Going TMCC... need advice

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys you have all been most helpful!  The information is definitely useful.

I think I'm going to go TMCC for now, and then when the new layout is being built I'll go TMCCII (should be two or three releases out before I start construction).

I could also keep the TMCC gear for the tree layout as well...

BTW - HobbyStation has the Command Set for $105.00

http://www.hobbystation.net/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=407&strVarSel=&strCompare

I'll be posting some pics of the tree layout when I have it in place and decorated...

[Anonymous]

Unfortunately inches...

My wife complains enough about it now, just think if I had a 96' by 64' layout!  I can dream, but I would also likely be divorced!!!

[jimhaleyscomet]

   To repeat what MartyE stated. If you have a modern zw, you have the equivalent of 4 powermasters inside. All you need is a command base and cab-1. These sets are usually discounted to about $115.00 from a lot of the advertiser's in the magazine's.

   I purchased this set up about 6 months ago, and absolutely love it. I usually only run conventional, and it just works great! It's nice to be able to walk around with a remote, and control basiclly the whole layout with it!

 

Ditto! I love the conventional operation of my new ZW/Cab 1 combination!

 

Jim H 

[ChiefEagles]

Thanks guys.  I will pass this to my source about the frequency thing.  He was really set on the idea that the difference would screw up old TMCC engine commands.  He was telling me he got most of his infor from York.  I thought as you did.  Makes since that the old TMCC Command Unit and the new one would be on different frequencies as they would "cross talk" if you had both close to each other.  My understanding was you could take away the old commmand unit and this TMCCII command unit would replace all.  He was trying to tell me no.  He retired from the electronics field so I quit discussing it as I figured he knew.

[Joe Hohmann]

I just went TMCC a month ago with some TMCC engines. The only thing I'll add is to make SURE the command base is properly grounded at its plug. I use a 3-prong adaptor with a wire to a radiator pipe. I origionally thought that this "instruction book info" was just one of the many "safety tips"...not so...it's for operation. Joe

[MartyE]

The new HH appearantly has 2 way communication with the Command Base as well.  It was stated also on the CC site that all remotes will recieve actual spped settings of other locos so all remotes are "In Sync".  Once a TMCC engine is loaded in one remote via the memory modules it's information is  available to all.

[chuck]

I suspect that the frequency shift is between the new hand held and the new command base.  Note, new hand held does not use/need a CB style telescoping antenna.  A dual receiver would be possible in the new command base so it can still receive signals from the older CAB-1.  The "power bridge" requirement for PowerMasters is also an indicator that the new hand held operates at different frequency than the older CAB-1

[ChiefEagles]

Completely opposite from what I was told Saturday.  I thought the same as you guys.  I was told no.  I had not heard that TMCC II was a differnet frequency until Saturday.  We'll see.

[chuck]

According the compatibility chart on the CoilCoupler site and the published literature, a TMCC2 loco can be controlled by a CAB-1 and an original Command Base BUT you can not access the more advanced features of a TMCC2 loco.  The CAB-2 can not "talk" to an original Command Base, period.

 I "think" the chart means that the CAB-1's can still be used with the new Command base.  I believe that a CAB-2 and new command base can run any of the old devices with the exception of the PowerMasters that require a "powerbridge" to mimic the signals the CAB-1 transmiter provided directly under the old system.

[MartyE]

OK...My turn of what I have heard...  TMCC1 will run TMCC2 engines but only with the basic TMCC functions that are available with the current engines.  TMCC2 will run TMCC engines but you still need a Command Base Type 1.  Seems to me that there is some descrepancy... so I consulted the Coil Coupler Website and found this list...

 August 3, 2006

CAB Type	COMMAND Base Type	TMCC 2 Eng	TMCC 1 Eng	TMCC 1 TPC	TMCC 1 PowerMaster	TMCC 1 Z
2	2	Yes	4 # address Naming Momentum En brake Train-brake Velocity Throttle	Yes	Must add LEGACY Powermaster Bridge	Yes
1	1	Yes limited 32/200 No real-time horn	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
2	1	No	No	No	No	No
1	1 & 2	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

 

[ChiefEagles]

Here is what I have been informed.  TMCC II will run the old TMCC I enginrs but TMCC II engines will not run on TMCC I.  TMCC II engines operate on a different frequency than transmitted by TMCC I Command Base.   Might want to check this out.

[92hatchattack]

Hmm..   did not know that bout the new ZW's....   maybe i need to pick one of these up some time soon.

[Roger Bielen]

I'm in agreement with Marty and mpzpw3 but in response to your question about TMCC vs. TMCCII I think its a matter of how important are the misc. features, in addition to engine control, to you.  About the only time I use the "talk" features is when a new guest is present.  For me the remote control, bell, whistle and couplers are the important features.  Also, as soon as TMCCII hits the market the TMCC price will drop.

[mpzpw3]

   To repeat what MartyE stated. If you have a modern zw, you have the equivalent of 4 powermasters inside. All you need is a command base and cab-1. These sets are usually discounted to about $115.00 from a lot of the advertiser's in the magazine's.

   I purchased this set up about 6 months ago, and absolutely love it. I usually only run conventional, and it just works great! It's nice to be able to walk around with a remote, and control basiclly the whole layout with it!

[MartyE]

If you have the new ZW, a Command Base and Cab 1... you have everything you need to run in Command and Conventional.  Nothing more should be needed.  The new ZW will take the place of the powermasters.

[92hatchattack]

In order to run conventional locos with the cab-1 your going to need a powermaster.

 

http://www.lionel.com/Products/Catalogs/Catalog.cfm?CatalogUID=A1D98741-B8B4-F5A5-9867DF780CEE5190&PageID=942 

[Birds]

Welcome Brent! 

Is that 96 x 64 layout measurement in feet or inches?

 

Chris 

[Anonymous]

Hello all from a forum newbie!

I just finished reading a few threads and there seems to be a great wealth of knowledge on here!

What I am looking for is some advice on what I need to go TMCC, or if I should wait for TMCCII?

I have a new ZW with the dual 180 powerhouses.  A 96 x 64 layout running two circuits with a crossover (trains don't like to run on the same loop forever), and a reversing trolley line.  I run only Lionel stuff (don't ask), I have the Christmas Berkshire, Christmas Switcher (0-4-0) and the Christmas General.  None are TMCC, but the Berk and a caboose have the Railsounds (caboose is TMCC from 1998).  I am building a large, border line huge, layout in the coming years (30ft x 19.3 feet) and that will be predominantly TMCC controlled engines, so figured the smaller layout would be a good 'learning step'.

I know I need the Command Control Base and Cab-1 remote, inorder to run conventional locos, do I need anything else?

Thanks in advance,
Brent