Lionel Powerhouse 180 compatibility

I'd think at 18 volts the Gateman mechanism might have a short lifespan. Likewise for the bulbs, bright and short lived.

If the accessory is modern and was made as one of the new Lionel 'Plug & Play' items, I would think it would have to be command control compatible (capable of handling 18 VAC).  I don't see how they could not make the item that way? Doesn't make sense, to me anyway?

RTR12 - that’s what I thought too.  How/why would you use the Powerhouse 180 if it’s only going to shorten the life of Lionel accessories?  The lighted platform manual says ‘operates best at 12-18 volts’.

Also - a starter set (LionChief) comes with a 18 volt DC powerpack and a piece of track for a direct Plug and Play item.  I’d have guessed 18 volts would be fine.

Any other thoughts or experiences out there to share?

Thanks to all

Gentlemen,

All accessories Do NOT operate at 18volts. Each and everyone operate at different Voltages!!!  Go to a Train Show & purchase an old Lionel “Z” Transformer for a very good price!  It has 4 separate outputs!  Here’s what I do:  When I purchase an Accessory I use an old Transformer ( such as a 1033 ) and adjust the Voltage til it operates correctly, then I use my Meter to check that Voltage!  Put a small piece of tape on the unit and write the Voltage on it. Then do the same with all of the Accessories you have! Using a Meter, adjust one of the 4 outputs on “Z” to match the Voltages to your Accessories that you have marked Then do the same on the other 3 Outputs to match them with the various Accessories you have Marked for that Voltage!!  For instance, my “Z” has Outputs set at 6, 10, 12 & 16 Volts to match the Voltages for each Accessory that I have marked at that Voltage it operates best at!!!!  DO NOT try to operate all your Accessories on 18 Voltsl. 

If the manual says '12-18 volts' then I'd say you would be fine. I have only one 'Plug & Play' accessory, the support building with sound for the gantry crane. Along with the gantry crane, it's also running on 18vac. Now the older accessories (pre Plug & Play) would be a different story so be careful with those.

It's just not logical that Lionel would come up with new 'Plug & Play' accessories that wire directly to the track and not make them compatible with command control trains, which is about all they offer these days. I think doing anything less would create lots and lots of unhappy customers, and I'm reasonably certain they do not want that!  

Adding one very important thing here:  Always read and follow the directions that come with your accessories.

rtr12 posted:

If the accessory is modern and was made as one of the new Lionel 'Plug & Play' items, I would think it would have to be command control compatible (capable of handling 18 VAC).  I don't see how they could not make the item that way? Doesn't make sense, to me anyway?

In the 6-82744 Plug-Play Christmas Gateman manual, on page 9 it says "apply 12-14 volts of power" so I have no idea how these could run at 18 volts. 

Same thing in this 2018 manual. This guy need a HANS device to survive?

Again, the reason for my confusion.  LionChief starter set provides 18 volts to track and includes plug and play track piece.  But, one of the most popular plug and play add-ons (Gateman) shows attaching to plug and play, but also  says 12-14 volts....

Anyone running the Gateman off of 18 volt track power, via plug and play, had problems?

BobbyD posted:

rtr12 posted:

If the accessory is modern and was made as one of the new Lionel 'Plug & Play' items, I would think it would have to be command control compatible (capable of handling 18 VAC).  I don't see how they could not make the item that way? Doesn't make sense, to me anyway?

In the 6-82744 Plug-Play Christmas Gateman manual, on page 9 it says "apply 12-14 volts of power" so I have no idea how these could run at 18 volts. 

Same thing in this 2018 manual. This guy need a HANS device to survive?

Plug-Play Automatic Gateman

78-1063-250(2018)

Manual

Interesting stuff here. Your manual, linked above, also says you can use a Fastrack Power Block Lock-On #6-81314 (see Page 5).

From page 4 of the #6-81314 Fastrack Power Block Lock-On manual: 

"In addition, your lock-on is equipped with a barrel jack for an optional auxiliary power supply (item 6-81603, 4A 72 watt 18VDC transformer; or the wall pack that comes with a Ready-to-Run LionChief set). See page 5."

The next paragraph on page 4 points out the differences between the Plug-n-Play and Traditional items with a warning:

"Note! This lock-on will ONLY power Plug-n-Play accessories. ...  Do NOT attempt to power traditional accessories with this product as it will cause your accessory to overheat and/or damage the lock-on. Lionel's Limited Warranty does not cover this type of damage.

The Gateman's product page on the Lionel website states that it works on either AC or DC. 

It is not my device at risk here, but if it was, I wouldn't have a problem using 18 volts to power it. Lionel's whole purpose for creating the Plug-n-Play line was to make it easier for folks just starting in the hobby, which would most likely be with a Lion Chief starter set or other command control system. As I said above, it just doesn't make sense that these items would require power other than that supplied with their starter sets. Especially since they plug directly into Fastrack and can use track power.

If there is further doubt about the correct voltage or conflicting information in the manual, contacting Lionel for clarification would be best. They are the ones that would know for sure.