Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 - It may work on other versions of Windows, but has only been tested on the versions listed.

Microsoft .NET Framework - You must have installed on your computer Microsoft .NET Framework v4.0 or greater. You can go either to the Microsoft Update site or the main .NET site (http://www.microsoft.com/net) for a free download.

Lionel TrainMaster Command Control (TMCC) System – Only base unit required.

Lionel TMCC SC-1 or SC-2 Switch Controller (optional) – This is only required if you want to control your accessories and/or switches using this software.

Lionel TMCC TPC300/400 (optional) – This is only required if you want to control your TPC’s using this software (special cable required).

Available DB9 Serial port or USB port – In order for eTrain Command Console to communicate with your TMCC base unit you must have either an available Serial port using a Male to Female DB9 Serial cable or an available USB port using a USB to DB9 Serial adapter.

Serial cable or USB to DB9 Serial adapter (sold separately) – Used to connect your computer to your TMCC base unit. If you use a Serial cable you must use a Male to Female DB9 Serial cable. Do not use a “null-modem” or “crossover” Serial cable.

Installation

After you purchase eTrain Command Console you will receive a zipped file via the email address you provided. If you do not have the ability to unzip a zipped file the individual files can be sent instead. However, some internet service providers will filter out some of these files. If this is the case, I will work with you until we can find a way for you to receive all of the required files. The zipped file will contain the following files:

eTrain Command Console.exe – The main application executable.

Device.mdb – The database that will contain all devices you want to control on your layout.

arrow forward.bmp – A bitmap containing the forward arrow image for the Direction button.

arrow reverse.bmp – A bitmap containing the reverse arrow image for the Direction button.

eTrain Command Console Users Guide.htm – An HTML version of the User’s Guide.

eTrain Command Console Users Guide_files – A folder containing the images that appear in the User’s Guide.

Serial Cable: With your computer and TMCC base unit powered off, take your Serial cable and connect the female end to the Serial port of your computer and connect the male end to your TMCC base unit. Hook up your TMCC as you normally would by connecting the U terminal on the base unit to the common rail of your layout. Then power on your TMCC base unit and computer.

USB to DB9 Serial Adapter: Please follow the instruction that came with your USB to DB9 Serial adapter.

Create a folder on your hard drive where you want eTrain Command Console to reside. Name it anything you want.

Unzip the zipped file into that folder. If you elected to receive the individual files instead of the zipped file, move those files into your newly created folder.

At this point all you need to do is double click the eTrain Command Console.exe file to start the application. If you wish you can add a shortcut to this file on your Desktop, Quick Launch Bar or your Programs list for easier access.

When you start eTrain Command Console for the first time a disclaimer will pop up. You must agree to the conditions in the disclaimer and click “Yes” in order to start eTrain Command Console. If you click “No” the application will close. Once you click “Yes” the eTrain Command Console main application window will be displayed as seen below, along with a small window asking you to choose which Serial port you want to use. Choose your Serial port and then click “OK” (If you want to change your Serial port at anytime you may do so by clicking “File” on the menu bar across the top of the eTrain Command Console main application window. Then click “Serial Port…”). Now you are ready to start adding engines, switches and accessories to your database. Please continue to the next section “Adding Devices”.

Adding Devices

In order to operate your engines, accessories and switches, they first need to be added to the eTrain Command Console database.

Adding an Engine (or any device that is addressed as one)

To add engines first click “Devices…” on the menu bar across the top of the eTrain Command Console main application window. The following window will appear.

The “Add Device” tab should already be selected. Select “Engine” from the “Device Type” dropdown.

Enter a name for your engine in the “Device Name” text box.

Select the ID you want to use to address your engine from the “Device ID” dropdown.

Select the type of engine you are adding from the “Engine Type” dropdown. The “Engine Type” will determine which CAB-1 Remote overlay is used for the buttons on the main application window. Your choices are:

· Diesel – Standard Diesel overlay.

· Steam – Standard Steam overlay.

