Neighbor who is building his first layout, has several engines with TMCC, Legacy and MTH. I maybe wrong, but is MTH DCS the only one that has a control sytem that will run TMCC and MTH in remote control? I told him that Lionel doesn't have a compatible sytem yet. Was I right?
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Oh boy, better get the beer and popcorn ready!
Oh boy, better get the beer and popcorn ready!
I've got mine ready. Let the bun-fight begin. 
Ok. I guess when you been running only conventional, and someone asks for help, one shouldn't come here. Especially a newbie, Sorry I asked. I'll tell him to wait till we go to Hobby Shop in Orlando and ask there. Sorry to bother, please pull this post.
Yes, you are right.
DCS will operate PS2/PS3 MTH locomotives, as well as Lionel TMCC and Legacy locomotives (both of the latter with somewhat more limited feature access than the full TMCC or Legacy systems). You will, however, need a Lionel base unit (TMCC or Legacy) to operate both brands together, along with a connecting cord (available from MTH dealers).
Legacy and TMCC will not operate MTH PS2/PS3 in command mode.
My personal recommendation is, for those who, like me, enjoy both Lionel and MTH locomotives (and some other TMCC brands as well) to have both the MTH DCS and the Lionel Legacy systems, With Legacy, you have the choice of the full Legacy system or the CAB-1L/BASE-1L combo, which controls all the basic functions of Legacy but not all of the more sophisticated features.
I currently use MTH DCS and Lionel's CAB-1L/BASE-1L combo. Both systems play well together.
I am not going to pull the thread because the information I provided to you answers your logical question in a logical and forthright way.
The simple answer is yes, MTH's DCS remote can control all three (TMCC, Legacy, and Protosound 2.0/3.0) in command mode, while TMCC, Legacy cannot.
However:
In order for DCS to do that, it requires the TMCC or Legacy command base to be connected with a special serial cable for it do do that. Otherwise the only way you can control TMCC/Legacy is via conventional control using the variable outputs on the DCS TIU.
When Legacy came out, Lionel decided to keep the Legacy-specific command codes proprietary, so DCS will not be able to operate those specific features but can still run Legacy engines in TMCC mode.
As to TMCC & Legacy, they can control ProtoSound 2.0 & 3.0 engines, including the built-in conventional commands (couplers, PFA, etc.) if you have a TPC or the new Legacy Powermaster. However it can only run them in conventional mode, similar to DCS without the command base.
Lionel published their TMCC command codes so that's how MTH is able to run both systems with their single remote. MTH has not published their command codes (to maintain a competitive advantage) so that's what prevents Lionel from designing DCS command compatibility into their own system (they would probably have to use the TIU anyway like DCS does with Lionel's command bases).
Hey josef,
Don't get discouraged, I don't know anything about MTH so I am not qualified to help you, but there are plenty of people on here that can and will help you.
I don't believe the comments were in any way meant to be derogatory towards you, I think its just a hot button topic.
Hi Josef,
Please don't take offense. It's just that a statement like yours has been known to incite open warfare among some of the more partisan members of this forum.
To answer your question though. Although DCS can operate Legacy and TMCC via its remote, you don't have full compatibility, and many Legacy features are unavailable.
Lionel Legacy & TMCC remotes cannot operate MTH systems (Apart from in conventional mode.) due to DCS not being shared in the same way that the TMCC (And soon Legacy.) system is.
If your friend has models using Legacy, TMCC and DCS, then the best bet is to buy both systems. They do play well together.
Josef,
The fact is that, when one connects the Lionel command base for either one of the TMCC or Legacy command bases, the DCS Remote is capable of operating any of the three command locomotive types: DCS (PS2 or PS3), TMCC or Legacy.
There are, however, some caveats:
This and a whole lot more is all in MTH’s “The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store!
There is NO "best" or "one size fits all" command control system, no matter what others may try to lead you to believe. BOTH the Lionel and MTH systems have their own sets of advantages and limitations. Again, having both is well worth the investment and you'll be able to enjoy command control without regard to brand loyalty and other such nonsense.
It shouldn't be a "hot button" topic at all, except to those who simply refuse to remove their blinders.
Thank you. I have 2 Lionel in TMCC, but run them conventional. My friend has gotten the craze and won several engines on E-Bay, Lionel and MTH, and wants to run them remote. But didn't realize that they weren't compatible and wanted to not have to purchase different control systems when maybe one would do the work. Thank you, I'm copying this and will pass it on. Thanks again, and I apoligize.
You have absolutely nothing to apologize for. You posted a perfectly appropriate question.
If your buddy got hooked on trains watching you operating conventional, here's my "dumb" question. Would operating conventional mode via remote control qualify as remote control for your buddy? In which case you can get a remotely controlled conventional transformer that will operate any brand engine...speed/direction, blow horn, operate bell.
Sure, you don't get the many cool features of command control but as others are pointing out there is no unified system that offers complete control over both systems. It's technically possible for there to be a unified system but marketing/business issues, discussed ad nauseam in other threads, preclude this at this time. I am hopeful that the answer to your perfectly rational question will change with time.
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