Zw transformer. Won’t respond in to tmcc

You’ll have to show what you have and how you have it wired.

Requested pictures. The first picture shows the connection from the cw80 transformer to the command base. 18v from the transformer terminals to the track. In this configuration everything works.                                                                
The second picture shows the connection from the zw transformer, with the 180w brick and base connected. The transformer terminal have no voltage, engage the direction button on the transformer I get 3v. Disconnect the U wire from the command output is 18v.

With the ZW, what terminals did you feed the power to the TMCC unit with? Were you using the fixed output? Prob the easiest thing is to use a cheap meter and see if there is power coming out of the terminal you used. If you are also powering the track from the same terminal on the transformer, put a lighted car on the track and see if it lights up, if it does the terminal is putting out power. Sometimes people wire to the variable post, not the fixed one, it is why I asked.

It’s been awhile since I used the ZWC transformer but recheck the way you have it programmed.

Once the TMCC base is hooked up move the “A” handle up to the desired voltage. Using the Cab1 select TR1 and dial up the voltage. The voltage will only go as high as the handle is set.

This assumes that the ZW is programmed as TR1. Consult your manual for programming but assuming it’s on the default of 1 this should work. B will be TR2, C TR3 and D TR4. The A and D handles must be physically raised to the desired voltage and then use the Cab1 red knob to raise the voltage from zero voltage.

The B and C will come on at the set voltage and you can lower and raise it with the Cab1 from that point down and up.

Howdy!

My ZW has the A terminal programmed as Track 1 and I need to use the CAB 1 to turn the voltage up. Also, maybe it's my eyes, but I don't see any wires attached to the lower terminals on the ZW. I just see the common going to the command base.

Bob

I have two ZWCs .  Make sure you have the command unit powered up before you power the ZW. You should see the red light blinking as you send commands to the ZW.  If you don't see blinking, you are not getting commands to the Z.  C are notorious for potentiometer problems and Lionel discontinued the parts to fix. Also, make sure that you program the A for the track you are using.  Go to ZWC manual for instructions.  As someone else said, check the output on the A/C terminals. Hope that helps.  Art

Art

@Weston  Any update on this yet?

Thanks for all of the suggestions.  The Cab-1 transmission would appear to work to the base. The Zw transformer, in conventional mode works controlling speed.

Now here is an interesting part. With all wired, per Lionel information. Nothing works. With the exception of the boost on the Cab-1. Hitting the boost increased track power to 17.56v. Upon releasing the boost, the power bleeds off to zero.  A design feature?

Very odd and frustrating. Thanks, Weston    

Weston if interested I have my ZW-L for sale. Bought it in 2014 and it served me well . I am into deadrail / Battery Power now and do not need it. Will negotiate price. 

@Weston posted:

Thanks for all of the suggestions.  The Cab-1 transmission would appear to work to the base. The Zw transformer, in conventional mode works controlling speed.

Now here is an interesting part. With all wired, per Lionel information. Nothing works. With the exception of the boost on the Cab-1. Hitting the boost increased track power to 17.56v. Upon releasing the boost, the power bleeds off to zero.  A design feature?   

@Weston,

Are the batteries in your Cab-1 good, or are they old?  This kind of odd behavior suggests that you may need new ones.

Mike

Can you control trains with the Cab-1? That would tend to rule out a problem with it. Have you tried to reset and reprogram the ZW?

Weston, could you walk us through exactly what you do once power is applied to bricks.  listing step by step might provide some clues as to why you are not getting any power to the tracks.

Remember. if your transformer is in command mode (which it must be if pressing the Boost button has any effect on output), you must:

1)    Move the handle to full on position (all the way up), then

2)    Using your CAB1, address track 1 (TR then the number 1)

3)    Rotate the red knob in the clockwise direction until you reach your desired voltage (should reach 18 volts if you rotate the knob enough).

By the way, I might be alone here but I much prefer my ZW c to the new ZW L.  (and yes, I have used both extensively).

Good luck and keep us posted,

Don

TMCC works with the house common ground as the antenna. Your picture shows a two prong plug. Somewhere you need to have a three prong plug and  the third prong need to be connected to the house ground.

@gftiv posted:

TMCC works with the house common ground as the antenna. Your picture shows a two prong plug. Somewhere you need to have a three prong plug and  the third prong need to be connected to the house ground.

The 2 prong plug appears to be the CW-80 and the brick.  But that is a valid concern.