· Steam w/ RS 5.0 – This overlay is for later steam engines that have additional RailSounds and adjustable smoke output functionality.

· StationSounds Diner – Overlay for a StationSounds Diner passenger car.

· Crane/Boom Car – Overlay for a Crane and Boom car combination. Since a given Crane and Boom car set should be programmed with the same ID they are combined into a single “Engine Type”.

· TPC – Track Power Controller. For this type you will also need to choose the TPC Environment and TPC Speed Steps.

· VISION Tank Car – Overlay for the VISION Ethanol Tank cars.

Your completed form may look something like this.

Once you have completed the above form click the “Add” button. The following window will appear.

When you click “OK” the command to program your engine will be sent out of your computer’s Serial port and into your TMCC base unit, thus programming your engine. The following window will appear.

Note: If your engine has already been programmed and you don’t wish to re-program it, then you don’t have to bother with setting your engine’s Program/Run switch to the Program position. In this case the Program command that eTrain Command Console sends out will have no effect on your engine.

Click “OK” and your newly added engine will also be added to your “Active Engine” dropdown on the main application window.

Click the “Close” button to return to the main application window.

Adding an Accessory

To add accessories first click “Devices…” on the menu bar across the top of the eTrain Command Console main application window. The following window will appear.

The “Add Device” tab should already be selected. “Accessory” should already be selected from the “Device Type” dropdown.

Enter a name for your accessory in the “Device Name” text box.

Select the ID you want to use to address your accessory from the “Device ID” dropdown.

Select the type of accessory you are adding from the “Accessory Type” dropdown. Your completed form may look something like this.

Once you have completed the above form click the “Add” button. The following window will appear.

When you click “OK” your newly added accessory will be added to your “Active Accessory” dropdown on the main application window.

Note: This process does not program your SC-1 or SC-2 Switch Controller. You will need to program that separately with your CAB-1 Remote.

Click the “Close” button to return to the main application window.

Adding a Switch

To add switches first click “Devices…” on the menu bar across the top of the eTrain Command Console main application window. The following window will appear.

The “Add Device” tab should already be selected. Select “Switch” from the “Device Type” dropdown.

Enter a name for your switch in the “Device Name” text box.

Select the ID you want to use to address your switch from the “Device ID” dropdown. Your completed form may look something like this.

Once you have completed the above form click the “Add” button. The following window will appear.

When you click “OK” your newly added switch will be added to your “Active Switch” dropdown on the main application window.

Note: This process does not program your SC-1 or SC-2 Switch Controller. You will need to program that separately with your CAB-1 Remote.

Click the “Close” button to return to the main application window.

Updating Devices

If you decide you want to change the name and/or type of your existing devices, the following three sections will show you how.

Updating an Engine (or any device that is addressed as one)

To update engines first click “Devices…” on the menu bar across the top of the eTrain Command Console main application window. Then click the “Update Device” tab. The following window will appear.

First you need to retrieve the engine you want to update. To do this, select “Engine” from the “Device Type” dropdown, the engine’s address from the “Device ID” dropdown and click the “Retrieve” button. Your completed form may look something like this.

Note: If you have retrieved the wrong engine click the “Cancel” button and repeat step 2 above.

Update the “Device Name” text box and/or the “Engine Type” dropdown as desired and click the “Update” button. If you are updating a TPC then you can also update the TPC Environment and the TPC Speed Steps. The following window will appear.

When you click “OK” your changes will be reflected in your “Active Engine” dropdown on the main application window.

Click the “Close” button to return to the main application window.

Updating an Accessory

To update accessories first click “Devices…” on the menu bar across the top of the eTrain Command Console main application window. Then click the “Update Device” tab. The following window will appear.

First you need to retrieve the accessory you want to update. To do this, select “Accessory” from the “Device Type” dropdown, the accessory’s address from the “Device ID” dropdown and click the “Retrieve” button. Your completed form may look something like this.

Note: If you have retrieved the wrong accessory click the “Cancel” button and repeat step 2 above.

