Controlling Accessories

Well, the AIU does have huge capacity.  10 accessories plus 10 switches. (a plus)  I don't own an ASC or ASC2, but based on their manuals, I believe their capacity is far less.

The AIU also has those tiny screw terminals you need to insert the wires into, due to that huge capacity. (bit of a minus)

Having a DCS setup with multiple TIUs in my collection for "backup" or the "someday layout", I felt it was a good idea to buy a couple more AIUs while they were available.  I'm sure the ASC units are great operationally, but I've already got some old SC-1's and an SC-2 or two that I can use with TMCC/Legacy (and Lionel of course has not announced ceasing operations in June of 2021 as MTH has, so I presume ASC units will probably be available for a while if I feel the need to add a few to my stash... )

-Dave

The AIU is more cost effective, meaning you can control more accessories with a lower total cost than buying a bunch or ASC or ASC2 devices.  OTOH if you are controlling turnouts as well, Lionel's LCS allows you to draw your track plan on an iPad and control the turnouts (and the accessories) by tapping on them.  No need to construct a control panel or panels.

Bob

Sean's Trains, Cars and Other Stuff Channel Check this guys channel out very good video on the Lionel control system you are talking about. He is a forum member here. Nick

@Dave45681 posted:

Well, the AIU does have huge capacity.  10 accessories plus 10 switches. (a plus)  I don't own an ASC or ASC2, but based on their manuals, I believe their capacity is far less.

The AIU also has those tiny screw terminals you need to insert the wires into, due to that huge capacity. (bit of a minus)

Having a DCS setup with multiple TIUs in my collection for "backup" or the "someday layout", I felt it was a good idea to buy a couple more AIUs while they were available.  I'm sure the ASC units are great operationally, but I've already got some old SC-1's and an SC-2 or two that I can use with TMCC/Legacy (and Lionel of course has not announced ceasing operations in June of 2021 as MTH has, so I presume ASC units will probably be available for a while if I feel the need to add a few to my stash... )

-Dave

I am leaning towards the AIU since - as you mentioned - it seems to have more capacity.

I do prefer the MTH DCS over Lionel's LEGACY.

Lionel also makes the amc controller. In my opinion it offers finer motor control and also controls lights. However it is more expensive and it only has four outputs

@trainbob posted:

Lionel also makes the amc controller. In my opinion it offers finer motor control and also controls lights. However it is more expensive and it only has four outputs

That's a good point, the AIU and the ASC units are not for changing the voltage at all, they are strictly for on/off and/or pulses for activating the switch machine motors.

-Dave

I would think it would depend on which system you're actually going to use.  If you're running with the MTH system most of the time, the AIU makes sense, however if you're going to be running mostly Lionel controllers, then the Lionel controls would obviously be a better choice.  You can't control the AIU from the TMCC or Legacy system remote, you can't control the SC2 or ASC from the MTH remote.  You'll end up with a remote in both hands...

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

I would think it would depend on which system you're actually going to use.  If you're running with the MTH system most of the time, the AIU makes sense, however if you're going to be running mostly Lionel controllers, then the Lionel controls would obviously be a better choice.  You can't control the AIU from the TMCC or Legacy system remote, you can't control the SC2 or ASC from the MTH remote.  You'll end up with a remote in both hands...

I prefer the MTH DCS so most likely going with the AIU.

As you mentioned before, will also be getting the SER2 so I can use all the LEGACY stuff with the MTH remote.

All the Legacy engines, but the switches and accessories run by Lionel controllers don't work through the DCS remote.  Things like Fastrack Switches or DZ-2500 TMCC switch machines will only work using a Lionel remote.

If you’re going to run MTH DCS and Lionel TMCC or Legacy, and you don’t Feel a need to access the Legacy features, I’d advise: MTH TIU, AIU, TMCC cab1 with Cab1 remote.

The AIU with the most recent TIU software offers the most control. That said, as @gunrunnerjohn alluded to, there are some things that require the Lionel remote. Further, if you run TMCC or Legacy, you need the cab1 at a minimum anyway and I prefer running my Legacy and TMCC engines with the cab1 remote.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

All the Legacy engines, but the switches and accessories run by Lionel controllers don't work through the DCS remote.  Things like Fastrack Switches or DZ-2500 TMCC switch machines will only work using a Lionel remote.

FastTrack switches do not require a Lionel remote.  I am controlling three older non-command and two command FasTrack switches as well as two O22 switches with an AIU.

I was talking about command control switches Luther.

Yes you can use command control switches - as they operate both in command mode as well as using the wired switch controllers.

You cannot use the wireless command feature of those switches with an AIU but the switches will work fine just wired to the AIU.

It is an important clarification for people that may not be familiar with the FasTrack switches and see the command control switches - as I believe Lionel no longer even offers the non command version of the switches.  For someone looking into using FasTrack they should not steer away thinking they cannot use any FasTrack switches with DCS.

@Luther Stanton posted:

For someone looking into using FasTrack they should not steer away thinking they cannot use any FasTrack switches with DCS.

Valid point and 100% true.