Cab1 worth getting to use with dcs?

You can get a brand new Cab1L/Base1L with full warranty from a Lionel dealer for around $210 give or take a few bucks. I don't know if the Cab1/Base1 is worth it or not? I suppose it could be tempting if the price was low enough. For me personally, it would have to be a LOT less.

OTOH, you can get the Legacy 990 system for around $300 brand new with full warranty from a Lionel dealer. That's what I did, but I was planning to purchase some Legacy engines and wanted full feature access. IMO, the Legacy prepares you for the future and anything that may come along for some time.

This really is just an opinion though, I know everyone has different wants and needs and runs their trains differently. For me the command control had a lot to do with me getting back in the hobby a few years ago, so I am a little biased here. I was just trying to point out some other options. I am no longer a big fan of used items or new old stock unless the price is really good. That adds to my bias a little more, the warranty on some things is important to me.

Good luck with whatever you choose though and I hope all goes well.

I still have my original 1997 TMCC command base and CAB1. Both work perfectly.

I have it connect to my DCS TIU via the cable.   That way I can run my older TMCC locos thru DCS remote or thru my CAB 1.

JHZ,

  If you can pick the TMCC Cab1 up really really inexpensively, from someone that you actually trust, go for it, however if you are going to invest in Legacy in the future, pass on the TMCC Cab1 and simply invest in the Legacy Cab2.   Remember also if you are running FasTrack both will operate FasTrack Command Control Switches.  Personally I invested in the Legacy and passed on the TMCC Cab1 all together.

PCRR/Dave

At the local train club, we run both DCS and TMCC. I have the TMCC base linked to the TIU, but only rarely use the DCS remote to run TMCC engines, primarily because most of the TMCC equipment we have are diesel locomotives. DCS, for some odd reason, doesn't have a line of code that varies the rev level sounds in addition to speed when operating a TMCC diesel. For steam, the DCS remote works fine. 

I've never had a problem with the TMCC system, and we got it used from the previous owner. If it's cheap, I'd buy it. 

If it's only TMCC engines you plan running with DCS there's no need for a Legacy system. Since MTH took advantage of TMCC licensing when they developed their DCS system there's no need for a cab1 remote since, except for engine resetting, the DCS TIU remote will offer the same functionality as a cab1 remote. So the only two things you'll need to have complete TMCC functioning from an MTH TUI is a cab1 base and a MTH 50-1018 TIU/TMCC 6' connector cable to connect the cab1 base to the TIU. Btw, you'll also be able to run Legacy engines using the set up I've described and access their basic TMCC functions with a DCS remote but you won't be able to make use of those advanced Legacy features such as quillable whistle, etc..

The cab-1 comes in handy when try to reset a TMCC engine... DCS handles most problems but there's no equivalent of the "set" button so you really can't reset a TMCC engine with the dcs remote.  As you know you also need a command base to go along with the cab-1.

I's also go for it...

I'd go with Gregg's answer, you need it to configure certain features on TMCC stuff.

I have DCS plus the TMCC cable and base hooked up and decided to try Cab-1 with an inexpensive used unit. It's true ... for reset and certain features it essential to have at least a Cab-1. If you want to spend more and get the "latest" its up to you. I just bought a second cab-1 cause they are so darn much fun!

Okay, gang I am more than convinced, especially because it is a good deal for the money.  I am sure I will have more questions once it arrives. 

Thanks everybody

When I had both systems I could run DCS engines with the DCS handheld while running TMCC engines with the CAB1-L handheld, at the same time.  I bet I had both systems for close to 2 years before I figured that one out 

Being my steamers were all PS2 and most of my diesels were TMCC it worked out very well and was easy to keep track of.

 I never did get comfortable with either throttle not having a hard stop at zero volts/mph or max volts/mph.

Now using BPRC and the throttles have a hard stop at both ends, which is more to my liking.

I use both the CAB1 and  CAB2.  My primary reason was that on my earlier layout I would run multiple trains per loop and use the DCS "ALL" command to start all the trains on a particular loop.  DCS (at least in earlier versions) would throw the TMCC/Legacy engines into the inactive area.  By the time I got them back to the active area to control that train, the first train on the loop would run into the back end of my last train (usually Legacy).  By using the separate controller, I could start all the DCS trains on a particular loop while starting the Legacy train with the CAB2 simultaneously.  I do currently use the CAB1 to control my ERR converted operating cars and the CAB2 to control my Legacy engines. 

Winrose46,

   You do know you can control your ERR operating Cars with your Legacy Cab2 also, however I do understand what you are doing with the Cab1, easier to keep track of with the Cab1 controlling the ERR.  I do use both the DCS Hand Held and the Legacy Cab2 at the same time, a man needs a 3rd hand for the Cab1.

PCRR/Dave

Can I control err equipment with a cab 1 or through dcs with a cab1?

Can I control err equipment with a cab 1 or through dcs with a cab1?

As long as you have a Lionel command base (any model) connected to a DCS TIU with the proper MTH cable and you configure the ERR device as an engine, you can control it using the DCS Remote and/or the corresponding Lionel Cab controller.

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!

There are functions you can't do with the DCS remote, it has no SET button functionality.  That precludes configuration of some ERR products.  If you're going for the TMCC command base, bite the bullet and have a CAB1 around.

I now have the cab1 and remote. (Less then 100 bucks, new surplus with shipping included!)

So far I learned how to program one engine and run it with the cab1 remote. I have had that loco for probably 15 yrs and that's the first time I fired the coupler!  The remote is a little clumsy, given the very large size, but it's fun.

Right now I am dealing with a temporary carpet central rr, so complex wiring is not high on the priority right now. I am thrilled that this inexpensive piece of hardware opens up so many possibilities in the future!

JHZ563,

   Now you have done it, in a little while you will want a Legacy Cab2 and some Legacy Engines!

PCRR/Dave