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I'm just starting out in the hobby, so please excuse my lack of knowledge. I've been looking at info everywhere and just ordered The DCS O Gauge Companion (perhaps that will cover most of my questions).

 

Right now I'm trying to figure out if I can control fastrack switches (command control version) with the DCS remote and TIU.  do I need to buy anything else? I only need a AIU if the switches are the remote versions, correct?

 

do I need to get a legacy station and connect to the TIU via interconnect cable to control the switches? I have no legacy engines at this time, might get some in the future but not right now.

 

thanks for the help everyone.  Again sorry if this has been asked before, but I can't seem to find a complete answer.

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Eric,

   I run FasTrack Command Control Switches thru out my FT layout, in order for you to run FT CC switches off track power and completely wireless, you will need either the Legacy Cab2 or the TMCC Cab1 units.  It you want to run wires to the DCS AIU you can then run them thru the DCS hand held remote control.  Which IMO is actually stepping backwards in technology.   If you have the money invest in the 990 Legacy, FT CC is just fantastic using the Legacy Cab2. 

PCRR/Dave 

DSCN0966

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Eric,

   No sir, if you want to run wireless, you run the FT CC switches from the Legacy Cab2

remote control, via track power.  If you want to run them from the DCS remote control you must run wires from the switches to the DCS AIU.  I like the wireless operation myself.  IMO it is best to run FT CC switches with the Legacy Cab2 remote control, however if you want to go the cheaper route, pick up an old TMCC Cab1 unit, it will also control the FT CC switches from the Cab1 remote control.

PCRR/Dave

Last edited by Pine Creek Railroad

Eric,

Don't want to muddy the water, but I do run my switches with the MTH Remote and the AIU.  I also have a conventional control panel where I can operate with buttons.

 

To me wireless can be operating with a remote, which is a wireless controller. (but there ARE wires connected between the switch and the AIU, or in my case also to the control panel.)

OR,

Wireless can be without ANY wires connected to the switches other than the power wire.

 

Its a simple matter of choice.  I opted for the MTH AIU because I can control 10 switches on the AIU, compared to 6 on the Lionel unit for the same price.  (Also 10 accessories compared to 4 on the SCC)

Don C,

    I do not know which Lionel remote control you are talking about however the Legacy Cab2 can control many many Command Control switches, 99 I believe is the total number operable from the Legacy Cab2.  I ran the DCS AIU with my switches for many years, it does work very well from the hand held remote control, but not as well or as many, as with the legacy Cab2.  In fact I sold both my AIU's because of the purchase of the Legacy.

PCRR/Dave

Last edited by Pine Creek Railroad

EricBuzz,

You can wire the Command switches to the AIU and operate them via DCS. Look on the bottom. You will see the connectors. They are where the manual controller connects.

 

You can also wire in the manual controller levers.

 

You also have the option of operating them with a Legacy system if you add that in the future.

 

Follow the wiring directions in the DCS Companion book for a FasTrack remote switch.

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