Lionel CW-80 question

The latest and greatest CW80, on the data plate underneath, have a four digit numeric code preceded by the letter G. Early versions do not have the letter G in the code. Some early versions of the CW80 had a problem with the way the track outputs were wired. For the most part these worked fine but made phasing with other transformers a problem. Other early ones had a problem where throttle voltage would not completely go to zero. This made reversing some locos impossible. All CW80s create problems when trying to run MTH locos with PS1 or PS2. But this is really a case by case basis. I had one MTH loco that ran fine with my CW80. Another I had did not want to run at all. I have taken apart, re wired, and fixed most of the problems with my CW80 and now I am very happy with it. It was a fun and interesting learning experience. If you want a CW80 that works great without modification, get a G code.

They made one with only tweo posts also.

The one with only 2 posts is called a powermax and is only 40 watts.

I have 4 CW 80s  three that are G coded.  The non G coded unit, the programmable variable accessory output is not working properly and cannot be re-programmed.  My other three units are fine.  I have only run conventionally up to this point,  I have not tried any trains that have modern sound.  I do like the variable output on the accessory side.

I do not have any CW 80s, but my grandsons do.  I like them very much, styling as well as performance, except that it seems odd that the throttle needs to be advanced about halfway before there is any action from the locos.  Even my old Marx 50-watt offers performance well before that point!

Is it normal that a CW80's  Black posts are not connected as the same common? 

Buzz

I guess thats tells you how much I know about trains. But I am learning. Thanks fgor the info.

There have actually been two of this version.  The original "PowerMax" was 30 watts, the "PowerMax Plus" is 40 watts. 

 

Now there is a GW-180 version with an external 180 watt brick, and there was briefly a "BW" which was 80 watts and powered by an external brick.

Most Old PW transformers start at around 5 volts. This makes them seem to provide better throttle response. The CW80 starts at zero volts. The early non G code CW80 is wired backwards with the red posts being common. Newer G code models have the black posts common.

Flash made me recall a thread from a couple years back that detailed a few mods for the CW80 that would "make it as intended to be" and I believe that an original Lionel CW80 engr was part of that discussion.  Can anyone point me to that thread (can't find it again) or Flash can you send me the fixes that you made?

 

Did we ever learn the "root cause" of the issues btwn some MTH engines and the CW80?  For a long while I believed it was the CW80 chopped sine output but I've recently learned that the Z-controller uses the same...so much for that theory!  I have a couple of CW80s that I'd like to have as "ready spares" if I can find & apply the mods that need to be made.

 

I've been using a Z-1000 on one track & a LW on the second and everything I have works fine.  Been reading about the GW-180 and just wondering if "compatibility" should be an area of concern or have the smart guys have gotten that all figured out at this point?

 

Thanks for your insights!

S/F Mike