I bought DCS+ Cable TIU/TMCC + SER2 - How to connect all this now?

Depends on if you want to use a remote or the phone app.  The new version, yet to be released, will only be able to use the phone app wireless.  If you want to use a hardware remote it has to be, for now, tethered.  There was some talk from MTH R&D that a possible wifi enabled remote might be produced but that could be a few years away yet.

The current models can use a wireless hardware remote as well as the phone app byadding a WIU which could be difficult but not impossible to locate.  The remotes seem to be available without too much trouble finding.

The remotes are still in retailer's hands, but the TIU is mighty scarce right now as it's been out of production for some time.

As Marty says, if you don't want to be forced to use a smart device as your remote, your only choice is the old TIU.  I really wouldn't hold my breath for a physical remote from MTH, that will be years away if it ever happens.

@MartyE, Thanks!

You were perfect in your answer!
I prefer the remote control, so I will explore options on Ebay!
Or if someone wants to sell here on the forum !

Thank you very much.

The only problem is that the prices are pretty expensive now, but I don't think I'll have a choice!

I would at minimal get a REV "L".  It's the latest.

All of the versions have issues, but I have to agree with Marty, look for the Rev. L unless you get one of the earlier versions at a very good price.  In any case, avoid the Rev. G, that's the one that only has an FCC ID on the bottom, no version mark.

@gunrunnerjohn

If I began watching the TCA and Interchange Track publications for used DCS to buy

what is the product or model number to watch for as you refer to the Rev. L

I thank you much😊

John

There isn't a different product number, so you just have to read the fine print to see if it's the Rev. L.

And you better have deep pockets !

@Leandro Garcia posted:

@MartyE, Thanks!

You were perfect in your answer!
I prefer the remote control, so I will explore options on Ebay!
Or if someone wants to sell here on the forum !

Thank you very much.

I also came late to the DCS game and had to find a set.

If you create a search on Trainz.com they come on pretty regularly.  Yes you will pay a high price, BUT if it has any issues Trainz will take it back , send you a label to ship back and refund everything, including shipping.  So you have 0$ loss.   Just read the description to make sure it is Rev L, they have a lot of older Revs too.  I had to buy 2 sets, one for my O gauge layout and one for my Standard Gauge.  About 4-5 months ago I paid, 500.00 for a TIU/Remote Set Rev L  and 675.00 for a TIU/WIU Set Rev L.   Then I bought a separate remote from Nicholas Smith to go with the WIU set.   Trainz.com is very accurate in their grading.  eBay is a gamble and bigger pain to return things.  Good Luck!

@Sean's Train Depot posted:

I also came late to the DCS game and had to find a set.

If you create a search on Trainz.com they come on pretty regularly.  Yes you will pay a high price, BUT if it has any issues Trainz will take it back , send you a label to ship back and refund everything, including shipping.  So you have 0$ loss.   Just read the description to make sure it is Rev L, they have a lot of older Revs too.  I had to buy 2 sets, one for my O gauge layout and one for my Standard Gauge.  About 4-5 months ago I paid, 500.00 for a TIU/Remote Set Rev L  and 675.00 for a TIU/WIU Set Rev L.   Then I bought a separate remote from Nicholas Smith to go with the WIU set.   Trainz.com is very accurate in their grading.  eBay is a gamble and bigger pain to return things.  Good Luck!

@Sean's Train Depot

Hello, thank you very much for your tip!

I will look at the site! My biggest problem is that I live in São Paulo, Brazil, so it gets a little more complicated!

I was in York in April, but couldn't find anything!

So thanks, I'll look there on their website!

Ahh, I follow your youtube channel, congratulations on your model and your trains!

Guys, one more question !

In my layout I have Legacy Cab#2 + Wifi + Sensor Track, so What should I buy to have both systems are working together Legacy + DCS ?

I think that I'll need:

50-1032 DCS/Legacy/TMCC Cable - Special DCS Cable that connects the DCS TIU to the Lionel LCS SER2

Lionel LCS SER2 - Lionel's WiFi receiver accepts commands from the M.T.H. DCS TIU Track Interface Unit and relays those signals to the Lionel Legacy Base.

Am I correct?

Thanks

@Leandro Garcia posted:

Guys, one more question !

In my layout I have Legacy Cab#2 + Wifi + Sensor Track, so What should I buy to have both systems are working together Legacy + DCS ?

