ZWL and TMCC Cab1 base

Why would it not be doable? Legacy products- (ZWL) understand and operate with TMCC commands.

Now the TIU to old school base might have some serial command limitations, but as far as basic operation, I think this works.

Again, the ZWL is nothing more than the equivalent of 4 legacy powermasters, listening for TMCC or Legacy commands and signal.

The TIU to base interface is serial data commands, and sure, there are limitations of what commands are accepted and now transmitted out the base (TMCC only), but the basic interface should still work.

The ZWL manual https://www.lionelsupport.com/...Updated%20Manual.pdf

Right from the Table of Contents:

Command Control operation

Operating Conventional locomotives in the Command Control environment using a CAB-2/CAB-1 Remote Controller 16

Connecting the Command Base to the ZW-L Transformer 17

Operating your layout in the Command Control environment using a single output 18

Also, PAGE 22

1. Plug in the TrainMaster Command Base and set the ZW-L power switch to the On position.

2. Set the PROG/RUN switch to the PROG position.

3. Press ENG or TR on the CAB-1 Remote Control.

4. Enter the unique ID#. You may select any ENG ID# from 1 to 95 or any TR ID# from 1 to 6.

5. Press SET has been set. 6. Slide the PROG/RUN switch back to the RUN position. Output A-U has now been assigned the ID# you selected and Outputs B-U, C-U and D-U have been automatically assigned the next three consecutive numbers.

So yes, there appears to be a TMCC limitation of address- must be  " any ENG ID# from 1 to 95 or any TR ID# from 1 to 6."

Just trying to explain a possible limitation that might be why you could not program the ZWL using the CAB-1 and base.

@ToledoEd posted:

I had to send my Legacy Base back to Lionel.  I run my layout with the ZWL in command mode. I do have an original TMCC Cab1 and base that I use with my test track.  I was hoping to substitute the Cab1 base for the Legacy base and connect directly to the ZWL and continue as before recognizing not all Legacy functions will be available.  I connected the Cab1 base to the ZWL's command base binding post. The ZWL passes power to the tracks thru a TIU.  I couldn't find any instructions or examples of this operating set up  ZWL=>TMCC Cab1 base=> TIU=> track.  I powered up the system and tried to program the ZWL, but it wouldn't accept the commands. I suspect it's not doable but I thought I would ask.  Thanks.

@Vernon Barry posted:

The ZWL manual https://www.lionelsupport.com/...Updated%20Manual.pdf

Command Control operation

Operating Conventional locomotives in the Command Control environment using a CAB-2/CAB-1 Remote Controller 16

Connecting the Command Base to the ZW-L Transformer 17

Operating your layout in the Command Control environment using a single output 18

Vernon, I did set it up as shown on p17. When it didn't work, I assumed the "base' shown was the Legacy base. Hhhmmm. I'll go back and try again. Thanks.

@Vernon Barry posted:

Why would it not be doable? Legacy products- (ZWL) understand and operate with TMCC commands.

Now the TIU to old school base might have some serial command limitations, but as far as basic operation, I think this works.

I thought the same. Just substitute the Cab1 base. So, the connected TIU may affect DCS operations?  What I don't understand is why the ZWL will not respond to commands to power up the outputs.  I connected the Cab1 base to the ZWL command base binding post. I then followed the Cab1 manual to set the individual outputs. This was the same as with the Cab2, yet when I spun the throttle, nothing happened.  I'll try again.

Good Luck'... Ed,  Hope you can get it to work'...

Vernon, as always, you were right.  I now can control power to my tracks using the Cab1 and Cab1 base.  MY ORIGINAL PROBLEM:  I hooked up the Cab! base as shown in the TMCC/Trainmaster manual.  BUT, I also connected  my DM TMCC Buffer  to the Cab1 Base.  I discovered once I pulled the power from the TMCC Buffer, the Cab1 signal was recognized by the ZWL!   I'm not sure why the buffer interfered/blocked the signal, but I can run trains now while I wait for Lionel to return the Legacy Base.  I checked the manual gunrunnerjohn supplied with the TMCC Buffer to determine if the 'hook up' was different for a Cab1. The directions I have only applied to the Legacy Base.  I'm going to check with Gunnrunnerjohn to understand why this is happening.  Fortunately, I don't seem to have signal issues at this time.  Once again, thanks for your help.

TED: thanks.  I did get it to work with Vernon's advice.

@Quarter Gauger 48 posted:

Good Luck'... Ed,  Hope you can get it to work'...

Like I said here: DM TMCC Buffer, ZW-L and Cab1 Base Compatibility?

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

There should be no issues running with any of the Lionel command bases, Legacy, BASE1L, or BASE1.  Plenty of people use the TMCC Buffer with the old BASE1 TMCC base.

The wiring for the two is exactly the same, the earth ground tether is inserted between the brick and the base, the track signal post goes to the buffer input, and the track output from the TMCC Buffer goes to the track.

Thank goodness for Vernon and GRJ'.. Real pros when it comes to this technical stuff'....✔👍