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Originally Posted by Larry Mullen:

I did a search for this and I believe the consensus was Cab1 mode, but what is your opinion on the best mode to run a TMCC steam engine on a Legacy system?

 

Thank you.

Larry,

I don't want to hi-jack your thread, I'm learning how to use the Cab-2 also.  Especially with TMCC since I own several of those locomotives.

 

Did you load the 'generic xxxx' module?  I did.  Without it, I didn't get any of the TMCC icons shown in the owner's manual. 

Last edited by 86TA355SR
Originally Posted by Nick12DMC:

R100 is for ERR boards. They have the ability to have 100 speed steps. Standard TMCC has 32 speed steps. 

 

Nick

What Nick Says. In addition to ERR add TAS and Digital Dynamics to the list. Basically any engine that does not have Lionel modular boards (DCDR) use Cab1 mode. Engines that do have Lionel modular boards (DCDR, DCDS) like K-Line use TMCC mode.

 

Pete

Originally Posted by Norton:
What Nick Says. In addition to ERR add TAS and Digital Dynamics to the list. Basically any engine that does not have Lionel modular boards (DCDR) use Cab1 mode. Engines that do have Lionel modular boards (DCDR, DCDS) like K-Line use TMCC mode.

 

Pete

That's good info, I didn't know that.  Thanks, makes a difference in one of my locomotives.

Originally Posted by 86TA355SR:
Originally Posted by Larry Mullen:

I did a search for this and I believe the consensus was Cab1 mode, but what is your opinion on the best mode to run a TMCC steam engine on a Legacy system?

 

Thank you.

Larry,

I don't want to hi-jack your thread, I'm learning how to use the Cab-2 also.  Especially with TMCC since I own several of those locomotives.

 

Did you load the 'generic steam' module?  I did.  Without it, I didn't get any of the TMCC icons shown in the owner's manual. 

what we need is a file of pictures of the cab 2 in it's various modes.

 

when you push the info button a bunch of tabs show on the screen.  when you turn the red knob you get to view each tab. one will be: cab1, tmcc, and legacy.  you push the button under the screen for what you want.

 

the generic module just make it easier.

Originally Posted by Norton:
Originally Posted by Nick12DMC:

R100 is for ERR boards. They have the ability to have 100 speed steps. Standard TMCC has 32 speed steps. 

 

Nick

What Nick Says. In addition to ERR add TAS and Digital Dynamics to the list. Basically any engine that does not have Lionel modular boards (DCDR) use Cab1 mode. Engines that do have Lionel modular boards (DCDR, DCDS) like K-Line use TMCC mode.

 

Pete

What about K-Line with Cruise?  This description isn't very clear to me. I think it is backward.   Basically ACDR and DCDR are the boards with no cruise and just 32 speed steps correct?  TAS/ERR back EMF, DCDS boards all have extra speed steps.  DCDS runs a very large gamut of boards.  Modular is also a misnomer.  TAS is a single composite mother board with the motor driver section built into the mother board but does take modular boards (R2LC and RS boards).  All the AC and DC xx boards are stand alone that plug into the mother board via a wire harness vice pins.

 

I guess the real difference is whether the Motor driver has more than 32 speed step capability no?  Any of the cruise boards usually have more, either 100 Lionel based or higher for K-Line cruise.  Plus you have to factor in that these cruise boards have selectable speed steps.  So you need to match the motor drive program to the Legacy selection, no?  .G

Last edited by GGG

Pete DCDS is a cruise board, so I still think some of your original statement is not correct.  Plus your original statement said use TMCC for K-line, now your saying use CAB-1?

 

So I go back to my statement about 32 step only versus more than 32 speed steps as the criteria, and not get too hung up on type descriptions.  G

G, If it has a DCDR or a DCDS then TMCC should work. If it doesn't have one of those two boards then best stick with Cab1. AFAIK only Lionel uses a DCDS board. I use TMCC mode with all of my Odyssey engines, no problem.

Put it another way, Cab1 will work with all engines including Legacy and 3rd party products. TMCC should work in all Lionel engines, maybe not with 3rd party stuff.

