@Cathryn Mataga posted:I'm confused by the difference between PowerMaster and the 'Direct Lock On' also. Do they accomplish basic the same thing?
Not even close! The PowerMaster controls track power. It takes in a constant voltage, typically 18 VAC, and under command control it varies the voltage from 0 to 18VAC.
The TMCC Direct Lockon is a glorified circuit breaker, and IMO not worth the money.
@davehall83 posted:So what your saying is take the power house bricks and solder wires to the track correct ? Do the power house bricks connect to the base system first then go to the track or just take wires and wire to track ?
For a TMCC/Legacy only setup, you can route the PH180 power directly to the track. The TMCC/Legacy command system signal post is then simply connected to the outside rail anywhere on the layout. The command base signal post carries no power, it's just a command signal. Any power has to go directly to the track.
Obviously, if you run MTH DCS and have a TIU, there are other considerations to wire the TIU into the picture.
