Looking at some of the MTH engines, I have been interested in them. However, I dont want to put DCS on my layout, but still want their affects. So, I did some research and found in one forum a person saying that TPCs could control someting like 90% of the features of PS2 engines, including the electro couplers. Is this true?
I don’t know about “90%”. You can access many of the features including the couplers and the special sound effects but you will be accessing these functions in traditional, aka non command mode. If you want to see what specific features you can access, the TPC manual can be downloaded from the Lionel Web site.
While they call it conventional mode you still operate all functions with the remote. The one thing that you should note is that you can only control one MTH engine on one track. There are more than enough functions to keep you happy. Here what does work when using TMCC to control a MTH PS2 engine.
Forward, neutral, reverse,boost,brake,whistl/horn,bell,front coupler, rear coupler, sounds, turn track power on, turn track power off, station talk, fast horn, fast bell, toggle speed control, set the number of throttle steps to 80,200 or 400, reset to factory defaults. I do expect that I missed a few options so is it 90%? I don’t know what else do you need.
I use 2 - 180 bricks with a TPC 400.
If your into lashing up engines then it isn’t going to do it. I can’t run a Lionel TMCC and MTH PS2 engine on the same track. I guess that is why they call it conventional mode. But like I said you do it all with the remote control and it works great.
( You can run two MTH engines together however if you access staion talk they will both talk. I actualy run two power units togther all the time.)
You may or may not miss the funtions that a true DCS system would offer. But for me I operate two tracks with MTH engines and one with TMCC engines all with TPC’s and remotes.
Chuck, the TPC manual is not on the website, just the TPC Cable.
Renovo, Thank you for the help.
Customer Service, Owners Manuals, TrainMaster Command, item 71-4189-250
http://www.lionel.com/products/productnavigator/InstructionManuals/71-4189-250.pdf
TPC 300/400 Manual has been on the Lionel website for some time. I downloaded it December, 2004.
Rob
Oh, I must have missed that.
True, but I would say about 95%. I have an MTH PS2 switcher and the TPC can access all of the features you can access in conventional mode, which is just about everything except extra command stuff like doppler effect & stuff like that. One of the things I really like is that you can fire the couplers with the CAB-1’s coupler buttons, just like the TMCC engines. To access things like freight yard/passenger sounds and factory default, you can use the “fast horn” and “fast bell” commands just like you did on your conventional transformer, except you’re using the numerical keypad. I actually was very pleased how well TMCC could operate my PS2 locomotive. If you want to buy an MTH engine, don’t worry. It’ll run with the TPC. Remember, though, you will be running the locomotive in conventional mode.