 

Pete

Originally Posted by gunrunnerjohn:

CAB1 is unlimited steps, it's relative to wherever you are from the previous step.  R100 mode is really just CAB1 with some changes to how the Legacy display works, throttle graph, keypad icons, etc.  TMCC is 32 step with positive control, not relative.  Legacy is 200 step mode and Legacy 9-bit code transmission.

What is positive control?  I thought TMCC was absolute, which is what original was correct?  G

I recently converted a post war 736 with an AC commander and Railsound board (challenging first conversion).  I tried it in both Cab1 and TMCC with both 32 and 100 steps.  It worked best in Cab1 mode with 32 steps.  This is a single pullmore engine with poor low speed performance.  In 100 step mode it was very jerky at the low steps before it reached its minimum voltage threshold.  Much smoother at 32 steps as voltage rises faster.  I don't think this board supports setting a stall speed.  Works well overall though.  Lots of lessons learned from the first conversion.

 

Bill

 This from the Legacy 1.5 manual.  Still clear as mudd

 

CAB 1 MODE

+or - Relative commands

Lionel Power Masters

Lionel TPC’s

Engine or Track settings

Electric RR or EOB speed control

 

TMCC MODE

32 absolute speed commands

Lionel Locomotives & Accessories

Electric RR or EOB speed control

 

REL 100 MODE

100 Relative speed commands

Electric RR or EOB speed control

Lionel OEM’s (with Electric RR cruise)

 

LEGACY MODE

200 absolute speeds

Lionel LEGACY engines

Lionel LEGACY accessories

Well, absolute speed commands are just that, absolute.  If you see a 16 in the speed setting for TMCC or Legacy mode, a given engine will have the same speed command and, given the same environment, should run at the same speed. 

 

Relative commands are just an increment or decrement to the current speed step that the engine is running at.  There is no sense of an absolute speed setting.

 

Try this and you'll see the difference.

 

For TMCC or Legacy settings in the remote, with a compatible locomotive, run the speed up to a mid-range value.  As the engine is running, turn off the power.  Turn the power back on and just move the throttle one step.  The engine will take off at the set speed again.

 

Now, using the CAB1 or R100 modes, do the same test.  When you turn the power back on and go one click on the throttle, the engine will be at dead slow, as it's taking one speed step relative to the current setting, which is zero.

MartyE pretty much nailed it right off the bat. I believe the CAB2 will send relative commands via the velocity knob, and absolutes mapped to the RR speeds menu when set up for TMCC control.

 

On another note, absolute speeds (via CAB2 RR Speeds in TMCC mode) will not trigger DynaChuff (for RS4 or 5), but the knob will. This is easier to hear with RS4.

 

You guys trying to figure out EOB and ERRCO cruise need to remember that these systems have up to 3 different operating modes when used in the command environment. I'd have to start unpacking more engines but from what I remember some modes supported response to absolute speeds and some didn't. I used to run EOB in CAB1 control and ERRCO in R100.

Last edited by Norm Charbonneau
Originally Posted by gunrunnerjohn:

Well, absolute speed commands are just that, absolute.  If you see a 16 in the speed setting for TMCC or Legacy mode, a given engine will have the same speed command and, given the same environment, should run at the same speed. 

 

Relative commands are just an increment or decrement to the current speed step that the engine is running at.  There is no sense of an absolute speed setting.

 

Try this and you'll see the difference.

 

For TMCC or Legacy settings in the remote, with a compatible locomotive, run the speed up to a mid-range value.  As the engine is running, turn off the power.  Turn the power back on and just move the throttle one step.  The engine will take off at the set speed again.

 

Now, using the CAB1 or R100 modes, do the same test.  When you turn the power back on and go one click on the throttle, the engine will be at dead slow, as it's taking one speed step relative to the current setting, which is zero.

John,  I do understand the difference between absolute and relative speed steps.  It is the clarification of what is best for what system and what reason.  Pete tried to make it sound like motor driver specific, yet Lionel clearly states several modes for the same hardware.  So why one over the other (besides relative versus absolute).  What I alluded too, which Norm seems to support is that even the motor Drive boards have different modes available so that may impact performance.

