Layout Control

I have the newer LCS Controls and I use fastrack command switches.  I love being able to control everything from my cab2 remote.  No need to wire a control panel.  If you have an iPad, you could get the wifi model and make a virtual control panel using the LCS app.  

Howdy SINCLAIR,

My suggestion would be to purchase "The DCS O Gauge Companion" by Barry Broskowitz if you are even remotely thinking about running DCS Control on your layout.   However, TMCC/Legacy are not controlled with DCS.   They are controlled via a signal similar to a remote control airplane (this is the best analogy I can think of right now) whereas, DCS sends the commands to the locomotives through the rails.  The beauty of both systems is that they "play" well together if both are installed on your layout.  I'm sure there are other ways of accomplishing this but this is what I have installed on my layout and I'm as happy as a clam with them.   A little pricy, if you install both, but you have the best of both worlds.   As an aside, you can operate both your Lionel TMCC/Legacy and your MTH DCS equipment together on the same track at the same time without any issues.   IMHO it IS the way to go if you have both Lionel TMCC/Legacy and MTH DCS.  BTW, you can run conventional as well with this set-up.  Just sayin'.

Chief Bob (Retired)

I agree with pufferbelly. I started with TMCC. When DCS came out I added that. And when Legacy came along I added that too. Now I have the option to run everything...............Paul

This isn't about adding DCS or not, it's about using the Lionel ASC to remotely control things.  And there will be no tablet/phone control of my layout, ever.  My phone is for making phone calls, not controlling my layout.  Glad to know you find it better to control everything from the Cab handheld Miken.

I know I'll be doing some shorting and switching of cars rather regularly, but won't have any uncoupler sections of track, so my hands are going to be over the layout anyway (After rereading my post, I seemed to omit that.).  Therefore I was wondering if it would be any benefit to have TMCC controlled switches and spur power if I'll be right there next to said switches and spur where I can push buttons and flip switches.

If you are running any conventional locos, then it is important that the turnouts which control train routing be controlled remotely--otherwise you will find yourself stopping the train, walking to the turnout to align it, walking back to the transformer to run the train thru, walking back to the turnout to re-align it, walking back to the transformer to run your train again. No fun.

Spurs, on the other hand, do not need to be remotely controlled, since, like you say, you are going to be standing right there to uncouple the cars. But you will want them within arm's reach of the transformer, or else you are going to find yourself walking back and forth again, or else only switching with command-equipped engines. Alternatively, you can control conventional engines with the Cab1: I use a Lionel PowerMaster (there are better solutions available, but I don't know much about those). Since I only use it for remote cab control when switching, I didn't buy one for each block, like they recommend. I have just one, and I use a toggle switch on the control panel to take it in or out of series with the transformer output. When I am done switching, I turn the block back over to conventional control.

As far as how to control the turnouts remotely, I favor hard-wiring them to a control panel. (This way you push only one button to throw the switch; and the button is right on the layout map. Also, I find the soldering relaxing  Your mileage may vary on that one, tho!) If you use a switch motor which can also be thrown by hand, then you won't be tied to the control panel when running command-equipped trains.

I started out to planning automate my layout using AIU's (I had only DCS at the time), but I did not yet have an AIU. I wanted to get things running ASAP so I installed all the #56 manual switch controls and added toggles for power to my sidings and spurs. I am also using Atlas track and switches. It has now been just about 2 years and I find the manual control to be ideal for me, I like having the manual controls. I still don't have an AIU, but I have added a Legacy system.

I am planning to expand the layout and will probably add an AIU or two, but I will also definitely be leaving the manual controls in place. My plan now would be to use the AIU for routing and accessories and everything else would still be manual if I needed it.

I realize this is not about DCS, but I think the others above are trying to tell you to wire now for DCS if you plan to ever add it later on. DCS seems to be a little more particular about how it is wired. Considering that now may save you some headaches later on if you ever do add DCS. I did the opposite as you are doing and started with DCS. I wired my layout following the guidelines in Barry's book, The DCS Companion, and then added Legacy later on. The Legacy add was a very simple one wire connection and it works perfectly as does my DCS system. Other than 'operator error' I have had no problems with the operation of either system.

I would install the LCS components - ASC2 for the turnouts, and BPC2 for power to the spurs and any blocks you design into the main loops.  In addition to having the control panel in your hand (CAB2) so you can control trains from anywhere around the layout, you reduce the amount of wiring and long cable runs back to a fixed control panel if your ASC2s are sited near the devices they control.   I run modular layouts so a lot of fixed wiring to a control panel is not feasible, but the LCS components allow me to pre-wire turnouts into our yard turnouts to ASC2s located on the underside of the modules.  Automation of the modules is simplified to connecting the LCS control cable and power.

Both the ASC2 and BPC2 require 14-16v power to drive the relays inside the boxes.  You can use an inexpensive power brick (recommended) or connect to your terminal C.

Yes, there will not be any central control panel.  As for conventional locomotives, being I have a ZW-C, I use my Cab-1 handheld to adjust track voltage, so there will be no walking to and from the transformer handles.  As for DCS, I understand about wiring beforehand for it, so I guess I should of stated so.  Thanks.