Update the “Device Name” text box and/or the “Accessory Type” dropdown as desired and click the “Update” button. The following window will appear.

When you click “OK” your changes will be reflected in your “Active Accessory” dropdown on the main application window.

Click the “Close” button to return to the main application window.

Updating a Switch

To update switches first click “Devices…” on the menu bar across the top of the eTrain Command Console main application window. Then click the “Update Device” tab. The following window will appear.

First you need to retrieve the switch you want to update. To do this, select “Switch” from the “Device Type” dropdown, the switch’s address from the “Device ID” dropdown and click the “Retrieve” button. Your completed form may look something like this.

Note: If you have retrieved the wrong switch click the “Cancel” button and repeat step 2 above.

Update the “Device Name” text box and click the “Update” button. The following window will appear.

When you click “OK” your changes will be reflected in your “Active Switch” dropdown on the main application window.

Click the “Close” button to return to the main application window.

Deleting Devices

If you want to delete any of your devices the following three sections will show you how.

Deleting an Engine (or any device that is addressed as one)

To delete engines first click “Devices…” on the menu bar across the top of the eTrain Command Console main application window. Then click the “Delete Device” tab. The following window will appear.

Select “Engine” from the “Device Type” dropdown and the engine’s address from the “Device ID” dropdown. Your completed form may look something like this.

Click the “Delete” button and a window asking you to confirm your deletion will appear.

Click “No” to cancel or “Yes” to continue with your deletion and the following window will appear.

When you click “OK” your changes will be reflected in your “Active Engine” dropdown on the main application window.

Click the “Close” button to return to the main application window.

Deleting an Accessory

To delete accessories first click “Devices…” on the menu bar across the top of the eTrain Command Console main application window. Then click the “Delete Device” tab. The following window will appear.

Select “Accessory” from the “Device Type” dropdown and the accessory’s address from the “Device ID” dropdown. Your completed form may look something like this.

Click the “Delete” button and a window asking you to confirm your deletion will appear.

Click “No” to cancel or “Yes” to continue with your deletion and the following window will appear.

When you click “OK” your changes will be reflected in your “Active Engine” dropdown on the main application window.

Click the “Close” button to return to the main application window.

Deleting a Switch

To delete switches first click “Devices…” on the menu bar across the top of the eTrain Command Console main application window. Then click the “Delete Device” tab. The following window will appear.

Select “Switch” from the “Device Type” dropdown and the switch’s address from the “Device ID” dropdown. Your completed form may look something like this.

Click the “Delete” button and a window asking you to confirm your deletion will appear.

Click “No” to cancel or “Yes” to continue with your deletion and the following window will appear.

When you click “OK” your changes will be reflected in your “Active Switch” dropdown on the main application window.

Click the “Close” button to return to the main application window.

Operating Devices

Operating an Engine (or any device that is addressed as one)

First you must make sure the “Engine” radio button in the “Control” section in the lower right corner of the main application window is selected. Then choose your engine from the “Active Engine” dropdown. You will notice the text displayed on some buttons may change. Also, some buttons may become active or inactive. This is the result of the appropriate CAB-1 Remote overlay being applied.

You may now use any of the active buttons within the “Sound”, “Functions” and “Motion” sections.

The Throttle track bar uses absolute speed commands and the up and down arrow buttons use relative speed command.

The up and down arrow buttons can either be clicked for single speed adjustment or held down for continual speed adjustment.

Operating a StationSounds Diner

First you must make sure the “Engine” radio button in the “Control” section in the lower right corner of the main application window is selected. Since a StationSounds Diner is addressed as an engine they will all be listed in the “Active Engine” dropdown. Choose your StationSounds Diner car from the “Active Engine” dropdown. You will notice the text displayed on some buttons may change. Also, some buttons may become active or inactive. This is the result of the appropriate CAB-1 Remote overlay being applied.

You may now use any of the active buttons within the “Sound” and “Functions” sections.