 

I guess it would be nice to have Lionel come out with a more technical description of the pros and cons of the modes and how to apply them to the various Lionel products.  G

I see where you're going George, but some of these systems like the TAS and K-Line cruise stuff, are not even Lionel equipment.  As far as the ERR stuff, I think they've pretty much stated that R100 mode is the right choice for the 100 step mode.  Personally, I use R100 for TAS EOB and K-Line cruise.  I set the K-Line for 128 step mode.

 

One thing that is misleading in Norm's comment.  The big red knob sends absolute TMCC or Legacy steps if you're in either Legacy or TMCC mode for that locomotive.  The RR speed step control is only available in Legacy mode.

The availability of the RR Speeds for TMCC control is useful for synching TMCC lashups (assuming one is careful about picking TMCC engines to MU wrt to gear ratio, driver size and Odyssey board version). It's also just cool, and the Legacy remote was the first device to properly use TMCC absolute speed commands. Up until then, the first couple firmware revs of DCS tried using them, and the only other way to use them was by hooking up a pc with something like the old Railman software (which also had a really cool port reader from what I remember). A lot of this stuff was discovered and played with a very long time ago, like from 2000-2001.

 

The velocity knob has to at least inject relative speed commands, otherwise you'd never trigger RS4 and RS5 chuffing and diesel RPM changes in relation to controlling speed. This is easy to observe/hear/prove with RS4 diesels. If you skip to the RR Speed menu and punch in a speed, the engine will proceed to that speed setting without affecting RPMs. Hopefully everyone is starting their old RS4 TMCC diesels with the AUX-1 key and not just rolling them out with the knob. This was an old RS4 bug from way back pointed out by Clyde Coil.

 

Careful when talking about PWM to Lionel motor drivers, I believe this went away with Odyssey 2, the on/off version. I think that used direct serial comm or a combo of PWM for open loop and serial for closed. At least that's what I'm thinking.

Last edited by Norm Charbonneau

R100 mode was put in, as I recall, to give you the throttle graph as well as the keypad icons instead of the number pad you get with CAB1 mode.

 

I remember a specific issue with R100 mode and not CAB1 mode with the Cruise Commander M in an older Legacy release, so there may be some differences as well.

 

The reason I mention that it keeps sending the relative commands is I can crank the remote up to a full throttle graph and then kill track power and turn it on again.  The locomotive is sitting idle, and the throttle graph in R100 mode is at full throttle.  As far as the remote is concerned, I'm going full speed since Legacy is a one-way system.  However, when I keep cranking the throttle up past 100%, the locomotive runs just fine and I can go "overspeed" as much as I like and run at any speed.

 

When you turn it back from 100%, the throttle graph comes back down like you'd expect.

 

The bottom line is the throttle graph in R100 mode is not tied to the speed of the engine.  The throttle graph in TMCC or Legacy mode is tied to the speed of the engine, and as soon as you send a new throttle command in those modes, the engine will assume the speed.

 

Originally Posted by Norm Charbonneau:

The availability of the RR Speeds for TMCC control is useful for synching TMCC lashups (assuming one is careful about picking TMCC engines to MU wrt to gear ratio, driver size and Odyssey board version). It's also just cool, and the Legacy remote was the first device to properly use TMCC absolute speed commands. Up until then, the first couple firmware revs of DCS tried using them, and the only other way to use them was by hooking up a pc with something like the old Railman software (which also had a really cool port reader from what I remember). A lot of this stuff was discovered and played with a very long time ago, like from 2000-2001.

 

The velocity knob has to at least inject relative speed commands, otherwise you'd never trigger RS4 and RS5 chuffing and diesel RPM changes in relation to controlling speed. This is easy to observe/hear/prove with RS4 diesels. If you skip to the RR Speed menu and punch in a speed, the engine will proceed to that speed setting without affecting RPMs. Hopefully everyone is starting their old RS4 TMCC diesels with the AUX-1 key and not just rolling them out with the knob. This was an old RS4 bug from way back pointed out by Clyde Coil.

 

Careful when talking about PWM to Lionel motor drivers, I believe this went away with Odyssey 2, the on/off version. I think that used direct serial comm or a combo of PWM for open loop and serial for closed. At least that's what I'm thinking.

