MTH DCS with TMCC/Legacy

Sound like you are doing everything correct. DCS and Legacy operate fine together using their respective remotes just fine. My layout is powered by a modern ZW controller. One wire from the Legacy base added to the output common of the TIU or to the common of the layout. If you want to connect DCS and Legacy together use the required cable and follow Barry's book. You can still use the respective remotes but can have access to the Legacy engines ( in TMCC mode) via the DCS remote if you want. 

If you need to use 2 power sources make sure they are phased. 

Marty, what do you mean by phased?

I do not think I have to use 2 power supplies, I am just not sure how to power the track using both Legacy (TMCC) and DCS with one power supply/transformer.

I would rather not connect the TIU and Legacy together electrically or with the special cable.

Most modern transformers this is probably not going to be an issue as they have a polarized plug. Older transformers without the plug, could be plugged in that when one was putting out the positive half of the AC sine wave, a second transformer could be on the negative half of the cycle. If used on the same track in separate blocks this could create a potential of a high voltage across the block. This was usually solved by flipping the power cord in the outlet. This might help.

Since you listed modern transformers I wouldn't expect you to have any issues.   And depending on your setup, it might not even apply. 

Ah thanks Marty.

Quick question, does the Rev G limit per Barrys book still apply if I want to connect the Legacy base one wire to the TIU like you said?

I have an Atlas with TMCC,so I have to have a Legacy/Tmcc to run the engine?

What would happen if I put in on the track will I damage it?

Thank You

Nothing I can add to what barry had written. He has done a great job. I don't have a copy yet but all the same ideals apply to both Legacy and TMCC when it comes to DCS. 

 You can run DCS & legacy engines on the same track so you just have to supply power to that track.   The second power supply comes into play when  you run out of power . Ex too much track,,,, too many engines.......and if you're maybe using separate loops.

Should not be a problem using an original "G". The blacks are all common to each other.

Thank You

Our layout is setup to run DCS and Legacy. They are independent of each other as we are NOT using the cable that connects the TIU to the Legacy base. We can run a DCS engine, and a TMCC/Legacy on the same loop, using the 2 remotes.

We could connect the 2 systems together with that cable, and that would allow us to run the trains with the DCS remote....but we like to control the different engines separately with their respective remotes.

Depending on your need for power and layout size, you could use 1 power supply with both systems, or 2 power supplies, that doesn't make a difference. What does make a difference as Marty said, be sure they are phased correctly if you use 2 or more power supplies.

The easiest way to do it with 1 transformer/brick is connect the Legacy wire to the common side of the transformer/brick, then run the transformer power through the TIU, on the Fixed 1 Channel. That will power the track and give you control with both systems independently.  

If you run a jumper to Variable 1 Channel(on the input side of the TIU from Fixed 1 to Var 1), and use the Var 1 output, you can also run conventional using the DCS remote, IF YOU WANT. You just have to remember to swap back and forth using the DCS remote, whether you want fixed or variable voltage.

Now if you have separate loops and use multiple transformers/bricks, you could run conventional, DCS, and TMCC/Legacy.

I know it sounds complicated and confusing, but it's actually very simple. I am no electrical wizard, so if I can figure it out, you can too.

Although it has been explained here pretty well already, here's a video that might help further clarify things:

ericstrains DCS-TMCC-Legacy Tutorial

Great youtube channel to subscribe to also!

The easiest way to do it with 1 transformer/brick is connect the Legacy wire to the common side of the transformer/brick, then run the transformer power through the TIU, on the Fixed 1 Channel. 

I strongly suggest that, instead of sending the Legacy signal through the DCS signal generator, you connect the Legacy wire to the Black terminal of each channel output on which you might want to operate Legacy or TMCC engines. It can't do any good at all to send the Legacy signal through the TIU signal generators and it's just as easy to connect the wire to the TIU channel outputs.

Further, be aware that the TIU channel Common lines are not connected internally in any TIUs except for the original, Rev. G, model. I suggest that you connect the wire to all Black terminal TIU channel outputs up[on which you intend to operate Legacy or TMCC engines.

Barry,

If I want to just use both remotes and dont care about using the MTH remote on teh lionel engines, cant I just hook up both teh TIU and Legacy base directly to the track as normal and use each handheld for their respective brands?

Then Nike it and just do it as others have pointed out. 

Then just connect the transformer to the TIU input, and the Legacy common wire to the TIU output as Barry suggested. 

Yes that will work too.

Just to confirm so I dont blow anything up...

If I dont mind using both the Lionel and MTH remotes for their respective brands, I can just connect the TIU and the Legacy Command base to the track the way I always do, with no connection between the TIU and Legacy base, correct?

That will work.