Hello:
I recently purchased a tmcc command base and Cab-1 remote for use with my conventional christmas layout. I'm using my old ZW for power. I ran a wire from the command base to the common "U" terminal on the ZW. New batteries were placed in the Cab-1. The middle rail of the track is the powered one to the ZW. I placed my reliable 2025 on the track and hit the "Boost" button on the cab-1 to turn it on. I placed the 2025 in neutral and tried to control it with the Cab-1. I powered up the ZW to full throttle. No luck. What am I doing wrong? Do i need to purchase a power master to power the layout or do I have this hooked up wrong. My goal is only to control my conventional engines with a remote- speed -horn- direction. Thanks in advance for any ideas.
Mickey
To operate a conventional loco with TMCC you will need either a powermaster or a TPC to control voltage going to the track as well as to operate directional control.
Here is a link to a good tutorial on TMCC operation and set-up.
http://www.coilcouplers.com/tmc/tmc.html
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Are you sure you have a Command Base? What is the model/catalog number?
The Command Base is not needed for conventional operation, only the PM-1 PowerMaster and the CAB-1.
To use a TPC for conventional, the Command Base is needed.
Rob
You have to have a command base.The Powermaster cannot take commands directly from the Cab 1. You will need the command base, a Powermaster or TPC, and the serial cable for the PM.
I had all this at one point but it was a pain. Today I just run my conventional locomotives the traditional way, from the transformer as Mr Lionel intended. :)
BigAL I'm thinking you only really need the cable if you plan to use tmcc also other wise you really don't I think it's so you can switch back and forth.
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BigAl 956You have to have a command base.The Powermaster cannot take commands directly from the Cab 1. You will need the command base, a Powermaster or TPC, and the serial cable for the PM.
This is patently false. The PM-1 in fact responds to the CAB-1 without a Command Base.
Rob, ya caught me. It has been so long since I operated my PM that I forgot. I always just assumed the Cab 1 communicated to the command base and the command base communicated with the PM. A reread of the manual only mentions a CB is required when using the PM to control command equipped locomotives. Something that is really unnecessary.
Anyway I retract my previous post, to run conventional PW locomotives from your ZW you only need the Powermaster and a Cab-1. If you have a command base you can use that for future TMCC or Legacy locomotives you may purchase.
Winch brings me to another question, Why not go with Legacy control? Legacy is backwards compatible with TMCC and will fully control any future Legacy products you may purchase.
TMCC is less expensive because it is obsolete, That would be the main reason to use it.
BigAl 956TMCC is less expensive because it is obsolete, That would be the main reason to use it.
That nails it - the secondary market is plentiful & cheap if you want to go conventional wireless.
Rob, ya caught me. It has been so long since I operated my PM that I forgot. I always just assumed the Cab 1 communicated to the command base and the command base communicated with the PM. A reread of the manual only mentions a CB is required when using the PM to control command equipped locomotives. Something that is really unnecessary. Anyway I retract my previous post, to run conventional PW locomotives from your ZW you only need the Powermaster and a Cab-1. If you have a command base you can use that for future TMCC or Legacy locomotives you may purchase.
Which brings my point you don't need the cable if your just going to run conventional in the command mode thru the PM or TPC if you decide to run tmcc with it you need the base and the the cable.
rtraincollector...you don't need the cable if your just going to run conventional in the command mode thru the PM or TPC if you decide to run tmcc with it you need the base and the the cable.
Getting closer... if you are using the TPC(Track Power Controller), you DO need the Command Base and Command Base Cable (6-14191), even if running conventional, as the CAB-1 does not communicate with the TPC as it does with the PM-1. The TPC simply does not have 27mhz RF circuitry that the CAB-1 uses for all communication.
I will check but believe I don't have the cable set up and using base, cab 1 and tpc-300 and run that loop for conventional engines only I will craw up on my table tomorrow to confirm I believe the only reason you really need the cable is if your going to run a command engine on that loop. They tell you to do it because 1 they get to sell you the cable and 2 so if you get an command engine your set up for it.
Hey Big Al,
I agree! I am now building my 3rd large (and probably final) layout as I head to retirement. My layout is a DCS/ TMCC free zone. As I have started to layout and bring power to the tracks, I have been bringing out locos that have been purchased in anticipation. I just sat a Lionel 2-6-6-4 N&W Trainmaster unit on the tracks last night. The problem seems to be, running this loco in conventional leaves this monster uncontrollable in the roundhouse area. It also seems to lock in forward about 50% of the time. Do you think something is wrong here or do Lionel Trainmaster units need to join the banned list for the Erie Shore & Ironton?
Thanks,
Troy
The down side to conventional operation is you need to insulate and use seperat power controls for different zones of operation. So lets suppose you have a ZW for power, if the main line is operating on the A control of a ZW, you need to isolate and control the yard area with the B, C, or D contol of the ZW. You also have to have power off sidings to park trains that you do not intend to operate.
That is an advantage to legacy or TMCC in that you just have one zone and control the engines electronicly. However then everything must work on some form of command control.
Using a cobination of zone and command control is how I operted my layout for years.
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