Made the discovery that if you set the variable channel to fixed the lights come on at full power. You can then turn down the power by hitting TR and adjusting the power down without changing the channel to variable.
I use a Lionel brick to power lights and want them on when I power up. I do not want to power up the handheld and then set the lights to on. So this works almost perfect for me.
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F&B RY,
Good point and remember you can control your switch power in the same manner,
I like to use one handle of my old ZW or KW for my switches and lights also.
You can then adjust the power from both the TR and from the handle of the Transformer,
a way cool way to expand controls on your layout.
PCRR/Dave
Thanks for the comment about the switches. I just realized I can tap in front of the TIU and get the full 18 volts for the switches all the time and the lights for the layout after the TIU can be adjusted down without diminishing voltage to the switches.
A brick is fairly inexpensive but has no means of adjusting the power. My above system gives me a zero cost way to adjust the power as the channel is empty anyway. I like to power up my layout with the lights glowing and not run trains. When I run them I like the bulbs turned down a few volts.
I should also point out it is a good idea to turn off the signal generator for this channel as there is no point in having it on.
F&G RY,
I fully understand the cost savings and the brick, however the old ZW handle with all its power settings opens up many more options for my layout, granted it does cost money! Not big on the bricks, never have been.
PCRR/Dave
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