Cab 2 Lite in the Works

I only asked because frequencies of components can be changed. Unless a CAB2 speaks in a completely different language from a CAB1. That however cannot be changed.

Unless there is something different in the new base in terms of the RS-232 port capabilities, the PowerMaster Bridge might work the same as it has been designed to with the current Legacy set. 

 

Even if you buy a full Legacy set, you need the Bridge to control old PowerMasters.

 

-Dave

Thanks Dave!

 

Before I got the DCS Remote Control and later the full-blown DCS, I was using the CAB-1 and old PowerMaster with my Z750 to run all my engines Conventionally.

 

With my 3rd Rail E7 coming soon (Scott Mann indicated the end of October in his last email), I've been looking for just the old TMCC Command Base so I could run both TMCC and DCS engines via DCS.  Hopefully the new Base1-L will do the trick

 <<<Even if you buy a full Legacy set, you need the Bridge to control old PowerMasters.>>>

 

An alernative is the Modern ZW.  With this setup I can run Legacy, TMCC (the Cab 1 and base are not pictured), Conventional.  I have four distinct power blocks and I can run any combination on anyor all of the blocks.

 

Very true. 

 

Since Bob specifically mentioned having an old PowerMaster, I assumed he was trying to figure if it could be used with the new base(admittedly, my answer was  speculative, since we only know what John Z has shared with us so far).  I didn't go into the modern ZW or TPC aspects since the main premise of the thread is a lower cost path to Legacy use, and buying either a modern ZW or new ZW-L when it comes out would sort of defeat the low cost aspect (unless Bob was already planning on also buying a big transformer).

 

-Dave

Somewhere AlanH is thinking of reasons not to buy this one either

You're right.  He'll probably want to wait 5 years until the software  has been perfected.  (Even though it's likely to be really close to the SW running Legacy now, but without routines looking for button presses that won't be possible )

 

-Dave

Well, it has been stated that the CAB1-L will be compatible with the existing Legacy base.  Assuming that is a fact, that would place the transmissions from the CAB1-L to the base at 2.4ghz.  This is not compatible with the 27mhz that the PowerMaster expects.  I would venture a guess that you'll need the PowerMaster Bridge, just as you do for the Legacy base, to talk to a PowerMaster with this new system.

Jon said there's a Base1-L and a CAB1-L, at a lower cost than the Legacy system.

 

According to Barry's book on DCS, TMCC or Legacy can be used in conjunction with DCS, either by:

 

1) using the TMCC CAB-1 and Command Base or Legacy CAB-2 and Command Base

 

OR

 

2) using the TMCC Command Base or Legacy Command Base connected to the DCS TIU and using the DCS Handheld Remote.

 

Hopefully the new "LITE" system will be able to be used the same way.

 

If the price for the new LITE system is close to what the old TMCC system was, I can see this opening up the possibility for folks like me to buy more engines from Lionel, Weaver, and 3rd Rail if the older TMCC electronics in them is compatible with this new system.

Bob, I can't imagine the new CAB1-L and base not being compatible with all the existing TMCC stuff!  If that were the case, the market would be a LOT smaller.  Remember, many current products like the command switches and small operating vehicles operate using TMCC, not Legacy control.

John,

 

You're right.  I mean, what else would it be good for if it didn't run legacy or TMCC engines, especially those from Weaver, Atlas, and 3rd Rail?!?!?!

 

I'm glad to see Lionel going with this

Well, if it runs Lionel TMCC, I can't see how it wouldn't run other licensed TMCC versions.  I don't think that is a concern, at least I can't imagine how it would not work that way.   The older versions of conversions like TAS still used the Lionel R2LC receiver to handle TMCC commands, so it's pretty likely they'll still receive TMCC.

There are only two devices that can directly receive the 27MHZ signal the old CAB-1 produced.  PowerMasters and the original Command Base.  PowerMasters will have to be addressed via the PM Bridge box.  The CAB-1L would still have to be able to generate CAB-1 commands (for TPC's and some other accessory devices), TMCC commands for TMCC locomotives as well as Legacy commands for Legacy equipment.  It will be interesting to see how this is done on the "lite" version CAB-1L.

 

or wondering if CAB-1L will produce the proper British whistle tone.

is this available yet?

 

i tried to search using the part number in the vol 2 catalog, but found only a PRR train set.

I found some item numbers today for the CAB 1-L and Base 1-L and for the entire system:

 

http://www.lionel.com/Products...e&CategoryID=115

 

but no prices yet.

 

Also looks like they have a new Legacy PowerMaster (not a bridge) too.

Ehh, I still have my TMCC remote/base set. I'll just use that and my Legacy set, no need for a Cab1-L!

For those that never got the original TMCC remote/base set this will help fill that hole.  I need a base so I can run TMCC (3rd Rail E7 and/or Atlas/Weaver), conventional, and PS2 engines on my DCS system.

You can connect your Legacy base to the TIU Bob.

 or wondering if CAB-1L will produce the proper British whistle tone.           !!!