Noob At TMCC

[Anonymous]

Is the TMCC really worth it if you would just use non-TMCC trains with the powermaster? I would like to get that.

[chuck]

The PowerMaster is about the worst way to control conventional loco's using TMCC.   The PM output doesn't handle some manufacturers loco's very well (unit uses a modified chopped sine wave).  The new ZW is compatible with PW as well as mdern loco's and has options for 32,64, or 96 speed steps.  I use TPC's (Track Power Controllers) which have extremely low starting voltages, 80, 200, or 400 speed steps and you can handle 300 or 400 watts of power per output vrs 135/180 watts for the PM or newer ZW.

[Anonymous]

Ok thanks. I'm probably not going to buy the ZW, because i have no money, but thanks for helping me about that.

[RR Redneck]

The PowerMaster is about the worst way to control conventional loco's using TMCC.   The PM output doesn't handle some manufacturers loco's very well (unit uses a modified chopped sine wave).  The new ZW is compatible with PW as well as mdern loco's and has options for 32,64, or 96 speed steps.  I use TPC's (Track Power Controllers) which have extremely low starting voltages, 80, 200, or 400 speed steps and you can handle 300 or 400 watts of power per output vrs 135/180 watts for the PM or newer ZW.

YES, this is VERY true. I used to have my layout set up for both with the power master, but I now have the TMCC system and the convetional transformer separate.

[ChiefEagles]

The PowerMaster is about the worst way to control conventional loco's using TMCC.   The PM output doesn't handle some manufacturers loco's very well (unit uses a modified chopped sine wave).  The new ZW is compatible with PW as well as mdern loco's and has options for 32,64, or 96 speed steps.  I use TPC's (Track Power Controllers) which have extremely low starting voltages, 80, 200, or 400 speed steps and you can handle 300 or 400 watts of power per output vrs 135/180 watts for the PM or newer ZW.

I use "conventional" or Post War transformers [ZW's, KW's] and ran conventional engines with transformer handle.  Tried running them with DCS remote.  Was not too good and air whistles seemed not to respond well.  Purchased a TPC and now run them all with TMCC remote.  Perform great and whistles blow extremely well.  TPC was the best thing I could have done to run conventionals.