Well my wife says I need help all the time, but I think she means something different. 
Anyway, I am running my carpet layout for the first time in a few years and I am stumped. I am running a Legacy 990 command base along with a Powerhouse 180 brick and Powermaster 6-37146, since occasionally I run my postwar conventional engine.
I have the 180 watt brick connected to the Powermaster via the molex connector, then from the powermaster to the track and the 990 command base to the powermaster U post. In this configuration, I am only getting 8.9 volts to the track. I tested at the posts of the Powermaster and it is the same voltage. I tested the molex connector out of the 180 watt brick and I am getting 18.5v.
I just connected the brick to a Lionel Direct Lockon then to the track and I am getting 18.2v at the track. Added benefit, I had an engine (new to me) that the smoke unit wasn't working...it is now. I assume because it wasn't getting enough voltage.
I like to be able to control track power via the Legacy handheld and some day will have a permanent layout and will have multiple loops I want to be able to control independently.
Now that I have written all of this, it makes more sense to me. Should I assume the Powermaster is bad and isn't transferring the power from the brick to the track correctly?
Other than not being able to run my conventional engine and control track power from the handheld, any drawback from not using the Powermaster? Would a TPC work instead of the Powermaster?
If the Powermaster is bad, is it repairable? I am an electrical novice...but am willing to learn. If it is already broken, I can't break it more!
If I am doing something stupid let me know or if you need more clarification let me know. I have thick skin. Thanks for any help you can provide...
