New Zw+Legacy-conventional operations question

Sure why not. If you don't turn on the Legacy command base the new style ZW's will act like the old ones. Once you turn the base on they will go into command mode if set that way. If it is programmed for track "0" it will stay in conventional mode and the tracks can be powered up and used for TMCC operation. The new ZW-L should work the same way but since it isn't out yet time will tell. I think once you start using Legacy you'll quickly get over the Cab1.

Ron

"I haven't used Legacy yet, but just the Cab2 looks daunting."

 

it's not daunting, it is very easy.  is there a club close by you could try a legacy out?  once you try the Legacy you will like it.

You can run your conventional locos with the legacy and zw in conventional mode. Watch the youtube video from lionel and he shows you exactly how to do.

 William, you don't need TPCs if your using the TMCC ZW. They basically do the same thing with the TPC adding a few more features.

 

The best advice you were given here is to just unplug the Legacy base when you want to run conventionally. My grandson does this ocassionally. He likes sitting by the transformer and all the switch controllers.

But if he is using the BPCs and wireless switches, he needs to have the Base turned ON.

 

I think the best bet is to run the ZW as TR 0, and maybe learn how to quickly change to TR 1 when the kids come over.

Thanks guys.  Your input is priceless.  I just watched all the videos & discovered a couple things.  Please correct me if I'm wrong.  With the ZW you don't need TPCs for 4 blocks of track.  It gives me 4 blocks that can change from conventional to Legacy just as a 4 TPC would. 

But, I want 8 blocks. A BPC can handle 4 inputs = 4 ZW inputs/TR - and 2 outputs = 2 blocks of track/ACC.  So I need 4 BPCs to power 8 blocks that can change from Legacy to conv.  I will be able to run  4 trains in conventional on any assortment of blocks of track.  I just need to assign each block/ACC on the BPC to its appropriate input/TR  on the ZW.  I can also run a mix of Conv & Legacy.  And I can run in conventional with the handles on the ZW or with the Cab2.

Does that sound right ?      

What does running the ZW as TR 0 do?  And how do you program it to do that?  I haven't been able to locate any info on that subject.  

I did just read in the old Zw manual that ' if the ZW controller is programmed as Tr 0, the Zw controller willl operate much like an old Zw controller'  and you can control the layout with the handles -cool. I think that's the answer.  We'll see what the new ZWL does.  Thanks Dale

Does that mean, when programmed as TR 0 he Zw powers outputs TR 0, TR 1, TR 2 & TR 3_  all manually with the handles?

I believe it does what the older ZWC did, run them manually, but it will cut them all off if you hit the halt button.

 

This is from the ZWC User's Manual.

 

If you assign ID# 0, the ZW Controller will return to manual mode. Use the handles
and levers on the ZW Controller—not your CAB-1 Remote Controller—to operate
the controller. The ZW Controller will, however, respond to the HALT command
from the CAB-1 Remote Controller. (To restore power after pressing HALT,
momentarily turn off the PowerHouse Power Supply connected to the input jacks.)

I guess my last question is when programmed to TR 0,  does it give me 4 Tr or outputs, to which I can assign track blocks or ACC from BPCs as needed.  When the ZW is programmed to TR 0- do I get 4 blocks that are probably called TR 0,TR 1, TR 2, Tr 3 -all in conventional, of course.  I think so, I may call Lionel and ask.   

We have two of these at the club. If you program it as TR#0 it will ignore all TMCC commands except the emergency power off.

 

Al

OK- got that part.  But I think,  with the ZW programmed to TR 0,  the Legacy base will still receive signals to control TMCC switches, ASCs, OTCs, & most importantly BPCs that I can use to switch blocks of track = ACC on the BPC, to any one of 4 power outputs on the ZW = TR 0,1,2 & 3, and still run 4 trains in conventional mode only, with the handles on the ZW.  I think that's correct and why they made it programmable to TR 0,  but I'm not sure... 

Programming it to track #o is the signal that TMCC commands are to be ignored by the ZW's onboard processor.

Ron

Except for the halt signal.

I'm not sending any commands to the ZW.  Programmed to TR 0, it is giving me 4 outputs of juice to 4 TR in conventional mode.  I am still sending signals to my TMCC switches and other controllers via the Legacy base.  And the BPCs as well- they are just taking the conventional power output from the ZW and routing it to the appropriate blocks of track.

That's the way it works and you still get the halt as John said. You could also run command engines by turning the blocks on and then bring the power up to 18 volts and then address the engine. The best of both worlds.

Ron

That's the answer I was looking for!  Right on. Thanks a million.  Now maybe I can get some sleep...

This is going to be a real nice, clean, power/ control system setup with that ZWL.  I can't wait to get my hands on it.  Thanks again guys.

I think you will be very happy with it. When running a command engine ramp the ZW's throttles up slowly after turning the block on first. I think if you have the throttle up all the way and then turn on the block the TMMC signal might not get to the command engine and it might start in conventional. 

Ron

That's so cool it makes ice melt with envy