Question about classic TMCC

You can use any transformer with the TMCC command base as long as it provides enough AC power for the locomotives you are using.  The CW-80 will be fine it if is operating your trains now.

You connect the one wire from the TMCC command base to any point of one of the outside rails.  Doesn't matter which one or where. You can connect that wire to one of the two posts on the CW-80 if that works for you.   As long as the radio frequency signal from the TMCC base is connected to the outside rail somewhere, you should be good.  Indeed, just having the command base and wire near the layout seems to work most of the time, but a robust electrical connection is best for transmission of the command signal. 

Probably the easiest and most reliable way to connect directly with Fastrack (as opposed to the CW-80 outputs) is to connect to one of the posts on the underside of the track that represents one of the two outside rails.  This will require a connector that fits the post.  This is a push fit and you can find the specifications by searching for posts on Fastrack connections.   Costs pennies per connection.  You also can test this by connecting the command base wire to either of the two outside rails by simply wrapping the exposed wire around one of the outside rails or using a electrical clip of any sort.  If you cannot find posts on this, I'll post a photo when I'm home this weekend.

The Command Base is completely separate from the layout power.  It only makes one connection to the layout, and it is for signal propagation, not power.

So you would need to determine if your power supply(ies) are adequate for the equipment you intend to operate. A CW80 is OK for a basic set not really exceeding one loco and a few lighted cars. In any case, the track voltage should be run at the nominal 18 volts AC as you indicated.

@ADCX Rob posted:

The Command Base is completely separate from the layout power.  It only makes one connection to the layout, and it is for signal propagation, not power.

So you would need to determine if your power supply(ies) are adequate for the equipment you intend to operate. A CW80 is OK for a basic set not really exceeding one loco and a few lighted cars. In any case, the track voltage should be run at the nominal 18 volts AC as you indicated.

What if you have an 8x8 layout with the outer loop being bigger than the other loop? I also should’ve added this in but I’m trying to run two trains on two different loops.(not at the same time) What would you recommend for this type of operation to work?

"What if you have an 8x8 layout with the outer loop being bigger than the other loop? I also should’ve added this in but I’m trying to run two trains on two different loops.(not at the same time) What would you recommend for this type of operation to work?"

The size of the layout shouldn't matter all that much as you can always run additional (parallel) wires to distant points of the layout to accommodate any power loss.  This is a better way to operate than just increasing input power at one point by increasing the wattage of the transformer.  If you are only operating one loco at a time, the CW80 should be fine.  You can connect the CW80 to the two separate loops and only operate one loop at a time if that's what you are planning.

The TMCC command base signal could be connected to a transformer output or one of the outside rails through a single wire. The signal will be present throughout the layout.

@Landsteiner posted:

"What if you have an 8x8 layout with the outer loop being bigger than the other loop? I also should’ve added this in but I’m trying to run two trains on two different loops.(not at the same time) What would you recommend for this type of operation to work?"

The size of the layout shouldn't matter all that much as you can always run additional (parallel) wires to distant points of the layout to accommodate any power loss.  This is a better way to operate than just increasing input power at one point by increasing the wattage of the transformer.  If you are only operating one loco at a time, the CW80 should be fine.  You can connect the CW80 to the two separate loops and only operate one loop at a time if that's what you are planning.

The TMCC command base signal could be connected to a transformer output or one of the outside rails through a single wire. The signal will be present throughout the layout.

Wow, I actually didn’t know this. I also didn’t think it was that simple, I’ll try to remember this because it’s not gonna be long before I get my hands on one.

This is a picture of the .110 female crimp connector thatLandsteiner referenced that could be used to connect the one wire from your command base directly to the negative/common terminal on the underside of a piece of Fastrack.

They are available on the Big A. They can also be used to make multiple power connections to your layout from your transformer using a bus wire or distribution panel.

@TheRoyalHudson988 posted:

Wow, I actually didn’t know this. I also didn’t think it was that simple, I’ll try to remember this because it’s not gonna be long before I get my hands on one.

It is that simple.  One wire connected to the outside rail, anywhere on the layout.

