I’ve been wondering that on my layout, is their any way I can run both DCS and Legacy but somehow be able to use Legacy’s features when I want to use them; such as the varying horn on my Legacy engines.
There are several MTH engines I want to get, and yes, I know I could use TPC’s, but I want to be able to make MU lashups and such.
Do you think there is a way to wire 2 mainlines, so that when I wanted to use legacy, I can somehow dissconnect DCS and turn on Legacy?
I know I can still control my Legacy engines using DCS, but DCS cant give me the EXTREMELY slow start up and 3 chime varying horn, ect.
I think that there’s a very simple way to accomplish what you want to.
If you get DCS, simply connect the TIU in the manner described(in series with the track wire connections). Then, take your Legacy base, and connect it to the outer rail, in the manner described.
Doing this, you can run Legacy engines with the CAB-2, and they won’t know or care that you have DCS. You can run PS-2 engines with the DCS handheld, and they won’t know or care that you have Legacy.
If you care to, you can control Legacy through DCS. Its usefulness is limited, however, and you lose all of the Legacy features like quillable whistle, etc. Basically, controlling Legacy through DCS makes it function like TMCC1, and only in a somewhat limited capacity at that.
The OGR forum has a thread that details how you can control TMCC engines and Legacy engines with your DCS remote. However, as you pointed out, you would not have access to all of the Legacy features. If you want to use only one remote, it is possible.
However, I would agree with Ben’s suggestion. You can have both DCS and Legacy wired and use them independently of each other. Even though I have TMCC connected through my TIU, I usually use my TMCC remote to control my Lionel trains. I plan to do the same once I get Legacy hooked up.
Please don’t take what I am about to say as a criticism, only advice. If you post a very brief, yet more informed thread listing, you would probably get more responses. Often, folks will have limited time to browse the headings and pick things they either have questions about also, or things that they have a fair amount of knowledge about. I only checked your listing as I have a good bit of time this morning, unfortunately, I don’t have an answer to your question, but if posted as I mentioned, some credible folks can add to the advice already give. Good Luck,
J&J is right. Why would you want to run Legacy enignes [or any TMCC engine] with a DCS remote when you have a CAB2? I have my power fed through a fast acting breaker box to the TIU, to the track. Then the Legacy base to the out side rail. I did use the Y cable to connect the old command base and my TPC’s. CAB2 runs conventionals better than DCS remote. I run TMCC1 engines, Legacy engines [with CAB1 and CAB2] and PS2 engines [with DCS remote] on the same track and not a problem has come up yet.
On the other hand, I do find a big advantage. I have all 3 systems hooked up. And ALL my switches can be activated by either a button on the control panel, OR through my DCS controller. (Via the 2 AIU’s). So I can control EVERY engine, and ALL my switches with one controller. This I find very convient. Especially when running an assortment of engines at the same time. I will typically use the DCS controller, cause of ease to switch back and forth between engines. Then with the Cab-2 controller laying on the table, will reach over and quill the engine or whatever. Best of BOTH worlds.
We can do the same with CAB1 and CAB2. Switches with controlers are activated by the CAB1 and CAB2. Accessories and routes too. Then pickup the DCS remote to run those PS2’s. [I love picking on him about this]
To add to Dennis’ good suggestion to maximize your responses, think of all the folks including me and you who at a later date do an archive search and can actually find this good stuff. I get very frustrated knowing full well a topic has been thoroughly covered, because I read it, and then I can’t find it. Drives me nuts. Good thread. Change title to “Running both DCS and Legacy.”
I actually agree with you, my ONLY issue is I don’t have the ASC units, if I did I would do exactly as you are saying. The reason I went with the DCS AIU, is you can put 10 switches and 10 accessories on 1 for about $99. The ASC gives you 4 switches and 8 assys for $90.
(edit Add: SC-2, $105, Programmable to control four switches AND four accessories together OR six switches OR 12 accessories)
I still believe both systems are great, and all in all, I could argue very stongly in favor of either one of them. Just guess who’s on the otherside of the conversation I guess.
Although I love my DCS, I would never downgrade my Legacy and what it does for my TMCC engines by connecting it to DCS via serial control. My personal opinion is keep discrete. They can operate on the same loops but keep control of each discrete.
I run G gauge MTH DCS. I have to disconnect my whole layout and park my mth engines on unpowered sidings to run my two usa trains with DCC. I asked MTH if I could run both and they said no. I’ve been afraid to attempt to connect both so I keep doing all this work. Does anyone know if I could hook up both on two rail???
Marty - I KNOW you are a lot more familiar with the Legacy and DCS than I, you have my curiosity up. I’m not aware of comprimising the Legacy or DCS having them integrated. Sure would appreciate any additional information you are reffering to. I am STILL on a Legacy learning curve, am I missing some stuff? BTW, I’m not being sarcastic or anything, just want to learn. Hope you enjoy your trip! If you have time while your in LA offer for dinner still stands!
Here at work, we power the track with a Z-4000, connected to a TIU connected to a junction box, and we have the Legacy plugged into the same common as the TIU and they both work fine. Legacy can run the Legacy and TMCC gear, and DCS the DCS gear, and everyone has fun.
No legacy no problem. DCS and TMCC1 are at the best point ever. But…
Legacy’s control over TMCC1 is absolute speed as opposed to rleative, which I believe DCS now emulates not 100% about that, but it also has a much better control on momentum. This is where the big advantag. DCS can still only access 3 levels of momentum. L, M, and H. Legacy has a variable momentum which can fine tune those settings.
DCS will run all TMCC engines just fine but it will be limited to the TMCC1 functions. If I am going to have a Legacy engine or even a TMCC1 w/odyssey, Legacy with the remote delivers the best control. I am sure there are some who will dispute the better control of TMCC1 but I have experienced that.
I guess I should say this. If you want to be able to have access to all TMCC engines for limited adjustments by all means connect them but IMO you’ll be wanting to grab the Legacy remote to run them.
Marty - Thanks for the information. This is truly a great time to be in the hobby. I concur and pretty much operate in this scenerio;
A. If I am running a Legacy engine, or TMCC for that matter, and am focussing on feature or specific speed and momentum control, definetly use the Cab-2. Typically this type of operation is when I am really trying to push the engine and control the maximum capability. And learning where that envelope is for myself.
B. Then when I am more in the “mood” for multiple engine operations, or I have some visitors who want to “see” the trains run, and variety & variation is the goal. I will use the DCS controller and run the entire layout and all engine types. They are always impressed.
Its really great to be able to have these options! I was thinking that there was the possibility that I crippled some aspects of Legacy by having both systems connected to the layout. But, to date I havn’t noticed any.
Marty, I had played with the “braking” on Legacy. I had not done a lot with it except limited the speed. So for fun I started playing with it. If running and more is applied than the speed is set, the trains slows but the engine revs. For the first time, I applied full brake before the train started. Turned up the throttle, engines reved, then released the brake slowly, sure enough, they eased off [engines reving] just like a real train. Before this, I had only used the momentum to control starting and stopping.