Too much wattage?

Miguelito posted:

I run my DCS with an 18 watt brick directly into the DCS system. Is this too much power? I ask because I have been losing lights on both MTH PS2 and Lionel Legacy engines. Have had to replace a light distribution board on a Lionel  GP7 and green marker lights are out on an MTH GP9.

From what little I know about electricity, "too much wattage" may not be the issue, but too much voltage, i.e. too high a voltage, might be.

I run four variable-set-to-fixed channels with 18-volt inputs (from a postwar ZW and a Powerhouse), with no problems.  I run 2 more fixed channels with 18 volts from a Z4000 w/Z4000 receiver, with no problems.

Check the voltage at brick and on track with a good AC voltmeter; it is possible that something or some wiring is misfunctioning. 

If you post the model of your MTH loco, a guru should be able to ascertain a possible cause.  Same with Lionel.

I think you mean 18 volts. What brick are you using?

If you're using the Lionel PowerHouse 180, it's an ideal supply for any DCS or TMCC/Legacy locomotive.  Start looking elsewhere for any electrical problems.

Yes, it's the Powerhouse 180. Thanks for the reassurance. Only a couple of engines have had this problem. It must just be their unique problems. I always get good advice here. How lucky to have this forum.

Any derailments at, or around the time of these issues?

Have you checked your actual voltage at the track with a meter?

Have you checked the wires and plug connection on the green lights. And are those markers multi-colored ? (Red, white, green by command function choice)

      A TVS , transient voltage suppressor is always a good idea with command. A simple derail can take a whole board out. It can safeguard from lots of other little issues too. Use the search function for threads on using them.

  If all is well, and you have done these things already; just remember LEDs and even boards can fail, it just doesn't happen as often as bulb failures do.