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5 replies

Need Help Getting Started-TMCC

keyroutekenkeyroutekenOGR Forum Member

Ok Guys-- this ol' coot model railroader needs some assistance.  Have been building my tubular O-gauge layout in my living room with my general manager's permission !  Currently running three transformers. (ZW, KW, LW) All phased correctly !  LW supplies 14 and 18V for various lights and accessories.  LEFT throttle of KW operates siding/large trolley loop on Level 1.  RIGHT throttle of KW is currently spare !t  LEFT throttle of ZW operates Outer Mainline loop.  RIGHT throttle of ZW operates Inner Mainline loop.

Left small throttle of ZW supplies 15 V  adjusted juice for all Switch voltage plugs + Hell Gate lights + 153 type sigs...

Right small throttle of ZW operates the small reverse loop only, in the Trolley Yard.

Now then, this entire explanation is Conventional mode  !

 

This past weekend, I was a dealer at a 2-day train show in Chehalis, WA.  In shopping around, one of our reputable dealers was selling a bunch of Fastrack stuff for a widow lady whose husband passed away three years ago !  He was also selling some TMCC Cab-1 appliances...  My buddy Ray (Lionel SC 749) has been trying to get me to try TMCC or LEGACY stuff for a while to protect fancy locomotives with sensitive electronics within !

 

SO,  for $ 100.00 yesterday, I got:  A TMCC Cab-1, a TMCC Command Base, a TMCC PowerMaster and a CW-80 looking Controllers..  I bought a new adapter cord from Ray for $ 20.00 !  Sound OK so far ??

 

I'm looking at the diagram on Page 42 of the Lionel Fastrack book on how to hook them up !  Otherwise I don't have a clue !   So NOW, oh worthy rail brethren,  if I hook this stuff up to operate my mainline OUTER loop which normally operates from that large LEFT ZW throttle, am I going to have to duplicate all the ingredients and feed them from the large RIGHT ZW throttle ??  In other words, another PowerMaster, another Cab-1, another Command Base, etc., etc. !!

Please be so gracious as to respond to this quiz!  Trying to save money right now til I see how it works ! (TMCC,et al)

 

AND, are there any publications on the market that really delve into this type of control for model trains ?

 

Cheers.

 

Ken Shattock  (KRK)

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Mike CTMike CTOGR Forum Member

You will find that the command base simply hooks to an outside common rail (one wire), providing signal in just about all outside rail that is hook together. Each unit/locomotive that has TMCC components also has an antenna that should connect with the RF signal imposed on the outside rails.  With the Cab1 and some engine ID numbers, you should be in business.  

Best wishes.   Mike CT  . 

 

 

Here is a link to the manual that was part of the TMCC Command base/Cab1 set.

The Complete Guide to Command Control.   Manual number (71-2911-250).   From the Lionel website.  Click on the underlined phrase to link.  There should be 48 pages of information, a very good resource, even with the newer Legacy control system available. IMO.   Everything from track hook-up to advanced multiple unit/locomotive operation.

Again, Best wishes.   Mike CT  

Last edited by Mike CT
keyroutekenkeyroutekenOGR Forum Member

Hi Everybody--  Thanks for your responses regarding my TMCC questions.  I've been doing extensive studying and I think I understand now.  If you refer to my original thesis posted above, I would need to do the following modifications to my layout :

 

The various throttle outputs of my beloved "ZW" would attach to a 'PowerMaster' unit via the special adapter cord..   This would be THREE PowerMaster units.  The LEFT throttle of the "KW" would go to a fourth PowerMaster unit, again, with the special adapter cord.  The "U" terminal of all four PowerMaster units would be daisy-chained together and connected to the "U" terminal of the Command Base as well as terminal #2 of the various block CTC-Lockons.  The "A" terminal of EACH PowerMaster unit would attach to terminal #1 of the respective block CTC-Lockon.

 

The pertinent TRACK ID number  (1, 2, 3, 4, etc) would be set for each Power Master unit.   Power would be applied.  I'd pour myself a Coors..  And strategic operations would commence at Kenny's place !   (How am I doing so far ??)

 

Last question:   Since I currently have those Mouser "TVS" diodes installed everywhere, is THAT going to upset the applecart ???

 

And, in closing, will TMCC or Conventional engines BOTH be able to run ??

Again, many muchos of thanks for your time in answering this ol' coot's questions !!

 

Cheers.

Ken Shattock  (KRK)

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