Cab1-L Base1L Transformer Connection

Robert,

The Z750 brick puts our 21VAC, Lionel and others using TMCC insist on not going over 18VAC, they say it will damage the electronics.

I think using the controller is also frowned upon, I think it does something to the sine wave.

I had one but swapped it for a Lionel 180 Powerhouse a while back, output 18VAC.  I think they're hard to find at the moment.

Although I only have experience using Lionel controllers, I believe that you should be OK using your Z750 set at 18V, and just hook the BASE-1L terminal to the outer rail. 

Before I purchased more powerful transformers and TPC/Legacy Powermaster units, I ran my Legacy system using CW-80 transformers. 

Legacy shouldn't care what the voltage/current source is.  Just keep the voltage below maximum (14-18V should be fine).  With Legacy and TMCC, the command signal is completely independent of the AC power supply, both physically and operationally.  You just need to connect the command base's one wire to the outside rail anywhere on the layout.

Thank you Bob, Nicole and Landsteiner for taking the time to read and respond to my question, given this will be my first experience with Legacy controller!  I sincerely appreciate it

I was almost sure that my z750 brick topped out at 18v, but after reading your responses I checked and sure enough the max voltage is 24.  So if I test the system out with the controller inline then I'll be sure to put a voltmeter on it and keep it under 18v.

I think I was remembering my DCS Remote Commander bricks which show a max voltage of 18.  It sounds like I could also just use one of those and get a barrel jack adapter at Radio Shack or somewhere to split the feeds to run them straight to the track lock on (wanting to avoid cutting off the barrel jack).

I was curious about the sine wave form/style as Bob mentioned, but after viewing this Lionel video on youtube, Mike seems to make the case in favor of a 'chopped' sine wave at least that was my impression...

This one is just for giggles, but I watched it thinking it might give some insight as to power sources, but my mind was blown by the jargon Mike throws around...probably means a good deal to the experienced or electrical engineering folks, but just had my jaw hanging open.  It was pretty funny, he could have made up half those terms and I wouldn't have known any better  Not quite the "overview" I was expecting...

In all seriousness I really like the videos Lionel puts out

Thanks again for the info!  I'm inclined to Nicole's implied approach of using a transformer I have on hand just to get started and get a fell for the system (I've got three z500 or DCSRC bricks that put out max 18v and three z750 bricks that put out the 24v).

Cheers,

Robert

In command mode, the wave form becomes largely irrelevant to the locomotive, so there's no reason not to try your existing power supplies as you suggest.  Have fun!

Thanks for the reassurance Landsteiner!

I ended up using my z500 brick that comes with the DCS-Lite or DCS Remote Commander (this way I also knew I was getting a standard 18v to the track).  I left the little dcs lite receiver in line as a pass through and to give me a connection that converted the barrel jack to the two 'banana jack' leads for track power.  I attached a separate wire lead from the U post on the Base1L to the common or outsider rail connection at the lock-on and voila...able to run my new Neil Young Texas Special in legacy mode.

It has nice sounds a very different horn from either my MTH or Wiliams F units.

Now I just need to figure out the smoke fluid fill routine.  Overfilled to start, and the smallish stacks make feeding droplets a challenge.  I get the feeling that 15-20 drops is pushing it...maybe the manifold that ties the stack to the bowl requires a needle point filler, or perhaps the reservoir is a little small...probably need to some researching on that one.

But being able to access the limited legacy operations and sounds with the Cab1L/Base1L is great, and a shout out to Marios Trains who had this for ~$180 plus a 15% off coupon in my email, which worked out to $170 all in...without having to take on the full legacy cab2 system for first and only (so far) Legacy AA set.

Many thanks!

Robert