ZW C Problem with 180 watt brick

Unplug the brick from the ZW, and put the jumper that came with the ZW in place so that the handle in question get power from the previous handle over.  This will allow you to know if the problem is the transformer or the ZW.  If the ZW works as it should without the 180W brick, then replace one of the 135W bricks with the 180W brick and see how the ZW behaves on that handle now.

Remember, the secret to trouble shooting is to change one variable at a time in a logical manner so as to eliminate possible causes.

It sounds like the problem could be in the ZW-C controller rather than the brick itself.

Update: thanks for the replies. The transformer  operates correctly in conventional mode independent of the command base. I'm beginning to suspect the command base may be the problem. Any thoughts?

Have you swapped the brick plugs on the transformer to see if the issue follows the bricks?

Plugged in one brick only??

If you have any TMCC/Legacy trains, have you attempted to control those?

On the TMCC Power Master there is a part which fails and passes full voltage to the tracks. Not sure if this transformer has the same piece inside.

Yes I have swapped out other bricks and the issue continues. The transformer still defaults to 18 volts regardless of the handle settings it the brick in place. The Trains run as normal in command mode, just at a higher voltage than I prefer. 

You really need to be more specific.  There are 4 handles and the potential for 4 bricks.  First, remove all outputs from the track.  If you have 4 bricks plug them in and place all handles in off.  Turn off Command Base and turn bricks on.

Measure each output?  If all 4 A/B/C/D at 0 volts or all high at 18V or some combination, like A is high rest are normal.  Adjust handles, do any work?  If only one channel is bad, most likely a triac/FET has shorted.  If the transformer works unconnected to the track, and you reconnect and it miss behaves, check track for another source of power coming in, or there is something else going on when transformer is loaded.

I suspect you blew a channel on the ZW-C control board.     G

Thanks for the reply. I have four bricks. When the command base is turned off, the transformer behaves correctly on every channel. I can raise and lower voltage as per the handle settings. All functions are normal. The trains will run perfectly in conventional mode. My ZW meter also confirms this.  As soon as the command base is turned on, channel 3 and 4 begin to act sporadically. Channel 4 will immediately default to 18 volts regardless of the handle settings, and the voltage on channel 3 fluctuates continuously regardless of the handle setting. Is there a way to test and repair the board mentioned in the previous post?

So this has nothing to do with the issue of the ZW-C with Legacy...you just have the TMCC command base?

http://www.martye.com/TipsandTricks/PWCZWLegacy.htm

That is correct. No Legacy, just TMCC. 

Perhaps, you will have to reprogram the ZW transformer. For some reason, a TMCC signal has programed the ZW...try resetting it per the instruction manual. ZW can be operated/set with the Cab 1

To throw something else into the mix, with the ZW-C you can set a stall speed and a top speed just like it's a TMCC engine. To clear the stall setting address that handle and press SET twice. To clear the top speed which may be your problem address that handle and press SET then Boost.

Thank You Steve! Your advice worked. I've never heard of this command with the ZW, but it worked. All is working as it should.  Thanks to all who added thier expertise. 

Glad it worked out.

Good one!   G