How to use the ZW-L to control conventional with remote clarification...

I also have the ZW-L

By adding either the original TMCC set (CAB-1 and base) or the Legacy 990 set (CAB-2 and base) you would have remote control of all trains.

The ZW-L has four handles and each has a built in PowerMaster. The powermasters, when combined with a command set, gives you remote control of the ZW handles. You physically set the handle to the max voltage you desire, and then the remote can be used to dial the track power up to, but not exceeding, the handle's setting. Thus giving you remote control of your conventional trains. You're still just regulating the voltage to the track but you're doing it via the CAB-1 or CAB-2.

As for Legacy or TMCC engines, when a base is connected to the ZW-L, any command engines will then run in command mode. So on that loop, you would first set the physical handle to 18v, then, using the dial, you'd set your power master setting to the full 18v - that gives your track loop the full voltage. You can then address the loco directly via its address in TMCC or Legacy and control that specific loco - not just the track power. If the loop is large enough, and you are careful, you can address and run multiple command locos on the same loop.

I don't believe that the orange bluetooth universal remote is compatible with the command bases.

Thus, the bluetooth app for the phone does not interface with the command bases either.

There is a TMCC/Legacy app for the phone but it requires the WIFI module to be added to your command setup. It works well. The new Base-3 will have that feature built in and won't require the separate WIFI module.

Hope that helps.

Graz - Just home from the office and checking in... So, I either buy a cab1 (old remote style) with base OR the 990 base and remote is what you are saying, yes?   Is there a special cable also?   No power masters or any of that?  

with all the same parameters in mind, how would the new cab 3 base work in my specific situation?   Would I be stuck with the app only as a controller?  

Since I can control all the newer engines via BT with the orange remote, wouldn't the cab1 and base be the easiest and cheapest option?   It's only for when I run a PW engine conventionally anyway.   The newer engines, I would just put the handle at 18v and link to the orange remote via BT.  yes?

Sorry if I'm confusing the issue.

Yes your ZW-L has the PMs built in. As with the actual PMs the ZW-L receives the track signal produced by a Lionel command base. Honestly with the cost of old bases really I would just wait and get a new Base3 and a Cab-1L if you want a physical handheld, or when that hits older bases may drop in price.

here’s a really good video on the ZW-L by Mike Ragon 

As Zachariah mentioned, there are 4 power masters built into the ZW-L so no need to buy a stand-alone PM.

As far as connection/cables - the command base simply connects to the ZW-L's ground terminal with a piece of ordinary, stranded copper wire. Nothing special. That sends the command signal through the ZW-L and out to the track outputs.

And, in agreement with Zach, that I'd probably wait for the base-3 and Cab-1L as it should be just around the corner and will then be somewhat future-proofed.

And yes, your scenario described should work fine. Remote control of each loop's voltage level, which also allows you to run conventional locos

And either the CAB-1L for control of Legacy/TMCC equipped engines or the orange remote for BT control of those same locos, if so equipped.

So you're saying the base 3 with the cab 1 may actually be the best scenario connected up to my ZW-L?   If I am running 2 trains , one on each loop, how do I control each loop if I only have one remote?   I'm guessing there is a toggle back and forth feature?   And if so, how would that work if I have a train on each loop and one derails?  seems I couldn't very quickly shut her down, especially if I was toggled to the other track... no?

It's the detail clarification I need please.

Yes. Base 3 connected to your ZW-L is a good way to go.

Toggling - yes, the remote allows you to easily toggle between two different track addresses (your two loops) to adjust voltage, etc.

You can also use that same toggle approach with two Legacy locos.

It just limits the amount of "drilling down" you have to do within menus, etc.

Derail - The ZW-L will likely be the first to act but the remote has a red "halt" button that, when depressed, shuts down all of the power to all tracks.

Once the short is cleared, You then simply select each loop via the remote and dial the power back up to the desired level.

I have the Legacy 990 base/remote set connected to my ZW-L and it has been great.

Thanks Graz!   So, best scenario is IF we finally get Base 3 this year, I buy that and connect to my ZW-L and buy either the 990 base and remote OR the Cab1L remote ONLY (no base/powermaster).  Thus giving me a real remote.  

With that setup, I'm good for legacy or postwar remote control.   Yes, BINGO!

Curious, the 993 expansion sets seem to be a little cheaper, could I skip the 990 and buy a 993 base and controller to go with the cab 3?

As mentioned above that video covers EVERYTHING on the ZW-L. There really isn’t anything better than the manual.

If your concern is how to operate with a Cab-1L or Cab-2 either read those manuals or I made this video for our members on our new layout. This is slightly different since we used Legacy PMs but should help on the remote operation.

the 993s are definitely going cheaper than the 990s. Really that’s up to you if you want to spend the extra money for a Cab-2. I love the Cab-2 so I’m definitely not saying don’t buy it but what everyone wants for it I find ridiculous.