WIU+TIU+TMCC

Your first diagram is essentially correct, however, your second diagram is not. Regardless, this is all covered in detail in The DCS Companion 3rd Edition.

The book discusses everything that you need to know and consider when operating TMCC, Legacy, DCS, and conventional trains altogether. This includes how to use Lionel's LCS and iCab apps, and MTH's DCS App, all on the same smart device.

This and a whole lot more is all in “The DCS Companion 3rd Edition!" This book is available from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book at OGR’s web store!

Yes, an older TIU will work just fine with a Cab-1 base and your WIU as long as you upgrade the TIU to most recent software version 5.0.0. Since your older TIU has only a RS-232 port but no usb port, I'd deal with that the way you have with your diagram on the left. You cannot use a usb hub but instead use a RS-232 Y cable connected to the RS-232 port on your TIU. Then use a RS-232 cable to connect the WIU to one side of the Y cable  and into the other side of that Y cable plug in MTH's #50-1018 TIU/TMCC connector cable with your Cab-1 base plugged into it. That, along with the wifi app you'll be able to control all conventional, TMCC, Legacy, and DCS trains with your smart device. Btw, if you'll be using an android smart device, I strongly suggest you purchase Premium wifi app scheduled for a March release as it'll give you complete control of all systems except for Lionel's LionChief, (you will however be able to run LionChief Plus engines in conventional mode,) with supposedly even more Legacy/TMCC functions than even their dedicated remotes provide and you'll be able to enjoy simultaneous running of all the systems I've mentioned.

You want the newer MTH #50-1032 TMCC/Legacy cable. I believe the #50-1018 TMCC only cable has been discontinued.

I also recommend Barry's book, 3rd edition. I prefer the print copy, you can take it around with you while working on something. It is well worth the cost and then some!!

Ok, thanks, I guess I have to browse through the printed pages of the blue book. But I am confused, what is the difference between Radioshack's DP-9 male-male cable and MTH's TMCC/Legacy cable (#50-1007, #50-1018, #50-1032), are the wires twisted inside or what?

rtr12 posted:

You want the newer MTH #50-1032 TMCC/Legacy cable. I believe the #50-1018 TMCC only cable has been discontinued.

I also recommend Barry's book, 3rd edition. I prefer the print copy, you can take it around with you while working on something. It is well worth the cost and then some!!

Because the TMCC/Legacy cable is male to male, your Y cable should be DB9 male to two female. Then you don't need the gender bender to the WIU. 

Not sure what is in the MTH cable, but there is a black box with a circuit. I don't think the RS cable works.

George

George S posted:

rtr12 posted:

You want the newer MTH #50-1032 TMCC/Legacy cable. I believe the #50-1018 TMCC only cable has been discontinued.

I also recommend Barry's book, 3rd edition. I prefer the print copy, you can take it around with you while working on something. It is well worth the cost and then some!!

Because the TMCC/Legacy cable is male to male, your Y cable should be DB9 male to two female. Then you don't need the gender bender to the WIU. 

Not sure what is in the MTH cable, but there is a black box with a circuit. I don't think the RS cable works.

You are correct.

George

But I am confused, what is the difference between Radioshack's DP-9 male-male cable and MTH's TMCC/Legacy cable (#50-1007, #50-1018, #50-1032), are the wires twisted inside or what?

They are very different. The MTH cable is not a straight-through cable and has electronic components built-in.