Running Legacy and TMCC on MTH DCS

It's pretty simple. For Legacy and TMCC, you could buy the Legacy system and attach a wire from the Legacy command base to your layout. Your done in most cases. You use the Legacy handheld remote to control the Lionel loco(s) and the DCS handheld to control the MTH PS2/PS3 locos.

For current Lionel production, all new locos also have Bluetooth. You can download the free app to your tablet or phone and control the Lionel loco using your smart device and the app. No need to buy the Legacy system unless you want the additional features.  No cost except the loco.

If you buy a current Lionel loco (they also have LionChief Plus or LionChief Plus 2.0) it also can be operated by the Universal Remote (about $40 from most dealers) if you prefer a physical handheld.  Bluetooth and LionChief are the two most reliable and simplest control systems made in my experience, and are inexpensive and give you all the basic functions of the loco.  Great value.

So you've got lots of choices and don't need to spring for the Legacy system right off the bat if you buy a current Lionel loco that has Bluetooth and/or LionChief capabilities, as most new ones do.  Many older LionChief and LionChief Plus locos don't have Bluetooth but do have the LionChief system, obviously.   The presence of these systems is noted on the locomotive box if there is any doubt.

@Landsteiner posted:

It's pretty simple. For Legacy and TMCC, you could buy the Legacy system and attach a wire from the Legacy command base to your layout. Your done in most cases. You use the Legacy handheld remote to control the Lionel loco(s) and the DCS handheld to control the MTH PS2/PS3 locos.

For current Lionel production, all new locos also have Bluetooth. You can download the free app to your tablet or phone and control the Lionel loco using your smart device and the app. No need to buy the Legacy system unless you want the additional features.  No cost except the loco.

If you buy a current Lionel loco (they also have LionChief Plus or LionChief Plus 2.0) it also can be operated by the Universal Remote (about $40 from most dealers) if you prefer a physical handheld.  Bluetooth and LionChief are the two most reliable and simplest control systems made in my experience, and are inexpensive and give you all the basic functions of the loco.  Great value.

So you've got lots of choices and don't need to spring for the Legacy system right off the bat if you buy a current Lionel loco that has Bluetooth and/or LionChief capabilities, as most new ones do.  Many older LionChief and LionChief Plus locos don't have Bluetooth but do have the LionChief system, obviously.   The presence of these systems is noted on the locomotive box if there is any doubt.

My DCS app says I can INSTALL and run Legacy and TMCC engines. I am not cheap. I seem to have the DCS system working well and I see to know the ins and outs. I just dont want to buy another system. 

As far as blue tooth goes, I appreciate that option. I qould just rather run EVERYTHING off of the DCS system. 

You cannot run Legacy and TMCC locos in command mode with the DCS system unless you connect DCS to the Legacy command base.  It cannot run these locos without that purchase, as well as the cable to connect the TIU to the command base.  If you want to use only the DCS system you are restricted to conventional locos and PS2/PS3.  If you buy the Legacy system and the cable, you will be able to control TMCC and Legacy locos in command mode using the DCS app/handheld.

@Pg3ibew posted:

My DCS app says I can INSTALL and run Legacy and TMCC engines. I am not cheap. I seem to have the DCS system working well and I see to know the ins and outs. I just dont want to buy another system. 

As far as blue tooth goes, I appreciate that option. I could just rather run EVERYTHING off of the DCS system. 

In order to run Legacy and TMCC via the DCS app you have to buy the Lionel Legacy base (to get most Legacy functionality) or a TMCC base (will only get you TMCC even on Legacy engine).  DCS alone cannot operate Lionel engines in command mode without a Lionel command system connected.  For Legacy a Lionel SER2 w/ power supply is also needed along with the MTH DCS to Legacy cable.

I have mine connected all together and the app does work and very well for Legacy engines and you get most of the features.  

@Landsteiner posted:

You cannot run Legacy and TMCC locos in command mode with the DCS system unless you connect DCS to the Legacy command base.  It cannot run these locos without that purchase, as well as the cable to connect the TIU to the command base.  If you want to use only the DCS system you are restricted to conventional locos and PS2/PS3.  If you buy the Legacy system and the cable, you will be able to control TMCC and Legacy locos in command mode using the DCS app/handheld.

 

@MartyE posted:

In order to run Legacy and TMCC via the DCS app you have to buy the Lionel Legacy base (to get most Legacy functionality) or a TMCC base (will only get you TMCC even on Legacy engine).  DCS alone cannot operate Lionel engines in command mode without a Lionel command system connected.  For Legacy a Lionel SER2 w/ power supply is also needed along with the MTH DCS to Legacy cable.

I have mine connected all together and the app does work and very well for Legacy engines and you get most of the features.  

Thank you both. So, It appears I will need the Lionel Legacy base, no matter how I slice it, if I want to acquire Lionels. 

Much appreciated. 

The minimum needed to run the Legacy engines in Legacy mode from the DCS app is

• A DCS System Upgrade to 6.1
• The Full Version MTH App
• 50-1032 DCS/Legacy/TMCC Cable from MTH
• Lionel 990 Legacy System
• 6-81326 LCS Serial Converter 2 (SER2)
• 6-81499 LCS DB-9 Cable with Power Supply.

This is from the DCS Companion that Barry Broskowitz did.  I removed the Lionel WiFi module as it is not needed even though he showed it in his diagram.

@MartyE posted:

The minimum needed to run the Legacy engines in Legacy mode from the DCS app is

• A DCS System Upgrade to 6.1
• The Full Version MTH App
• 50-1032 DCS/Legacy/TMCC Cable from MTH
• Lionel 990 Legacy System
• 6-81326 LCS Serial Converter 2 (SER2)
• 6-81499 LCS DB-9 Cable with Power Supply.

 

This is from the DCS Companion that Barry Broskowitz did.  I removed the Lionel WiFi module as it is not needed even though he showed it in his diagram.

 

 

Thanks.