TMCC Direct Lock on OR 6-37947 Lionel 180 Watt with Transformer

If you plan on running only command-equipped locomotives, the TMCC direct lockon is the way to go as it is only capable of outputting 18v continuous to the tracks. If you plan on running units conventionally or need to adjust track voltage, you will need a traditional transformer. You might want to consider a small dedicated small transformer to power accessories and lights.

-John

I was planning on only running command equipped locomotives. I do not plan on running conventional, but why would I need to adjust track voltage?

Right now, I do not think I would not have accessories at the moment. If I had a train crossing, is that an accessories or part of the track power?

If you run command equipped locomotives only, then you wouldn't need to worry about adjusting the track power. The only exception I can think of is if you wanted to run an MTH locomotive without using the MTH DCS remote. Because TMCC cannot control a DCS-equipped locomotive, the DCS unit would have to be run conventionally.

The train crossing is an accessory, but it can be powered either from the tracks or from a dedicated wire from the transformer. Since your tracks would be set at a fixed voltage of 18 volts, it would be easiest to wire the crossing gates right to the track. For lights and other operating accessories 18 volts might be too much, so these would be best powered by a separate transformer set to a lower voltage (usually between 12 and 16 volts)

-John

Do NOT use the TMCC Direct Lockon if you plan on doing anything with DCS, it is not compatible with DCS.  It kills the DCS signal dead.

With the Lionel PowerHouse 180, I don't feel the need for additional protection, except a TVS across the track feed.  The PH180 has an electronic breaker that is very quick acting, faster than any other transformer I've used.

Oh, I forgot.  All the PH180 bricks I have are totally silent, I don't hear a thing except the click of the relay when I have a derailment, that's the breaker kicking in.

Lionel shipping schedule lists the 6-22983 180w PH as Apr-14 for the next shipment. Looks like they are still planning on selling another shipment of them at least. I hope so because I want to get at least 2-3 more. My LHS has one on the shelf, maybe I better grab it now if they are in short supply. Mine make absolutely no noise, are completely quiet! Can't hear a thing.

I run only command control also, no conventional. Currently I have DCS only (have had a Legacy set ordered for a few months). Using PH 180 directly to TIU and then to track, nothing else. Z-500 powers TIU separately. Got the idea from many others here on the forum that are using the same setup. As gunrunnerjohn posted above, PH 180 breakers are very fast! I have a Z-1000 I use for accessories right now (it has a 14 volt acc connection), may change that later on?

Since the PH180 is the power source for the recently introduced GW-180 transformer set, it's hard to believe they'd discontinue it.

Thanks Everyone!!

I do not see myself using the MTH DCS system in the short time. My hobby is not too deep so I think the Cab 2 Power command from Lionel is good enough for me. As for accessories, down the line, that might happen. (Unless there is a way to hook up Dept 56 building to the power line...) I know I will have switches (Command switches that is) and maybe a crossing with the lights (that comes with the track) For now, it looks like the lock on should do what I require with the 180 watt power.

As I said, with the Lionel PowerHouse 180, I've never seen the utility of the TMCC Direct Lockon.  I actually prefer the breaker in the PH180, when I have a short, I want the power to stay off until I fix it anyway.

Just to make sure...the Lionel PH 180 is part of both systems I'm talking about, but in one instance, I have the TMCC Direct LockOn and the other instance, it has the little transformer that helps regulate the the power. (GW 180) I assume in both scenarios, I get the breaker in the PH180.

Right - each PH180 has its own resettable circuit breaker and power switch.

-John

Yep, the GW-180 is just a voltage control in front of the brick.