LionChief running question???

[KRM]

Okay, so as some know I have my first LionChief engine. They say to set your transformer to 18 volts. So I have done that with my ZW and it all works great, but…. Here is the question. My 5YO grandson only has one question and that is can I go faster? Well as long as I am in the room, I tell him sure but then also tell him to back off when he gets to wild. At 18 volts it will launch that $300.00 engine to the moon,,,that kind of worries me.

 So, I was messing around tonight with it and I see if I dial back the transformer to a much lower voltage than 18 volts I can have the engine run at speed that will not allow it to fly off the track even if the grand-son turns the remote to full throttle. And I know he will the first time I am not looking. (as any good young man would) The question is: running the LionChief engine at less than 18 volts,,, will that hurt anything??? Can’t think it will, maybe less smoke output but how about the rest of the electronics?  I just want to be sure.

Tks, Kev

[rtraincollector]

I know somebody will ask, so I will. How far down did you turn the voltage to. 

I don't know about Lionchief but If I remember correctly they use to say 14 - 18 volts for TMCC. And I believe I have heard where some ran as low as 10V. I hope somebody with the know chimes in to answer your question, seems like a real good one. 

[sir james I]

Kev your good and actually I think a lower voltage goes easier on the boards. Lionel MTH I cut the 18 volts on all my remote engines.

[KRM]

Thanks guys!

RT when the ZW is set at 12 volts seems to be the right speed to keep it on the table. Nice to know there is that option to slow it down.

[rtraincollector]

KRM

Thanks guys!

RT when the ZW is set at 12 volts seems to be the right speed to keep it on the table. Nice to know there is that option to slow it down. 

Sounds like you found a good solution to the problem of high speed running. :) I remember when I was young I use to see how fast I could get it to go and still make the curves. I had a few times that only the outside wheels where on the track, Thankgoodness for Magna-traction I think. 

[bobhwalker]

I have tested the LionChief electronics and it will actually start up at 8volts and will run, but at a slower speed, of course. So any setting below 18volts  should be OK. BTY, it will run on AC or DC.

[GIL BALDWIN]

If you are running a Lionchief engine with BlueTooth you can use the free Lionel app from your phone or tablet to set a reduced maximum speed.  This setting will then carry over to running with the Lionchief remote that came with the engine.

[rtraincollector]

I don't have one but this is all good information, Maybe Roger aught to pick this post up for the questions and answers part of CTT Magazine. 

[BigAl 956]

Most of these electronics have a power supply on thier boards that, worst case scenario, will not kick in if your volatage is too low. So go ahead and dial it down a bit like you are doing. That should not hurt it.

[KRM]

  Thanks again! Lots of good information to know.

This engine does not have Blue Tooth but the next one I have on order will. Guess I will have to break down and get rid of my good old flip phone.

[sir james I]

The modern era has zipped right by me. I'm gonna stick with the transformer handles and remote. Oh and my flip phone. 

[rtraincollector]

KRM

  Guess I will have to break down and get rid of my good old flip phone.  

Never 

[Michael6268]

I could be mistaken, but I could have sworn I read on another site that running lionchief or lionchief plus at too low a voltage is not good for the electronics.  Or I may have heard correctly and they are wrong in their assessment.  If you can get Lionel to pick up their phone, don't even try an email, maybe a call to them with give a definitive answer.

[KRM]

Michael6268

I could be mistaken, but I could have sworn I read on another site that running lionchief or lionchief plus at too low a voltage is not good for the electronics.  Or I may have heard correctly and they are wrong in their assessment.  If you can get Lionel to pick up their phone, don't even try an email, maybe a call to them with give a definitive answer.

 

 

""If you can get Lionel to pick up their phone,""  Is there a app for that???? 

[Roger Carp]

Hi KRM,

 

Please contact me at the magazine for help with your question.

Thanks,

 

Roger Carp

Senior editor

262-796-8776 ext. 253

[Flintlock76]

Apples-and-oranges of course, but I've just retired from fixing copiers for thirty years and I've never seen a circuit board problem caused by voltage that's too low.  If the voltage is too low the typical result is the board's just not going to do everything it's supposed to do.  On some makes and models there's a service code displayed telling the technician there's a low voltage issue which he may or may not be able to fix.  If it's a machine issue, it was my responsibility.  If it was a customer issue as in not enough voltage from the outlet (it happens) it's the customers problem, they've got to call an electrician.

I realize this may not apply to various makes and models of toy trains, but it's just my two-cents worth.  

[KRM]

I have also noticed that running lower than 18 volts does impede the cruse control when climbing grades. I doubt you can have it both ways without the bluetooth option but I think it will be a work around for the grand son running it for now.. We will see Monday when he is here. .