Doesn't the motor driver still use PWM?  I know K-Line cruise doesn't use the 4 wire Motor Driver harness, but the ERR still does.  Not sure on ODY 2.  G

G, my last words were a sort of thinking out loud. I remember the DCDR and the DCDRS using PWM but I don't think it was used by the time Odyssey 2 came out. I could be wrong though. The 32 speed step limit in the older TMCC stuff was probably caused by the PWM signal. I bet that PWM curve which was probably optimized for open loop can motor control was responsible for the early Odyssey hockey stick speed curve.

 

I know with EOB and ERRCO stuff you had to make direct connections into the serial comm line. This would bypass the PWM limit and allow these systems to read relative steps to get higher speed step resolutions north of 32 steps.

Norm,  Understood.  Regardless PWM is used to fire the fets.  It just may not be from the R2LC algorithm.  I think part of the other reason the later motor drivers have serial data directly is they take command from the R2LC wrt changing modes, speed steps, turning on and off cruise, etc... 

 

If I remember correctly I mentioned in a post that K-line did not use the 4 pin connection, and Jon Z chimed in about it being a disadvantage.  Implied he was still using the phase information from the R2LC.  Must admit a little over my head since I don't have the background into this level of detail wrt motor control and programming.  G

I believe that Jon Z. was pointing out that the K-Line didn't know which direction was being commanded as it could miss a direction change.  With the PWM, there is no doubt as to which direction the R2(4)LC is commanding you to go.  It could be that just the presence of the PWM on one of the inputs simply triggers the direction and the actual motor drive is generated elsewhere.

 

Not sure I understand your point.  Jon clearly talked about phasing.  I have never seen or heard of some one complaining about a missed direction change with K-Line cruise.  I assume the serial data also has to have that information though?  Would be nice to hear from a K-line guy why they went the way they did.  G

Originally Posted by GGG:

Not sure I understand your point.  Jon clearly talked about phasing.  I have never seen or heard of some one complaining about a missed direction change with K-Line cruise.  I assume the serial data also has to have that information though?  Would be nice to hear from a K-line guy why they went the way they did.  G

Here's a blast from the past, this is from the post I mentioned.  Jon's comment is in red answering another post.  I'm surprised you don't remember it, you were an active participant in the thread.

 

>>>"Seems like K-line was on to something here"

The only thing they were "onto" was a failure to operate in Consist (Lash-up) operation.  Without the PWM for direction steering(not in the Serial stream) , it won't operate as expected.  Single units are OK though.

Here's the thread: https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/t...84#26067524254725284

I think the issue is if you have one of them going backwards when you're going forward, it gets confused.  That's what I got out of that.  However, he does allude to the fact that they don't use the PWM for the actual motor speed.

 

He's right about direction not being in the serial data, I was looking at reading the serial data, and I asked about that as I couldn't figure out how it worked.  If you look at the TMCC command definition, some things are not well explained.

I don't know if my questions are in the correct discussion?

I only have Conventional and TMCC engines and no Legacy engines at present. A few Lionel starter sets are of interest and include a plastic hand controller.

Suppose I decide to purchase a Legacy engine. Is it possible that I may be able to continue to use my original TMCC Command PowerMaster and CAB1 without going overboard to buy more equipment?

Here are the items that I currently own: Train Master Control and the Command Base, and the CAB1 remote with the antenna. I suppose that with this essential equipment, I will not be able to use Legacy engines?

My Command base and remote are gray-colored; I see that others are blue-colored, including the remote is blue without an antenna. Another device consists of a remote that rests in a tray and is labeled: Legacy.

For me to run Legacy, is it possible to purchase the blue Legacy Power master and continue to use my gray controller with the antenna? Because I don't know if I would be limited? Or do I need the blue-colored controller without the antenna? And is there anything else that I would require? For example, is it possible to continue using the gray-colored Command box?

There's a new Lionel CAB 3 featured in the catalog, and it's shaped like the **** Gate Bridge; other than the expense of the item, what is the difference?

Here are some YouTube Links that sparked my interest, and perhaps you may be able to help?

Last but not least, what is the purpose of an LCS Module and is a TPC necessary?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbFKB_FTbeM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gw1mKpYVu0

@Lionel8 posted:

Hi Bob,

Thank you and your reply is helpful.

What is the reason why Lionel labels their products as Legacy?

