I am very confused and could really use some help. Cab 1 , Cab 2, Tmcc , Legacy, DCS, Protosound , PS1, PS2, what is different about them. I have the Lionel Cab 1 and would like to know what exactly I can run with it. Thanks, Will
The basics in operating systems. There are books available that come with the command systems that get into the details and capabilities.
PS-1 by MTH basically is electronic chips installed in MTH conventional locomotives that has some enhanced capabilities to control special sound effects or couplers via using horn sequences by the transformer. You do not need any special electronic add-ons to operate the locomotive.
TMCC by Lionel is a command system that activates numerous commands in TMCC equipped locomotives.
DCS by MTH is a command system that activates numerous commands in PS-2 equipped locomotives. DCS will also activate commands in TMCC equipped locomotives.
Legacy by Lionel is their latest command system that is replacing TMCC with additional enhancements. It is backwards compatible with TMCC.
TMCC, DCS, and Legacy all have electronic components that need to be connected to your power source to operate. All three have hand held controllers to send the desired functions to the locomotive.
You can operate TMCC, DCS, Legacy equipped locomotives in conventional mode but will not be able to access the enhanced functions without the appropriate electronic add-ons.
A good summery above and I do not have DCS but I believe you must add TMCC before DCS will operate TMCC engines.
All brands except MTH if remote controlled will function with TMCC. MTH decided to have their own system.
The summary provided by Seayakbill is right on. Just to clarify a few of the acronyms you mentioned.
Cab 1 - Original remote controller provided with TMCC
Cab 2- Original remote provided with Legacy
PS1 - As discussed above, original MTH electronic package
PS2 - Fully featured remote system.
(PS3) - New MTH system currently in production, primary differences being a greatly reduced electronic footprint, enabling usage in numerous smaller engines not previously available in PS2, also eliminates battery requirement of PS2.
Comment: A WHOLE LOT of prejudice exists between the system described above, I have and run all 3 (TMCC, PS-2, and Legacy), I wouldn’t want to give up any ONE. Keep an open mind and you will end up with a really rewarding experience, and the overall winner.
The biggest difference is that the MTH PS2 & PS3 systems employ bidirectional communications between the command module and train/engine, where as the TMCC and Legacy have one way communication. (Command Module to train/engine only, not train/engine to command module.) Bidirectional provides the capability of a significantly greater number of features to be developed. Seeing a demonstration will be extremely rewarding. MOST importantly enjoy, they are all really great.
A good summery above and I do not have DCS but I believe you must add TMCC before DCS will operate TMCC engines.
Yep, to operate the Lionel TMCC through the MTH DCS system you will need to connect the TMCC command base to the DCS TIU controller.
From what I have heard is that you can get some features of TMCC with DCS but not all and the same for TMCC with DCS. So to get the best of each system, you will need both systems.
PS stands for Proto Sounds. PS-1 is the old version with just electronics for sound and reversing. PS-2 was a newer system and needs the DCS base unit to operate all the features of a PS-2 engine. PS-3 is the newest system by MTH, you will need to see the MTH website to understand it better, if you don’t understand.
I have the Lionel Cab 1 and would like to know what exactly I can run with it. Thanks, Will
Will, do you just have the Cab-1 hand controller. If so you will need the other components to send the TMCC signal.
Smart answer
I also have the command base and the PM-1 Power Master. Also a CW-80 transformer. I have been using all of these to run conventional engines. I really don’t plan on replaceing this system right now. So, my main interest is in what all I can run other than conventional. I would like an engine that has more features. (rail sounds and I would love electro couplers)
thanks, Will