My 2 new ZW-Ls are flickering as are the engines...... need some help

Lack of a good TMCC/Legacy signal...

Chuck, that would cause the the ZW-L units to flicker?  I am not sure why they would be doing that.  The engines flickering perhaps I see that, but why would the ZW-L's flicker?

We just re-wired the entire layout.

John

John - Try this. I'm not certain if it pertains to your specific concern.

https://youtu.be/pN5S7X6y9sM?t=7m40s

The ZW-L is just like the locomotive in regard to the light.

OK I think I fixed that problem.  If I am not using the old TMCC remotes but just the new Legacy remote, and base then I don't need the original base station, correct?  I disconnected the original based, and powered it up and didn't flicker nor did the engines I had on the track.  

Thanks for the YouTube video, that was helpful.

John

Don't  need the old base.

You're welcome.  Have fun running your trains!!  

Guys, thanks.  If I have connected the one ZW-L to the Legacy base, do I need to connect the other?  I am not sure if it will be in command mode or not upon start up.  All the loops are connected.

John

What is each ZW-L controlling?

Each ZW controls a section of the layout via certain blocks.

John

I have never tried that sort of setup but I believe that each ZW should be connected to the base or at least in phase with each other.

Both just like engine to the outside rail.

Back from vacation and ready to get back to work on the trains.  a few more questions

1. If all I run is command, does it make sense to run it in the legacy mode?  
2. Is there a reason not to use 1 handle or vs the 4? 1 would seem easier
3.  Why would you want to name the throttle an "ENG" vs a "TR?"

All the questions can be answered mostly as to how you want to run the transformer for your personal needs. I know that's what you asked, but the video explains this and takes quite a while to answer all the variations. It would take several pages to write it all out. One thing that can be said is that the track setting only allows 9 addresses, whereas the engine setting allows 99. So if you have more than two ZW-Ls you would use engine to get all the handles addressed. 

One thing I learned is that you can leave the handle up on a track # and in the case of a short, reset the voltage remotely without returning the handle to 0 physically. You can return it to 0 with the CAB2 and then spin it up with the CAB2.

Chuck which video?  the one Brian sent?

John

Yes it pretty much covers every aspect of the transformer...makes me want one. I guess that's why Mike records them .

Great video, and helpful.  OK from where I am I think it makes sense that I operate in the 1 handle mode for both ZW-Ls.  Assuming I don't set them in command mode is one TR1 and the other TR 5 based on what they are now or is one TR1 and the other TR2 since I am going the one handle route.

Assuming I go command, which I likely will, is there any reason I don't assign BOTH ZW-Ls as being engine XX?  That way when I turn them on and turn them up they are both on both same volts/ amps etc?

John

jbmccormick posted:

Assuming I go command, which I likely will, is there any reason I don't assign BOTH ZW-Ls as being engine XX?  That way when I turn them on and turn them up they are both on both same volts/ amps etc?

John

I see no issues with that.

Marty thank you.  I tried assigning both ZW-L's as ENG99, but they are still coming up as TR1 and TR5.  Here is what I did:

slid the program run button to program on both

turned the power on

using cab2 pressed ENG99 and set - I did not see a blink, I tried a second time, still no blink

entered details in cab2 (i.e., transformer and named them).

powered everything off  returned the two "A" handles to 0

i have the 1 handle 4 handle switch set to 1.

powered everything up tried ENG99, nothing

tried TR1 and TR4 - it worked.  but not the desired result.

Note I am running current version of Legacy.

both ZW-L's are in command mode as well

Help please

John

jbmccormick posted:

Marty thank you.  I tried assigning both ZW-L's as ENG99, but they are still coming up as TR1 and TR5.  Here is what I did:

.....................................

I'm pretty sure you need to pick a different number.

99 is used in Legacy as an "address all" situation for engines, so I doubt you can assign individual items as 99.

Dave,

Good point on ENG99.  I tried it as ENG97.  Same results.  It doesn't switch from TR1/TR5 to ENG97 no blink on ZW-Ls but the command base did blink.

Dave, I was trying to be clear as to what I was doing and which things were set which ways, hence the more information.

Any other suggestions that you have?

thanks,

John

 ENG or TR 97 will not work.  From page 19 of the manual...

3. Press ENG or TR on the CAB-2 Remote Control.
4. Enter the unique ID#. You may select any number from 1 to 95.

I watched the video again.  So I can see I want to be in command mode and I want to name the ZW-Ls engines.  The one thing I don't see covered is the 1 handle 4 handle.

John

OK after lunch will try a number >1 and <95.  Marty, thank you.

ENG95 works!!! 

Now in Legacy mode.  All good.  Now to just conquer the TIUs issue.  THEN I will be happy.

Marty - THANK you so much.

The video was also very helpful

The reason for 95 is that the other 3 handles still need an address.  When you selected 97, the last address would be 100 which is non-existent.  96 is no go as well because as mentioned 99 is the "ALL" function.  So the first "legal" number is 95.  Even though you are using 1 handle mode, I suspect the software isn't sophisticated enough not to need the other 3 addresses.  What would be interesting to see and maybe JonZ or Rudy can chime in is can you use 96,97,and 98 for ENG or TR since you are in 1 handle mode.  Will the ZW-L care?

Marty even in the 1 handle mode, 97 would not work, so  yes it appears the ZW-L cared.  Thanks again for your help.  Any wisdom you can provide on my TIU challenge?

John

jbmccormick posted:

Marty even in the 1 handle mode, 97 would not work, so  yes it appears the ZW-L cared.  Thanks again for your help.  Any wisdom you can provide on my TIU challenge?

John

John

I understand that but since you've set it to 95, in one handle mode, are 96-98 available to an engine even though the ZW-L "thinks" it wants them?