TMCC Enhancements

[nblum]

"Funny-I didn't have to do any of this to my layout when I added DCS.
I rewired Tony Lash's layout and didn't have to do any of this either."


Glad to hear it. I did say some, not most, nor all.

You're not suggesting that there are no DCS layouts where these alterations have been needed? I know of one I've worked on personally plus a few mentioned on various internet discussion groups. Not all that difficult by any means, but not exactly an advantage of the system in terms of simplicity.

[Bucksco]

"soldered connections, interrupted middle rails, star wiring, light bulbs for each block, etc. that some DCS layouts seem to need."

Funny-I didn't have to do any of this to my layout when I added DCS.
I rewired Tony Lash's layout and didn't have to do any of this either.

"just as DCS sounded a lot like the TMCC that preceded it by six years"
Didn't sound anything like it to me! But that's just my opinion.

[nblum]

Yes it does sound like DCS in many aspects, just as DCS sounded a lot like the TMCC that preceded it by six years. The question that I have is can Lionel add this additional layer of functionality and features while following the KISS principle thus keeping the system easy to implement, largely bulletproof, and not requiring layout rewiring or other problems that can, in some instances, make DCS less user friendly or robust than the current version of TMCC. I'm with Eliot, I'm not blown away by the features mentioned, they seem like a little extra icing rather than like cake. But I'm prepared to see what Neil Young meant when he said it will be revolutionary, not evolutionary. He's not your average marketing spin guy.

I think to be successful, any second generation iteration of TMCC needs to have an uncluttered handheld with no thumbwheel (TMCC folks aren't used to that and may not like it much--I don't) and not require any major layout changes such as soldered connections, interrupted middle rails, star wiring, light bulbs for each block, etc. that some DCS layouts seem to need. People aren't going to rewire their existing TMCC layouts to have more sounds or speed steps in most cases, IMO. I also would hope that if they make the system software dependent, they have some simpler and more reliable means of updating it than the DCS method. Especially for those of us who use Macintoshes :). But yes, other than these issues, being like DCS would be fine with me. And please, no batteries in the locomotives, which I would, for one, not welcome at all.

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by steamer613

128 speed steps are just fine. The momentum action gives similar results as a HO powerpack with a momentum switch. Anymore speed steps will require way too much turning of the Red Knob.
P.S. Can anyone manage to turn the Red Knob and hold the CAB-1 in one hand? I can't !
I can hold my DCS Remote in one hand and also scroll the thumbwheel just fine.

128 steps is too many, especially for pulmore motors. 64 is the most anyone really needs, 32 may be enough for most people.

It's easy to turn the knob with one hand, hold the CAB-1 in your palm, and use your thumb.

As for all of these potential new features, none of them interest me.

[Bucksco]

Sounds like DCS

[nblum]

Good and critical questions, Dr. John, to which no answers are currently available. Jerry Calabrese, Lionel's CEO promised further details in 1-2 months, so perhaps then we'll get some information on these issues.

[Dr. John]

Interesting. While I still run conventional controls, I may go the command control route one day. I wonder if this new version (TMCC II ?) will cost more or less than current TMCC and if it will be able to work with DCS equipped locomotives?

[Anonymous]

128 speed steps are just fine. The momentum action gives similar results as a HO powerpack with a momentum switch. Anymore speed steps will require way too much turning of the Red Knob.
P.S. Can anyone manage to turn the Red Knob and hold the CAB-1 in one hand? I can't !
I can hold my DCS Remote in one hand and also scroll the thumbwheel just fine.

[ChiefEagles]

Thanks

[nblum]

It appears that there are several teams developing potential TMCC enhancements both inside and outside Lionel. One of the developers of these systems has publicly offered the following preview of what is possibly on the horizon, posted on the TMCC Listserv. [ I might add that this description was posted on the OGRR Forum and then summarily stricken from the record. So much for reasonable discussion and freedom of expression in our beknighted hobby :). On the chance that this forum is more tolerant of speculation and that some of the participants might be interested, here it is ]:

"You will get your choice of speed steps, three ranges, I believe 32,
128, or about 200. 400 is overkill, and just whistles and bells, as it
is not practical to use.

The whole system and accessories will be bidirectional. This includes
devices like switch controllers, command recorders, accessory
controllers etc.

A graphic LCD device on the handheld, versus a two line display,
depending whose system gets final approval.

nickel metal hydride batteries and a smart charger base -
my "prediction"

Selectable and recordable sound sets, passenger sounds in stations, a
lot more with sounds, and the ability to make your own announcements
via the new handheld.

No CAB-1 necessary for new, just necessary for backwards compatability
(Train Commander II Copyright (2004-2005)"