This is an RF based signal. One wire from the Command Base to the track common. The signal will be broadcast over the track to everywhere else. You don't even need to connect a command base to talk to a PowerMaster, it receives signals direct from the CAB-1. Go to the coilcouplers site and review their interactive material:
coilcouplers.com/tmc/tmc.html
As long as it is connected to the ZW U post it is "connected" to all you transformers. All the base unit does is put an RF signal on the common all the way around the track.
Jim H
OK cool. If I have multiple transformers, do I need a cable to each or just the one to the A-U posts?
<<< can be a little thick headed at times... need to refrain from so much ing
chuck wrote: There are cases of test tracks near a TMCC command control layout picking up the signals which can make repairs/servicing "interesting".
And remember to use a surge protector, just like you would use on a computer.
Celebrating 18 years on the CTT Forum.
Buckeye Riveter......... OTTS Charter Member, a Roseyville Raider and a member of the CTT Forum since 2004..
Jelloway Creek, OH - ELV 1,100 - Home of the Baltimore, Ohio & Wabash RR
TCA 09-64284
Thanks guys I hooked everything up last night and it is really cool!My wife's cat was really confused because the trains were running and I was sitting on the couch and not over by the command center! He just sat behind the command center and watched the trains!One question though... the CW-80 that powers the passenger line does not respond to TR-5. The ZW respondes to TR-1, TR-4, but not TR 2 or TR 3.This is how the layout is powered:ZW - A-U = Track 1ZW - B-U = Town lights, ice rink, Christmas tree lotZW - C-U = bumper lineZW - D-U = Track 2CW - A-U = Track 3How do I get the C-U to responde to TR-3 and the CW to respond to TR-5? Is this possible?Riviter,Everything is on a surge strip!
You may want to put all your track lines on the ZW and use the CW for lighting and accessory use. Or you can buy another ZW and use it for track power. From what I have read on other posts the CW is a lot differant than a ZW far as output terminals and voltages.
I calculated the size of your layout, 8ft by 5.33 ft, nice size for an apartment or small house.
Lee F.
phillyreading wrote: You may want to put all your track lines on the ZW and use the CW for lighting and accessory use. Or you can buy another ZW and use it for track power. From what I have read on other posts the CW is a lot differant than a ZW far as output terminals and voltages.I calculated the size of your layout, 8ft by 5.33 ft, nice size for an apartment or small house.Lee F.
The CW-80 will not respond to Cab-1/TMCC signals without additional equipment.
jimhaleyscomet wrote: The CW-80 will not respond to Cab-1/TMCC signals without additional equipment. Jim H
Jim, I don't have a CW-80, but you have me curious as to just what additional equipment is necessary for the TMCC to work with the CW-80. I was of the opinion that you connected the command base to the track, the track acted as an antenna, you hit the CAB-1 buttons, and somewhere a TMCC equipped piece of equipment does something.
I run TMCC with about 100 plus feet of track, but I use two 180 w bricks and a TPC 300. The TPC varies track voltage when I run conventional, but most of the time I'm running command at full power.
CW wil not respond to any type of command signals. If you feed the outputs from the CW into a TPC you could control it, but you are then just running the TPC, the CW is acting like a PowerHouse brick.
The ZW needs to be programmed to allow control of the center two outputs (aka B and C), pages 9-12, please pay particular attention to page 11.
chuck wrote: CW wil not respond to any type of command signals. If you feed the outputs from the CW into a TPC you could control it, but you are then just running the TPC, the CW is acting like a PowerHouse brick.The ZW needs to be programmed to allow control of the center two outputs (aka B and C), pages 9-12, please pay particular attention to page 11.
Makes perfect sense. I thought the CW would act just like a brick, but from Jim's comment, I thought there was something else that might be added.
Just a Hobo wrote: One hint alot of people I do service on their computer systems make a big mistake . They buy a power strip which they think is a surge protecter ! Most of the low end ones even with that little reset button won't trip uless you'd dump a bucket of water on your equipment ! Even power surges will fry delicate electronics . Ever have the lights blink on and off because someone nailed a power pole ? That can burn up alot of circuits ! Get a real surge protecter with a low kick point . Then even if you just overload the transformer or short the acessories or track by accident she'll kick and you just reset. If no one else your local radio shack guy can show you what you need . Make sure it's the newer model with a breaker not a fuse . Yes I have an older one with a fuse . Pain in butt when you forget to buy a new pack or like me can't find them !
Buckeye Riveter wrote: jimhaleyscomet wrote: The CW-80 will not respond to Cab-1/TMCC signals without additional equipment. Jim H Jim, I don't have a CW-80, but you have me curious as to just what additional equipment is necessary for the TMCC to work with the CW-80. I was of the opinion that you connected the command base to the track, the track acted as an antenna, you hit the CAB-1 buttons, and somewhere a TMCC equipped piece of equipment does something. I run TMCC with about 100 plus feet of track, but I use two 180 w bricks and a TPC 300. The TPC varies track voltage when I run conventional, but most of the time I'm running command at full power.
The TPC will do it. I just wanted to make sure you knew that you can not just hook up a command base to a CW-80 (or any transformer other than the new ZW) and operate conventional locomotives remotely.
Jim, when I first set up my system and TMCC, my dealer, Davis Trains asked me if I just wanted to run TMCC equipped engines, Conventional engines or both. Of course I answered, "Both".
I guess if I had answered, "Just TMCC equipped", I would have not put a TPC into the system, but would have just used that circuit breaker track connector building looking thing that Lionel sells. Why anyone would set the TMCC system up to run just one way is beyond me, but I guess some people never cross over from TMCC to Conventional or visa versa.
My system is supposed to be able to run MTH PS2, but the Chief hasn't brought one of his engines to my house so that I can burn it up, errrr.......run it on my layout.
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.
Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month