I guess some know I got the Legacy system for xmas for my wife. I use Gargraves track and a kw transformer. I run only conventional locos at this time-I plan to add some TMCC or Legacy in the future. The trains run fine before Legacy(so you'll know it did run and was properly wired.) I live3 an hour from the nearest train shop. I was told I needed a TPC and the Lionel catolog said I needed a 6-12893 power cable adapter. I took the drive and spent the cash on a new TPC300 and the cable. I hooked up the wires to power the TPC and the wires from the TPC to the track. It appears again I don't have enough to use the Legacy yet! When it comes to "connecting the comm" again it appears I need yet another cable 6-14191. Jan4 and almost 500.00 and stilll not able to use Legacy. I'm somewhat stupefied by this whole experience. One wire?? Totally false. The Legacy came with a cable;however, it's not the one I need now. Also, I have no need for the power cable I paid for yesterday.I need plain and consistent language in how to use this syaten on simple locomotives. I figured I'd start at the bottom and work my way into newer locos. This hasn't been fun at all. The information seems conflicted to me. I realize I have no experience with high tech model railroading,but I also feel I able to read instructions and follow them well . I 'm an auto mechanic that specialises in performance and I 've got 28 years experience. I 'm very skilled at wiring and following wiring diagrams and flow charts=all via the internet and a dektop computer. I also reprogram computers for cars. I can't believe this Legacy business has been such trouble, but it has and I need to seek help. I just can't follow why Lionel tauts this "one wire" connection making it sound so simple yet I',m having nothing but trouble. I wionder how I'm so far off base. It's a shame but I'm wondering if this whole thing was a bad road to travel. Thanks for "listening"
Sounds like you need a train shop that can (or is willing to) advise on hooking up Legacy, or how any other thing might work.
MyLegacy came with a Y type cable. One end went to old command base [if you had one] and the other matches the cable from the TPC. If they gave you the right cable when you got the TPC [the same one that plugged into the old command base], should plug right together.
God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of the NRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified
The missing cable is the DB-9 male to two wires, aka from pins 2 and 3 to the corrsponding com ports on the TPC (or any other former IC Control's devices). Official Lionel part number is 6-14191. I made my own.
I have no old command base. I have hooked up track and every accessory(coal loaders, uncoupling tracks, windmills, etc,etc) I ever wanted with ease. I ran and wired blocks and sidings. I just haven't gotten everything I need for this even though I have worked at it . I'll get it straight. I wish the train shop was a better resource for technical help. It just isn't. I would be interested in making what I need.
The part you will need is a DB-9 serial computer connector, male. You need to run wires from pins 2 and 5 to the serial connectors on the TPC. Pin 2 on the DB-9 goes to the DAT terminal on the TPC, pin 5 goes to the COM terminal. Do not use the AX+ or AX- terminals on the TPC.
Thank you Chuck-that's something I can relate to and handle.I'll get one tomorrow at Radio Shack.
Now I understand. Your LHS gave you the wrong cable. Chuck is always a great help.
Thank you also Chief. You've been helpful also.
I've just added a TPC 400 to my layout so I can run the old postwar stuff with the Legacy.
I'll agree that Lionel's instructions are not the best. Fortunately, my local hobby shop is just down the road and was able to order the communication cable for me. Still took a week to get there, though.
An addressing tip: The TPC 300/400 instructions indicate that the TPC can be addressed as either a track or a locomotive on the Legacy. Address it as a locomotive - I've not discovered how to address the TPC as a track. Whenever I've tried, the Legacy unit thinks I'm building a train with a lash up of mutiple locomotives.
How do I know which are pins two and three to make my own serial cable for my tpc?
I'm not trying to be rude here, but if you don't know, then you should NOT try this. If you do and get it wrong you will VOID your warranty.
if I understand you correctly you want to setup tpc to lets say tr-2
enjoy the world of remote trains.
CB&Q if I understand you correctly you want to setup tpc to lets say tr-2 set tpc switch to program on cab-2 push tr soft key below on numeric keypad push # 2 on cab-2 now push the set button set program switch on tpc back to run the tpc will now only respond to tr # 2 to run command\conventional on cab-2 push tr #2 then at bottom of cab-2 push L for command @18volts push boost button on cab-2 track is now powered to run conventional push M on cab-2 and turn red knob on remote engine will start enjoy the world of remote trains.
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