TMCC Powermaster and Legacy Cab1L

Yes, you need a bridge if you want to operate the track power with a CAB-1L. Here's why. The original CAB-1 transmits to the powermaster at a certain frequency. The CAB1L system uses a totally different frequency, so the powermaster cannot hear it.

But... if you don't mind operating the powermaster with the CAB-1, and the legacy locomotive with the CAB-1L, then you will be just fine with the equipment you already have.

Just turn on the track power with the CAB-1 and run the Legacy loco with the CAB-1L.

Personally, I'd sell the CAB1/BASE1 and TMCC Powermaster and just add the Legacy PowerMaster.  It works with the BASE1L or Legacy.

I don't think he has a base1. He did not mention it.

If he doesn't have the base, just sell the CAB1.

I do not have a tmcc base. I have a power master base and a cab 1 remote. As well as a cab 1L and base. I think I will buy a legacy power master and get rid of the tmcc one. Thanks for your help.

Mike

I think you're doing the right thing, dump the older PM1 and CAB1 and just use the Legacy PowerMaster.  A bonus is it offers more speed steps for finer control, and also the MTH PS/1 and PS/2 macro capability to access many of their features using the remote.  It's a way better product than the old PM1.

For over twenty years, I have operated  my layout, configured with TMCC five Powermasters, connected to five blocks and controlled thirty two switches using ASC control boxes (14182) all with CAB1s.  Operation, either via command or conventional control, has been flawless. I decided to upgrade to Legacy.  I bought the Legacy Base and CAB 2 (990) , Powermaster Bridge and additional CAB 1L.  The "Y" cable , connecting the Bridge to the Legacy Base, as shown in the instructions, is about three feet long, not the seven feet as was recommended by Mike Reagan. The TMCC Command Base has been disconnected from the track and the ground wire from it has been connected to the Legacy Base.  There is no place to connect the switch cable (14191) to the Legacy system, so it remains connected to the TMCC base, in order to control switches.  Operationally, I am able to run conventional, TMCC and Legacy engines, using the 1L and CAB 2,  I must use the CAB 1 to throw switches and I am able to run engines conventionally with the CAB 1, as well.  Throwing switches, via the 1L is sporadic and doesn't happen with the CAB 2.  Having to use two handhelds is a step down from the old TMCC set up. TWO QUESTIONS: BECAUSE OF THE UNIQUENESS OF THE "Y" CABLE, HOW DO I WIDEN THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE POWERMASTER BRIDGE AND THE LEGACY BASE?  SECONDLY, IS THERE A WAY TO CONNECT THE ASC CABLE TO THE LEGACY SYSTEM, SO THAT I WILL BE ABLE TO OPERATE THE LAYOUT WITH ONE HAND HELD RATHER THAN 2?   ONE FINAL QUESTION:  DID I MAKE A MISTAKE GOING FULL BLOWN LEGACY OR SHOULD I HAVE SIMPLY PURCHASED THE 1L BASE AND FIVE LEGACY POWERMASTERS AND CAB 1LS?  THE ASC CABLE COULD BE CONNECTED TO THE BASE 1L.  Your thoughts, please.