Adding TMCC base to DCS

SpectacOGR Forum Member

I just purchased a used DCS system that came with a TMCC command base and the connection cable. The DCS was easily up and running, but I have a few questions that I wasn't able to find the answers through a search. I do not have the DCS book yet, but I will either pick it up at york or order one soon. Before I get it I am hoping to get a quick answer here so I can start running a couple of TMCC engines.

First, the set I bought did not have a power supply/wall pack for the command base. It is not mentioned in the hook-up instructions for DCS, but I assume I need it. Is it a specialized power supply or can I just find one at Radio Shack or somewhere else that has the same 12v output? I think the correct part at Lionel is here. It seems that buying from Lionel parts is expensive when I may even have a compatible one laying around. But if I need the Lionel one, I will order it.

Second, do I need a Cab 1 remote? Can I just use the DCS remote or does it have to be the Cab1 to do the initial programming? It doesn't make sense to me to buy an extra remote that I will only use once per engine, and I'm not even sure it can do anything that the DCS remote can't do. I'm completely new to command control, so please steer me in the right direction.

Thanks.

-Tom

10/12/133:32 PM

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RailRideOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

The TMCC Command Base has its own dedicated power supply with a three-prong plug. The third prong is kind-of necessary owing to TMCC's need for an earth ground in order to function correctly. You may have to bite the bullet on this one.

The only thing I know of that the CAB-1 does that the DCS remote doesn't emulate is a certain button that, as far as I know, is employed by Electric RR Co's TMCC upgrade board, which uses it for a configuration step. If you aren't putting TMCC upgrade boards in your locomotives, you will probably not miss it.

---PCJ

10/12/133:49 PM

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Barry BroskowitzOGR Forum Member MEMORIALIZED MEMBER

Tom,

Yes, you need the Lionel power supply. It's specific to the TMCC Command Base.

No, you typically don't need a Cab-1. The DCS Remote can do just about every TMCC function that you need to do.

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!

http://www.mthtrains.com/content/60-1279