73-7147-250 6/13 Lionel CAB-1L & BASE-1L Owner’s Manual
Welcome to LEGACY command control T he CAB-1L is the simple way to start operating in the LIONEL LEGACY Command Control environment – and an economical way to add operators when running trains with friends! Whether you want to access the basic features of the LEGACY control or operate our older TrainMaster command control (TMCC1) equipment, the CAB-1L remote controller allows you to walk around your layout while controlling your trains.
Table of contents Introduction Using this manual Preparing your railroad for TrainMaster Command 4 4 Command Base Installing the Command Base 5 Command-equipped locomotives CAB-1L & Base-1L radio channel selection Programming ID#s for your Command-equipped locomotives Addressing locomotives Activating whistle quilling on LEGACY locomotives (optional) Sending basic commands to locomotives with CAB-1L Tuning your locomotive’s performance Sending numeric commands to locomotives Adjusting locomotive’s smoke
Introduction Using this manual W e designed this manual to give you more than just a solid start in command control. There’s detailed discussion as you learn more, so you’ll find plenty of helpful information, no matter what your level of expertise. Getting started is easy. Just go section by section. For additional information, refer to smaller-print sections marked Detail. Example Most important are the Example boxes. Each is designed to make learning TrainMaster Command quick and easy.
Command Base Installing the Command Base Y Plug the power supply’s cable into the Base-1L’s power input, then plug the power supply into a properly grounded wall outlet (110 volts, 50/60 cycles). ou need a CAB-1L remote to operate the Command Base-1L. (The CAB-2 won’t work with Base-1L. However, you can mix CAB-1L and CAB-2’s on the same layout by using a LEGACY Base.) To install the Command Base-1L, plug the power supply power cable into the Base input.
Setting the communication channel CAB-1L & Base-1L radio channel selection T he CAB-1L communicates with the Base-1L at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. Within this band, there are nine distinct channels available for your use, the default channel is 1. Chances are, channel 1 will be fine for your layout and you’ll have no need to change channels on your system. However, the 2.4 Ghz frequency spectrum is also used by WiFi, cordless phones and various other devices you may have near your layout.
Setting the communication channel CAB-1L & Base-1L radio channel selection (continued) Then Select the radio channel for CAB-1L: 1. Remove the sliding cover over the SET key at the bottom front of the CAB-1L. 2. Hold down the SET key and press a number key (1 - 9) to pick the radio channel to transmit on. 3. The speaker will beep to give feedback when the channel is configured, either one beep if a base responds, or three beeps if no base responds. The new channel number will be saved.
Command-equipped locomotives Programming ID#s for your Command-equipped locomotives Example Assign an engine ID# to Santa Fe 2343 on Track #1 Command Base ON, track power off Slide the locomotive PROGRAM/RUN switch to PRG/PROG/PROGRAM Place locomotive on track Turn track power on Set TMCC ID to Engine #23: Press ENG Press 23 (the ID#) Press and release the SET (under removable front panel at the bottom-front of your CAB-1L) Hear horn/whistle sound (or see the headlight flash) Slide the switch back to the
Command-equipped locomotives Addressing locomotives Example Address Engine #23 Press ENG Press 23 (the ID#) To operate a Command-equippcd locomotive, press ENG and its ID# on CAB-1. Turn the throttle or press any command button; the sound system starts up (equipped locomotives) and the engine is ready to begin operations. Throttle up or press any comand button Activating whistle quilling on LEGACY locomotives (optional) The Quilling Whistle is a key feature of LEGACY locomotives.
Command-equipped locomotives Sending basic commands to locomotives with CAB-1L The corresponding RailSounds sound system effects are in bold italic type. Some locomotives may not support all listed features. Opens your locomotive's front coil coupler (equipped locomotives). Coupler release sound. Opens your locomotive’s rear coil coupler (equipped locomotives). Coupler release sound. Toggles the locomotive's headlight on and off. Controls the speed of your locomotive.
Command-equipped locomotives Tuning your locomotive’s performance SETTING MOMENTUM The LEGACY system’s momentum feature simulates the labored performance of a real life locomotive pulling a heavy SET L M H load. Press L, M, or H (located under CAB-lL’s removable panel) for light, medium, or heavy momentum. The locomotive remembers this setting until you change it. For normal (quick) locomotive response, press L. Get a feel for the difference in momentum settings. Select L, M, or H.