I think that I'll need:

50-1032 DCS/Legacy/TMCC Cable - Special DCS Cable that connects the DCS TIU to the Lionel LCS SER2

Lionel LCS SER2 - Lionel's WiFi receiver accepts commands from the M.T.H. DCS TIU Track Interface Unit and relays those signals to the Lionel Legacy Base.

Am I correct?

Thanks

Lionel's WiFi doesn't do anything in the DCS / Legacy integration.  It only communicates with Lionel WiFi Apps.

The main Lionel device here besides the Legacy base will be the SER2.  The TIU will connect to the SER2 using the cable you have listed.  This will allow the DCS remote to control Legacy / TMCC in TMCC mode only.  If you are using MTH's wifi app you will have about 95% Legacy commands.  There are very few Legacy commands MTH's app can't address.

Hi Guys!

I bought DCS and TIU/TMCC cable more SER2.

I my layout I have 180w powerhouse + TMMC Lockon + Wifi + IRV2

My question is how I put the TIU in my system? I should remove TMCC Lockon our not?

I don't know how to connect all this!

I need help guys !

Thank you !!

My diagram:

Here's the basic hookup for your current set-up:

1. Connect 180W PH/TMCC Lock-on to TIU Fixed 1 input (you can keep the Lock-on; it makes wiring the PH to the TIU easier).

2. Connect Fixed 1 output on TIU to track.

3. Connect Legacy signal wire to TIU outputs. Connecting Legacy signal wire to inputs will cause interference.

4. Connect LCS SER2 to the rest of your LCS modules with a PDI Cable.

5. Connect SER2 Computer Port to TIU Computer Port together with DCS-TMCC/Legacy Connector Cable.

That's basically it. Piece of cake.

Here's a guide on MTH's website that will help you visualize how to do the hookup:

@Dylan the Train Man Perfect !

Thank you very much!

I had doubts whether to remove the TMCC Lockon, but now it is clear!

I made the right purchases.

Just make sure you do NOT put the TMCC Direct Lockon past the TIU outputs, it kills the DCS signal.  As long as it's on the input side of the TIU, it's not a problem.

@Dylan the Train Man posted:

Here's the basic hookup for your current set-up:

1. Connect 180W PH/TMCC Lock-on to TIU Fixed 1 input (you can keep the Lock-on; it makes wiring the PH to the TIU easier).

2. Connect Fixed 1 output on TIU to track.

3. Connect Legacy signal wire to TIU outputs. Connecting Legacy signal wire to inputs will cause interference.

4. Connect LCS SER2 to the rest of your LCS modules with a PDI Cable.

5. Connect SER2 Computer Port to TIU Computer Port together with DCS-TMCC/Legacy Connector Cable.

That's basically it. Piece of cake.

Here's a guide on MTH's website that will help you visualize how to do the hookup:

Hi, guys!

I think the final design of the connections is

Leandro, IMO the TMCC Direct Lock-on serves no useful purpose in this configuration.  The Powerhouse 180 has an excellent circuit breaker, and my experience with the TMCC Direct Lock-on was that it had the propensity to falsely trip at times for no reason.  I removed them from my configuration and I don't miss them at all.  If you want to put something more useful than the TMCC Direct Lock-on there, put a TVS protection diode across those leads.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Leandro, IMO the TMCC Direct Lock-on serves no useful purpose in this configuration.  The Powerhouse 180 has an excellent circuit breaker, and my experience with the TMCC Direct Lock-on was that it had the propensity to falsely trip at times for no reason.  I removed them from my configuration and I don't miss them at all.  If you want to put something more useful than the TMCC Direct Lock-on there, put a TVS protection diode across those leads.

@gunrunnerjohn, thanks!

Uh, interesting that!
Where can I buy TVS protection ?
How do I install them?
Thanks !

The TVS I use is 1500W 33.3V TVS at Digikey.  It's connected right across the power feeds from hot to common.

Not quite the same, but here's a pic of my electrical board that might help.

There are two sets of power wires (blue and white) coming from my Z-4000 to the fixed inputs of the TIU on its right side and out to two MTH distribution blocks on the top left for connecting to the tracks.

Hi, Guys!

A last question!

Can I connectar the SER2 in empty port of the IRV2?

I know that WIFI must be the fisrt and my second is IRV2 and now my third would be SER2!

Am I correct?

Thanks !

Don't see why not, if it doesn't work, move it up the chain.

Thanks guys for all the help!

I made a step by step video to conclude this post and help future installations and questions.