Using MTH DCS To Set Up Features In AtlasO Engines

[RRFAN]

Thank you Buckeye. Another forum participant, Neil, suggested what you have. I'll give it a shot.

 

Ron

[RRFAN]

Thank you Neil for taking the time to respond. I have access to a CAB 1 & will try what you have suggested. I'll need to find out from AtlasO if the number boards & cab in my engine have lights.

 

Ron 

[nblum]

The most likely strategy to work when auxiliary or sound functions aren't working in TMCC locos is a full reset, a fairly simple process, but only if you have a cab-1.  The DCS system does not allow this basic needed recovery function.  The instructions for a full reset may be in the Atlas manual, but they're on the Lionel website as well.  If memory serves me correctly, the DCS system implementation of the TMCC system does not include AUX 2 or "Set" commands, but I may be wrong on the AUX 2.

 

Anyone who operates TMCC through DCS, I believe quite strongly, will not be well served  by having  only a TMCC command base. A cab-1, which can be obtained for about $50, is essential for many functions such as setting startup voltage, momentum, lashups and full resets to be performed.  It is, IMO, a mistake to mislead folks into thinking that all one needs is a TMCC command base if one is already in possession of the DCS system. You need the whole system consisting of the cab-1 and command base.  MTH incompletely implemented the TMCC feature set, including the full reset function, but didn't bother to let the consumer know :).  Unless you never have voltage transients and derailments on your railroad, you will ultimately need the reset function. 

[Buckeye Riveter]

In reference manuals for Lionel, K-Line and TAS TMCC units, AUG2 is the button on the CAB-1 that turns on/off the headlight to the engines.

Since Atlas uses Lionel TMCC Units, it should be the same................but:

I had an engine that the headlight would not illuminate when the AUG2 button was pressed.  I reprogrammed the unit using the instructions and it worked.  Sometimes, according to the manual, the electronics can get our of sync and need to be completely reset.

[RRFAN]

Hello Dave

The AtlasO manual for the GP60 makes referance to the TMCC CAB-1 commands to turn the locomotive headlights on & off by pressing AUX 2. That's all it says. AUX 1 activates the key pad into 10 command buttons. None of these command buttons (0 to 9) in CAB 1 refer to the interior engine compartment lights or number boards. Any advice? FYI I tried in conventional mode to see if they will light but no such luck. I will try to contact AtlasO on Tuesday to see if they have any advice. Maybe I should try Train America Studios also. Again thank you.

 Ron  

[Dave45681]

Does the AtlasO engine manual mention what normal CAB-1 (TMCC) key sequence would be used to activate the 2 features you are looking at?

If we know what CAB-1 TMCC sequence you are looking for, it's easier to determine if DCS can emulate it.

  

  

[csxt30]

That sounds good Ron & let us know !! Also, I emailed Atlas once about a question on one of their new cabooses at the time & they emailed me back in 2 days & were very helpful & friendly !!

Thanks, John 

[RRFAN]

Thanks John

I have not tried to fire up the engine in conventional mode. It's a good idea to verify if the cab & marker lights work. I'll let you know. Thanks for the information.

 Ron

[csxt30]

RRFan to the forum !!  I also have an Atlas diesel & run in Lionel Command & conventional. I don't have DCS yet, though, but my marker lights only come on in conventional mode. Maybe that's normal, but do your marker lights work in conventional ? Mine is one of the early models, though.

Thanks, John  

[RRFAN]

Happy & Healthy New Year To All!!

First time user of the forum who just recently began the building of my dream layout. I am presently using MTH DCS & have MTH & AtlasO engines on the layout. I recently purchased an AtlasO GP-60 Santa Fe with EOB & TrainAmerica Studios components. I had no problem establishing/running the AtlasO engine with MTH DCS (Have Lionel Command Base). The headlights & ditchlights & directional lights are working properly. However, I am having trouble with the cab lights and maker lights. I cannot get them to light. Any advice for this beginner would sure be appreciated. Thank you for your time & advice.