TMCC for DCS

Hi Jay,

 

Legacy is Lionel's second generation command control system.  They have stopped making original TMCC systems.  However, Legacy is backwards compatible with all TMCC engines.  There are a few new sound features, like the quillable whistle, that can only be accessed with a Legacy remote control.  Any Legacy engine can be run with TMCC, you just can't access these few features.

 

To have the best of both worlds you'll want to purchase a Legacy set, which includes both a BC-2 command base and a Cab-2 remote control.  If you purchase an MTH #50-1032 Legacy/DCS cable you can connect your TIU to the Legacy command base.  You will then be able to run Legacy and TMCC engines with your Legacy remote as well as PS2, PS3, TMCC and Legacy engines (in TMCC mode w/o Legacy features) from your DCS remote.

It is very nice to run DCS, Legacy, and TMCC simultaneously on the same track/loop/layout simultaneously. Other than some signal issues associated with some constant voltage gear associated with TMCC/Legacy, they run well together. It is very nice to be able to add/upgrade engines without consideration to the vendor. In addition to my significant roster of Proto2 engines, I am running Legacy, and ERR (TMCC) and have added SMR engines as well as expecting my first 3rd Rail (SF Class 2900) at the end of the month.

It's unlikely I would be buying new Legacy engines. I just have a few old TMCC engines and the used ones that might pop up. If I just find a used or new TMCC (not legacy) command base, can I get by without the extra remote, or do you need two remotes in any case?

 

 

or, Maybe it's not worth doing just a TMCC without the legacy, for whatever reason.

If it is unlikely that you are going to buy a Legacy engine AND you can get a good price for a TMCC base, then that's the way to go.  I have been told though that you still need a CAB-1 for programming your TMCC engines.  If the price you are going to pay for a TMCC command base/CAB-1 starts to get too close to what you'd pay for Legacy, then you are better off with that.

The only thing that you would need a Cab-1 for is if you have to reset a TMCC engine. The DCS Remote can do everything else, including changing the engine's TMCC ID#.

 

This and a whole lot more is all in "The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", now available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book from MTH's web store site! Click on the link below to go to MTH's web page for the book!

What about putting a TPC into command mode? Does the DCS remote have the L,M,H momentum buttons?

Gary,

What about putting a TPC into command mode?

I have just abut zero experience with TPCs. However, remember that the DCS Remote only claims to be able to issue TMCC commands for TMCC engines, not any other TMCC device. Having said that, if the TPC does not require use of the SET button, the remote should be able to put it into command mode.

 Does the DCS remote have the L,M,H momentum buttons?

 Yes, it does.

 

Except for the set button, the DCS Remote under DCS 4.x emulates the Cab-1 completely.

Is that also true for Legacy engines? You don't need a (Cab-2) remote for Legacy except to reset a Legacy engine?

Jay,

Is that also true for Legacy engines? You don't need a (Cab-2) remote for Legacy except to reset a Legacy engine?

That and to execute any Legacy-specific features of the Legacy engine.

 

 

Hi Gary,

 

Yes, you can run a TPC from the DCS remote, including the switch from command to conventional mode.  However, you must program the TPC with an engine "ENG" address rather than a train/track "TR" address.  The same goes for the Ross auto-indexing turntable.  It must be programmed into the DCS remote as an engine.

I never thought I would buy a Legacy equipped engine, but "HELLO!", I happened anyway. I had to have a Lionel Polar Railroad diesel engine (it's a beauty that cost $350 from Brady's Trains ebay store). It's a Legacy engine.

 

So now I have one Legacy engine, two DCS (Proto 2) engines, and a few conventional engines that will soon get Electric RR TMCC upgrades. Over time I am sure I'll end up getting more Legacy, DCS and TMCC engines. And I am not opposed to getting conventional engines because they can be upgraded to TMCC/Cruise Control (using Electric RR).

 

Since I don't yet have either yet, my best option is to get the Lionel Legacy control system and the MTH DCS control system (remote and TIU) plus the interface cable to connect the two systems together. It will cover all my bases. As soon as I have the budget I will dive in.

 

Jay Mack: I think you shouldn't rule out Legacy. You never know.  

Here is an excellent You Tube video that explains TMCC/Legacy/DCS cross compatibility:

 

I happened to be looking at the DCS Manual last night. It stated that you have to identify the engine number with the Cab1. Not so? How do you?

Since I don't yet have either yet, my best option is to get the Lionel Legacy control system and the MTH DCS control system (remote and TIU) plus the interface cable to conect the two systems together.

Terrance, you really do not need the cable. While I have it, DCS control of Legacy engines leaves a lot to be desired. With more than 40 Proto2 engines and 8 Legacy/TMCC engines, the CAB2 provides me with more control and functionality than the DCS controller. Additionally because I use the DCS "ALL" command to start up to 4 trains per loop, it is a real pain to have to go back into the inactive area of the DCS controller to bring the Legacy/TMCC engine back to the active display area each time I use the "ALL" command.

Jay,

It stated that you have to identify the engine number with the Cab1. Not so?

No, you do not.