180 watt brick Powerhouse problem

The fact that you have no power output and no light suggests that either the switch or perhaps the primary fuse is gone.  The switch on those have been problematic in the past.

Can the switches get replaced ? repaired ?

The fuse should be a easy fix . 

Thanks in Advance .

Several people have posted about sources, I think Rod Stewart found them recently.

Thanks Gunrunnerjohn !   

I have some of these switches. I can send you one USPS...my email is in my profile.

Does the ZW-C transformer have powermasters built-in internally on the 2 outside handles? I do not think you have them on the inside handles. Talking to someone yesterday who has this transformer and I was not 100% sure of that function.

Hi Ted, The ZW-C doesn’t have any internal power. It is powered by any combination of one to four 135w or 180w external bricks. I have a ZW-C, but I don’t use it. I prefer the ZW-L.

@Ted Bertiger posted:

Does the ZW-C transformer have powermasters built-in internally on the 2 outside handles? I do not think you have them on the inside handles. Talking to someone yesterday who has this transformer and I was not 100% sure of that function.

Ted, the ZW-C has four internal Track power controllers, one for each handle.  I have had one with the meters for about 18 years now and still love it.  I have four 180 watt bricks hooked up to mine.  

Happy railroading,

Don

I have two zw-c with all 180 bricks and on the accessory/iner handels they each have 135 watt bricks. If you know how to fix the issues with these they can be a nice transformer. I know its overkill but I run command all the time and just like the looks and the ability to turn the sections of the railroad on buy turning up the handels. If you look around they can be had for a decent price. The zw-l is much better, but cost a lot more. I paid less for my two zw-c's used than the cost of a new zw-l.

They just needed the main chip upgraded and the metal brackets installed. Lionel will have the upgraded chips just call customer service and ask for them. They also have the metal brackets for the handels. At least they had then when I ordered mine. It was easy to do and now they operate fine. Mike regan did a video on these wich is very helpfull for the chip fix and explains the powemaster operations well. I recommend to anyone to watch it on youtube. I am happy with mine.

@Lionelzwl2012 posted:

They just needed the main chip upgraded and the metal brackets installed. Lionel will have the upgraded chips just call customer service and ask for them. They also have the metal brackets for the handels. At least they had then when I ordered mine.

Lionel doesn't have either any more.

If I remember correctly they have the machine or what ever you call it to make a new chips. you just need to ask one of the girls on the phone. when I ordered mine they said they dont stock them,but can make one for me. this was 2 years ago so maybe it has changed I do not know. as for the metal brakets they may not have any in stock anymore. when I ordered mine I was told they had plenty on hand. although two years is a long time so I may be wrong here. they may not have the parts anymore.

@cjack posted:

I have some of these switches. I can send you one USPS...my email is in my profile.

Sent you an email, thanks.

@Lionelzwl2012 posted:

If I remember correctly they have the machine or what ever you call it to make a new chips. you just need to ask one of the girls on the phone. when I ordered mine they said they dont stock them,but can make one for me. this was 2 years ago so maybe it has changed I do not know. as for the metal brakets they may not have any in stock anymore. when I ordered mine I was told they had plenty on hand. although two years is a long time so I may be wrong here. they may not have the parts anymore.

Just my experience . . . but I have the chip problem in my ZW-C rear it's ugly head about a month ago.  I emailed Lionel customer support on 12/18 and they have not responded at all.

just busy time of the year for lionel. you are not alone. keep trying. I need to call them too.

I've bagged calling Lionel for a few weeks, hopefully in Feb they'll be answering the phones a bit more reliably.