Operating a Crane/Boom Car

First you must make sure the “Engine” radio button in the “Control” section in the lower right corner of the main application window is selected. Since a Crane/Boom car combination is addressed as an engine they will all be listed in the “Active Engine” dropdown. Choose your Crane/Boom car from the “Active Engine” dropdown. You will notice the text displayed on some buttons may change. Also, some buttons may become active or inactive. This is the result of the appropriate CAB-1 Remote overlay being applied.

You may now use any of the active buttons within the “Sound”, “Functions” and “Crane Control” sections.

Operating a Switch

Choose your switch from the “Active Switch” dropdown on the main application window. Then click either the “Open” or “Close” button depending on which direction you want to throw the switch.

Operating an Accessory

Choose your accessory from the “Active Accessory” dropdown on the main application window. You will notice the “On/Off” and “Momentary” buttons may become active or inactive. The “On/Off” button will become active if when you added your accessory you chose “On/Off” as the “Accessory Type”. The “Momentary” button will become active if when you added your accessory you chose “Momentary” as the “Accessory Type”. Both buttons will become active if when you added your accessory you chose “Both” as the “Accessory Type”. Click the appropriate button to operate your accessory.

Note: If you chose “Momentary” or “Both” for your “Accessory Type” when adding your accessory, your accessory will continue to operate as long as you hold down the “Momentary” button. As you know from reading your accessory’s manual, this may cause damage if you hold it down too long.

Operating a Lash-up

First you must make sure the “Lash-up” radio button in the “Control” section in the lower right corner of the main application window is selected. Then choose your lash-up from the “Active Lash-up” dropdown. You will notice the text displayed on some buttons may change. Also, some buttons may become active or inactive. This is the result of the appropriate CAB-1 Remote overlay being applied. The overlay applied is that of the type of the first engine in the lash-up.

You may now use any of the active buttons within the “Sound”, “Functions” and “Motion” sections.

Throwing a Route

Choose your route from the “Active Route” dropdown on the main application window. Then click the “Throw” button.

Lash-ups

Creating a Lash-up

To create a lash-up first click “Lash-ups…” on the menu bar across the top of the eTrain Command Console main application window. The following window will appear.

As soon as the “Lash-ups” window is displayed all engines in your database will be automatically listed in the “Available Engines” section.

To add an engine to your lash-up simply select the engine in the “Available Engines” section with your mouse and click the “Add” button. That engine will now be listed in the “Current Lash-up” section. The order in which engines are listed in the “Current Lash-up” section should be the physical order of your engines on your track. To remove engines from the “Current Lash-up” section select the engine with your mouse and click the “Remove” button.

To choose the direction you want the engine to face select the engine in the “Current Lash-up” section with your mouse and click the “Forward/Backward” button.

Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each engine you want to add to your lash-up.

Enter a name for your lash-up in the “Lash-up Name” text box.

Choose the type of your front engine from the “Front Engine Type” dropdown.

Select the ID you want to use to address your lash-up from the “Lash-up ID” dropdown. Your completed form may look something like this.

Click the “Create Lash-up” button and the following window will appear.

Your track and Command Base need to be powered on and all of your engines involved in this lash-up need to be on the track. This is because when you click “OK” in the above window eTrain Command Console will send out all of the necessary commands to all of your engines to program them to be apart of this lash-up.

Click “OK” and the following window will appear along with your lash-up being created.

When you click “OK” your newly created lash-up will be added to your “Active Lash-up” dropdown on the main application window.

Saving a Lash-up

If you want to save your lash-up to a file for later use follow the below steps. This is useful if for any reason your engines forget they are apart of a lash-up and need to be reprogrammed. You can retrieve this file and easily recreate your lash-up without filling out the “Lash-ups” form from scratch again.

On the “Lash-ups” window with the “Current Lash-up” section filled out as you did in the “Creating a Lash-up” section above, click the “Save” button. The “Save Lash-up” dialog window will appear.

Browse to the folder you want to save the file in, enter a name for your file in the “File name” text box and click “Save”. Your lash-up is now saved as a text file.

