Lionel Cab 1 remote control and switches

No, a CAB1 controller only (no matching TMCC base installed) does not transmit a radio signal that a command switch can directly receive.

It goes like this: CAB1 remote 27MHz, to matching TMCC base (not a powermaster, the TMCC base) which then transmits the 455KHz that then the command fastrack switch can receive.

@GLA posted:

Does the Lionel Cab 1 remote controller--- control/operate the  part nos. 6-81946 &47 right and left 036 remote/command switches ok ? Basically I have mobility problems and am trying to run trains, operate switches etc. remotely.

Is there a more modern WI-FI or Bluetooth system by MRC or other to accomplish this ? No, because your trains all appear to be older versions- possible AC pulmor motors style universal AC motors that draw higher currents and thus bluetooth and MRC systems do not work with those motors.

All trains are conventional vs. modern engines.

So, you need a CAB1 remote, a matching TMCC Base, and a TMCC Powermaster or a later Legacy Powermaster.

• Again, in order for the CAB1 remote to operate TMCC compatible switches (AKA Command switches) you need a command base

http://www.lionel.com/products...ommand-base-6-12911/

Also sold as a set of CAB1 remote and matching base http://www.lionel.com/products...command-set-6-12969/

• In order to run conventional trains via remote control without converting every single train- you use a Powermaster to vary the track voltage and apply DC offsets for whistle and bell signals- again done remotely using command control.

The original powermaster gets it's control signal on 27MHz directly from the CAB1 remote (not through the TMCC base) however the later Legacy powermaster conversely does need and requires a base because it only receives the 455KHz TMCC/Legacy signal, not the 27MHZ the CAB1 remote transmits. Again, since you need a base to ALSO operate your TMCC command switches, you could use either version because you would have both signals present.

Original Powermaster http://www.lionel.com/products...powermaster-6-24130/

Later more recent Legacy Powermaster http://www.lionel.com/products...powermaster-6-37146/

You also may need a power cable, to connect your existing power source (transformer) to either version of the powermaster.

http://www.lionel.com/products...apter-cable-6-12893/

Thank you for the direction. Severral times a "matching" tmcc base has been mentioned. I have Cab-1 remotes so if I find trainmaster command center---it will be matching ?

Thanks

@GLA posted:

Thank you for the direction. Severral times a "matching" tmcc base has been mentioned. I have Cab-1 remotes so if I find trainmaster command center---it will be matching ?

Thanks

The CAB1 remote and TMCC base are both set on the remote to base frequency "channel" by old school quarts crystals for those familiar with Radio Control items in the 1990s. They were shipped with a factory matched set of crystals and most should be on the default set. That said, this stuff was made around 1996 and on (unsure of exact year they stopped) so you are buying used equipment, either online or at shows.

You simply test to see if the remote it talking to the base such that when you press the whistle/horn button on the remote- the Base LED blinks showing it just received the command.

Highly suggest you go over here to Lionel Support and pull down some of these PDF manuals and maybe watch the videos.

https://www.lionelsupport.com/TMCC-Command-Base

Example- the "The complete guide to command control" https://www.lionelsupport.com/...ents/71-2911-250.pdf

It is pretty slick how the TMCC system throws the command switches, no extra wiring required.

That’s the one reason I like fasttrack  0-36 switches . no need for SC-1 SC-2 .

Thanks to all of ya !

The original TMCC Command Set controls Fastrack Switches and the Cab1 handheld from that set is my goto device for throwing switches.  Muscle memory means I don't have to stare at a display to enter a switch command, my fingers find the buttons by feel.

The Cab1 remote must have the associated TMCC Command Base to send the "track signal" out to the switches.  I presume the O.P. has the Cab1 but no TMCC Base.

Re: "if I find trainmaster command center---it will be matching ?" - make sure you have the correct SKU:

The TMCC Base Only (no Cab1) is 6-12911 and comes with a three-pronged power adapter.

The 6-12969 Trainmaster Command Set has three components: the Cab1 handheld, the TMCC Command Base, and the three-pronged power adapter.

If you locate those SKUs used, make sure the 3-prong power adapter is included.

There is another "Trainmaster" SKU that will NOT control switches - the 6-12867 Trainmaster Command PowerMaster.  That box varies the power to the track to run conventional locos, but it does not provide the TMCC track signal for switches.

Thanks

I wish I could find it all, and having no luck, being a rookie. I understand there are Cab 1 remotes that do not matchup to some Trainmaster TMCC's .? I have two Cab1 remotes, two Powermasters ,2 180 bricks and was hoping one Trainmaster or Legacy Trainmaster would work if I could find one???  Key for me is operating remote----Lionel systems look to be rare.

But thank you for the advise.

Search for a TMCC Base 6-12911 and make sure the seller provides the 3-prong power adapter.

Try the “bay”, they have one listed

Made the offer--thanks.

Is the Cab 1L Legacy a better remote for sensitive speed control ?

Thank you so much for all the help

GOT IT

Thanks

Re: Is the Cab 1L Legacy a better remote for sensitive speed control ?

I don't see a reference to 200 speed steps in the Cab1L manual, so the Cab1L is probably limited to the basic 32 speed steps provided by TMCC.  The Cab1L allows for the quilling whistle which uses commands specified in the TMCC2 protocol.

From your description of your gear, you have two Command PowerMasters which recieve commands directly from the Cab1 handheld.  You need to add a TMCC Base (6-12911) to send the track signal that TMCC-equipped locos, switches, and accessories receive.

Legacy equipped locos are backwards compatible with TMCC, but many new Legacy features require the controllers use the Legacy (aka TMCC2) communications protocol for the track signal.  The 990 Legacy Base and Cab2 sets enable the new protocol.  The Cab1L handheld allows only parts of the new protocol to be used.  The original Cab1 and TMCC Base do not support the Legacy protocol.

The 990 base and Cab1L sets are out of production and very pricey on the secondary market.  Lionel's Base3 is promised to be shipped in August.

Unfortunately, even if you purchase the Legacy 990 set or a Cab1L set, or the new Base3, your Command PowerMasters won't work because the newer gear does not use the 27Mhz signal of the original Cab1s.  You would have to replace the Command PowerMasters with the newer Legacy PowerMasters to retain your current functionality with the new bases.

So if you are satisfied running conventional locos with the PowerMasters, the best way to provide the TMCC track signal out to the switches is to find a TMCC Base (6-12911)  (or the 6-12969 Trainmaster Command Set).  The TMCC Base is reliable (mine was acquired in 1996) so a used copy is likely good.  Make sure it comes with the 3-prong power adapter.

Thank you so much for the guidance----6-12911 is on the way !    A slow grandpa is more mobile !

This is the cheapest one I could find on the NOTE:  EBAY LINK REMOVED PER OGR TOS. Of course it doesn’t include the ac adapter.  I know ( in the case of the ac adapter), it’s 12V 100ma on the one supplied , but I’m not sure on the tip polarity .