I really like what I’m seeing in the new MTH catalog. My present setup is Lionel TMCC, Lionel Command Base, Cab-1 remote and a powerhouse 180 transformer. I don’t use a CW, ZW etc. as I don’t run any conventional locomotives.
I was reading in the new MTH catalog that as long as I had the TMCC command base (which I do) I could run DCS and TMCC locomotives at the same time.
So would I only need to add the DCS Remote Control System along with the TIU/TMCC connector cable to make it all work? I understand I could still use my TMCC Cab-1 if I wanted…but do I lose any functionality of my TMCC Locomotives by only using the MTH controller? Can I continue to get by without going to a ZW type controller? I do realize that as my layout grows and I add more accessories, locomotives etc. I’ll need to add an additional 180 transformer.
YEP, you will be good to go with the DCS set up and TIU, and cable. I have mine set up with this same set up but have it on a newer ZW with 180 blocks o power. I have had no problems. I do how ever run my TMCC with the Cab1 and MTHs with the DCS. Makes it nice when you have someone over to run trains, they too can play.
According to MTH you can add TMCC, as Laz57 reccomends, and control the TMCC engines with the DCS handheld remote. Can’t say how everything will work! If you can use the TMCC handheld remote with DCS or not I don’t know. Just know that you can not get all the features from TMCC using DCS only or get all the DCS features using TMCC.
You need to keep the CAB-1 around as not all of the funtions of TMCC have been migrated to DCS. Things like reprogramming ID’s or setting momentum/stall are not handled by the emulator. Cable also has problems in that you can not use the cable IF you are using any of the serial port connected devices like a TPC, or ASC. You will also have to reprogram any Lashups in DCS and you cannot access any Switch/Accessory/Route functions as these are not directly supported.
Brent, the wiring isn’t compicated. I use the DCS controllers to run my TMCC locos most of the time. The grandkids don’t like the TMCC cab 1. The DCS controller is more user friendly.
I’m sure it isn’t too difficult John. I’m just wondering if it would be better to use a couple TPC 400s with the Modern ZW to make conventional control easier… or run the conventional locos using DCS… I guess what I need to do is make a trip to someone’s place that has the dual setup to see what it is like. Is it possible to run conventional locos at slow speeds, or is it better to upgrade them to TMCC? The problem I have with my locos is only one has speed control and it drives me nuts… guess I just need to buy a bunch of EOB Boards from ERR in October…
No. The only way to control conventional loco’s at slower speeds is to use a newer ZW or a TPC. DCS only allows 32 speed steps and has a higher starting voltage than either the new ZW or the TPC. You SHOULD be able to control a TPC through DCS if it was programmed as an engine and the cable connecting the TPC to the Command Base wasn’t a mess. If you want/like speed control you can replace the electronics with a PS-2 system or a TMCC system with some type of Cruise Control (e.g. EOB).
I bought the DCS setup and a BNSF SD70MAc Locomotive. I’m extremely pleased with the way that DCS runs both the MTH BNSF, but also my two other TMCC locos. I feel the DCS system gives far greater control over speed. The only thing that I regret is not being able to form a lashup between DCS and TMCC.
When you mentioned not being able to form a lashup between DCS & TMCC do mean the locomotives that run on TMCC & DCS, like two GP-9’s but one MTH the other Lionel, or the control units?
Have you tried using the DCS handheld remote to do the multiple unit lash-up by addressing both locos thru the DCS remote? Try using the TMCC remote if the DCS remote don’t work, I think that you can address both locos thru one remote.
Yes…the message on the DCS handheld states something like can’t lashup with TMCC. I searched on this forum and found many threads discussing the issue. Most are several years old though…
Has anyone found a way around this? Lee have you found a way around this?
BRENT as CHUCK wrote, the newer ZW will be able to run your conventionals with the Cab1. You don’t need to get a TPC. Tracks 1and 4 is set up for a variable track power. Just adress the TR and either 1or 4 and use the knob. You get to controll bell, whistle, and direction with the CAB1.
Thanks Lee…I appreciate it. I was an MTH virgin just 24 hours ago and now I wish I had taken the leap sooner. I once thought I would be loyal to Lionel…then saw the value in some of the Atlas products. When I saw the latest MTH catalog…well that is what did it.
I knew going into DCS that it wouldn’t control TMCC @ 100%. And I’m not discouraged by the fact that it appears I can’t do lashup’s between the two. However, I would think that would be an awesome feature for MTH to work on in future releases of their software. Of course, it could be by design as well. This will drive more purchases toward MTH versus the rest.
So how bout it Laz, Jefelctric, Chief??? Have you guys figured out how to setup a MU between TMCC and DCS locomotives?
When I got my DCS unit it was a bit hit & miss then back to the instruction manual several times. I now have an AIU hooked up to the TIU and it controls seven switches on differant tracks, tracks that are not controlled by the TIU’s output. Also my switches are Gargraves with DZ1000 switch motors, so I don’t rely on track power at all for my switches.
I used to be loyal to Lionel until about 14 years ago when some O gauge switches starting giving me trouble and Lionel would not help me with the problem.
I’m still undecided about how I want to throw my switches. I’ve looked into the MTH AIU and Atlas switches. I believe it will work. Then there are days that I’m thinking I want to wire everything to a control panel type setup. Just trying to get my head around which way would be the best.