Clearing a Lash-up

If you want to clear a lash-up follow the steps below.

On the “Lash-ups” window select the ID of the lash-up you want to clear from the “Lash-up ID” dropdown and click the “Clear Lash-up” button. The following window will appear.

Click “No” to cancel or “Yes” to continue with clearing your lash-up. When you click “Yes” the command to clear your lash-up will be sent out, your lash-up will be removed from your “Active Lash-up” dropdown on the main application window and the following window will appear.

Click “OK” to return to the “Lash-ups” window.

Retrieving a Saved Lash-up

To retrieve a previously saved lash-up follow the steps below.

On the “Lash-ups” window click the “Open” button. The “Open Lash-up” dialog window will appear.

Browse to the folder that contains the file you want to retrieve, select that file and click “Open”. Your lash-up is now displayed in the “Current Lash-up” section along with the file name in the “Lash-up Name” text box.

At this point all you need to do to recreate your lash-up is to choose the type of your front engine from the “Front Engine Type” dropdown, select the ID you want to use to address your lash-up from the “Lash-up ID” dropdown and click the “Create Lash-up” button.

Routes

Creating a Route

To create a route first click “Routes…” on the menu bar across the top of the eTrain Command Console main application window. The following window will appear.

As soon as the “Routes” window is displayed all switches in your database will be automatically listed in the “Available Switches” section.

To add a switch to your route simply select the switch in the “Available switches” section with your mouse and click the “Add” button. That switch will now be listed in the “Current Route” section. The order in which switches are listed in the “Current Route” section will be the order in which they will be programmed into your SC-1 or SC-2 Switch Controller and physically switched. To remove switches from the “Current Route” section select the switch with your mouse and click the “Remove” button.

To choose the switch direction select the switch in the “Current Route” section with your mouse and click the “Open/Closed” button.

Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each switch you want to add to your route.

Enter a name for your route in the “Route Name” text box.

Select the ID you want to use to address your route from the “Route ID” dropdown. Your completed form may look something like this.

Click the “Create Route” button and the following window will appear.

Your track, Command Base and SC-1 or SC-2 Switch Controller need to be powered on. This is because when you click “OK” in the above window eTrain Command Console will send out all of the necessary commands to your SC-1 or SC-2 Switch Controller to program this route.

Click “OK” and the following window will appear along with your route being created.

When you click “OK” your newly created route will be added to your “Active Route” dropdown on the main application window.

Saving a Route

If you want to save your route to a file for later use follow the below steps. This is useful if for any reason your route is cleared from your SC-1 or SC-2 Switch Controller and needs to be reprogrammed. You can retrieve this file and easily recreate your route without filling out the “Routes” form from scratch again.

On the “Routes” window with the “Current Route” section filled out as you did in the “Creating a Route” section above, click the “Save” button. The “Save Route” dialog window will appear.

Browse to the folder you want to save the file in, enter a name for your file in the “File name” text box and click “Save”. Your route is now saved as a text file.

Clearing a Route

If you want to clear a route follow the steps below.

On the “Routes” window select the ID of the route you want to clear from the “Route ID” dropdown and click the “Clear Route” button. The following window will appear.

Click “No” to cancel or “Yes” to continue with clearing your route. When you click “Yes” the command to clear your route will be sent out, your route will be removed from your “Active Route” dropdown on the main application window and the following window will appear.

Click “OK” to return to the “Routes” window.

Retrieving a Saved Route

To retrieve a previously saved route follow the steps below.

On the “Routes” window click the “Open” button. The “Open Route” dialog window will appear.

Browse to the folder that contains the file you want to retrieve, select that file and click “Open”. Your route is now displayed in the “Current Route” section along with the file name in the “Route Name” text box.

At this point all you need to do to recreate your route is to select the ID you want to use to address your route from the “Route ID” dropdown and click the “Create Route” button.

Scenarios

With the Scenario feature you can record as many scenarios as you have hard drive space for. There is no limit to the number of scenarios you can record. Each scenario can contain up to 2,000 instructions.

