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What is the absolute minimum required equipment necessary to run LC+2.0

I've read a lot of posts and I think I understand but before I go and make a stupid and costly mistake please advise.

I think it's a :

1) LC+2.0 equipped locomotive

2) Power for the track like a CW-80

3) An universal controller

...and that's it.

Is my understanding correct?

Dan

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"If you purchase a set it will have a remote for just that engine. Newer sets do not include remote as they want you to use the app. A universal remote will be needed if you do not want to use the app."

I believe it was only MTH that didn't include a remote in sets, and MTH isn't making sets at present, as far as I know, in any case.

Separate sale LionChief locos (but not LionChief +2.0 locos) and (almost ) all Lionel sets include a remote that is specifically for use only with that locomotive.  So if you buy a separate sale LionChief +2.0 loco, you do not get a remote.

As noted by others above, for LionChief + 2.0 locos, you have the choice of conventional transformer control, the Universal Remote, the free LionChief app on your phone or tablet, a TMCC or Legacy system.

Last edited by Landsteiner

"There is one set that does not include a remote (maybe more?)"

Duly noted and corrected.  I suspect this set is a trial balloon for not including a remote, to control costs, as you suggest.

Since the universal remote is 55 bucks (or less) and the app is free, probably won't be a big issue for most new hobbyists, particularly if they have a knowledgeable dealer, hopefully.

Charles Ro has the Universal LionChief Remote for $46 plus shipping. (The picture is old, they're selling the current version of the remote.) TrainWorld has it for $45 plus shipping. I'm no Luddite, but I do prefer the remote to using the iPhone app.

Edit to add: 4) You need O-gauge track. 5) Connection from the power source to the track.

Further edit to add: TVS diodes! TVS diodes! TVS diodes! ;-)

Last edited by Matt_GNo27
@geepboy posted:

What is the absolute minimum required equipment necessary to run LC+2.0

I've read a lot of posts and I think I understand but before I go and make a stupid and costly mistake please advise.

I think it's a :

1) LC+2.0 equipped locomotive

2) Power for the track like a CW-80

3) An universal controller

...and that's it.

Is my understanding correct?

Dan

Your list is fine and you are good to go, you don't need anything else to get started.

Not to give you options paralysis, but a quick note on control: LC+2.0 engines have numerous means you can control them with. The Universal Remote you mention is a great option (I bought two before I got a Legacy remote). However, if you need to pinch pennies, you can still run the LC+2.0 engines using just a CW-80 by running the engine in conventional mode. The caveat here is if you want to maintain control of your engine you will need to stay at the transformer. For all the control options, here is a LC+2.0 engine listing on Lionel's website, which includes all the ways you can control.

I recommend the Universal Remote over transformer control so that you can maintain control while you walk around. The remote also makes it easier to expand your roster, you can control pretty much any LionChief engine and Bluetooth Legacy engine. Even if you decide to go with a Legacy or older TMCC remote in the future, you can keep the Universal remote as a simple control for guests/children or for a Christmas layout.

@geepboy posted:

OK, I'll bite. What are TVS diodes and why do I need them?

A TVS Diode (Transient Voltage Suppression) sacrifices itself when a there's a voltage spike.

A $0.64 investment to save those $6400 worth of trains in the event you have some kind of voltage surge. They short when there's an overvoltage above it's rating, and then you replace the shorted TVS Diode with a new one.

If you use a transformer - you'd ideally attach it between the 2 posts, or if you have a terminal brick, somewhere along there, etc. Then you ignore it until it fulfills it's duty.

Here's what mine looks like (Probably not the best way to do it... but it works)

PXL_20230204_053234658 - Copy

Example TVS Part #: 1-5KE36CA (Digikey Part #- 1.5KE36CALFTR-ND). These are the ones typically used in O scale (due to voltages being 17-21v, allows some overhead before clamping)

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Images (1)
  • PXL_20230204_053234658 - Copy
Last edited by SirCaptain
@geepboy posted:

OK, I'll bite. What are TVS diodes and why do I need them?

Dan

Transient Voltage Suppression. They help protect sensitive electronics from voltage spikes when you have a derailment. Circuit Breakers are not fast enough and really only protect the transformer. TVS Diodes should be placed as close to the electronics you want to be protected as possible.  They are cheap and usually pretty easy to install. This one from Digikey is perfect for the job: 1500W 36V TVS at Digikey.

@SirCaptain posted:

A TVS Diode (Transient Voltage Suppression) sacrifices itself when a there's a voltage spike.

A $0.64 investment to save those $6400 worth of trains in the event you have some kind of voltage surge. They short when there's an overvoltage above it's rating, and then you replace the shorted TVS Diode with a new one.

If you use a transformer - you'd ideally attach it between the 2 posts, or if you have a terminal brick, somewhere along there, etc. Then you ignore it until it fulfills it's duty.

Are these functionally like circuit breakers? Have heard of them frequently mentioned here but have not bothered to dig into what they are.

Edit: seems H1000 more-or-less answered the question, thanks.

Last edited by 0-Gauge CJ
@SirCaptain posted:

A TVS Diode (Transient Voltage Suppression) sacrifices itself when a there's a voltage spike.

Actually, unless it's a massive spike, the TVS does not get damaged.  Back in my aerospace electronics days, we had lots of TVS protection diodes on equipment, and we sure didn't want them failing since the contract specs called for some very long MTBF times.  The suppression device that sacrifices itself is the MOV Metal Oxide Varistor, it's a totally different technology.

Selecting Protection Devices: TVS Diodes vs. Metal-Oxide Varistors

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