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I have recently completed a ceiling layout that currently uses DCS WiFi as its control system.  The few MTH PS3 engines I have programmed in w/out a problem.  However, I would like to use my 3rd Rail PAs to pull a passenger train.  I know that the DCS system can run TMCC engines, but I am having difficulty programing them into the system.   I have set up the engine as outlined in the manual for TMCC programming, though a different set-up might be needed for DCS.  It is the only engine on the track.  When I power the track to program the engine it accelerates forward at top speed.  This is disconcerting, as I'm not anxious to test my retaining safety wire system roughly 6.5' in the air. 

  I do plan to wire my Legacy unit in shortly, and I know how to program it w/the CAB-2, but it would be easier if I could just use my phone & the app to run the train.  Any advice, tips, suggestions, etc. would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

- Neal

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Ok, so that problem seems to be resolved, though now the app says it can't detect any TIU/WIU and, therefore, won't let me program an engine.  I have the CAB-2 plugged into the base of the TIU, and get the same message whether I have a direct wire from the CAB-2 "Track" output to the common output on the TIU or no wire at all & just the plug.  When I completely disconnect the CAB-2 the MTH software seems to work fine. 

Am I still doing something wrong?   Thanks. 

The WIU is connected to the TIU using the enclosed cable (the WIU sits on the other side of the wall, where the track is).  The Lionel base was plugged into the TIU using the 9-pin plug that comes with the CAB-2.  I was unsure whether or not the CAB-2 needed to be wired into the ground as well, so I tried it both w/just the plug, & also  running a wire from the "Track" output on the CAB-2 to the common output on the TIU (easier than running it directly to the track). 

20200111_142403

I'll get a couple of better pictures in a bit this morning, but the above I already have.  The AIU pictured isn't set up yet, though the included cord is plugged into the TIU as indicated in the instructions.

Thanks again for all help & input. 

- Neal

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Images (1)
  • 20200111_142403

To connect to a Legacy base and use the MTH WiFi app, the TIU must be plugged into a LCS SER2 module.

From Lionel you will need the following in addition to your Legacy Base...

6-81326 LCS Serial Converter 2 (SER2)

6-81499 LCS DB-9 Cable with Power Supply

Please note the Lionel WiFi 6-81325 is NOT required to use the DCS WiFi.  

Connect it as follows from the DCS Companion...

DCS

Attachments

Images (1)
  • DCS
Last edited by MartyE
Fridge56Vet posted:

Thanks!  Will try.

Is the 6-81499 LCS DB-9 Cable with Power Supply the stock power supply w/the CAB-2?  That's already in place, was just unplugged (as I didn't need power to the CAB-2) at the time I took the pics.  If so then I only need the SER2. 

- Neal

No it is NOT the power supply that comes with Legacy.  It is the power supply for the LCS modules and includes a 9 pin to PDI buss cable.

  

Last edited by MartyE
Fridge56Vet posted:

Ok, so that problem seems to be resolved, though now the app says it can't detect any TIU/WIU and, therefore, won't let me program an engine.  I have the CAB-2 plugged into the base of the TIU, and get the same message whether I have a direct wire from the CAB-2 "Track" output to the common output on the TIU or no wire at all & just the plug.  When I completely disconnect the CAB-2 the MTH software seems to work fine. 

Am I still doing something wrong?   Thanks. 

If the app can't connect to the TIU/WIU, do you have WiFi enabled on your phone/tablet? Is the app configured for DCS WIU, not DCS Explorer? Have you connected to the correct WiFi network (I use the option where I connect my phone directly to the WIU WiFi network)? Are the TIU and WIU powered on with the power lights? Is the MTH/Home selector switch on the WIU set to the mode you are using?

George

MartyE posted:

To connect to a Legacy base and use the MTH WiFi app, the TIU must be plugged into a LCS SER2 module.

From Lionel you will need the following in addition to your Legacy Base...

6-81326 LCS Serial Converter 2 (SER2)

6-81499 LCS DB-9 Cable with Power Supply

Please note the Lionel WiFi 6-81325 is NOT required to use the DCS WiFi.  

Connect it as follows from the DCS Companion...

DCS

MartyE,

Not sure I understand why all the LCS stuff in your diagram is needed to connect an MTH WiFi unit and a Legacy base to a TIU.  The WiFi is connected to the TIU via USB cable, and the Legacy base is connected to the TIU via #50-1032.  Why all the LCS stuff?  

MrMoe50 posted:
MartyE posted:

To connect to a Legacy base and use the MTH WiFi app, the TIU must be plugged into a LCS SER2 module.

From Lionel you will need the following in addition to your Legacy Base...

6-81326 LCS Serial Converter 2 (SER2)

6-81499 LCS DB-9 Cable with Power Supply

Please note the Lionel WiFi 6-81325 is NOT required to use the DCS WiFi.  

Connect it as follows from the DCS Companion...

 

MartyE,

Not sure I understand why all the LCS stuff in your diagram is needed to connect an MTH WiFi unit and a Legacy base to a TIU.  The WiFi is connected to the TIU via USB cable, and the Legacy base is connected to the TIU via #50-1032.  Why all the LCS stuff?  

Because you will not be able to run  Legacy engines with the app in Legacy mode without the LCS "stuff".  If you are fine running them in TMCC mode only then you do not need all the "stuff".  IMO a waste of a Legacy engine.

Last edited by MartyE
MartyE posted:
MrMoe50 posted:
MartyE posted:

To connect to a Legacy base and use the MTH WiFi app, the TIU must be plugged into a LCS SER2 module.

From Lionel you will need the following in addition to your Legacy Base...

6-81326 LCS Serial Converter 2 (SER2)

6-81499 LCS DB-9 Cable with Power Supply

Please note the Lionel WiFi 6-81325 is NOT required to use the DCS WiFi.  

Connect it as follows from the DCS Companion...

 

MartyE,

Not sure I understand why all the LCS stuff in your diagram is needed to connect an MTH WiFi unit and a Legacy base to a TIU.  The WiFi is connected to the TIU via USB cable, and the Legacy base is connected to the TIU via #50-1032.  Why all the LCS stuff?  

Because you will not be able to run  Legacy engines with the app in Legacy mode without the LCS "stuff".  If you are fine running them in TMCC mode only then you do not need all the "stuff".  IMO a waste of a Legacy engine.

Ah, right.  Forgot about that.

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