Panhandle 1 was 18.5' x 10' and only used 1 wire.

Panhandle 2 is 47' x 11'.  It uses only 1 wire.  There are no problems with TMCC signal propagation.

I really like TMCC.  It's in the technological sweet spot - simplicity and reliability.

George

The TMCC wire from a Command Base to FasTrack can be connected as mentioned by other contributors to this thread.  However, there are Lionel FasTrack sections with handy roadbed connections provided -- easier to connect and disconnect the TMCC signal wire.  I prefer the FasTrack section intended for use with a 72 watt wall wart; it has a Type L connector and a small indicator light (as proof of ON}. Every wiring shortcut that's not rocket science works for me.

Mike Mottler    LCCA 12394

@Richie C. posted:

This is a picture of the .110 female crimp connector thatLandsteiner referenced that could be used to connect the one wire from your command base directly to the negative/common terminal on the underside of a piece of Fastrack.

They are available on the Big A. They can also be used to make multiple power connections to your layout from your transformer using a bus wire or distribution panel.

I’ll definitely make sure to buy this.

@TheRoyalHudson988 posted:

I’ll definitely make sure to buy this, how much does they cost, and how would I hook this part up.

Probably a life time supply.  Perhaps you have a local electronics supplier that provides a small bag .

https://www.amazon.com/Baomain...&sr=8-4&th=1

RoyalHudson: Your description of what you're trying to do seems similar to what I did when I converted from conventional to TMCC/Legacy control for 2 independent loops. Only I'm using a Base 1L and 2 Cab 1Ls. I connected each wire from the 2 independent loops to the 1 (and only) track connection terminal, with each loop using the same Base 1L, but powered by its own power supply. I use a CW80 for the smaller freight loop and a 180 power brick for the larger passenger loop, which goes all the way around the layout. Each loop has feeder wires spaced about 4 feet apart and this method has worked well for the past 6 years with no problems whatsoever.

As long as each loop has a constant 18 volts to the track per locomotive, a CW80 should work fine. My larger passenger outer loop, has one passenger train with 2 powered units (4 motors) with lighted passenger cars. So I use the 180 watt brick for that. My Legacy engines and TMCC engines do just fine on it. Don't know if this helps.

Would a 80W power brick work for the outer/ larger loop? Or would I need to get the 180W power brick, I thought I should ask because I have a 80W. I do plan on running bigger trains on the outer loop, like a decent sized passenger train or a mixed freight. Would this be enough power for that?

For a single train, unless it's a real power hog, an 80W brick should be quite sufficient.  I run two and occasionally three trains on the mainline powered with one PH180 brick with no problem.  A single train should be fine with 80 watts.

If you have a dozen passenger cars with incandescent lighting and you're pulling them with dual Centipedes with dual smoke units, you might run into problems with 80 watts.   Short of that, you should be fine.

I have two questions,

1. I got two track terminals this weekend, is it possible to run two trains on two different loops on the same power source?

2. Would I need the Lionel powermaster adapter cable for my power? I thought I should ask because I also have the newer legacy powermaster which can be used in conjunction with the classic Tmcc according to the manual.

@TheRoyalHudson988 posted:

1. I got two track terminals this weekend, is it possible to run two trains on two different loops on the same power source?

Sure, the amount of track you can power with one supply is practically infinite, the limitation is how much current is being drawn by what's running on those tracks.

@TheRoyalHudson988 posted:

2. Would I need the Lionel powermaster adapter cable for my power? I thought I should ask because I also have the newer legacy powermaster which can be used in conjunction with the classic Tmcc according to the manual.

Are you using the 180W PowerHouse?  That should run two loops without issue.  The cable required will be from the transformer 3-pin connector to the track power connection.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Sure, the amount of track you can power with one supply is practically infinite, the limitation is how much current is being drawn by what's running on those tracks.

Are you using the 180W PowerHouse?  That should run two loops without issue.  The cable required will be from the transformer 3-pin connector to the track power connection.

For 2: No, I would have to buy one, I am still buying new track to complete the layout first, then I will focus more on power. Since I am going to be using my CW80 transformer, would I still need this cable in order to make proper connections?