Way to connect Legacy to TMCC to DCS?

You need MTH cable #50-1032 and the Y cable that comes with Legacy, and then a good addition is the DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition with pictures and description to connect them together.

 

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

Thanks Barry I'll get my copy off the shelf and check it out!

Barry,

 

Your book has been very helpful. Still learning more and more about DCS/TMCC/Legacy and all the features. 

 

I have been wondering for some time now about setting up a slightly different arrangement for the DCS and Legacy/TMCC operations and would like your take on it.

 

I have a small layout and run only 1 engine at a time. I have several TMCC, 2 Legacy and 5 DCS engines. Rather than run everything through the TIU, could one set up the system so that a DPDT switch would be used between the track, TIU and Legacy base? This way, when I run my Legacy engines I can take full advantage of all the Legacy features, which are not available when connected through the TIU?

 

The center posts of the DPDT switch would be connected to the track. One set of outside posts on the DPDT switch would then be connected to my Legacy base and the other set of posts to the output of the TIU. 

 

What, if any issues would I expect to see?

 

Thanks,

RAY

 

 

Ray,

 

In order to use all of your Legacy engine's features, simply run them from the Legacy Cab-2. No switching is required.

Barry,

 

That is what I have been doing. A TIU for DCS and a Legacy base hooked up exactly as your book states, the post on the Legacy goes directly to the track. 

 

But I have seen a YouTube video (over a year ago) from Eric S. that states that "some" Legacy features can not be accomplished when you also have a TIU installed.  I sent him an email and asked what features. His reply was something to the effect that only a few minor one, including the quelling whistle. 

 

Is there something that I missed in his video? Or was Eric referring to using the MTH Remote with a Legacy engine?

 

I have a Lionel Power House PH-1 connected to the "VAR1" chan on the TIU, then daisy chained to the "FIX1" channel for the inputs. On the output of the TIU, "VAR CONV/ DCS1" out goes to the track.

 

I use the MTH remote to set the track voltage, "TIU 1/VAR 1". Then I grab my Legacy remote and run the Lionel trains. Haven't figured out how to use the Legacy remote for convention engines yet, so I just use the MTH remote. 

 

But what is frustrating in conventional mode, the MTH remote goes from 0 to 5 volts, nothing in between. I have some engines that will start at a lower voltage. Is there a way to set the MTH remote to go from 0 then 1, 2, 3, volts, etc? Did I mess something in your book?

 

I really prefer the Legacy remote over the MTH, aside from the fact that I had to replace the thumb wheel 2 months ago on a unit that was just over 2 years old with little usage.

 

Thanks for all your help and advise.

 

RAY

He is referring to using the DCS remote. 

We use all 3 systems but do NOT have DCS connected to the Legacy/TMCC. There is really no reason to. Run the systems separately. You don't have access to all the Legacy features using DCS anyway, so use the appropriate remote for the engine you're running.

Eric,

 

You're misunderstanding what you've been told.

 

As Marty implied, every TMCC and Legacy engine can be operated using the DCS Remote. It's only those special Legacy features that require the Cab-2. Having the TIU in place does not affect Cab-2 operation.

 

Laidoffsick,

 We use all 3 systems but do NOT have DCS connected to the Legacy/TMCC. There is really no reason to.

I disagree.

 

The best reason to operate TMCC engines with the DCS Remote is that they work better with the DCS Remote than they do with he Cab-1, and don't tie up the Cab-2.

 

Further, if one only has a TMCC Base, then the DCS Remote would be the only way to operate TMCC or Legacy engines.

 

Lastly, being able to use the DCS Remote for Legacy or TMCC engines provides the operator with an additional remote for operating any command control engine, DCS, Legacy or TMCC.

I agree with Barry on all points.  Why not have another avenue to operate your engines if needed.

There's no downside to connecting the Legacy to the TIU, if you don't use the link, it's like you never connected it.

 

Gentlemen,

   I agree with Guns there is no down side connecting Legacy to the TIU, and I still run the Legacy wire to the opposite out side rail on my FasTrack also.  Remember to use the out terminals on the TIU.  I simply use a good male Banana Plug with the Legacy wire and track wires wound together, plugged into the TIU Female Banana Port, it works great.

PCRR/Dave

Let me ask the question from a slightly different frame.  Suppose you had a mixture of conventional (AC), legacy, TMCC and DCS locos (leaving LC/LC+ out of the discussion for the moment) but didn't yet have a command/control system outside of an 'ordinary' AC transformer.  Is there a single CC system (along with all the hook-up paraphernalia) that would allow you access and control most of the command/control features in these locomotives?

richs09,

   The full DCS is the only system that can run all the different kinds of trains, there are some Legacy operations that DCS can not provide, however it runs most everything.   If you have all the different kinds of engines you need to invest in a full DCS unit. When purchasing the DCS make sure you purchase the most up to date DCS package, that's the L, 4.2 or 3 I believe.  Then later on add Legacy, especially if you have FasTrack Command Control switches, and Legacy Engines.  Having both is still the very best way to operate.

 

PCRR/Dave

 

LOL!

Good Grief Charlie Brown!

PCRR/Dave

 

Marty,

  Roger that, I took it in that manner also.

PCRR/Dave

I may still feel insulted. I'll have to think about it...

Barry,

   I am sure you will get over it on one of your ship board vacations in Med, sipping some good libations.  I know these are chilling experiences, for you and Marty both.

PCRR/Dave

 

I've been following this thread a bit, but am a little confused here.  Does the newest DCS system run TMCC on it's own without any additional, Lionel, components?  I was under the impression you still needed a TMCC command base and serial connection between the units.  

Dave,

 I am sure you will get over it on one of your ship board vacations in Med, sipping some good libations.  I know these are chilling experiences, for you and Marty both.

LOL!

John,

I've been following this thread a bit, but am a little confused here.  Does the newest DCS system run TMCC on it's own without any additional, Lionel, components?  I was under the impression you still needed a TMCC command base and serial connection between the units.  

Nothing's changed.

 

A Lionel command base and an MTH #50-1032 cable are still required.

 

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

JohnGaltLine,

   George I started your confusion, I was talking form a Legacy run situation, I have no TMCC base, because I do not need one with Legacy/DCS connected.  Did not mean to lead you down the path of distruction.

PCRR/Dave

Barry,

   I told you, I owed you one Zinger!  You walked right into that one.

PCRR/Dave