Afraid of TMCC

Bobby,

If I go forward and add TMCC to my DCS layout, what issues will I likely have to cope with?

Most likely, few or none. Just follow the rules for each manufacturers products. The only real issue is that some, but by no means all, TMCC and Legacy engines may degrade the DCS signal for a PS2/PS3 engine with which they are in close proximity. If this happens, there is a very easy-to-do fix for the offending TMCC or Legacy engine. This is discussed, in detail, on page 152 of The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition.

This and a whole lot more is all in "The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", now available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book from MTH's web store site!

CLICK HERE go to MTH's web page for the book!

Thanks! 

Bobby. I am very new to TMCC/DCS controls. However, I've purchased Barry's book, some OGR videos, and while I mainly run DCS, l needed TMCC for a K-Line engine and hopefully another one or two future purchases.

It took more time getting connectors on the wire than it did to hook it all up following the instructions. Works great for someone who is NOT electrically inclined (ME).

Terry

On my simple 11x17 'test track' I run both systems with no issue. I even double-headed a TMCC loco with a DCS loco and ran both pulling a train using just the DCS remote.

It took almost as long to accelerate and brake as the real thing would, (it would be faster if I had both remotes at the time) but I did it with no complications whatsoever. Now, the fact that my current setup is single-level with no tracks crossing others might have something to do with that, but that particular issue (ground plane) has a remedy already.

---PCJ

No need to be afraid of TMCC/Legacy.  The worst it will do is give you is a mild rash. 

I fourth the motion.  Get Barry's book and read the info on TMCC.  I run my DCS TIU in passive mode with a Legacy Base (TPC 400) controlling the power and all's good.

I have been using TMCC and DCS together now for 4 years on two separate layouts, and all is well.

Go for it.

Rod

TMCC is easy. It is one wire to the center rail.

I have used the TPC with TMCC to control both DCS ProtoSounds 2.0 diesels and TMCC diesels at the same time without any problems.

I got exhausted trying to figure out how to wire for Pure DCS on Atlas O track.

Andrew

I have been running DCS with TMCC since DCS came out. I have never had a bit of trouble. I use the DCS remote to run the trains, and my TMCC remote to throw my FasTrack TMCC  turnouts. Simple.

As long as you keep the TMCC wire attached to the track while it is at a full 18V, then you will have an easy time operating. The problem comes if somebody pulls the wire loose, allowing the units to race away without any control signal. Keep the wires hidden and secured.

Andrew

It's one wire to the outer rail

TMCC is one wire to a track common or outer rail. As long as the wire from the TMCC base is connected to a common wire that goes to the track it will work. It can be connected to a transformer common, terminal strip common etc.

Just to clarify, if the TMCC signal is off and layout is powered up the then the engines will be in conventional mode but be in neutrual. If the signal is lost while in operation the engines will stop. DCS will continue to run until signal is restored>

Problem could be that the person cycles the power when the TMCC engine doesn't see the signal them it is in forward mode and takes off

Thanks all for the confidence building comments.

DCS operation on my layout is fantastic because Barry's DCS O Gauge Companion was the instruction I used to build it. Having over 300 feet of track and 14 switches, the DCS signal strength is 10 everywhere.

I must have the iconic New York Central S2 Electric, and Lionel made it with TMCC. So the hunt begins.

Bobby,

I was one of the BETA testers of the CAB1-L/Base1-L set that's coming out, using the base thru my DCS setup.  I have a Lionel Legacy GP9, a MTH RK RS3 with ERR Cruise Commander wired in, and a 3rd Rail E7 and all 3 of these "TMCC" engines work great thru DCS.

The Base1-L is connected to the Fixed 1 output of my TIU, black side.  Couldn't be more simple.

All I have is a 12x12 layout with an extension down the left side:

The mainline is 1/3 scale mile so your results may be different.  All I have are 2 wires connected to the track, no star wiring, no ground plane, I'm not even sure if the receptacle I'm using has a ground wire going to it (old house).

Not doubting that it works great, but you are not going to get the majority of the Legacy features (in fact you get Quilling whistle and one other) So just saying it really is worth it to go for the full Legacy base unless he has no intention of ever getting a Legacy engine. There are just too many cool features on Legacy engines to miss out on to not,

I was looking at my wiring. It is just the COMMON or Outside rail for the TMCC Signal. I have everything working fine.

My only TMCC problems happened when it was in Command Mode and the wire was pulled loose when somebody ran into the wire and knocked it loose, on a seasonal display. The Diesels raced off at full power and derailed in the curves.

Andrew

Chris, true enough.  I was just letting him know there's nothing to be afraid of.

I really like the way my Legacy GP9 sounds (using DCS), if it sounds better using the Legacy system that is a big plus

You get access to more sound features, but the sounds should be the same with TMCC or Legacy controlling it.

My layout operates very well with both systems. I started with TMCC and then added the DCS. However, my layout has 3 levels and I had to run a lot of "grounding" wires to get the TMCC to work when there is one level above another. If your layout is one level, it shouldn't be any problem. If it's not, you may have to do some extra experimenting to get good TMCC signal strength. Don't let this deter you though. It's nice to be able to run either type equipment. 

We operate both systems without problems, using each system controller.