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TRAINNERD

I agree with GRJ!  Stay away from the ZWC.  I had one, which I loved until the Problem with the Microprocessor. The Replacement was no longer available and still isn't. And they had a Mechanical problem on the Handles!  Go with a ZWL !! It's more Money, but worth it. I have one & LOVE it. Everything is in one Container.  I have one going on TWO Years now, and NO Problems!!

FREDSTRAINS

Isn't it funny how something seem to get a bad reputation and everyone says to stay away from it.  I have had my ZW-c using four 180 watt bricks and the add on meter display for 20 years now  still love it.  I guess I am just one of the lucky ones.

Another example:

Everyone is has been saying to stay away from earlier PS 2 MTH engines due to failures but I have had to have more PS3 locos repaired than I ever did PS2!

Good luck on your decision,

Don

I've been using a ZW-C with 180 bricks and Legacy chip for about 15 years. I don't do a lot of voltage changing since the C will turn on B and C outputs where ever they are set when power is applied. The ZW-L does not do this, you have to raise the handles every time you turn it on. The reason why I never bought one. I realize the way I use the C, I could just use the bricks alone. But I like to see the voltage and current on the optional display...even thought the current is not quite accurate per output.

@cjack posted:

I've been using a ZW-C with 180 bricks and Legacy chip for about 15 years. I don't do a lot of voltage changing since the C will turn on B and C outputs where ever they are set when power is applied. The ZW-L does not do this, you have to raise the handles every time you turn it on. The reason why I never bought one. I realize the way I use the C, I could just use the bricks alone. But I like to see the voltage and current on the optional display...even thought the current is not quite accurate per output.

cjack, we have had this discussion before.  The ZW-L in conventional mode, will keep the voltage at the level set by the handles when turned off then on.  I’ve been running my layout like this for over four years.  Handle stays raised to 18 volts each time it’s turned on.

@TedW posted:

cjack, we have had this discussion before.  The ZW-L in conventional mode, will keep the voltage at the level set by the handles when turned off then on.  I’ve been running my layout like this for over four years.  Handle stays raised to 18 volts each time it’s turned on.

Oh sorry, I didn't remember that. i thought there was something about having to lower the handles to zero and then back up. Was that just for a fault, or like the all stop on the CAB2? Or does the fault clear when you remove power?

I have been looking at the ZW-L again since this discussion...thinking I might just sell the C and get one, but they are backordered in general. I think Mario's has one at list. Shipping says next May or so.

Last edited by cjack
@TedW posted:

cjack, we have had this discussion before.  The ZW-L in conventional mode, will keep the voltage at the level set by the handles when turned off then on.  I’ve been running my layout like this for over four years.  Handle stays raised to 18 volts each time it’s turned on.

The only problem I see with this option is that using the panic button will not cut power to tracks if you are running in conventional. I use the panic button often as trying to run 4 trains on one loop can get very confusing.

If this is not correct, please let me know.

The other thing I personally dislike about the ZW-L is the meters.  Unless you touch the B or C handle, there are no reading for those outputs.  An even if there was, unless you are right up on the transformer, you cannot read it anyway.

Don

@cjack posted:

Oh sorry, I didn't remember that. i thought there was something about having to lower the handles to zero and then back up. Was that just for a fault, or like the all stop on the CAB2? Or does the fault clear when you remove power?

I think you're remembering the MTH Z-4000, it has that issue.  The handles MUST be at zero to power up or it'll simply indicate an error and sit there with a flashing red light.

@DGJONES posted:

The only problem I see with this option is that using the panic button will not cut power to tracks if you are running in conventional. I use the panic button often as trying to run 4 trains on one loop can get very confusing.

If this is not correct, please let me know.

I use the transformer with the command/conventional switch on conventional with a single output on 18vac.  The “panic” button as you call it is a Legacy control system function, not transformer.  It stops all Legacy controlled engines.  Which is what I run.  I don’t have any conventional engines, only Legacy.  But we are getting off topic, so if need be start another thread for ZW-L issues.

Last edited by TedW
@TedW posted:

I use the transformer with the command/conventional switch on conventional with a single output on 18vac.  The “panic” button as you call it is a Legacy control system function, not transformer.  It stops all Legacy controlled engines.  Which is what I run.  I don’t have any conventional engines, only Legacy.  But we are getting off topic, so if need be start another thread for ZW-L issues.

It also shuts the power off on the ZW-C. Then, with the C, you have to remove the power and then turn it back on. I do that with a remote key fob and an outlet that receives the key fob signal.

@TedW posted:

I use the transformer with the command/conventional switch on conventional with a single output on 18vac.  The “panic” button as you call it is a Legacy control system function, not transformer.  It stops all Legacy controlled engines.  Which is what I run.  I don’t have any conventional engines, only Legacy.  But we are getting off topic, so if need be start another thread for ZW-L issues.

That works OK if you only run TMCC /Legacy engines but I also run MTH as well.  That is why I like the ZW-c in command.  If I see a problem coming up, it does  not matter if it is a TMCC or DCS engine, the panic button shuts the power off completely.  All I have to do after is use the remote to crank the power back up on each output to start going again.  I do not have to return to the transformer as all is done from the CAB1 or CAB2 anywhere in the room.

I agree that the ZW-L is a fine transformer!  I still prefer the ZW-c!

Happy railroading,

Don

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