Running MTH Equipment w/TMCC

Basically you would be running them conventionally. You would need to add A TPC 300/400 or a Legacy Powermaster Depending on which Lionel Handheld you are using.

The TPC's would adjust track voltage to control the MTH items you do not communicate with the engines

To be specific, there is no way to address an MTH DCS TIU with the Lionel Cab-1 (or any other Lionel command equipment).  You will need to buy the DCS combination of a TIU and the DCS handheld to operate MTH PS2 and PS3 locos in command mode.

MTH is working with the Hikel's firm to make a smartphone app that will allow your

smartphone to talk with the TIU if you have a smartphone, but that is not yet available.  Perhaps it will be an option down the road.

The alternative, as Chris notes, is to operate the MTH locos (PS1 through PS3) in conventional mode using the cab-1 and one or more TPCs.

Hi Jim, Welcome to the forum

I have been running my relatively small layout with tmcc cab 1/ base with tpc's and control ps2's conventionally. But, I too have decided to take the plunge and ordered a DCS system recently. Its supposed to be able to run tmcc loco's in command mode as well as the ps2's, so I figure its the best way to go in order to run both types in "command mode". It does not, however, control all of the features in Lionels newer "Legacy" loco's.

That being said, I'm getting the DCS system (MTH # 50-1001) and cable (#50-1032) to plug into the tmcc command base and see how it goes. I dont have any legacy loco's at the moment so it should be all I need at this time.

If your going to buy the TIU you might as well get the remote, tie in the TMCC command base and have the option to run everything with the MTH remote or use both remotes if you prefer (PS2/3 on the MTH remote and the TMCC with the cab one). I run everything from the MTH system but I only run a hand full engines at one time, 3 to 6 and only used the Cab 1 for the programing.

PENN PACIFIC,

OR ANYBODY ELSE

I have the 50 - 1003, un open,  as of yet, and I ordered some kind of a computer

end cable, ( look later)    will this one do the same thing as your comment above

 thanks     EDIT :  OK thanks,  I can wait. and get Dcs remote

Terry

The 50-1003 is just a TIU and will not do you much good with out the remote if you wish to use the PS2/3 engines, AND you HAVE to use the MTH 50-1032 cable to link the TIU to the TMCC command base if you wish to run Lionel TMCC engines (a regular computer link cable will not work, tried it - very bad results)

Can TMCC electronics be put in MTH locomotives that do not have command capability? I have an RDC and an Amtrak FP59H that might be candidates....

All of this conversation is exactly why I'm not forking out any money for a command system until the manufactures get together, if ever, and come up with a "common" operating system so that we the consumers don't get stuck having to buy two systems.

I've got the MTH Z4000 with the wireless walkaround remote which runs everything in a conventional mode.  I don't waste my money on those top-of-the-line engines that you need to spend a small fortune for to get an extra bell or whistle.

If the manufacturers want me to buy their top stuff they are at least going to have to come up with a standard.  If not, call me a block guy with wireless walkaround throttles and good old fashion blocks and everything functions perfectly! 

The manufacturer's have come up with a common operating system, and you're using it!

Thats true, they'll ALL run in conventional.....

I started to go into HO a couple years ago when I got bitten by the train bug again after many years (all the changes, it was like a whole new hobby). Learned about all the different control systems. My findings were that a full blown, completely wireless remote system in DCC costs about as much (and maybe more) than a Legacy and DCS system combined. They may be standardized, but they sure are expensive! DCC also has some nice features, but seems there is a lot of fiddling to get everything set properly. I suppose all the fiddling provides a lot of flexibility though, so that's probably not all bad. 

That was about 3 years ago. My heart was always in O gauge and I just couldn't go the HO route, not to mention I can't see well enough to get the HO stuff on the tracks. I ended up back in O and will soon have both control systems, been waiting on Legacy systems to become available again (been a long dry spell there). I'm probably the odd man out, but I am actually looking forward to having both systems. I think it will make things much more interesting.

Not trying to sway you one way or the other, just my take on having 2 systems. You may have some hope though, all the iphone, ipad, etc apps they are developing might just get them all working on one system (or ipad/iphone) one of these days.

I had TMCC, then Legacy, and I kept seeing MTH stuff that I liked, so finally I bit the bullet and now I have both.  I can't personally see going back to conventional, we sometimes have six trains running on the two loops of our modular layout, lots of fun!

Thanx for info, rtr12.  Tried locating an MTH 501001 set, but everybody seems to be out, and has them on backorder.  I'll keep searching...

jp

I heard this also, didn't know how bad the shortage was. My LHS is out of them also. I hope it doesn't end up like Legacy systems. Been waiting on one since last Sept., which is not too bad, others have been waiting much longer.