Legacy #993 Conversion to a Legacy with data port

The 993 is merely a "second handheld" with a charging base, that does not store any loco data or transmit signals.

Typically you would start a layout with the 990 which has a charging base with data storage and transmitting capability to operate the locos. The 993's would be added later depending on how many additional remotes you want.

Only 1 legacy base can be used per layout, and that base comes with the 990.

The remotes on the 990 and 993 are the same. You "could" add just the 990 base on the outside chance somebody was selling just the base which is not likely.

The easiest thing to do would be to purchase an new 990, and then you'll have and extra remote with the 993. If you don't need the 993 you could always sell it.

The bonus with the #993 charging base is it doesn't abuse the remote like charging it in the #990 command base does.  The extra heat of the #990 electronics gets the remote very warm when charging, so I use the #993 to do the charging, and I have the charger in the #990 turned off.

I use the 993 for charging as well. It had to go back for a charging upgrade once (about 5 or 6 years ago) and it still would just shut down with no lights etc. I traced that issue to a faulty full wave regulator chip, replaced that, and it's been great for cool charging.