Command-equipped locomotives Sending numeric commands to locomotives W AUX1 hen you address a locomotive and press any non-numeric button such as AUXl, you enable 10 numeric command buttons. Turning the throttle or entering more than two digits for a locomotive address will also enable numeric commands. The numeric keypad issues commands listed below until you press any top-row button (SW, ACC, RTE, TR, or ENG). The corresponding RailSounds sound system effects are in bold italic type.
Command-equipped locomotives Adjusting locomotive’s smoke level Example To adjust the smoke output level to Medium Press AUX1 Press AUX2 Press 9 L M H Press M Press AUX2 So set smoke to Low or High, simply substitue the L or H in place of the M key-press above. 13 Sound and smoke effects of the engine can be trimmed higher or lower depending on your operating preference.
Switches Controlling switches with CAB-1L Example To throw Switch #1 to “out” Press SW Once you’ve programmed switch ID numbers (refer to the manual that came with your switch controller for this proceedure), you can operate any TMCC remote-controlled switch using CAB-1L. Hint Press 1 Press OUT Switch #1 is now curved or “out” Example throw Switch #12 to “through” SWITCH SHORTHAND.
Switches Creating routes around your railroad Example Assign switches #2 (through), #4 (out), and #14 (through) to Route #1 Command Base ON Switch controller accessory is on Begin programming, press RTE Press 1 (route number) Every model railroad has switches, which provide plenty of operational variety, especially when thrown in certain patterns—a route.
Switches Activating routes Example Address Route #1 Press RTE Press 1 for one full second Route #1 has been selected. Switch #2 is THROUGH, Switch #4 is OUT, and Switch #14 is THROUGH Select any route you’ve programmed by pressing RTE and your chosen RTE ID#. Make sure you press and hold the ID# button for one full second. This ensures the command is issued to every switch controller on your railroad. Detail “PRESS AND HOLD”.
The TR button Tracks or Trains? T he “TR” button on your CAB-1L can control two very different things—“TRains,” or remotely controlled “TRack” power accessories. You can run both from the same CAB-1L, as long as every one has a unique ID#. Let’s talk TRACK power for a moment. Lionel offers a variety of accessories which provide remote control over track power. These enable you to remotely turn on and off power to all or some of your layout.
Advanced operating techniques Building Trains Example Build Train #07 with Engines #13, #15, and #84 All locomotives’ reverse unit control switches set to FORWARD Address each engine individually with its engine ID Move each engine into position; do not couple them “Front” locomotive should be positioned in the forward direction (headlight in front); middle and rear locomotives can face in either direction We we operating two, three, or even four locomotives together we call it a “lash-up” in the world o
Advanced operating techniques Building Trains (continued) Example Note! IT’S STILL AN ENGINE. Whenever a locomotive is in a lash-up, you can still individiually address it (using its ENG ID#) to adjust lighting, open individual couplers, trigger sounds and tune performance.
Advanced operating techniques Front, middle, rear and reverse-direction locomotives The examples on the previous pages illustrate the general pattern for assigning locomotives to trains. The position of each locomotive within the train is defined during the train assignment, via the F and R keys. F means the unit is placed first, at the head end of the train. R means the unit is placed last. Absence of a F or R means that the unit is placed in the middle of the train.
Advanced operating techniques Removing locomotives from Trains Example Remove Engine #84 from its lash-up by reassigning it to Train #00 Press TR You can remove any locomotive from a lash-up by assigning it to “Train #00.” Remember to remove all locomotives from a lash-up after you’ve physically separated the locomotives that made up the Train.
Advanced operating techniques Train problem solving Example I’m operating Train #7; one “out of sync” engine fights the others Press TR Press 7 AUX1 Press 0 Hear the horn/whistle blow This resets the Train; do this whenever you’ve finished Train building or when you first begin running a lash-up. Still trouble? Reassign the troublesome engine to the lash-up by either using or not using the DIR button. Do another Train reset and try again.
