another CW80 or ZW

Harsh, you don't say if you're running only command or command/conventional. Without this information I cannot say that a powerhouse 180 will or won't work. If command only and you never want to run conventional then the 6-14194 will work but it is overkill. These connectors are designed for a TPC-300 or 400 connection. The one in the middle of the picture has the right connector on it but it is doubled up which isn't needed for your setup. If you want to run conventional as well then the PH-180 has no way of varying the voltage to the track. Could you supply this information to us:

Are you running command only with no desire to run conventional?

What command system are you running? Legacy or TMCC.

If you want to run conventional do you want to use the remote?

These answers would narrow down the list of items you would need.

Ron

Normally I run in Command mode[TMCC, PoHos linked to TPC 4000s]. When I run[rarely] Conventional engines from the handheld Cab 1 it is usually when the grand kids are here with Thomas and Friends or when getting the kinks out of some old postwar power. In my particular case as regards the PoHo/TPC link up I see no need for an adapter in the wire run when they are actually in very close proximity,head to tail with one another.

So let me see if I have this straight:  Harsh originally asked about power for a 4x10 layout and now he's getting all sorts of complex info that probably is doing nothing but confusing him.

I still say he should get a Z4000 or a new ZW-L and be done with it.  He'll then have enough power for plenty of expansion in the event he cares to grow his empire.

Thank you all for the excllent feedback and suggestions. though Allan is right, its a little overwhelming at this point.

i simply wanted to chnage my CW80 since i am runnjing two trains now. also i understand that power supply is one of the most important aspects of a layout and the decision you make stays for a long time with you. also its a one time investment which you need to make irrespective of the cost as it will last for a long time, i guess longer than most of the engines you will buy.

As Ron asked i have following engines

1. 3 Legacy
2. 1 TMCC
3. 1 Conventional ( i have never run it. it came with a set)
4. 0 DCS but i will buy it by next year

My layout is fastrack with about 6 switches a few slidings and a few fastrack accessories. i have also bought 4 woodland secenic  builduings and they are on there way.

I have a temporary layout which i have to dismantle every month for 2 weeks. so its 2 weeks on and two weeks off . this will continue till i move to a bigger house and have space to have a permamnent layout.

Based on the comments here is what i think my options are

1. Powerhouse 180 and connect directly to tracks. use the existing CW80 for accessories and use TIU for any conventional runs. Pros: small space, no fan noise. Cons: will have to add to it
2. ZW-L. Pros: a one stop shop solution for everything. Cons: dont know when it will actually ship and also the performance is unknown
3. Z4000. Pros: a tested device which will last forever. Cons: size and the fan noise

Option 1 and 3 are more practical but honestly folks i am very confused. please help me decide

Thanks for all your time

Harsh

The alternative to fan noise, which is drowned out by the noise of trains, is equipment that after hours of use gets hot.  Heat is the killer of electronics.  The tops of my postwar ZW's get hot, so I'm sure the transformer coils are really hot.

The Z4000 is an attractive choice.  It's a great transformer, and it will be useful in whatever environment you run in.

If you buy the PH-180 and the TIU, you're spending about the same money as for the Z4000.

The bonus with the TIU and PH-180 is you already have the DCS system for those MTH locomotives you mention you're planning on.

Either choices is good.

i dont have the DCS system yet and i was planning to buy it. i was not in a hurry since the first MTH loco i ordered is not coming until March 2013. so i have to buy the DCS before that

Well, that's only three months away!

I think with your situation, I'd personally go for the PH-180 and the DCS system.  You're going to spend the money anyway, might as well get it done. 

any merit in the point that having both will be even better   as i will still need to power accessories and CW80 is not good for it.

I would not consider fan noise in the Z4000 as a con.  The noise is only only apparent when you're in a silent environment and the trains aren't running.  Actually, the fan in your CW80 probably makes more noise.

Well, more is always better!   If you're looking for "more", I'd probably get the DCS system and the Z4000, plenty of power and the DCS compatibility.

I agree with Allan, I can't see fan noise being an issue unless you're in a totally silent room.  In that case, just kill the power to the layout, problem solved.

cool. one last thing, since this is on floor and my 3 year boy can derail trains easily while touching them, so i need an excellent circuit breaker protection. will Z4000  be a preferred option in that scenario?

The Z4000 or the PH-180 both have excellent fast acting circuit protection, either will be a good choice in that regard.

i though about the options and finally ordered Z4000 and the DCS system yesterday. my decision was based on the long term scalability and also a transformer to power the accessories. i want to completely remove CW80 and store it as an back-up option.

Though now i am feeling buyers remorse and thinking about John advise which would have saved me $300+. i hope i did not make a bad decision.

i want to thank all the forum members who helped me think and make a decision. i hope i made the right choice 

The Z4000 is a fine piece of equipment and will give you years of service. You won't regret buying it once you have used it a while. To get close to the same output as the Z4000 you would need 2 180 watt bricks so the cost difference is much lower than 300.00.

Ron

I think you'll find that you have made a good selection.

Thanks ! 

Nothing wrong with the Z4000, it's an impressive piece.  I was just trying to save you some money, but I'd love to have one of those myself.