Lionel 6-32930 and TMCC

Just connect the command base wire to the common on both loops and your good to go.

Only one TMCC or Legacy command base for a layout.  Do NOT try to add another command base, nothing will work at that point!

@CanadianCN posted:

Hello Friends,

Hope you are all doing well during this pandemic.

I need assistance on how and if possible with the possible purchase of a Lionel ZW 6-32930 and using the TMCC (6-12969) if possible to control two independent loops. I only have one remote and command base.

Do I need another TMCC to run the second loop? If so what is needed.

If someone knows how to do please give many details as possible.

One other question should I purchase the 6-32930 or look at something else.

If you need further explanation please let me know.

Cheers.

Agreeing with RickO and John about needing only one base to control multiple track loops.

Your other question is about whether the 6-32930, commonly referred to here on the forum as a ZWC, would be a good fit for you.  To answer this question, it might be helpful to know more about why you are considering the ZWC vs other power solutions.

It would also be helpful to know which types of control systems the Locomotives you plan to run would have: such as Conventional, TMCC only, Lion Chief, Legacy, and/or DCS?

The ZWC is for sale and needing a transformer. Currently using  CW80.

So far I only have Conventional, TMCC and Lion Chief. No legacy yet.

I hope this helps.

Thank you all for responding and helping.

@CanadianCN posted:

The ZWC is for sale and needing a transformer.

Ok... so the ZWC is for sale and you need another transformer, understood.

It may or may not be a good fit for you, but It's still unclear why you may be considering it, so what is it about the ZWC that appeals to you?

I am just getting back into the hobby and needed guidance from you all as I feel you are the experts in the field.

It came across that this was for sale this was the reason. Here in Canada, we have limited choices due to shut down of the border. I can always wait until open and the US market is much larger.

If I should be looking for another type of transformer, make or model then I can.

The rating on the transformer looked like there would be enough power to run the trains and some accessories. I do also like the old style look but not a deal-breaker if something better out there.

Thank you

I don't have any personal experience with the ZWC, so I can't speak to it's viability in your situation.  I've read in the past here on the forum that some really like it and other's have had issues with them, but I don't recall all the details.  If I'm remembering correctly, one of it's issues is that it doesn't produce a pure sine wave output.  MY EDIT: removed potentially misleading info.

If you do a G**gle search for "OGR forum ZW C" you should be able to learn more about it.  I also like the look of the ZW type and I have 2 postwar ZWs (pure sine wave) that I really like, but they need external breakers for safer operation.  Unless you buy a product that already has really fast breakers, external protection is recommended for Locos with modern electronics.

IMO, if you have to also buy a power brick, which may or may not be available to you, then there may be better options if you wait.

There was an issue with early ZW-C which was a glitch when using Legacy. New firmware chips were available but the supply mostly dried up. Check on that issue with your seller.

ZWC should come with 180 bricks which can be used for power by themselves. The part that looks like a ZW allows you to vary the voltage but many have proven to be problematic over the years. Before spending money make sure everything works. Personably I wouldn’t spend more than what the bricks can be had for.

Pete

Steve,

Just a gentle reminder.  ZW-C's have built-in PowerMasters.  There is no need to use separate PowerMasters, whether TPC's or Legacy PM's, downstream of them.

Mike

@Mellow Hudson Mike posted:

Steve,

Just a gentle reminder.  ZW-C's have built-in PowerMasters.  There is no need to use separate PowerMasters, whether TPC's or Legacy PM's, downstream of them.

Mike

Mike, thank you for calling attention to this.  I'm still learning about TMCC and Legacy and apologize for being unclear on this point.

The ZWC manual on the Lionel Support site says that the ZWC receives TMCC commands from the Cab 1 base to control its output voltage to the tracks, (using a chopped sine wave output).

@Norton posted:

ZWC should come with 180 bricks which can be used for power by themselves. The part that looks like a ZW allows you to vary the voltage but many have proven to be problematic over the years. Before spending money make sure everything works. Personably I wouldn’t spend more than what the bricks can be had for.

Pete

Good advice. There was a breakable plastic control inside too, now I remember.
I think I would buy the new ZWL if my C broke. Or maybe just use the bricks with those TPC400s.

Thank you all for the input. Based on comments going to pass on the purchase. Hope will find an alternative.

I wish you luck in finding something to your liking.

I use 180W Lionel power bricks and Lionel blue Legacy PowerMaster 6-37146.

Keep in mind that there are several PowerMasters. The original black one that can only receive commands from the original Cab-1, the blue one above with a switch for 135 or 180W, and then a 360W one. The latter two listen to the 450 kHz signal on the track coming from the Command Base (new or old), so do not need to have any special wiring. They have a delay feature to reduce nuisance tripping. They work with both the original Cab1, Cab1L, and I have been told Legacy Cab2 but I can't vouch for it. I bought mine on sale during a Charlie Nassau sale. You can flip the switch and run conventional.

The other option is a TPC 300 or TPC 400, you can switch from conventional to command from the remote, but I can't ever remember the button sequence.