TPC300+Cab1 base+Legacy base + Wifi module?

If I read you correctly you're not going to need the CAB-1 Base, and it's only needed now to host the wired serial connection going to, and required by, the TPC 300.

You will still need the CAB-2 and it's Base.

1.) Yes, replacing the TPC 300 with a Legacy PowerMaster will allow you to take the CAB-1 Base out of the picture.  An added advantage is that it's a wireless connection.  No more serial cable.  No more CAB-1 or it's Base.

  Or you can

2.) Keep the TPC 300 and add an LCS serial interface (to which you would daisy chain the LCS WiFi module) and plug the TPC 300's serial cable into it to use what you have.  Also no longer a need for the CAB-1 Base, but still a wired connection to the TPC.

Mike

Thanks, Mike.   I also use the CAB1 remotes, so I do want to keep the base.  I wasn't sure if I could daisy chain the serial connection from the TPC300 to the Wifi Module. The TPC would then be seeing data from the Wifi module, but that's OK?  So just two wires from the TPC serial to the Wifi input?

Thanks,

Dennis

Here's a diagram that should help:

You can see the full version here:

    LCS Sample Diagram | Lionel

If you're keeping your CAB-1 and Base you're also going to need a cable to connect the CAB-1 Base to the CAB-2 Base, or the SER2.  I'll look it up in a minute.

Mike

Dennis,

Here's a Lionel 'Y' cable (610-00RS-232) that allows both the CAB-1 and its Base, and the CAB-2 and its Base, to be used on a layout at the same time:

Reference the diagram in my last post.  Instead of connecting the LCS Power Supply cable that you see there to the CAB-2 Base you connect it to the Serial Comm connector on this 'Y' cable.  The other two connectors on this cable go to the CAB-2 Base's serial port, in place of the LCS Power Supply Cable, and the CAB-1 Base's serial port respectively.

One more reminder: In this situation DO NOT connect the output wire from your CAB-1 Base to the track.   Instead the CAB-2 Base will be handling all radio transmissions to the train, and any Legacy/TMCC accessories, from either CAB, through the CAB-2 Base's output wire to the track.

Good luck!

Mike

So I would need the Ser2, PDI cable, Wifi module, and power-supply cable if I were to keep the TCP300, roughly $200+ to upgrade to Wifi.  Or dump the TPC300 and get a Powermaster.   I think I understand.

Thanks for your help.

Dennis

Make sure to clarify if you want to use the 1990's gray CAB1, or the newer blue CAB1L, and by extension the black Command Base or the blue Command Base L or whatever its called.

If you are buying new, highly recommend switching to blue.

@J Dennis posted:

So I would need the Ser2, PDI cable, Wifi module, and power-supply cable if I were to keep the TCP300, roughly $200+ to upgrade to Wifi.  Or dump the TPC300 and get a Powermaster.   I think I understand.

Thanks for your help.

Dennis

Just to clarify, WiFi is not necessary for the use of either TPC300, or Legacy PowerMaster.

But if you want it anyway in order to use a phone or tablet to control trains, and/or LCS and all of its extended features, you'll need to add the LCS WiFi at a minimum.

Once you have that, adding the LCS Serial Module (SER2) to reconnect your TPC300 is an easy way to continue to use it, without having to replace it with a Legacy PowerMaster.  There's additional money required either way, but one approach (SER2) is less expensive than the other (Legacy PowerMaster).

Mike

Yes, newer Legacy units include BT for my iPad (and voice control!), which works great.  But that BT app doesn't allow for switches.  For my little layout and only occasional use, I will stick with my Cab-2 for switch control rather than $200 just for switch control.

Dennis