Because they have Legacy features that can only be fully accessed using Legacy.

Legacy is backwards compatible to TMCC commands, so you can run one, limited to the commands that exist under TMCC. In order to add more commands and features, they had to create Legacy which is a different format and that's why using a Legacy remote with a TMCC engine doesn't unlock Legacy features because that engine being TMCC only doesn't understand them.

In short yes your original (grey) cab-1 and base will operate a LEGACY locomotive.

LEGACY is basically the second iteration of TMCC it was actually originally marketed as TMCC II

while you can run a LEGACY locomotive you do loose a lot of the LEGACY specific features such as quill-able whistle

also just as a FYI the Cab-1L (blue in color) works just like an original cab-1 slightly more refined has a poor man’s ability for quillable whistle and only talks to the LEGACY base-2 or the new BASE-3

FWIW, I'll admit joining the hobby circa 2018, I too had to learn these names, and to me Legacy in my IT world meant the old system.

Conventional: the oldest way of operating trains by varying the voltage on the track. Additionally Whistle DC offset modifying the AC waveform was added, and then later opposite DC polarity offset bell.

TMCC- AKA Command Control- added circa 1995.

Legacy-added circa December 2007- the next generation of command control features. It's capable of transmitting backwards compatible TMCC commands but when set to Legacy for a given ID it then sends the more advanced Legacy command format that TMCC engines cannot understand. Again, understand this is on a per ID setting, such that it defaults to CAB style commands, and the user can choose in the CAB2 remote to display TMCC icons, or even Legacy, however, Legacy setting won't work on a TMCC only engine.

To answer your last question, you need to be more specific.  Lionel, in the last decade, has added what I would refer to as a "starter" command control system identified by the "Lionchief" moniker.  All, or most, of these sets will come with a hand controller.  However, there are now variations of Lionchief; some of those variations will operate in multiple ways including a Lionchief controller, bluetooth (with an app on a smart phone), or the TMCC/Legacy combo.  In fact, some Lionchief engines no longer come with a separate Lionchief controller.

Chuck

@Lionel8 posted:

Hi Guys,

I appreciate your valuable input.

I suppose the Lionel Ready to Run sets that have the enclosed hand controller are not Legacy? And those starter sets should work with CAB1 and TMCC?

Any locomotive that came with the LC remote is not Legacy.  Those would be either Lionchief or Lionchief Plus models, neither of those had Legacy capability.  Anything that came with the LC remote will NOT run with TMCC or Legacy.

The train I'm referring to is a General Engine Disney theme set. All I know is from a YouTuber that put up a video showing the train in action and a picture of the box. Indeed, the contents include LionChief remote control system, LVC, and Bluetooth to verify your previous reply.
I don't know what LVC means?

The Youtuber said the set is not a typical train where a wire connects from a transformer to the track. Instead, the wire plugs directly from the wall and to the track piece.

The situation is muddy because I'm considering the best way to integrate old and new.
For instance, I watched a YouTuber, and he had a line-up of the various LionChief handheld controllers next to his layout. And I thought that he said he was able to pair the separate controllers into one—my mistake. Bummer, I cannot use the CAB1.

Secondly, in referencing the power to track piece, I was at a local Lionel Hobby Store, and the clerk said a ZW would be an overload for today's trains. So I need to purchase a new transformer because the new starter sets can not sustain the strength of a ZW's power supply, resulting in engine failure. Is that true?

Moreover, one Lionel YouTube covering electrical work by Lionel's Mike Reagan said that the new Lionel transformers produce a Chopped Sine Wave. How come?

And is Lionel using transformers with a Chopped Sine Wave to prevent damage? (I'm only familiar with Sine Wave.) But this particular set does not have a transformer. And should I be cautioned that integrating any transformer, old or new, will damage the train and voice chip? Because the train makes unique station stop announcements and that's the attraction that has me hooked.

Please help me understand this.

@Lionel8 posted:
For instance, I watched a YouTuber, and he had a line-up of the various LionChief handheld controllers next to his layout. And I thought that he said he was able to pair the separate controllers into one—my mistake. Bummer, I cannot use the CAB1.

You can use the orange LC Universal Controller for all the LC, LC+, and LC+ 2.0 locomotives, probably what he was talking about.

