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The maximum output of a transformer doesn't matter. When powering your command systems from a variable output transformer, you should never merely turn the throttle to full. Many transformers exceed 18 volts. Instead,  figure out at what position your throttle is delivering 18 volts.

The MTH Z-4000 has an output LED reading built in. The Lionel ZW-L has a dial readout. If your transformer isn't so equipped, use a voltage meter to measure and either mark or simply remember the position on the throttle at that point.

Remember, all of these command or remote systems use 18 volts or less through the rails. LionChief works with any of them as long as it has enough power running through the rails.

Does that mean you can have one loop powered by either an MTH Z1000 (Old Version) or a Lionel CW80 (New Version) and have a Proto2 (or 3) MTH locomotive on the track along with a LionChief (Any Version) locomotive and as long as you try and keep the track powered at a measured 18 volts?

That would be both pulling current from the transformer (MTH Z1000 AC) and the PS2/3 is getting commands from the remote through the MTH DCS Remote Commander (which can be AC or DC, but not sure about connecting to DCS Commander) which also conveys the power to the track and the Lionel would be powered by by the track via the transformer/DCS Commander but controlled by the LionChief RF or BT remote?

If that is right, does it make sense to replace the Z1000/CW80 with an MTH 56W DC power supply or Lionel LionChief 72W DC power supply connected to the MTH DCS commander?  No large transformer.  That would only mean that to run a conventional only train from the pre-digital era you would need to disconnect the DC power supply ad connect the AC power supply, correct?

Any suggested alternatives?  This is not for a large permanent layout, but is more about gradually updating and expanding and maintaining compatibility.

@hrspla posted:

I don't know if this is a repost qustion or not. Can I be running my MTH DCS and put on a lionchief plus engine and run them at the same time? On the same layout. If so I think this will let me get back into buying lionel.

DCS sends commands to PS2 & PS3 locomotives through the track.  LionChief 2.0+ (all variations) is essentially an R/C (radio-control) system for locomotives.  Each LionChief remote (w/ the exception of the generic one) operates a specific LionChief locomotive.

The systems are completely independent of each other.

So yes, you can go back to buying Lionel.

George

As long as the LC engine has 18 v on the track, you are fine. As others have pointed out, the DCS system is over the rails, lionchief if radio control based (bluetooth? Or is that only Lionchief 2.0?). Usually Lionchief + and Lionchief engines are run by a dedicated remote or a 'universal' remote that can be programmed for like 3 engines. LC 2.0 can be controlled via a phone app using bluetooth, or via the legacy commands as well as the lionchief universal controller (my one and only lc 2.0 engine came without a remote).

Anyway, you should be fine.Check the voltage output of your DCS TIU, and verify it isn't too high and you should be fine.

Last edited by bigkid
@rtr12 posted:

Yes, you will just have to control each Lion Chief and Lion Chief Plus item with their own specific hand held remote control unit and your MTH items with the DCS remote. Following that, they will all play together just fine on the same layout, tracks, power, etc. just different remotes.

This is what I've often been doing, and have had a great time doing it for the past 2 years. I'm only interested in the basic command functions: speed control, whistle, bell, and electrocouplers, so it works well for me.

@AJH4 posted:
If that is right, does it make sense to replace the Z1000/CW80 with an MTH 56W DC power supply or Lionel LionChief 72W DC power supply connected to the MTH DCS commander?  No large transformer.  That would only mean that to run a conventional only train from the pre-digital era you would need to disconnect the DC power supply ad connect the AC power supply, correct?

Something that doesn't appear to have been mentioned, you can run LC, LC+, or LC+ 2.0 on AC power, no need to use the DC power supply at all.  I regularly run types on my layout powered with 18VAC bricks.

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