Newbie help needed...

Yes to control the Lionel Command switches you need Lionel TMCC or Legacy command base. Connected to TIU.   G

Eric,

   I run FasTrack Command Control Switches thru out my FT layout, in order for you to run FT CC switches off track power and completely wireless, you will need either the Legacy Cab2 or the TMCC Cab1 units.  It you want to run wires to the DCS AIU you can then run them thru the DCS hand held remote control.  Which IMO is actually stepping backwards in technology.   If you have the money invest in the 990 Legacy, FT CC is just fantastic using the Legacy Cab2. 

PCRR/Dave 

Thanks Dave, so to be clear...

MTH DCS remote, TIU, and Legacy 990... Then I can control the fastrack switches via the MTh remote?  so, no need for AIU. 

the plan was to run the switches on a constant 14v, independent of the track voltage. Does that change the equation at all?

Eric

Eric,

   No sir, if you want to run wireless, you run the FT CC switches from the Legacy Cab2

remote control, via track power.  If you want to run them from the DCS remote control you must run wires from the switches to the DCS AIU.  I like the wireless operation myself.  IMO it is best to run FT CC switches with the Legacy Cab2 remote control, however if you want to go the cheaper route, pick up an old TMCC Cab1 unit, it will also control the FT CC switches from the Cab1 remote control.

PCRR/Dave

Eric,

Don't want to muddy the water, but I do run my switches with the MTH Remote and the AIU.  I also have a conventional control panel where I can operate with buttons.

To me wireless can be operating with a remote, which is a wireless controller. (but there ARE wires connected between the switch and the AIU, or in my case also to the control panel.)

OR,

Wireless can be without ANY wires connected to the switches other than the power wire.

Its a simple matter of choice.  I opted for the MTH AIU because I can control 10 switches on the AIU, compared to 6 on the Lionel unit for the same price.  (Also 10 accessories compared to 4 on the SCC)

Don C,

    I do not know which Lionel remote control you are talking about however the Legacy Cab2 can control many many Command Control switches, 99 I believe is the total number operable from the Legacy Cab2.  I ran the DCS AIU with my switches for many years, it does work very well from the hand held remote control, but not as well or as many, as with the legacy Cab2.  In fact I sold both my AIU's because of the purchase of the Legacy.

PCRR/Dave

EricBuzz,

You can wire the Command switches to the AIU and operate them via DCS. Look on the bottom. You will see the connectors. They are where the manual controller connects.

You can also wire in the manual controller levers.

You also have the option of operating them with a Legacy system if you add that in the future.

Follow the wiring directions in the DCS Companion book for a FasTrack remote switch.

welcome to the club, enjoy the trains.

you are in the right place for Toy Train

related help and advice!!!

Don C,

   I definitely agree with Moonman, I always us the manual controls with my FT CC Switches, I place them track side, beside each switch for instant switch number recognition, as I control them from the Legacy Cab2 remote control. 

PCRR/Dave