Adding the DCS Remote Commander to a TMCC/Legacy layout??

Bobby,

The DCR RC (handheld remote transmitter and separate receiver, MTH item number 50-1033) controls a PS2 or PS3 engine only, the power comes from a transformer (in my case a Z-750 brick).  That means 21VAC (in my case with the Z750 brick) going directly to the track, or thru the receiver to the track.

I wouldn't connect the receiver up thru the TPC though to operate a PS2/PS3 engine.  The manual shows the brick powering the receiver and the receiver connected to the track.  The receiver can also be connected to the track with the brick also connected to the track (called passive mode).

Barry Broskowitz' book on DCS mentions operating a PS2/PS3 engine in passive mode while using the layouts transformer to operate conventional engines, so maybe if the DCS RC is hooked up in passive mode you CAN run conventional and TMCC engines using a CAB-1 and TPC or PowerMaster.

You might want to check the DCS sub-forum to see if anyone has already done this.  I didn't think of it when I had my PowerMaster and Z-750 brick connected and using the CAB-1 to operate my conventional engines (or PS2 engine conventionally).

Bobby,

Just connect the DCSRC's receiver to the track where the transformer already connects to the track. Do not connect any power to the DCSRC's receiver. You will then be able to control a single PS2/PS3 engine from the DCSRC's handheld controller.

Note that if you use more than one transformer to power your tracks, you'll have to pick one and only one transformer to use with the DCSRC. Control of your TMCC/Legacy engines will not be affected.