Lionel MTH Helicopter Car Mini Commander Installation Manual

MTH Helicopter Car Mini Commander
Installation Guide
Revised: October, 2008
OVERVIEW:
The Helicopter car is normally operated by a UCS track. When over the UCS track,
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application of power on the 4 and 5 rails applies power to the motor to launch the
helicopter. The Mini Commander can apply this power to the launch motor from one of
its outputs. In the operating helicopter car, it is recommended to use HC-1 output,
controlled by AUX1, for DCS compatibility as well.

INSTALLATION PROCESS SUMMARY:

To free yourself from the UCS, you will need to replace one of the trucks on the car to
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"collect" power from the 3 (center) rail. The Mini Commander will need power from
the track, which is obtained from replacing one of the trucks.
The Mini Commander fits in the car, and should be carefully positioned as shown in the
pictures in this guide. The small AC-to-DC power board to drive the motor is removed
for soldering the wires that go to the Mini Commander HC-1 output. Use caution not to
damage or lose the mica insulators under the part securing the small power board to
the chassis of the car.
The truck mounting plate needs to be removed to replace the truck. One of the mounting
screws will be left off in the re-assembly of the truck mounting plate as it interferes with
the roller mount on the new truck.
Optionally, you can remove the truck that is not being replaced to remove the slider shoe.
You can also leave the wire in the car & heat shrink the wire end as it is left unconnected.
There is a mechanism in the car to tilt the helicopter launch direction. It will be removed
to make room for the Mini Commander board. Once removed, you will need to lock the
launch pad in place to level it. I recommend removal of the spring and replacing it with
some double stick tape (included). When the Mini Commander is mounted per the
instructions, the Mini Commander card will stabilize the launch pad because the tab that
the spring was attached to will rest on the Mini Commander.
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