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First generation TMCC power supply question

FlyPlanes-PlayTrainsFlyPlanes-PlayTrainsOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

  With the price of used PM-1 & Base-1/Cab-1 units both at auction & my LHS falling into ridiculously cheap territory, I’m thinking about buying one.  I do realize the long term benefits of the full legacy command system and also why a legacy powermaster is far better than the older powermasters, but I’d be stealing my children’s lunch money & hiding this purchase from my wife...so I’m staying low budget for now. 

  My question is about power supplies.  I’ve read that the early powermaster (the one WITHOUT  the 135/180 watt switch) is designed only for a 135 watt powerhouse, but Lionel’s own YouTube tutorial on the subject shows an early powermaster optionally being powered by a ZW instead of a powerhouse brick.  Can I power the early PM-1 with my KW?  My layout is a modest two mainline 9 X 8 L shape with modern circuit protection already installed between the KW & track. Other than a LC+ GP9 all of my locomotives are PW non command,  and I’d only be using one loop as TMCC to remotely operate the PW locos.  Is it unwise to potentially “overpower” the 135W powermaster with the KW?  Should I try it anyway, so if I ended up frying the 135 watt powermaster, I have a legitimate reason to buy the Legacy powermaster?  Any advice is most welcome. 

Thanks in advance...

Tom

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FlyPlanes-PlayTrainsFlyPlanes-PlayTrainsOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

  Thank you Rob!  In my mind’s eye I thought the PM would limit itself to only 135 watts, but wanted to be 100% sure that’s how it actually worked.  Part of me envisioned the full 180 watts of the KW melting it down somehow.  

  And you’re absolutely correct, I’m a nightmare of overthinking.  The Mrs. says I shop like a woman, trying to compare every last little detail.  Drives her nuts...

Thanks again. 

Tom

D500D500OGR Forum Member

Rule of thumb: use modern power sources with modern equipment. 

Old transformers, in terms of safety (of your electronics, on and off the track), "waves" and the like, are best used with old equipment (pre-electronics). 

Yes, many have run TMCC/DCS/Legacy with a PW ZW, I know, I know. I personally wouldn't let an old transformer near my TMCC system or locos. Lionel bricks and MTH Z-XXXX's are cheap.

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