Lionel Cab 1L compatibility

@Pennsy Johnnie posted:

So, the question is, will a Cab 1L work with my 990 Cab 2 base??  From the videos that I’ve seen, it will work with Base 3, but I didn’t want to presume that it will work with Base 2 as well, especially when the Lionel description keeps referring to compatibility with Base 1.

As always, thoughts from the experts are appreciated. Thanks!

Yes a Cab1L will work with a  Legacy Base 2 (992) and a Base3 when released.  A perfect solution going forward.

@MartyE posted:

Yes a Cab1L will work with a  Legacy Base 2 (992) and a Base3 when released.  A perfect solution going forward.

Well, some would debate it being a "perfect" solution.

I have the full Legacy system and use the Cab 1L as well.

Everything works well together.  Since you already have the Legacy System.....just buy the Cab 1L.

One Base is all you need.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Well, some would debate it being a "perfect" solution.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the plan of running your trains with the CAB-1L handheld remote and the BASE-3.

I find myself reaching for the CAB-1L more often than my Cab-2.  Simplicity, always on, easy on the batteries, runs the trains with all the features I normally use.  I have a Legacy Base, and as others mentioned Cab-1L works just fine.

We just ran the modular layout at Hiller air museum last weekend. The CAB-2 worked to run the trains, but the CAB-1L did not. Is there any reason other than a bad CAB-1L?

Thanks to all for their responses!  Really appreciated!  Now, I just need to find a Cab 1L!  

@RoyBoy posted:

We just ran the modular layout at Hiller air museum last weekend. The CAB-2 worked to run the trains, but the CAB-1L did not. Is there any reason other than a bad CAB-1L?

Most likely suspect is the wrong channel selected on the CAB1L.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Most likely suspect is the wrong channel selected on the CAB1L.

Excellent! How does one set the channel?

Hold SET and press a number from 1 to 9, that selects the channel.  It doesn't have a search like the CAB2, you have to know what channel the command base is on.

Thanks!

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Well, some would debate it being a "perfect" solution.

@Madockawando posted:

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the plan of running your trains with the CAB-1L handheld remote and the BASE-3.

Agree, nothing wrong with it as a cheap way for Lionel to maintain a handheld.  To me, a perfect solution would be a handheld Cab3 that has at least all the functions of a Cab2 but more compact.  Or an upgraded Cab2.  Just keeping the Cab2 in production is far more "perfect" than a limited Cab1L.

@CAPPilot posted:

Agree, nothing wrong with it as a cheap way for Lionel to maintain a handheld.  To me, a perfect solution would be a handheld Cab3 that has at least all the functions of a Cab2 but more compact.  Or an upgraded Cab2.  Just keeping the Cab2 in production is far more "perfect" than a limited Cab1L.

He has a little issue understanding that the CAB1L doesn't offer the capability of the CAB2, someday he'll get it.

@Madockawando posted:

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the plan of running your trains with the CAB-1L handheld remote and the BASE-3.

Agreed. For the OP’s plan for his grand children it’s the perfect solution. Getting a Cab1L will ensure his grandkids can operate trains with Base2 and Base3.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

He has a little issue understanding that the CAB1L doesn't offer the capability of the CAB2, someday he'll get it.

What???  I don't think so.... Anyway, how nice of you to notice again when I say something positive about Lionel and its products!! 

Since you sell Lionel at your store, I'm sure you agree that positive press for Lionel is good for Henning's Trains bottom line... Right!?

Just trying to help you out.

@SantaFeFan posted:

I find myself reaching for the CAB-1L more often than my Cab-2.  Simplicity, always on, easy on the batteries, runs the trains with all the features I normally use.  I have a Legacy Base, and as others mentioned Cab-1L works just fine.

Very interesting and impressive (due to the source ) endorsement of the Cab 1L. 

Just my view, but I have found it to be true in most things that it is hard to overstate the value of simplicity in operational control applications. At home, whether it's the controls on the washing machine or the hifi system or whatever, the control setup that gets me most easily to the object of the control (i.e., starting the washing cycle or listening to the music) is the best. Same with train controllers.

Great Question, and you are getting great answers, and yes, the  Cab 1L Legacy remote is compatible to your Legacy Cab 2 system, all you’ll need to do is change the Cab 1L to the Cab 2’s base frequency, 1-9. So, if the cab 2 base is on frequency 5, you will need to set the cab 1L to frequency 5.
I also have a Question, once I started using the Cab 1L remote on my layout, and set the frequency to match, (I use a TPC 400) to open up my track power. Now that I use both the Cab 2 and Cab 1L, I have to use the Cab 1L to turn on the TPC 400. Why doesn’t the Cab 2 work to turn on my TPC 400 track power controller?
Happy Railroading Everyone

Interesting.  I personally find the Cab-2 easier to use than the Cab-1L.  I don't have to memorize what the buttons do or what switch/accessory number to remember (the Cab 2 tells me), all the functions including that great horn/whistle slider switch, are easy to get at (yes, I am right handed).  I don't have to guess on speed.  And if you look at the picture Soo line posted above, the Cab2 and Cab1L are about the same width so I am not sure why folks complain about size for holding (okay, I do have large hands).

And I do concur with the OP: the Cab-1L is a better choice for those grandkids since it is cheaper, available, and the grandkids probably don't care about all the Legacy features available with the Cab-2.  (NOTE: if you only have TMCC stuff then the Cab-1L is sufficient).