Installing ERR Cruise Commander M

I recently posted a question about ERR installation in a PRR 0-6-0 with sloped back tender. It has tmcc but not cruise so it runs not quite as smooth as my Lionel PRR consolidation that I had someone retrofit  with ERR. Someday I would like to try diy. I am a little intimidated but I think I can do it . Reading instructions is one thing, but watching a video of the install and the parts coming together helps me get closer to understanding. Look forward to seeing your progress . 

The K-Line Mikado is an easy install. Remove to connectors from the old motor driver. Remove the 4 screws from the power devices, remove the old board, install the Cruise M with the screws provided (may be longer than the ones you just removed), and reconnect the two connectors. In addition you will have to solder the wire on the 10 pin connector to pin 24 of the R2LC connector. It should be very similar to the Allegheny.

Pete

The B6 is a harder installation because you need to modify board and heat sink to get it to fit.  The Mikado is easier.  Transfer heat sink, solder a wire as shown.  Enjoy cruise.   I do installations if needed and can sell product.   G

With Pete's terrific help I was able to install it. After I was able to understand the terminology it was quick and simple. The engine runs great and it is something I would do again.

Thanks again Pete.

Ken

Has anyone installed a cruise commander in a Lionel TMCC Pennsylvania T1?  It is a large engine and I am intimidated to try it. How do you know which commander to order for it?  Is it a difficult installation?

Would be easy.  Order Cruise M for IR Tether.  G

You want the following one from the ERR order form: Cruise Commander M Kit - Steamer kit (all versions)

dandeo50 posted:

Has anyone installed a cruise commander in a Lionel TMCC Pennsylvania T1?  It is a large engine and I am intimidated to try it. How do you know which commander to order for it?  Is it a difficult installation?

 

Talk to ERR (when they get back from vacation) and see if you still need to add the cable with the built in amplifier to power the infrared tether. The earlier Cruise M needed this.

Since that time (several years ago) ERR MAY have redesigned the Cruise M so that this external amplifier/cable is no longer needed. But be sure to tell them what loco you are retrofitting and ask them about the cable.

No cable required, that's why I was specific as to what item to order.  The current steamer kit works with the IR tether with no additional issues.

RoyBoy posted:

dandeo50 posted:

Has anyone installed a cruise commander in a Lionel TMCC Pennsylvania T1?  It is a large engine and I am intimidated to try it. How do you know which commander to order for it?  Is it a difficult installation?

 

Talk to ERR (when they get back from vacation) and see if you still need to add the cable with the built in amplifier to power the infrared tether. The earlier Cruise M needed this.

Since that time (several years ago) ERR MAY have redesigned the Cruise M so that this external amplifier/cable is no longer needed. But be sure to tell them what loco you are retrofitting and ask them about the cable.

Old news, they modified the boards to eliminate the connector, which is no longer sold either.  G

Can someone please upload a photo showing which pin exactly is pin no.24? I’m trying to do this exact upgrade on the K-Line Scale Hudson #5343. Thank you. 

Hopefully this helps....

Find the square pin on the R2LC, that's pin #1.  On the other end of the connector on the opposite row is pin #24.  The pins are numbered odd-even back and forth down the two rows of pins.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwDYAypYVp8

Ralph M posted:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwDYAypYVp8

Cool video. Thanks for sharing. Looks doable. Only confused on two things:

1) in the video it says to put the blue wire with socket #1 on the 24 pin. I thought I read somewhere above someone said to put one of the wires to socket # 24 of the 24 pin?? Which is correct?

2) what do I do with the green wire from that 10 pin connector? Thanks.

...unfortunately when I ordered these boards - a manual was not included

You can download the manual from the 3rd Rail website.  ERR User Manuals at 3rd Rail. Here's the direct link to the CC_M manual: ERR Cruise Commander M Instruction Manual.

Note that there are two firmware versions of the CC-M, and if you have the Odyssey one, the green wire on pin 2 has the diesel ramp-up signal, if you have the steam or plain diesel one, the green wire is a repeat of the serial data and is intended to buffer it for additional drive.