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I've tried searching and using the manual for the powermaster to try to figure this out, but I just can't get my mind around it.

 

Currently, I have two 180 bricks and two TMCC Direct Lockons and run only command equipped locos. TMCC only runs locos, nothing else.

 

I have two conventional locos that just sit or occasionally run on an isolated look with a transformer that I hook up and switch. I'd like to be able to run one conventional loco and all TMCC/Legacy locos with the same system (180 bricks and lockons). Is that possible?

 

It seems that the Powermaster/TPC allows the track voltage to vary with the TMCC/Legacy remote. But I can't figure out if that just assumes the one loco running on that block and nothing else? Or can the TMCC/Legacy locos run there also and still work with the reduced power?

 

Thanks!

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As long as there is a command signal, the command locomotives will be under remote control.  Because they are designed to run at full 18V, when they enter the lower voltage block that the conventional locomotive is on, they will slow down.  There are many people that use lower track voltage on command locomotives to limit their max speed as apposed to limiting via programming as they feel it gives finer low speed control.

Currently, I have two 180 bricks and two TMCC Direct Lockons and run only command equipped locos. TMCC only runs locos, nothing else.

 

 Yup, done it. I think the secret is to have a conventional engine that requires

 a fair amount of power. or cars that may require you to get to the 10 to 12 volt level to operate.

 

 Start with the conventional train, get the speed you like. then add the TMCC engine. If the layout is big enough you can put both on at the same time. If not

you may have to put the conventional engine into neutral.

It can be done....

 

Stoshu is correct that conventional engines and tmcc can be run at the same time.  His recommendation for getting the conventional engine going first is spot on.  The only thing that I see being a problem for you is the lock-ons.  They require a minimum of voltage to work and are meant to for constant voltage above 14 volts.  Gunrunner is correct about the direction changes stopping your TMCC/Legacy engines.  I run both conventional and Legacy at the same time at low voltages with a Legacy Powermaster and 180 watt bricks.

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