A few questions about TMCCII

[phillyreading]

Thor,

From my understanding of TMCC & DCS you need only have one remote control or handheld controller to control two locomotives on the same track.  So far with DCS the only advantage that I can see is being able to control trains with a handheld remote verses the transformer control handles, or being able to control a train away from the transformer.  Speed control might be a little more realistic but most other features that remote control have to offer can be done with most of the new transformers being made.

Lee F.

[thor]

Marty I must admit to being puzzled by the whole 'speed steps' issue BUT as I don't have a fixed layout and if I did it probably wouldn't be run in any kind of 'realistic' way, thats probably why I don't get it.

I'm not being deliberately obtuse but I do find it hard to work out the advantage unless, of course, digital control removes the linear response of a normal controller.  I assume it uses some kind of back EMF to measure the locos speed so that at a given setting any two locos will run at exactly the same speed?  Otherwise I can't see the speed step advantage.  Even so, how many speed variations does one really need maybe a dozen, tops?

I'd like TMCC for the ability to control trains remotely and I assume with two handhelds run two engines on the same track in different directions and speeds, very useful for shunting, since the track voltage is constant and the signals tell each what to do.

 

[phillyreading]

I am hooked up to fixed input one & fixed output one, the batteries in the remote are fully charged.  I can only run DCS-2 or Proto 2 with the remote control.

Without the remote I can use the transformer like normal for a conventional engine.

So far I don't see any real advantage to using the DCS system, I can control my locomotives very well without the DCS unit, the only advantage so far is being mobile with the remote.

Lee F.

[jimhaleyscomet]

I do have DCS (and TMCC).

Make sure you are hooked to a variable DCS port (both "green" and ground wires both sides).  I find I also need the extra power supply to the power the DCS TCU.  Then on your DCS remote select the proper DCS track and raise the voltage setting by turning the dial. 

Are you sure you are hooked up to  variable voltages on the DCS TCU?  And are you sure batteries in the remote are charged?

Jim H

[chuck]

You shouldn't need the auxiliary power supply unless you were trying to run the system on a very low wattage source which isn't recommended anyway.   I've used a Z-750 brick to power a stand alone TIU in "diagnostic" mode but most of the time when it's been used it's been hooked up to a Z-4000.  You also shouldn't need the phone cord.  This is usually an indication of some other communications problem between the controller and the TIU.  All the phone cord does is ensure that the two are talking properly.  A phone cord is required to perfrom DCS version updates. 

Check the batteries in the remote and consult the owners manual.  There is a combination of keys you can press to force the remote and base to resync.  I've only had to do this one time and it turned out the underlying issue was a weak battery set in the remote.

[phillyreading]

The TIU will function if it gets power off of one of the track input power supplies or off it's own dedicated connector on one of the short edges.  You will need a power source for every input that you expect to control trains on the output side.  aka you can not apply power to input one and expect to pull power off of output 2.

Chuck,

I have only one track output coming off my TIU and one track input to my TIU. The point about power from output 2 is well taken, however I am only using fixed input one & fixed output one. Do I need an auxilary power input source?  Or do I need to use a phone cable between the DCS remote and the TIU base?

Lee F.

[chuck]

The TIU will function if it gets power off of one of the track input power supplies or off it's own dedicated connector on one of the short edges.  You will need a power source for every input that you expect to control trains on the output side.  aka you can not apply power to input one and expect to pull power off of output 2.

[phillyreading]

How are you setup?  Because only outputs 1 and 4 can be used as a varrying voltage control.  Outs 2 and 3 are Command only.  There is also a menu setting in the remote that will make OP1 and 4 command only so you should make sure that that is set for variable control. 

Marty,

I have an MTH Z1000 as the power source, only one output there to the TIU via fixed IN1 then to track from fixed out1.   I am able to use the DCS with my MTH Proto-2 locomotive and control conventional locomotives with the transformer output not with the DCS unit.    Do I need to wire it differantly?

Lee F.

[MartyE]

How are you setup?  Because only outputs 1 and 4 can be used as a varrying voltage control.  Outs 2 and 3 are Command only.  There is also a menu setting in the remote that will make OP1 and 4 command only so you should make sure that that is set for variable control. 

[phillyreading]

Jim H,

I know that everybody is talking about TMCC here, however you made a comment about DCS and I would like to know if you have the DCS sysytem as I am trying to get DCS into conventional mode. Not wanting to debate about the voltage of DCS just how to use it in conventional mode as the MTH instructions are not that clear.

Lee F.

[jimhaleyscomet]

While the modern ZW and current TMCC give you "only" 96 speed steps in conventional mode, the voltage iteration of each speed step can be reduced by lowering the maximum voltage of the ZW handle.  Therefor you get very fine control of low speed operation especially when ZW handle position is reduced.  I believe a throttle at 1/2 position has about 200 steps and a throttle set to 1/4 position gives about 400 steps.

I have seen very good slow speed operation from my new ZW/Cab1/Command base combination.  It runs everything from modern beeps, MPC era diesels and jackrabbit K-line switchers to my Marx Commodore Vanderbuilt and 1957 turbine steam engine VERY slow. 

FYI the low voltage slow speed capability of DCS does not even come close.   DCS starts at 5V which sends the switchers, MPC F-3s, and modern set steam engines flying. 

Jim H

[tmcc man]

My mistake, and yes, they do tend to miss their dates.

[msacco]

Marty,

thanks. If this is indeed true that probably enough of a reason for me to move up to TMcc2 in the near future. I'm assuming a.c postwar motors would benefit from 200 speed steps. Would be nice to see it.

 

Mike S.

[jefelectric]

Colin,

The legacy set is scheduled to ship Nov. 06.  I have my doubts if you will see one by Christmas.  Lionel usually misses their dates by quite a bit.

[tmcc man]

I want to order the CN SD40-2, in the new catalog, so I may put the Legacy on my Christmas wish list.

[MartyE]

Mike

It looks like you'll get 200 speed steps with TMCC2 in conventional.  The new ZW alone in conventional say it can give you 96.  So about twice the speed resolution.

[msacco]

I have a question and I don't think it's been answered at coilcouplers.

Is there any benefit to me or any other conventional operator to move up from my cab1 and new zw to TMCC2?

Will I get better response/higher speedsteps in conventional with TMCC2?

Anyone know?

 

 

mike S

[chuck]

It will work fine within the limitys of the original TMCC, aka you will not get features ADDED to the new system.  If you have modular motherboards, you can swap out the Command Reciever.

www.coilcouplers.com, Hi_Rail_Times has a bunch of stuff on "Lagacy", official name for new system.

[tmcc man]

I read the introduction in the Lionel Catalog, but I wanted to know if the Legacy can work with my 1st Edition TMCC engines, or do I need to upgrade them with a new module?