Recording, Saving & Playing a Scenario

To start recording a scenario first click “Scenario” on the menu bar across the top of the eTrain Command Console main application window. Then click “Start Recording”. At this point any command you issue with your CAB-1 Remote or the Android Companion app will be recorded and displayed in the “Command Display” window. Also, the number of currently recorded commands will be displayed in the “Command Count” text box in the “Scenario” section on the eTrain Command Console main application window.

To stop recording first click “Scenario” on the menu bar across the top of the eTrain Command Console main application window. Then click “Stop Recording…”. The “Save Scenario” dialog window will appear. Browse to the folder you want to save the file in, enter a name for your file in the “File name” text box and click “Save”. Your scenario is now saved as a text file. The file name will be displayed in the “Active Scenario” text box in the “Scenario” section on the eTrain Command Console main application window.

At this point all you need to do is click “Play” to play back your scenario. The “Scenario Progress” progress bar will display its progress along with every command being displayed in the “Command Display” window. Also, the number of the command being played will be displayed in the “Command Count” text box.

To stop a scenario at anytime just click the “Stop” button.

If you would like your scenario to repeat playback automatically all you need to do is check the “Repeat Scenario” checkbox. If you check the checkbox during scenario playback your scenario will start again automatically when it finishes. If you uncheck the checkbox during scenario playback your scenario will finish playback and stop without restarting it.

If, while you are recording you reach the 2,000 instruction limit a window will be displayed letting you know you have reached it. Click “OK” and the “Save Scenario” dialog window will appear.

Note: Commands issued by clicking buttons in the eTrain Command Console application will not be recorded.

Retrieving a Saved Scenario

To retrieve a previously saved scenario first click “Scenario” on the menu bar across the top of the eTrain Command Console main application window. Then click “Open Scenario…”. The “Open Scenario” dialog window will appear. Browse to the folder that contains the file you want to retrieve, select that file and click “Open”. The file name will be displayed in the “Active Scenario” text box in the “Scenario” section on the eTrain Command Console main application window. At this point all you need to do is click “Play” to play back your scenario.

Connecting to the Android App

This is a TCP/IP server used to communicate with your Android powered mobile device. You must have a wireless network in order to use the eTrain Command Mobile Android app.

To start the server first click “Server” on the menu bar across the top of the eTrain Command Console main application window. Then click “Start Server”. You will notice the “Server” section is now displayed in the lower right hand corner of the main application window. This will display the IP address of every Android powered mobile device connected to the eTrain Command Console server.

At this point you can now start the eTrain Command Mobile app on your Android powered mobile device. All you need to do is enter the IP address of the computer your eTrain Command Console server is running on and click “Connect”. Once you click “Connect” you will notice the IP address of your Android powered mobile device is now displayed in the “Connected Clients” text box in the “Server” section in the lower right hand corner of the main application window.

You are now ready to start controlling your devices through your Android powered mobile device. Every command you send will be displayed in the “Command Display” window along with the IP address of the Android powered mobile device it was sent from.

To find the IP address of the computer your eTrain Command Console server is running on follow the below steps:

Go to Start -> Run, type “CMD” in the dropdown, then click “OK”. A DOS command window will open.

Type “ipconfig” at the prompt and hit Enter. The IP address of the eTrain Command Console server running on your computer is the IP address at the “IP Address” label.

To stop the server first click “Server” on the menu bar across the top of the eTrain Command Console main application window. Then click “Stop Server”. You will notice the “Server” section is no longer displayed in the lower right hand corner of the main application window.

Support

For any questions or to report issues or suggestions for improvement please email etccsupport@comcast.net.

CAB-1®, Lionel®, StationSounds™, TMCC®, TPC™, Track Power Controller™, TrainMaster®, VISION™

Microsoft®, .NET®, Windows®, Windows XP®, Windows Vista®, Windows 7® and Windows 8® are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

Android™ is a trademark of Google Inc.