ZW-L has no volts. Update.

Check the switches on the front. Is it in the program mode per chance

It is in "run".  

Does it have a RESET?

If you have it in command mode, could it be that the voltage has been turned down by using the TR #id's that match the throttle handles?  Maybe they just need to be turned back up using the CAB?

 

If it has a reset I don't know where it is and the transformer is in "conventional" mode.  I will have to call lionel CS tomorrow. 

Ben

I called lionel and spoke with Megan, I have an RA and will be sending it back.  Megan said that L will pay for shipping both ways due to the weight.  Happy with that! 

On a side note, at the moment the A and D handles seem to be working.  B and C are MIA. 

Good thing I kept my Gilbert 30B in the mean time. 

Ben

I thought I would provide an update

 

Lionel picked up the shipping both ways on my ZW-L.  The transformer was returned and the work order included informed that a "PCB" (whatever that is) was faulty and replaced.  

 

After pluging in the transformer and powering up A - D terminals I find I am three for four  in operation.  The "B" throttle is very strange.  While it is in the zero volts position it reads 20 volts upon mearly touching the handle - NOT turning it up.  All other three throttles work as they should.  I will have to call Lionel tomorrow and see what they say. 

 

Ben. 

"PCB" is a Printed Circuit Board.

Hope they used a good one, not a used un-repaired one.

 

It's time like this you need  a postwar zw!!  I have one that i 50 years old that works fine!!  Just have to check the polarity 

I spoke with Meagan at L about the issue and she informed me that my ZW-L was not repaired but was REPLACED.   Pretty cool!  The new issue will be addressed with a new RA number and can be sent back for warranty repair work.  

 

While this is a PITA, I feel that Lionel is stepping up for me and fixing the issue. 

 

On a side note, where this new transformer would spike the volts upon touching the b post handle (red line 20 volts) yesterday, today it is taking it up to 10 volts.  I will wait and check it tomorrow and see if it drops to 0 volts.  Strange. 

 

Ben

I will just throw this in for rboatertoo, I don't have Legacy, but my ears have been perked, so to speak, during the whole process, and I believe the old ZW isn't the friendliest transformer to use with the Legacy system.  Something about a pure sine wave on the new ZW and a chopped sine wave on the old one, which doesn't work as well.  Just throwing it in there and not changing the threads intention.   Good luck with your change out.  That's a lot of iron to ship back and forth.  Oh well.

Well I am an S gauger, I have about 25 legacy or TMCC flyonel egines.  So my "old ZW" is actually a Gilbert 30B.  But I understand his message. 

One of my big concerns was a short cooking one of my expensive locos.  The ZW-L, in addition to being compatible with the Legacy system, provided my locos some protection with the fast circut breakers. 

Sending the ZW-L back and forth is a pain...suckers' heavy!

Ben

Actually, the PW transformers all have a pure sine wave.  The new electronically controlled models (with the exception of the MTH Z4000) all have chopped waveforms.

 

Either waveform works fine for Legacy, but with a PW transformer, you do want to have current limiting between the transformer and the tracks.

 

 

Ok I got it reversed.  Note to rboatertoo too.

 PCB is also "protection circuit board"used in many lipo battery packs to prevent low and high voltage damage as well as predetermined current drain and charging.Just an FWI

Willygee,

  Bill, I had a major computer crash this week, will you please send me your e-mail once again.  My e-mail is Pine-Creek@live.com

PCRR/Dave

  Hi dave..email is in my profile

I do have an additional circuit breakers attached to the zw to protect the newer engines. 

No problem