Hi all, I am starting a level of my layout for Lionel Lionchief locos. I would like to power it with a Powerhouse 180. Is there a way of directly connect it to the track to have a steady 18v current or do I need to use the TPU as well?
thanks in advance
Frank
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Sure you can connect it to the track. I just buy the matching Molex connector so I don't have to hack up the PH180 connector. There's no reason to use a TPU if you don't need one.
Lionel also makes the TMCC Direct Lockon that has a circuit breaker, The PH180 plugs directly into the doghouse.
John, thanks for the reply. Will the following wiring harness 6-14194 help me at all in this case?
Frank
Frank,
The TMCC Direct Lock-on shown in John's post is the older style that snapped onto Lionel's traditional track. However, his link goes to the better new style that can be more easily used with all track types, 6-34120. I'm surprised John didn't mention it, but if you ever want to use DCS in the future the TMCC Direct Lock-on is known to kill the DCS signal.
Also, several folks just "hack up the PH180 connector" (cut it off) as John mentioned. If you don't plan on buying more TMCC/Legacy components this would be the cheapest route.
Lastly, while I don't know much about the robustness of LC/LC+ engines, it may be a good idea to add a TVS across the hot and common connections at the track to limit voltage spikes. These spikes do harm TMCC and DCS electronics so I assume will also harm LC stuff.
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