first time using TMCC and...

[Anonymous]

Well I bought my CAB-1 and controller today. Had an hour run using it on my portable layout. I will only say this once. I WILL NEVER RUN IN CONVENTIAL MODE AGAIN!!!. I have 3 TMCC locos right now. A C&O 4-6-2, a Penn K$, and my UP Big Boy. I can't wait to pull out the rest of my layout and have all 3 locos going at once. One question I have is that if I get a 2nd CAB-1 will I be able to give it to a friend to run one train and I run the other or will the signals get all crossed?

[Big_Boy_4005]

That's what I plan to do, only maybe up to 10 Cab-1's. As long as they are programmed for different locomotives, it should be just fine. One Cab-1 per operator, and one train per operator, should add up to lots of fun.

[Roger Bielen]

I use two CAB-1's when my granddaughter is running a train. Both are addressed for the same engine incase I need to override her pushing a wron button. So far I haven't had to use it but it sure makes Grandpa feel better.

[wrmcclellan]

jimdevleerjr,

You can use several Cab-1's successfully. We use 4 or 5 at a time on our club layout.

Be aware that all the CAB-1's communicate on the same radio frequency to the same Command Base. Thus occasionally two Cab-1's radio commands will "collide" and the Command base will either be confused and do nothing or one of the commands may get through. Thus you may have to repeat a command if your engine did not react as expected.

The most common collision occurs when one Cab-1 is being used to hold the whistle (or horn) continuously and a second Cab-1 tries to send a signal at the same time. The second Cab-1 signal may not be recognized.

Plus, since we are dealing with low power radio transmitters here - the closest one to the Command Base my be recognized more than one farther away.

Regardless, the TMCC system is quite tolerant of this. Nothing locks up or gets fouled up.

Regards

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by wrmcclellan

jimdevleerjr,

You can use several Cab-1's successfully. We use 4 or 5 at a time on our club layout.

Be aware that all the CAB-1's communicate on the same radio frequency to the same Command Base. Thus occasionally two Cab-1's radio commands will "collide" and the Command base will either be confused and do nothing or one of the commands may get through. Thus you may have to repeat a command if your engine did not react as expected.

The most common collision occurs when one Cab-1 is being used to hold the whistle (or horn) continuously and a second Cab-1 tries to send a signal at the same time. The second Cab-1 signal may not be recognized.

Plus, since we are dealing with low power radio transmitters here - the closest one to the Command Base my be recognized more than one farther away.

Regardless, the TMCC system is quite tolerant of this. Nothing locks up or gets fouled up.

Regards

Thanks for those hints. I was curious about some of those things. All told, I should be in good shape, as 90% of the commands on my railroad will be speed control which will be brief.

[eZAK]

Also, as noted in the TMCC manual, you can change the frequency's in the Cab 1 and the Cmd. base. Just pull out the crystal and change with a different one matching the Cab 1 with a Cmd. base.