Advanced operating techniques Notes on Trains Detail TRAIN BEHAVIOR. TrainMaster Command lash-ups act like real-life ones. Press HORN; only the lead unit’s horn blows. The same is true for BELL. The lead locomotive’s headlight illuminates while the others remain dark. Hit DIR and lighting reverses to that of the rear unit (equipped locomotives only). Press COUPLER F and the lash-up’s front coupler will open; COUPLER R opens the lash-up’s back coupler. Detail PICK THE RIGHT NUMBER.
Advanced operating techniques Tuning Train performance Example TRAIN MOMENTUM Press L, M, or H (located under the removable panel) for light, medium, or heavy lash-up momentum. Your Command Controlequipped locomotives remember this setting until you change it. TRAIN STALL.
Advanced operating techniques “Sticky” keys Example Master sticky keys by operating a variety of trains and accessories Press ENG Press 1 Engine #1 is ready; power it up Press SW Press 34 Press OUT Switch #34 throws “out” (curved); this switch is now “stuck” in CAB-1’s memory; press OUT/THROUGH any time without SW and only Switch #34 will respond Press WSTL/HRN Engine #1’s horn sounds; all CAB-1 command buttons are still active for Engine #1—you don’t need to press ENG or the ID# to get response Pres
Advanced operating techniques “Sticky” keys Now slow Train #8; TR is the locomotive “stuck” in CAB-1’s memory: Press BRAKE Activate Engine #1’s bell; press ENG (without “1”) to make Engine #1 the active locomotive for CAB-1L’s command buttons: Press ENG Press BELL Detail The CAB-1L NEVER FORGETS. Once you select an ENG or TR, SW or ACC. CAB-1 retains that ID# in its memory, even when you press other top-row address keys like SW, RTE, or ACC. Detail THIS SYSTEM CAN HANDLE IT.
Problem Solving Answers to questions Everything is connected, but nothing’s happening. • Check all power connections to track power transformers and the Command Base. Make sure each component’s “on” lamp is illuminated (if applicable). Make sure the circuit breakers on your power transformers are not tripped; reset them as necessary. Verify track voltage with a test light. If all connections are secure and a lamp does not illuminate, contact your Lionel Customer Service for assistance.
Problem Solving Answers to questions (continued) I want to run my conventional locomotives, but they take off at full speed. • Use a track power transformer or accessory that can provide variable AC power to the track, allowing for the operation of conventional locomotives, also known as transitional command control. • Note that you can only operate one conventional train per track power block.
Problem Solving Answers to questions (continued) I connected my switches to throw but they’re not working. • You must program each switch controller accessory with IDs before you can operate the switches. • Verify the switch in question is receiving power. I programmed switch numbers for every one, but now I can’t remember which switch is which! • Place numbered “flags” or stickers at each switch. This will help you remember switch numbers; later, you can remove them.
Problem Solving Answers to questions (continued) 30
Glossary The language of command control Accessory Any operating accessory produced by Lionel, American Flyer, or Marx. Addressing To “call” a device using a numeric name, known as an “ID#” Address buttons The top row of buttons on CAB-1L that selects various locomotive and layout elements. Addresses include switch (SW), accessory (ACC), route (RTE), track and train (TR), and engine (ENG).
Glossary The language of command control (continued) Ground The “common” or return electrical device. Ground is the electrical pathway that must be connected to SC-1 for proper operation. Hot The direct pathway of electricity that first passes through an electrical device. The side of a transformer that is not connected to track ground. ID# The one- or two-digit number that helps identify a locomotive, switch, accessory, etc. to the Command Base or when issuing command with CAB-1L.
Glossary The language of command control (continued) Turnout A railroad switch. ZW A high-output alternating-current transformer produced by the Lionel Corporation from 1948-1969; sufficient power for TrainMaster Command railroads.
FCC Statement The Lionel CAB-1L and Base-1L are covered by FCC rules for a Class B computing device. As required by FCC regulations, the following is provided for the information and guidance of the user. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
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Lionel Limited Warranty Policy & Service Lionel product, including all mechanical and electrical components, moving parts, motors and structural components, with the Tyearhisexception of LIGHT BULBS, LED’s & TRACTION TIRES are warranted to the original owner-purchaser for a period of one from the original date of purchase against original defects in materials or workmanship when purchased through a Lionel Authorized Retailer*.
