How to connect TMCC & Legacy Together

The legacy system comes with the needed Y cable.

 

Although I find my TMCC engines run better with Legacy

I too do not understand why you don't want to run TMCC engines with Legacy.  TMCC engines respond far better with the Legacy Control, especially when you can set the momentum and run at slower speeds.

As Chris stated there is a cable that came with the Legacy for connecting the two bases. The connection is straight forward and is outlined in the owners manual.

Well my TMCC engines start moving after 2 or 3 speed steps and well I like the TMCC since I have been using it for a few years and I seem to like using it better on my Cab-1 engines.

There are many people out there that for one reason or another like the simplisity of the CAB 1 to that of the CAB 2. Yes you can do more with the CAB 2 but even the easiest of these may be beyond some. This does not mean that the Legacy base is not a worthy upgrade. The added advantages in control of Legacy engines and better communications with the engines of all types are worth the investment. Just be patient with those that want to keep their CAB 1 controls.

 

Al

Have you set your stall speed on the TMCC engines using Legacy, they should start at step 1

Well I played around with it last night got them running right. Plus I still have the TMCC set and instead of it collecting dust while I use Legacy I will hook it up on my new layout when construction begins.

I will follow this thread closely, as I just got back from my LHS with my new Legacy Command Set. I have it wired with the TMCC command base (Dual base Operation) as per the instruction manual, so Cab-1's can be used as well.

 

Power for the layout is Two ZW's, properly phased, common ground.

 

ZW I:  Throttle A is Track 1, the outside loop, upper level.

          Throttle D is Track 2, inside loop, upper level.

 

B and C will be for switches and other upper level accessories.

 

ZW II:  Throttle A controls the Bowser trolleys on Super Streets, lower level.

           Throttle D is for Track 3, the 0-27 loop on lower level. There is a PowerMaster          in this circuit, so conventional can be run on Track 3 from a Cab-1.

 

B and C will be for lower level accessories.

 

Questions I think I know the answer, but am not sure:

 

1) To run conventional trains  from Cab 1 on upper level, will I need to add PowerMaster or TPC to each of A and D circuits on ZW I? (I think answer is "yes.")  I do have 2 more PowerMasters.

 

2) Will I be able to use the Legacy Cab-2 to control any TMCC or Legacy locomotive on any track? (Again, I think answer is "yes.")  

 

3) I should use the Cab-1 for any conventional train, since I do not have a "PowerMaster bridge." (Once more, I think answer is "yes.")

 

You can see the layout as it is today operating over on this weekend's edition of "Weekend at the Movies."

 

So, I will read and learn.  Meanwhile, the Legacy remote is charging......

 

B&OBill

Well I believe to run Cab-1 with Conventional you need a powermaster and a control box Lionel sells( not sure on the name). Also for the Legacy Conventional control I believe you just need a Powermaster.

B&O Bill...

I think you are correct on all your answers.  You do need to watch the wattage on the trains you control via the Powermasters.  I don't have one but my documentation says you have to select either 135w or 180w.

 

When you say you are running ZWs, is that the "new" or the "old"?

Actually, you have that backwards.  The CAB1 communicates directly with the PowerMaster, the Legacy requires the PowerMaster Bridge to work with the PowerMaster.

Oh ok I wasn't sure. It's weird I asked how to connect TMCC/Legacy together and I got my answer plus people telling me that that I shouldn't use TMCC with my Legacy.

You can connect the TMCC command base to the Legacy base as described.  Also, you do realize that you can configure any engine as CAB1 emulation and have the speed control response you're used to having with the CAB1, right?

"you do realize that you can configure any engine as CAB1 emulation and have the speed control response you're used to having with the CAB1, right?"

Yes, gunrunnerjpohn, I did read that. I have been putting my TMCC locomotives into the Legacy system with the generic modules supplied. My only Legacy locomotive is in the repair shop, so I have not yet seen all Legacy can do. I did get the system in part because I wanted to have a remote for each of the three loops, for three operators (grandkids) and I thought it better to have at least one of the current best rather than trying to find a 3rd Cab-1.

I have found out that running the TMCC locomotives from the Cab 2 does give better speed control. I especially like the pre-set speeds feature.  I also found I can run two locomotives on two loops from the Cab-2 simultaneously, switching back and forth between them. 

Even my GG1, with pullmor motors and no flywheel, does better under Cab-2 control. It remains, though, the most-difficult-to control motor. 

Lots to learn, and I see others are making the plunge as well.

I am not sure I have programmed all the features correctly yet, like giving the locomotives names, but things are up and running.

B&OBill

Oh, Eric, they are old ZW's. I have the PowerMasters and the TMCC direct lockon set to 180.

 

B&OBill

My TMCC base and a couple of CAB1 remotes are in a box in my closet.  I use the Legacy, that's just a backup in case my Legacy base craps out, at least I can still run trains.