I have been wondering if the chopped sine wave power from my ZW-L would provide "smoother" performance with a new production open frame motor powered engine (I don't have one) than it does with the circa 1996, 1997 production when TMCC was first introduced. Not that is it bad, but a related thought is whether any performance gain from those first open frame/command locomotives would result and, if so, would be significant enough to warrant the purchase of a new full wave transformer. Any opinions appreciated. Thanks.
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I do not know if I am addressing your question, but I do know that using the Powermasters with the old open frame motors, at least the ones that AC Gilbert manufactured, makes them operate much smoother than the old transformers. This may have to do with the 100 speed steps that you get thru the Powermaster.
Ray
Unless it's a Legacy PowerMaster, I don't think you get anything but 32 steps.
Gunny, won't the MTH Z-4000 give the upgrade that Bucky is looking for?
Well, the ZW is actually a sine wave transformer, and would be comparable to any of the many PW transformers. The question is if the chopped waveform of the ZW-L or PowerMaster would change the behavior.
I am assuming mid 90s TMCC provides pulse width modulated voltage to the motor so I would not expect much difference if the PWM comes from the transformer or the motor driver board or Powermaster
Pete
Thanks for the info, guys. Looks like just sticking with my ZW-L for the first generation TMCC locos is the way to go. Saves some spending! Unless I wanted to get some sine wave power for conventional running of post war stuff sometimes. Hmmm. I know the old conventional equipment seems to run kinda rough with the ZW-L, but is it actually harming it at all?