We use a Z4000 on our club layout to provide aux power to our FasTrack switches.
Stick with the bricks and the Legacy Power Master. Also, here is some info on the Cab1L.
The CAB-1L will not work with a TMCC Command Base, essentially it is "Legacy Lite" which means it will operate Legacy engines on a limited function basis as well as TMCC engines thru the Legacy Base or the Base-1L. The CAB-1L operates on the same frequency as the Legacy system which is not compatible with the TMCC Command Base.
Since you will be running TMCC locomotives it is important that you assign the correct values to the parameters for the Engine ID you are using in the Legacy database. The two most important parameters are "EQPT" and "Control System".
The equipment parameter gets you the correct set of icons for the equipment in the CAB2 display.
The control system parameter sends the correct signal type for the equipment being used.
There is a major difference in the message format for a TMCC equipped locomotive than for a legacy equipped locomotive.
While a legacy equipped locomotive will respond to a control system setting of TMC, a TMCC equipped locomotive WILL NOT respond to a control system setting of Legacy.
If you find one of your TMCC locomotives not responding to your CAB2 for the ENG ID assigned to it, check the Legacy Database to make sure the Control System is set to TMCC.
We have more than 50 members in our club that run equipment on our layout. I am responsible for assigning "ENG ID'" numbers to their equipment. I currently have numbers assigned to more than 250 pieces of equipment. Since there are only 99 numbers available (you cannot use Eng ID 99) this means that members share numbers. The pieces of equipment sharing a number cannot be run at the same time. The most common problem we have is that a member will change the database control system parameter for the Eng ID from TMCC to Legacy making the member with TMCC equipment unable to run. This is not a problem for an individual on a home layout unless he has more than 99 command controlled pieces of equipment.
If you have any questions about the Legacy system and setting up your bricks and the power master or using the CAB2, please feel free to contact me at havli_lisle@sbcglobal.net .
Welcome to the wonderful world of command equipment and enjoy the running or your equipment and accessing their many features.
