@gunrunnerjohn posted:You do realize that the new Powerhouse 180 requires a 3rd pin in the connector to enable power, right? Are you sure you just aren't missing a simple interlock?
I can't imagine any failure of the PH180 that could damage your TIU. The maximum voltage it can possibly put out is 18 volts as that's the highest voltage internally in the PH180.
Gunrunner,
The 3rd pin in the molex connector is not an issue here. Although the extra pin is no longer shipped with the 180 watt powerhouse, I did obtain them from Lionel Customer Service. They are installed in my Lionel TMCC cable sets (6-14194) which connect my powerhouses to my TIU.
I determined that my questionable powerhouse is dead by the following process:
1. I unplugged my working powerhouse and pinned TMCC cable from the fixed voltage 1 channel of my TIU. My meter read 18 volts at the spade lug end of the TMCC cable.
2. I then moved the same pinned TMCC cable to my questionable powerhouse and found no voltage with my meter.
Whether or not my powerhouse caused the failure in my TIU, this powerhouse appears to be defective right out of the box.
Although I don’t know exactly what caused my TIU failure, I’m thinking that my next steps are to get the powerhouse replaced under warranty and my TIU tested and repaired by an experienced MTH service station. Does this make sense to you?
