Voltage problem...I need help!

I run Legacy and DCS all the time with the brick directly to the track.  I have a Legacy Powermaster buried somewhere in my pile of boxes, but I haven't had occasion to actually need it.  There is no drawback to not using the Powermaster, AAMOF it's probably a better configuration if you only run command.

One thing of note which may or may not affect you.  The TMCC Direct Lockon kills the MTH DCS signal, so if you run DCS, you may want to omit that.

Thanks John...glad to know I am not doing anything wrong this way.  

I don't have MTH DCS right now, but duly noted.  Thanks!

Without the Legacy Powermaster, I won't be able to run conventionally with this set though, correct?  How do you control different track loop power if you don't have the Powermaster?  

Correct, you need either a variable transformer or a Powermaster/TPC if you want to run conventional on your layout.

What do most people use to control track power from the Legacy handheld?  Especially if there is more than one loop?

I use a ZW-C or a ZWL could be used. Also several TPCs or Powermasters could be used.

roll_the_dice posted:

Well my wife says I need help all the time, but I think she means something different.

Anyway, I am running my carpet layout for the first time in a few years and I am stumped.  I am running a Legacy 990 command base along with a Powerhouse 180 brick and Powermaster 6-37146, since occasionally I run my postwar conventional engine.  

I have the 180 watt brick connected to the Powermaster via the molex connector, then from the powermaster to the track and the 990 command base to the powermaster U post.  In this configuration, I am only getting 8.9 volts to the track.  I tested at the posts of the Powermaster and it is the same voltage.  I tested the molex connector out of the 180 watt brick and I am getting 18.5v.  

I just connected the brick to a Lionel Direct Lockon then to the track and I am getting 18.2v at the track.   Added benefit, I had an engine (new to me) that the smoke unit wasn't working...it is now.  I assume because it wasn't getting enough voltage.

I like to be able to control track power via the Legacy handheld and some day will have a permanent layout and will have multiple loops I want to be able to control independently.

Now that I have written all of this, it makes more sense to me.  Should I assume the Powermaster is bad and isn't transferring the power from the brick to the track correctly?

Other than not being able to run my conventional engine and control track power from the handheld, any drawback from not using the Powermaster?  Would a TPC work instead of the Powermaster?

If the Powermaster is bad, is it repairable?  I am an electrical novice...but am willing to learn.  If it is already broken, I can't break it more!

If I am doing something stupid let me know or if you need more clarification let me know.  I have thick skin.  Thanks for any help you can provide...

Sounds to me like someone has accidentally set the Voltage output to 8.9 Volts to the Track! Read page 13 of the Legacy Power Master Owners Manual!!  At the bottom of that Page 13, it says:  TO CLEAR THE VOLTAGE “ limit” setting:

Press the ”SET” Button twice without moving the Throttle knob! This will clear any previously set limits and allow the output of the LEGACY Power Master to go to Maximum available voltage !!!

Fredstrains

Fredstrains posted:

Sounds to me like someone has accidentally set the Voltage output to 8.9 Volts to the Track! Read page 13 of the Legacy Power Master Owners Manual!!  At the bottom of that Page 13, it says:  TO CLEAR THE VOLTAGE “ limit” setting:

Press the ”SET” Button twice without moving the Throttle knob! This will clear any previously set limits and allow the output of the LEGACY Power Master to go to Maximum available voltage !!!

Fredstrains

THANK YOU!  That was it.  I didn't even know that was an option.  I read page 13 and followed the instructions and low and behold, I get 18v with the powermaster connected!  I appreciate all the help.  That's what happens when I only run them once a year...I forget everything I learned.