New Style ZW or TPC's ?

[rcsteamer]

I am presently using the new ZW on a TMCC layout. A and D control independent loops interconnected with center rail insulators. All outside rails are interconnected. B supplies power to the Atlas turnouts and C supplies accessory power ie. ASC's. Whenever I throw a turnout the headlights of my locomotives flicker. I borrowed a TPC400 and replaced the ZW. For accessory and turnout power I used a CW-80 and everything seems to operate fine. No flickering. I have no clue what would make the difference. Anyone have a suggestion [?]

Thanks and Happy New Year to all. Sam

[wrmcclellan]

Sam,

Do the B and C outputs have their own separate Powerhouses or are the B and C outputs jumpered from the A and D outputs (and thus Powerhouses)?

Regards,
Roy

[rcsteamer]

Roy: I am using just one TPC-400 right now with two 180 watt powerhouses to control the two loops. I just checked the layout again and the flickering occurs even with the TPC and CW-80. The only time the locomotives run without headlamp flickering is when I take the CW-80 off line. All common wires go to a single terminal strip and then to the Common (U) on the TPC and CW-80. Now I am really confused.
Sam

[ben10ben]

Flickering lights are generally a symptom of a poor TMCC signal. Does the flickering stop or improve when you hold your hand over the engine? If not, what about when you touch the handrails on your TMCC engines? If this is the case, there are several things that you can do to improve the signal.

[rcsteamer]

Hi Ben: If I put my hand over the locomotive the flickering does stop. However, if I remove the CW-80 transformer which is supplying power to the ASC's and the switch motors the flickering also stops. I am just wondering if I should isolate the commons attached to the CW-80 from the commons of the ZW with a separate terminal block .[?]

Sam

[rcsteamer]

I called Lionel Tech Services and spoke to a knowledgeable guy by the name of Joe D. After explaining my problem he adised me that you cannot power an ASC from a transformer that the Common (U terminal) is connected also to the primary common terminal strip of the layout. The power source for ASC's must be totaly isolated from any other U terminal. Although I am not totaly clear on his explanation it relates to the TMCC signal and the common ground connected to the outside rails. The bottom line is I rewired the power to the ASC's to a dedicated CW-80 and the flickering has STOPPED. Now I can continue to build my railroad. Thanks to all who answered my post.[:)][:)]

Sam

[Anonymous]

The Lionel Tech has it right. In the early days Lou Kovach [I C Controls]recommended separating the railpower circuitry from the turnout and accessory layout control circuits--ASCs,etc.. Reason--possiblity of accessory and switch relays creating "noise" in the TM system.
I added 25 watt accessory transforners and separated the railpower from accessories/switches completely including the "layout common".