Lionel CW80 (New Version) Issue

Do you have a load connected or are you measuring it as it stands alone?

Most likely you have blown one or both FET transistors on that output channel. I personally call this a known about failure mode- just maybe not everyone knows about it..

I've done quite a bit of posting about this new design and the details

https://www.modeltrainforum.co...less-details.197089/

and a repair of this exact problem in this thread https://ogrforum.com/...0#161208612964634320

@ADCX Rob posted:

Do you have a load connected or are you measuring it as it stands alone?

I discovered the problem with the transformer attached to my track, then I messed with the transformer offline with just a voltmeter.

@Vernon Barry posted:

Most likely you have blown one or both FET transistors on that output channel. I personally call this a known about failure mode- just maybe not everyone knows about it..

I've done quite a bit of posting about this new design and the details

https://www.modeltrainforum.co...less-details.197089/

and a repair of this exact problem in this thread https://ogrforum.com/...0#161208612964634320

Thanks, I'll give these a read / try.

@Vernon Barry posted:

Most likely you have blown one or both FET transistors on that output channel.

So much for a new, improved, fan-less version.

At least the new ones don't cost as much as the originals. Oops, nevermind.

I like the reliability of the MTH Z-1000 Transformers much better than the Lionel CW-80 or any of their lower wattage family junk. I've never had a problem with either of the 2 MTH Z-1000 Transformers in over 15 years of using them for Track Power. I had 2 CW-80's and 2 either 30 or 40 Watt sisters to them that came in Lionel Starter Sets. One of each went up in smoke, and the other Two just stopped working, all within 2-3 years time. Took them apart with triangle security screwdrivers I found on Amazon I think, the board was melted in the two that went up in smoke, and couldn't figure out what went wrong but I suspect it was the Transformers because they both had a burnt smell. Took the Transformers and Electronics out of all of them, took them to a Electronics Recycling Event, and the cases went to the landfill. Maybe I just had a bunch of bad ones, but I don't need anything like that to start a fire on my layout in my house. Sent Lionel Customer Service a letter to advise them of the problems with them but they never responded.💩

@Gary P posted:

I like the reliability of the MTH Z-1000 Transformers much better than the Lionel CW-80 or any of their lower wattage family junk.

I like the reliability of almost anything over the CW-80.