Advice Needed For Switching from TMCC to Legacy

dwp425 posted:

I'm planning on finally making the switch from TMCC to Legacy, and I'm not completely clear regarding equipment issues.  I currently run TMCC with a regular CAB1.  I have two separate tracks, so use an old Powermaster on one, and a TPC 300 on the other.  My questions are:

When I change to Legacy, should I just replace the old Powermaster with a new Legacy Powermaster (is the "bridge" obsolete)?

While the "Bridge" is not obsolete, I think I would just spend my money on a Legacy power master and sell off the TMCC powermaster.  Less goo in the soup. 

Can I still use the TPC 300 on the other track, or would I need to buy two new Legacy Powermasters?

You can use the TPC off the serial port or get a SER2 and LCS power supply (see links on next question).  The SER2 will provide a strong drive for the TPC and more.  Again though depending on your application a Legacy Powermaster might be a better option.

If the TPC 300 is still usable, would I need to purchase a new cord/cable to use it with Legacy?

The TPC as stated above could be used as is provided you use the Legacy Y cord "serial" connection.  Or again using a SER2, and the power supply cable (6-81499 LCS DB-9 Cable with Power Supply) will give you another avenue to connect the TPC.

I also am using an SC-2.  Can I still use that with a Legacy setup, and if so, do I need an additional equipment to do so?

Yes you can still use this and no additional hardware is needed.

Thanks for helping me with these points of confusion!

 

Here is a link to the LCS page that might help.

 

 

What MartyE said. Two Legacy Powermasters and a Cab1L base and controller will update you until your are ready for #990 Legacy.

I'd would ditch the old PowerMaster and replace it with the Legacy PowerMaster.  Other than that, when you get the Legacy #990 control system, you should be able to run what you have.  If you add many more serial devices, the LCS SER2 will be a worthwhile addition, it has more port drive than the #990 command base.

DWP425,

Instead of investing in more equipment than you will eventually need, consider adding DCS to your Legacy now, no power master or TPC required when set up with DCS & Legacy together, and if you are running FasTrack the new low voltage Command Control Switches,  controlled from the Legacy Cab2 or even the old TMCC Cab1, are seriously great engineering, they operate on track power, 99 if you need that many.  IMO DCS & Legacy combined are the way to run a layout.

PCRR/Dave

Dave, maybe he has no intention of using DCS.

Guns,

   Took me years to have both DCS & Legacy also,  however eventually with most runners the remote disease encompasses  both, just tried to save him a little money.

PCRR/Dave

Well, some folks will never move beyond one control system, you never know.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Well, some folks will never move beyond one control system, you never know.

That would be me (and a lot of folks I know). I have no interest at all in compounding electronic complexity by trying to add DCS. Way too much hassle, expense and problems. In any case, I can't begin to afford just the Lionel engines I'd like to have!  

Breezinup,

    The MTH P2 & P3 engines are usually a lot less expensive than a Legacy, some people have both systems just for this exact reason.

PCRR/Dave

Thanks for all the help.

I have ordered the Legacy 990 system, and the Legacy Powermaster.  It looks like I can use the new Powermaster on one track, and my existing TPC 300 on the other track using the Y cable that comes with the base (I hope).

Don't really need the DCS ... but thanks for that advice.   Although I have rolling stock from several manufacturers, all of my engines are Lionel conventional, TMCC, or Legacy.