCS remote to run MTH. Put down one and pick up the other. This eliminates all that...stuff. And it usually works better.

Some don't like this idea, but I have never understood why. 

Hi,

Thank you. 

Ricky 

Hi,

I purchased the Lionel TMCC Base and the cable. I attached everything to my TIU and put the ground lead wire to the outer rail of my track. Using the WIU in MTH mode, it did not work. I programmed my Legacy engine, but it did not work. The red light on the TMCC Base was blinking when I gave it a command. When I refreshed the page, my engine was moved into the inactive engine list. Do you know what is wrong? If not, that's ok. Have a great day!

Ricky

Ricky,

   Can't help you on this one, no WiFi Train running for me, strictly a HHRC guy, listen to what Barry is telling you.

PCRR/Dave

Ricky,

When I refreshed the page, my engine was moved into the inactive engine list.

That's as it should be. An app Refresh command is exactly the same as a DCS Remote Read command. Engines are "sorted", as follows:

• DCS (PS2 and PS3) engines on powered tracks move to the Active Engine list.
• DCS engines on unpowered tracks move to the Inactive Engine list.
• All TMCC and Legacy engines move to the Inactive Engine list, regardless of whether or not they're drawing power. Since these engines cannot make their presence known because they only have one-way communication (receive only), they are assumed to be not present on a powered track.

If you want to access them from the Inactive Engine list:

• Tap Edit at the top of the screen.
• Locate the TMCC or Legacy engine in the Inactive Engine list.
  • For iOS (Apple) devices, slide the "sandwich" icon to the right of the engine name up to the Active Engine list.
  • For Android devices, tap the up arrow to the right of the engine name to mover it to the Active Engine list.
• Tap Done.

This works for DCS engines on powered tracks, as well.

This and a whole lot more about DCS WiFi is all in MTH’s “The DCS WiFi Companion 1st Edition!" This book is available from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store! Get the free TMCC & Legacy Addendum here!

Hi,

I moved the engine to the active list on the DCS App And The Remote. Nothing happens still. The locomotive's smoke unit is on and there are lights with no sounds. There is no sound option on the WIU App. What do I do here?

Ricky

Ricky,

I moved the engine to the active list on the DCS App And The Remote. Nothing happens still.

What happens when you tap the engine in the Active Engine list on the Engine Roster Screen, return to the Engine Control Screen and tap the Startup button?

There is no sound option on the WIU App.

The Engine Sound button is on the Engine Features Screen. Tap the double-down arrow at the bottom of the Engine Control Screen to get to the Engine Features Screen.

Hi,

When I have the engine in the active list, nothing happens. I adjust the speed, blow the horn, ring the bell, etc... I went down to the screen and the sounds can not be turned on. 

Ricky

Ricky,

There is no sound option on the WIU App.

Yes, there is on the Engine Features Screen.

Please answer these questions:

• Did you select it as the active engine and does it appear on the Engine Control Screen?
• Did you tap the Startup button?
• Do you see the Engine Sounds button on the Engine Features Screen? Does it change color each time that you tap it?

Hi,

It works now. I changed the address in the app while it was on the track and it worked. Thank you so much for your help. Have a nice day!

Ricky