@Lionel8 posted:
Secondly, in referencing the power to track piece, I was at a local Lionel Hobby Store, and the clerk said a ZW would be an overload for today's trains. So I need to purchase a new transformer because the new starter sets can not sustain the strength of a ZW's power supply, resulting in engine failure. Is that true?

That's a total crock!  Tons of people use the PW-ZW on their modern layouts all the time.  The only thing you should do is add a modern circuit breaker or fuse in the output power connection for any postwar transformer.

@Lionel8 posted:
Moreover, one Lionel YouTube covering electrical work by Lionel's Mike Reagan said that the new Lionel transformers produce a Chopped Sine Wave. How come?

And is Lionel using transformers with a Chopped Sine Wave to prevent damage? (I'm only familiar with Sine Wave.) But this particular set does not have a transformer. And should I be cautioned that integrating any transformer, old or new, will damage the train and voice chip? Because the train makes unique station stop announcements and that's the attraction that has me hooked.

Correct, it's much cheaper to modulate power with electronic control to use a chopped waveform than to try to synthesize a pure sine wave.  It all comes down to cost.  The only modern electronic transformer that actually does synthesize a pure sine wave is the MTH Z4000, and it's priced to match.

In general, you'll have less operational issues with pure sine waves, but most modern trains will run fine on a chopped waveform.

Dear gunrunner john,

I never considered MTH's Z-4000 because I did not know the product and believed the ZW would suffice. However, thanks to your description, I appreciate the model more and always liked the amp meters built into the front panel.

I have a question about Pure Sine Waves. When Lionel created the TPC 400 (Track Powered Controller) for TMCC, was the TPC's purpose of making a Pure Sine Wave? I don't own a TPC and never understood its value. Is a TPC a valuable component for powering engines, primarily because of my related inquires?

In speaking with an LCCA Member, he believes that Lionel is developing a new Z- line transformer and an estimated cost of about 1G?
If so, I'm guessing that Lionel would update the product based on MTH's Z-4000.

Last edited by Lionel8

The TPC varies track voltage output with a Triac - producing chopped sine wave.  The TPCs allow wireless control of conventional engines using a CAB1 (or CAB1L, or CAB2).  A CABx base is necessary to provide the serial output to control the TPC.

If you have MTH PS-1 locos and don't have a Z4000 with its programming button, TPC provides quick voltage changes necessary to program PS-1 using the clink clank sequences.

The Lionel's Powermaster is a better option to TPCs these days.

@Lionel8 posted:

Dear gunrunner john,

I never considered MTH's Z-4000 because I did not know the product and believed the ZW would suffice. However, thanks to your description, I appreciate the model more and always liked the amp meters built into the front panel.

I have a question about Pure Sine Waves. When Lionel created the TPC 400 (Track Powered Controller) for TMCC, was the TPC's purpose of making a Pure Sine Wave? I don't own a TPC and never understood its value. Is a TPC a valuable component for powering engines, primarily because of my related inquires?

In speaking with an LCCA Member, he believes that Lionel is developing a new Z- line transformer and an estimated cost of about 1G?
If so, I'm guessing that Lionel would update the product based on MTH's Z-4000.

As previously stated, the TPC was simply a method of having remote control of the track voltage using the TMCC remote, it still produces a chopped waveform.

As for Lionel producing a new transformer, I tend to doubt it, but that doesn't mean it isn't happening.  Since MTH is still producing the Z4000, I don't think any Lionel product would be based on the Z4000.

@Lionel8 posted:

I have a question about Pure Sine Waves. When Lionel created the TPC 400 (Track Powered Controller) for TMCC, was the TPC's purpose of making a Pure Sine Wave? I don't own a TPC and never understood its value. Is a TPC a valuable component for powering engines, primarily because of my related inquires?

In speaking with an LCCA Member, he believes that Lionel is developing a new Z- line transformer and an estimated cost of about 1G?
If so, I'm guessing that Lionel would update the product based on MTH's Z-4000.

