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I am having a serious issue with my ZW-L, after nearly a year without any issues I find it is almost useless.  After plugging it in and seeing the blue Lionel illuminate and the gauges light up I'm not getting any volts upon increasing the power to any one of the four control handles.  When I handle the B and C throttles the volt gauges brighten as if to recognize the change but I still I'm not getting any voltage increases.  Occasionally I can get the "A" handle to show volts (and an amp draw to track) but it is not consistent and while the handle shows wide-open at 18 V the voltmeter flutters around 8 to 10 V.  

 

I looked at the manual for troubleshooting and I skimed through the ZWL video online at Lionel's website and I do not see anything that jumps out at me as being the issue.  I am not super technically savvy so I guess it's possibly user error but I've never had an issue with the transformer before when it comes to plugging it in and powering up the track.  If it makes a difference (and I don't think it should) it is two rail American Flyer track. 

 

Any suggestions?  

 

Ben. 

Last edited by NotInWI
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I thought I would provide an update

 

Lionel picked up the shipping both ways on my ZW-L.  The transformer was returned and the work order included informed that a "PCB" (whatever that is) was faulty and replaced.  

 

After pluging in the transformer and powering up A - D terminals I find I am three for four  in operation.  The "B" throttle is very strange.  While it is in the zero volts position it reads 20 volts upon mearly touching the handle - NOT turning it up.  All other three throttles work as they should.  I will have to call Lionel tomorrow and see what they say. 

 

Ben. 

I spoke with Meagan at L about the issue and she informed me that my ZW-L was not repaired but was REPLACED.   Pretty cool!  The new issue will be addressed with a new RA number and can be sent back for warranty repair work.  

 

While this is a PITA, I feel that Lionel is stepping up for me and fixing the issue. 

 

On a side note, where this new transformer would spike the volts upon touching the b post handle (red line 20 volts) yesterday, today it is taking it up to 10 volts.  I will wait and check it tomorrow and see if it drops to 0 volts.  Strange. 

 

Ben

I will just throw this in for rboatertoo, I don't have Legacy, but my ears have been perked, so to speak, during the whole process, and I believe the old ZW isn't the friendliest transformer to use with the Legacy system.  Something about a pure sine wave on the new ZW and a chopped sine wave on the old one, which doesn't work as well.  Just throwing it in there and not changing the threads intention.   Good luck with your change out.  That's a lot of iron to ship back and forth.  Oh well.
Well I am an S gauger, I have about 25 legacy or TMCC flyonel egines.  So my "old ZW" is actually a Gilbert 30B.  But I understand his message. 

One of my big concerns was a short cooking one of my expensive locos.  The ZW-L, in addition to being compatible with the Legacy system, provided my locos some protection with the fast circut breakers. 

Sending the ZW-L back and forth is a pain...suckers' heavy!

Ben
Originally Posted by gunrunnerjohn:

Actually, the PW transformers all have a pure sine wave.  The new electronically controlled models (with the exception of the MTH Z4000) all have chopped waveforms.

 

Either waveform works fine for Legacy, but with a PW transformer, you do want to have current limiting between the transformer and the tracks.

 

 

I do have an additional circuit breakers attached to the zw to protect the newer engines. 

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OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Ste 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

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