Has anyone had issues with the ZW-C controller. It was working fine, derailment and the red/green lights flashed and then the green went dim. Have two 180W transformers hooked to it. They are both putting out 18v+. The green light on the controller stays dim. Main board??? Does anyone know where to get one of those? Anyone who repairs them? I have $450 invested with no power. HELP!!!!!
Replies sorted oldest to newest
You have already checked that the 180W bricks work, if you haven't already done so, suggest disconnecting ZW-C outputs and see if the ZW-C puts out voltage.
Yes, checked them both. Getting 18v+ out.
Have you tried disconnecting the outputs of the ZW-C to track/accessories and see if the ZW-C is now putting out voltage?
Yes. Put a meter on it. No output whatsoever.
As you know, the ZW-C control internals are powered by the brick connected nearest the A output. I assume you have your two bricks plugged with one by the A output, the other the C output. While leaving the brick plugged in by the A output, I would disconnect to other brick and see if ZW-C lights show normal - green on bright, red off.
Next, I would disconnect the brick plugged in by the A output, and replace with the other brick - still only have one brick plugged in. Again, see if lights show normal.
Just trying to see if you can change the problem symptom.
I assume you have toggled the bricks on/off switches, and have pushed on the bricks circuit breakers to make sure they are fully reset. I would like to believe since you saw the 18v on both bricks, doing the switches and breakers won't change anything, but we never know.
Thank you. You assume correctly. I tried switching the bricks, one brick at a time, changing the ports ... still the dim green bulb. What confuses me is that if it were the circuit board, the light would not even light up, but it is dim, so I know the power (at least something, is getting through the controller. AGGGGGHHHHH!!!!!!
The green light goes dim when there is a short. It takes a while for the ZW-C’s CB to pop. When it does, the dim green light goes off and the red light comes on. At least that is what I remember.
If you have thoroughly checked everything for a short (track, wiring), then it looks like a failure with the ZW.
Does it smell like something is burnt? I recently had to repair/replace the connector for the first brick. I don’t think the light was dim, but man did it smell like burnt electronics! They are pretty much a one circuit board does all device. Are you handy enough to take it apart and do a visual inspection? Not that difficult to do.
Thanks for the suggestion. No burning smell. I opened the case, nothing looks burnt or fried. No smell.
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
