ZW-L & CAB-2: ENG or TR ID?

Tr 1-4 will let you control the output voltage of each channel on the ZW-L in conventional mode with the Cab-2 velocity dial. Eng is good for just that, engines. TR with engines is used for MU(multiple Unit) running in command mode.

So, loop 1 is command train, dial up the throttle to 18v. Press eng and # and you are running.

Now press TR-2, slowly dial up the throttle and you are running the PW train. You'll have to set the stall speed to enhance response for the conventional train.

Press Tr-3 and dial up the accessory voltage to what you need and leave it.

By using the ZW-L in conventional mode and addressing the TR-2 or Eng you can run command and conventional simultaneously from the remote.

Does that seem like an advantage?

Hi Moonman,

Thanks for the response.

Sorry for being dense but you're saying that I should opt for setting the outputs of the ZW-L as "Track IDs"... not "Engine IDs"?  Is the Engine ID option for the ZW-L outputs only if you're running newer locomotives?  I still don't get why one over the other.  Duh.

I actually have two of the newer engines on my "command loop 1" - the 2nd is a switcher. 

I understand (I think) the role of Engine ID but would the switch on the back of the ZW-L be set to "Conventional" or "Command"?

Thanks again!

For me TR is easy to remember that it is TRack or TRain(an MU or lash-up).

Eng is easy for engine.

I don't want to confuse you. Watch the Product videos for the ZW-L and the Legacy 990.

Start with #1 legacy 101 for the beginning of short episodes to cover most topics including this.

Then you can hear it from the horse's mouth and not my interpretation. I just think the advantage to the naming convention of TRack and ENGine keeps it simple when your looking for buttons to press. You may like it another way.

Then do the boring thing and read through the manuals. They'll make more sense after watching the videos. You can download the manuals in .pdf and get a larger view on the screen.(maybe)or least zoom it.

If you have a lot of locomotives, you'd use TR for the ZW.  If you already have a number of MUs or PowerMasters use ENG.  Remember, TMCC only had 1-9 for TR.  I don't remember if Legacy can address more or not.  I think it has more to do with Lionel giving users more options if they were adding it to existing layouts.  The ZW will function the same either way.

Another issue is that if you want to use the Legacy WiFi system you will have to program the outputs as ENG since the IPad app currently does not support the TR button to run conventional trains. You can try both since you can always change it later.

Captiancog,

   Jeff is it the ZW-L that makes this possible or can I use my old ZW's to accomplish the same thing with my Legacy with the addition of the Legacy Powermaster.  I do eventually want to run my old conventionals via the Legacy Cab2 remote control, as well as with my DCS. 

PCRR/Dave

Yes, you can do the same with the Legacy Powermaster.

Jeff,

   Always a pleasure talking with ya, hope all is well in your neck of the woods, especially at Thanksgiving time.

Thanks for the info

PCRR/Dave

Thanks!

It's starting to make a little more sense.  This either/or thing in the very beginning threw me, especially when the manual didn't elaborate on why one would choose one vs. the other.

Anyway, I went ahead and used TR, and then assigned my newer engines.  Everything seemed to work albeit not always intuitively (to me).  I'll watch the rest of the video series now to better understand the finer points.

Happy Thanksgiving!