Thank you for the responses. I appreciate them all.
In the short term, I am going to stick with DC. It’s inexpensive and it works for LC and LC+ which is what I run. However, I am confused by a couple of things.
First, do you need a Legacy Command Set (6-14295) to control a Legacy locomotive with Bluetooth or can you just use the LionChief App or LionChief universal remote without investing in the command set? I understand that all the locomotives features may not be available. I also understand Legacy only works on AC powered layouts.
Second, what it would take to switch my layout to AC, which I may do in the future?
I understand if I replace my DC transformer with a GW-180 (6-37947) that I would have 180 watts/10 amps of AC power available to my layout. I could also then run conventional, LC, LC+ and (maybe) Legacy Bluetooth (without a #990 Legacy Command Set).
I’m wondering if I can connect a Powerhouse 180 (6-22983) directly to the track for power. I realize with this setup I could not vary power to the track and therefore control a conventional locomotive. However, I would still have LC, LC+ and (maybe) Legacy Bluetooth (without a #990 Legacy Command Set).
Obviously, the Powerhouse 180 is less expensive than the GW-180 (which includes a PH-180 as part of the set). Besides conventional control and separate power outputs for track and accessories, what am I missing using a PH-180 directly connected to the track instead of a GW-180? Better protection for short-circuits, maybe?
Thanks again for all the helpful advice.
Tom
