TMCC DCS help please (newbee)

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

Problem: Can’t get Lionel tmcc Rock Island 1274 GP7 Diesel link to work with a MTH DCS.

What I have: MTH DCS with remote. TMCC base. 9pin cable (proper cable). Z750 Transformer. Ground wire.

What’s going on: When I switch the engine to “prog” and turn the transformer on to attempt to program it, the engine moves. It won’t stay in neutral to allow the system to program.

I’ve checked and re-checked the wires and cables. (I know the 9 pin has a certain way it will is supposed to go).

Originally I tried to program it on my layout with accessories and switches. I thought the accessories or the switches might have something to do with it not working so I moved it to a dedicated track and it still won’t work.

Suggestions? Ideas?

2

recently there where some simular questions in this post not sure it will help you but it might http://cs.trains.com/ctt/f/95/t/213124.aspx

3

The TMCC Command Base must be connected(“U” to outside/running rails), and powered with it’s dedicated/proprietary Lionel wall-wart AC adapter plugged into a grounded AC outlet before powering up the locomotive.

4

The ground wire is hooked up.

The base is plugged in. The green light is lit.

Thanks for your response.

5

Thank you but Mine is not a legace, just a tmcc base unit. The forum link you provided is for a legacy system and a dcs.

Thanks though!

6

Okay the 9 pin cable you have does it have a large square box towards one end?

Try removing the dcs tiu from the mix now try with the tmcc command base does it work as it should?

report how it did we will go from there.

7

Are you following the set-up instructions per the manual ?

http://www.mthtrains.com/sites/default/files/download/instruction/20as14017i.pdf

Based on your observations the Command Base signal is not being passed thru the MTH TIU to the track, consequently your engine is starting in conventional mode.

8

I agree. That’s why the steps I gave above must be followed. No shortcuts. The original poster did not address every step I gave.

9

The 9pin has a box at one end.

I’m not sure what you mean by “remove it from the mix”.

10

Based on your observations the Command Base signal is not being passed thru the MTH TIU to the track, consequently your engine is starting in conventional mode.

I agree. Is there any way it is a software issue? It’s 2.1 . Just a thought.

11

It is plugged into a grounded outlet. It is working because there is a green light. The “U” wire is running to the ground (as per the directions in the DCS manual).

I’m not sure what a Proprietary Lionel Wal-Mart adapter is. ?

12

You say “outside running rails” I only have it connected to one. Does it have to be connected to both outside rails. If so, this may be the problem.

13

You must use the original, 3 pronged grounded wall-wart to power the TMCC base. A substitute won’t work. And it must be itself plugged into a grounded outlet. If any kind of adapter is used between the power supply and the wall(including terminal strips, surge strips, etc.), it may not be connected to ground.

14

Try removing the dcs tiu from the mix now try with the tmcc command base does it work as it should?

If I remove the dcs, how will the train operate, I have no tmcc remote?

15

OK Rob. I am using a Radio Shack adapter. The Original adapter didn’t work so I got another one from RS. That might be the problem.

I guess I need to get one from Lionel Huh?

Thanks to you for helping me. I’ll come back when I get the new adapter and let you know if that was the fix.

Mark

16

OK Rob, I went to the Lionel Site and they don’t have just the adapter. Now what? Frustrated. Any ideas?

17

What happened to the original & where is it?

An alternative is to run a wire from pin 5 of the Command Base rs-232 port to the ground screw of a nearby grounded metal duplex outlet or household electrical ground until you get the right adapter.

Lionel should have them in stock.

18

Lionel does show the adapter in stock HERE.

19

Chuck Sartor and Mitzell trains are no longer a business.

Now Chuck Sartor has his own shop called I think “only 3 rail” do a web search for it as he has a email contact on his web page.

Hope that part helps you.

As to Wal wart you have have you checked it with a ohm/ volt meter to verify it has no power?

20

It can have power all day long and it still won’t work without that connection to AC ground. Ground, not neutral.