The purpose of a TPC was covered. Keep in mind that they use a TRIAC so they basically will make a modified sine wave. (Edit see following post) The new LEGACY PowerMaster has MOSFETs and this actually allows you to use a pure sine transformer and still get a pure sine wave out of it



As far as a new transformer I would kinda doubt of a completely new transformer. They already have a ZW-L but I wouldn’t be surprised if they had to change some stuff up due to component shortages/ part obsolescence. With any luck they might make it pure sine wave

Last edited by zhubl

A couple of points just to try and clarify everything dumped in this thread:

1)Conventional lionel trains operated via varying the voltage to the track, usually via the handles. Reverse was handled via interrupting power to the track, whistle was superimposed DC. So to make the engine go faster or slower, you are varying the voltage.

2)In 1993 or thereabouts, Lionel came up with TMCC command control. It sends a signal over the ground in house wiring, that contains commands the engine can understand. With TMCC operation, the track voltage is constant (like 18v),  command boards in the engine get a command from a control (the cab 1 in your case), and varies the speed of the engine by internally changing the voltage. Again, track voltage is constant.

They also created a module called the TPC (track power control), that could vary the track voltage (so it would have 18 v going into it) via the TMCC command system. The TMCC remote could talk to the TPC (I don't remember if it was hardwired to the TMCC base). Using a TPC, therefore, you can run a conventional engine and the TPC would minic a transformer, it can vary voltage to the track, change direction, whistle. Note that in this mode a command control engine would likely not work very well, because it wants 18 v, so running a conventional engine and a TMCC one on the same track wouldn't work very well.

4)around 2006'ish, they came up with the Legacy system. The legacy system command space was much larger (ie the number of commands it could send/receive). I forget the number, but Legacy supported a way lot more. It allowed for advanced features that TMCC could not support because it ran out of command space from what I recall. Legacy is a superset of TMCC, so Legacy command system can control TMCC engines. A TMCC base 1 can also control legacy engines, just won't be able to control advanced stuff, as others said.

They also have the powermaster unit, that is the successor to the TPC. A powermaster has fixed voltage into it, and the tmcc/legacy base can talk to it to vary voltage, change direction, etc. It is not hardwired, a powermaster is like an engine on the track, the command base can address it using the same legacy broadcast the engines read. Like the TPC, operating a conventional engine using this and a command engine on the same track won't work well because of the varying voltage.

5)In the last 10 years Lionel introduced a new form of command control, called Lionchief. It was not legacy/tmcc based, it had its own remote control paired to the engine. The original lionchief could only operate using the control, it didn't support conventional operation ie track voltage. The remote was unique to the engine. Like prior command control, it uses fixed voltage to the track.  It was really designed for use in train sets as a way to allow use of command control without the complexity /cost of Legacy since the remote was included, and all you needed was 18 v to the track for this to work.

This evolved, lionchief + allows conventional operation. Lionel then came out with a universal remote that can operate up to 3 lionchief engines (I think it is 3).

They came out then with lionchief 2.0. This allows using the remote (I was wondering why the unit I bought didn't have the remote!), it also can be controlled using the Lionel app on phones/smart devices via bluetooth connectivity, it also can be controlled from the legacy command base as well (I don't think TMCC will work with it,but not sure).

6)With ZW, Lionel has a current generation, the ZW-L. It is a modern transformer, has the quick blow circuit breakers built in, and has 620 watts power distributed on 4 channels (the only ZW was 275 theoretically, probably more like 190 output side. One nice feature it has is that all 4 channels have the equivalent of powermaster built in, which the legacy base can address and change the output voltage to the track. So rather than buy a separate powermaster, it is built into all 4 channels.

The downside is the cost, it is close to 1k these days. I am still kicking myself, could have had it for like 630 on a labor say sale just before the price soared.....ah well.



And yes, you can use a traditional ZW, as others have said you will want to put a fast blow breaker or fuse on the power to the track (there have been a ton of threads on here about this topic, easy to find in search), and you might also want to put a TVS (a kind of diode) across the hot/return going to the track (this suppresses voltage surges, the way a good power strip does), it is there to suppress transient voltage surges. Again, if you do a search on here for ZW or TVS, you will find a ton of info. It isn't that the ZW outpowers the engines, it is that the ZW if you have a short has a breaker that is slow and is designed to protect the transformer, hence the need for an external fast blow breaker or fuse.

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