This may have been discussed before, if so please forgive me. I am looking for a cable to connect my TIU with the Legacy Command Base and TMCC Command Base. I bought one on e-Bay back in Jan. or Feb. of this year and it works great. I can control DCS engines, Legacy Engines (without Legacy special features) and my original TMCC CAB-1 Locomotives from the DCS handheld. Also can control CAB-1 locomotives from the CAB-2. It's a three-way cable. I now need another for a second layout and can't find the original seller on e-Bay. It looks like the cable that comes in the Legacy box but that one won't work with the TIU. Anybody now a source to purchase these cables. Thanks

MTH is supposed to be working on this cable. I am not sure of their time frame but you could call and talk to them about it.

You can search the forum to see if Barry's thread regarding building your own cable is still available. I used it to build my own cable that works well.

Jack,
I've been racking my head trying to find the detail information on the forum, but havn't had much success. Anyway did find the information I needed. I bought two cables to connect the system together. One for my layout and the other for our club (AGHR), they both work great.

Contact Chuck at Mizells trains in Colorado, they have them they were around $14, easy to install and problems taken care of. Phone number there is 303 429-4811

here is the thread that contains the information about the cable and pin settings. I also gave part numbers for those who wanted to make their own cables.
http://ogaugerr.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/93360682/m/3821099654/p/4

Thank you Don, I was wondering about the same thing. I found it hard to belive that all the reviews that I read about Legacy failed to address the issue of operating the TMCC locos from my DCS hand held through the new Legacy base unit.
They spoke about running DCS on adjacent track but nothing about the above.

I know the Mags have to be sensitive to Lionels interest in issues like this but what about their obligations to their readers interest? Besides, if I thought that the new Legacy system would not let my DCS drive my TMCC engines there would be no Legacy on my layout! I was afrade that my Legacy would be relegated to the unopened box status.
When will our beloved "knuckle-headed" (MW) manufactuers get it through their thick heads that compatibility is the road to their mutual success!

I will order a cable today. I could build one myself as per the above information, but for four-teen bucks why bother!

Thanks again

Most of us using Legacy would never downgrade our TMCC engines by using the DCS remote to run them. Please take this as it was meant... DCS can only offer basic TMCC functions where Legacy can run them so much better tan even TMCC1.

Marty,
Really don't want to create controversy, but I'm confused....

With DCS, I am currently;
- Running all my TMCC at extremely slow, smooth speeds, 2 mph.
- Can do Lash-Ups with DCS (TMCC equipment)
- Operate every TMCC feature that I am aware of with the DCS. (Even the "street horn" on my Cab Forward, through DCS.)
- The biggest advantage is that I can operate EVERY engine on my layout with one controller. Also, all my switches (20), and all my accessories (14).
I really respect your knowledge, but don't know of any TMCC features I am missing.

So far what I Have NOT been able to do only involves Legacy, and that is;
- The "loaded braking" capability, simulating a greater load on the engine.
- Make the hand held "vibrate"
- And "Quill" the whistle on certain engines.
Given the trade-off of these features (the only ones I'm aware of), the flexibility is far more beneficial to me.)
I am hoping there are SIGNIFICANT Legacy enhancement in the future.
BTW, I REALLY Like the BB, and think the sounds are of much higher quality on the Lionel, however MTH is closing fast! My AC4400 sounds and MTH Mikado are awesome as well.

FOR ME DCS is much more appealing;
- Due to entire layout within the single controller
- And some additional DCS features I like, PFA, Startup sound sequencing, and Route programming.
- Less expensive for switch, accessory control.

Don

Please don't read too much into my comments. The biggest thing thing Legacy gives to TMCC engines is a much better momentum control. For me that is big.

I agree with the accessories and switch control. I have said for years that Lionel either needed to lower the prices on the SC2 or incorporate them into a better box with more connection points.

I love my DCS and what it does for my PS2s just as Legacy does for TMCC and Legacy engines. I agree that MTH is making a nice run too. The enhancements for DCS to control TMCC is a giant step.

I totally enjoy both systems and really have fun. I do think though that Legacy does a better job with the TMCC1 engines with cruise.

Marty,

I think we are both on the same page. I too, am very happy to have both (3) systems.

AND, I need to learn more on the Legacy. Plan on doing that as soon as I get it back !

Don, do not forget to operate your Legacy engines with the 128 speed steps instead of the 31 steps on the DCS controller if you are controlling that engine with the DCS handheld. On 3 of my 4 legacy engines, the multitone whistle is available with the DCS handheld. I use the Legacy controller and the DCS controller about 50% of the time to control my Legacy engine depending upon what I am doing, Enjoy.

Winrose,
I have had very good sucess with the 128 steps. I know it would be tough but the documentation of DCS SURE could be improved. The Legacy is better, looking forward to see ver 1.2, but both of them miss a major marketing advantage in my opinon due to the lack of feature definition and capabilities.

quote:

both of them miss a major marketing advantage in my opinon due to the lack of feature definition and capabilities.

Amen. Mike indicated my manual will be mailed shortly. I can not wait to see how it has improved.

Thanks so much for the info. I order a cable from Mizell's and it arrived three days later. Jack