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What's needed to run both TMCC and DCS on track currently configured for conventional command?

O ogaugeguyOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

I currently have two independent fastrack loops. For power I have a Z4000 and two CW-80's. (I have remote controller for the z4000 transformer too.) I also have a Lionel TMCC cab controller with base and an MTH wireless infared remote control that came with an MTH ready to run proto2.0 starter train set.

My first question is how do I use what I already have to run both TMCC and DCS on both loops while still being able to run conventional on those loops? Do I need anything additional?)\  

My second concern is can DCS and TMCC locos be run simultaneously on the same loop and if that's possible, then do I currently have the equipment needed to do that? If not, what additional equipment is needed?

Finally, for the ultimate flexibility can TMCC, DCS and conventional locos be run simultaneously on the same lopo and if that can be done then what is needed to do it and do I already have those items?

Thanks for the replies.

 

 

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Barry BroskowitzBarry BroskowitzOGR Forum Member MEMORIALIZED MEMBER

Kenn,

 

You cannot use the DCS Remote Commander on more than one loop at a time. To do so, you would have to connect the Hot and Common between the loops, thereby shorting them together - not a good idea.

 

Otherwise, just wire everything as per instructions that accompanied the devices, without connecting a transformer to the Remote Commander's receiver.

 

Then, control TMCC engines via the Cab-1, DCS engines via the DCS Remote Commander handheld, and conventional engines via the transformers. Just be sure not to power the DCS loop using a CW-80.

 

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 HERE go to MTH's web page for the book!

 
Thanks! 
O ogaugeguyOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER
Thanks, Barry. I didn't realize that your book also outined and explained how to make DCS and TMCC systems "play nicely with and alongside one another without conflicts and/or disagreements." Good knowing your book doesn't ignore the possibility of us hobbyists using TMCC along side and with DCS in the discussion of implementing and using DCS on a layout.
 
BTW, a question to you or anyone else reading this post,  "Has a book been written on TMCC that has the  equivalent depth of  knowledge on that system which you've shared about DCS in your book?" 
 
 
Barry BroskowitzBarry BroskowitzOGR Forum Member MEMORIALIZED MEMBER

because IMO it is not needed

Actually, there are a few books written that discuss command control in general with about 30 pages or so regarding TMCC, or TMCC and DCS. If you search the Books category on Amazon for "TMCC", you'll turn up 2 or maybe 3 titles.

 

However, these are much, much less informative regarding either command control system than is The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition, as regards DCS.

 

What seems to be totally missing is any published book as regards Legacy. However, Mike Reagan (Lionel sr. management) has done a great job of developing and publishing a Legacy video guide and other videos on a variety of Legacy subjects. These are available at Lionel's web site.

 

The reason that you don't see many in-depth command control books is, IMO, because it's not a very commercially viable thing to do. If I had written The DCS O Gauge Companion solely to make money, it would not have been very satisfying financially.

gunrunnerjohngunrunnerjohnOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER
Originally Posted by Barry Broskowitz:

Bob,

Rod Stewart's come close:

I must disagree. With no disrespect to Rod, his document is 7 pages and mine is 215.

I think Rod is also slanting his document more to architecture and debugging hardware than operation.  Also, it's mostly slanted to TMCC, and not Legacy.  The interesting thing about Legacy is many of us are still finding out little things after having had it for years!

C challenger3980OGR Forum Member
Originally Posted by bigdodgetrain:
Originally Posted by Allan Miller:
I can easily answer that question on Barry's behalf (knowing how shy he is):  No! 

because IMO it is not needed.

 

I definitely have to agree with bigdodgetrain, on TMCC not needing as comprehensive of a book as DCS. With Legacy, I am still getting used to the sequences on the remote, but not yet having a permanent layout, I keep having to relearn a lot of the functions. I do find both TMCC and Legacy to be much easier to set up and more reliable as far as signal and response issurs, the DCS is much more tempermental about how it is wired. IMO Lionel hit a home run using the common rails for signal propogation, that made for much simpler wiring.

 

 I have and use all three together, and at least if we can't have a single run all trains with one system, the available systems will all Play Nicely together.

 

Doug

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