Recent post have left me confused. Is a Legacy Power Master used in place of a TPC to run conventional? Does it matter if I use a PW-ZW or a new ZW-L? When is it best to use the PM-360 vs PM-180?
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W.C.,
Yes, the Legacy Power Masters are in essence the newest versions of the old TPC's, and they are most often used to run locomotives in conventional mode.
It does matter which ZW you use but the ZW-L has Power Master functionality already built in. With it you do not need to buy separate Power Masters or TPCs. It also has modern very fast circuit breakers built in. PW-ZW's do not; you can add them however if you want to use PW-ZW's.
The PM-360 puts out about double the power of the PM-180. For old locomotives, i.e. PW, pulling long trains of traditionally-lighted passenger cars (no LED lighting) you might need a PM-360 to provide sufficient current to avoid tripping the transformer's circuit breaker too frequently (which is an annoyance but not a safety issue). In all other cases the PM-180 should be sufficient.
Mike
@Mellow Hudson Mike posted:W.C.,
Yes, the Legacy Power Masters are in essence the newest versions of the old TPC's, and they are most often used to run locomotives in conventional mode.
It does matter which ZW you use but the ZW-L has Power Master functionality already built in. With it you do not need to buy separate Power Masters or TPCs.
I was unaware of this. I need to review the ZW-L manual.
It also has modern very fast circuit breakers built in. PW-ZW's do not; you can add them however if you want to use PW-ZW's.
When you state "PW-ZW's do not; you can add them however if you want to use PW-ZW's." Are you referring to fast circuit breakers? If so, then a PSX1-AC should work?
The PM-360 puts out about double the power of the PM-180. For old locomotives, i.e. PW, pulling long trains of traditionally-lighted passenger cars (no LED lighting) you might need a PM-360 to provide sufficient current to avoid tripping the transformer's circuit breaker too frequently (which is an annoyance but not a safety issue). In all other cases the PM-180 should be sufficient.
If I'm using a PW-ZW the maximum output is 275watts at best. Is the PM-360 overkill? Is the PM-180 enough?
It also has modern very fast circuit breakers built in. PW-ZW's do not; you can add them however if you want to use PW-ZW's.
When you state "PW-ZW's do not; you can add them however if you want to use PW-ZW's." Are you referring to fast circuit breakers? If so, then a PSX1-AC should work?
When using any PW transformer, and some modern ones, you need a circuit breaker or fuse in line on the hot/red connector to protect your trains. A PSX-AC will work well.
The PM-360 puts out about double the power of the PM-180.
If I'm using a PW-ZW the maximum output is 275watts at best. Is the PM-360 overkill? Is the PM-180 enough?
The PW ZW puts out only around 190 watts. Back when it was built, they advertise the input power (275 watts) needed for maximum output (190 watts). Modern transformers are rated by their output power.
The Legacy 360 PowerMaster is built for two PH180s attached to it to get 360 watts/20 amps. The Legacy PowerMaster can only take one PH180 for 180 watts/10 amps. To me, if you want to use the Legacy 360 PowerMaster for more than 10 amps to the track, you need to use the PSX-AC. It is made to handle that.
Ron,
Would you recommend PSX1-AC for the ZW-L?
Does the ZW-L need a PM-180 (or PM-360 or TPC 300) or is that function built-in as another post inferred?
What is the output from each handle of the ZW-L?
@Windy City posted:Does the ZW-L need a PM-180 (or PM-360 or TPC 300) or is that function built-in as another post inferred?
No need for any PM or TPC; that function is built in.
If you need more confirmation, you can find it in the owner’s manual.
@Windy City posted:Ron,
Would you recommend PSX1-AC for the ZW-L?
Does the ZW-L need a PM-180 (or PM-360 or TPC 300) or is that function built-in as another post inferred?
What is the output from each handle of the ZW-L?
The ZW-L is a very good but complex device, so as Keith mentioned, read the manual. I don't know much about the ZW-L except that it is basically 4 PH180/PM combinations wrapped up in one housing. It power shares between the 4 outputs with each output capable of up to 180 watts, although the transformer itself cannot power all 4 outputs to that level at the same time.
I've read the circuit protection is excellent, but probably not as fast as a PSX-AC. However, I would think you would not need a PSX-AC with a ZW-L. I do not know if the ZW-L has TVS protection built in.
The ZW-L has some very fast breakers. I’ve never had an issue with it not tripping in some form. Typically like the legacy PM the electronics shut down the output I don’t know of I’ve ever had the actual breaker trip on my ZW-L
I have two ZW-L's powering my layout. It has four 180W (10A @18V) outputs. However the total output simultaneously from all four channels cannot exceed 620W. It has fast acting breakers plus what Lionel calls foldback circuits. This feature immediately limits current into a short circuit prior to the breaker tripping. As a two rail operator I sometimes run an engine into an open turnout. With the foldback feature I have 3 to 4 seconds to slide the engine back from the frog rails before the breaker trips. Regrettably have have gotten much better at quick response than at avoiding open turnouts. All transformers should have the kind of instant response and protection.
Mike Ragon did a great video on the ZW-L if you want to learn more
For the above video, am I correct: When using a ZW-L and a Legacy Handheld Remote, you need to be touching handle B,C, or D to effect a direction change. But the A handle will respond to the Legacy Handheld Remote without touching the A handle?
hope this helps I rarely run the transformer in conventional mode it’s practically always in command and allows me to to do EVERYTHING from the Cab-2
If you run the transformer in CONVENTIONAL then yes. That would include NOT using the Cab-2. The transformer acts like any standard transformer. In Command mode everything can be accessed from the Cab-2. The only reason to “touch” the B or C handle is to see the amp draw/voltage on the track. Do keep in mind In command mode each Handle must be set to the maximum output voltage. If they are set to 0V then no matter how much you spin the Cab-2 it will not go above 0V
