This is slightly embarrassing but I have been slowly collecting Lionel TMCC locomotives in what I have come to catagorize as "traditional" sized. My first loco is a 1995 Pennsy GP9 that my late mother bought my kids while we all watched in wonder as the owner of my local train shop fired up a red white and blue version to demonstrate the technology, all five of us where hooked. I don't have a permanant layout but set up a 14' X 6' layout under the Christmas tree and then usually a 10' X 10' floor layout during 8 weeks in the summer. I am very thankfull for FasTrack and was an early adopter which has made the put up and take down much easier along with much more reliable running over the old tubular track. Two years ago I finally bit the bullet and bought the CAB1L Command set to finally after 20 years enjoy the benefits of command operation. Since I am semi retired as of January and sheltered in place doing my part to fight the war on Covid 19 I decided to set up a loop and start learning how to run in Command. My loop is approximately 10'7" X 14'6" utilizing 0-84 curves. Once set up and connected I started with the 25 year old GP9 and it FIRED RIGHT UP AND RAN PERFECTLY! I was amazed that 25 year old circuitry was perfect and the best part is the GP ran smoother and in all ways better than with the traditional transformer. So here are a few questions:
I am using a KW transformer that was totally renovated by a gentleman in Chicago that bought these, restored them, and sold them with a new replica box and copy of the manual with warranty. Using a volt meter I set the output to 18 volts like the Command manuel instructs. I also tested the track at all four corners and halfway on the straight sections the output readings were exact all around the loop. It took a little wiggling the throttle to get exactly 18 volts how sensitive is the system to slight variations? Is 17.8 volts ok? is 18.2 ok? Is there any reason to not use the KW if it is functioning well? Also my Christmas layout is two independant loops, can I send a wire to both loops from the same Command base? Any ideas are appreciated.
Jim
I set my voltage to 19 volts and with each locomotive added to the tracks you will have to adjust the transformer to keep the volts where it needs to be. With your two loops as long as the command base is connected to the ground and your two loops are grounded the base should send command signals to both loops.
Have fun!!
I set mine at about 16.5 - 17.3 I had myine running on full throttle for a while ( ZW about 21V ) and I had a engine that would run for a while then it would go like it lost signal and just keep going as it was but I had no control, speed, bell, whistle, nothing. ( I'm also using a Cab1L ) found out I had to much voltage to the track and the board was cutting out ) I like you find it hard to have exactly 18v. So I try to run both of my loops ( there issolated ) as close as I can get them. So I don't have a problem crossing from one loop to the other. I will have 4 loops when done and be running off of two ZW in phase with each other. Loop 3 at present has a TPC-300 hooked to it but I may for go that. I haven't really done loop four as have to figure out what I'm going to do from it with sidings and all.
This was taken some time ago as I do have loop three done.
But this is my switching from loop one to loop four and back again
Life's hard, even harder if your stupid John Wayne
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