Replacing 90 watt power supply

I'm not sure if this helps in your situation, but I am hooked up with a Fastrack terminal track.

I use Fastrack also.  I need to terminate to a wires on on terminal board.  To feed multiply runs to the track.

Thanks.

Some folks on this forum have cut off the plug to make it easier to connect to the track.  You will have to reconnect the plug if you ever get a PowerMaster or ZW-C controller.  If you don't want to cut off the plug there are a couple of store bought fixes.

You can buy a TMCC cable set 6-14194.  The cables in the middle are what you would use.

Or you could buy a TMCC Direct Lockon 6-34120.  The PH180's molex plugs attaches inside the housing and then you run wires to the track.  The Direct Lockon is not recommended if you run DCS in command mode since it messes with the DCS signal.

You can also do a forum search on Molex plugs to get part numbers to make your own.

Thanks. I might cut the plug off.

Remember, the new Powerhouse has three wires with a switch embedded in the connector, so I'd rethink cutting the plug off.  You'll render the transformer inert without the switching that you just cut off!

I suggest getting the proper Molex connector and making a cable to connect to the PH180.

GRJ, my PH-180, several years old, had 2 wires,so I just cut the plug off to enable me to phase the unit with myother 3 transformers.  What's the function of the 3rd wire & switch?

Apparently, UL approval required the transformer to only supply power when connected.  The 3rd pin needs to be in the mating connector to activate a plunger in the PH180 connector and enable power flow.

Sounds like ULBS.  What about transformers that have live terminals, like most model RR transformers?

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Apparently, UL approval required the transformer to only supply power when connected.  The 3rd pin needs to be in the mating connector to activate a plunger in the PH180 connector and enable power flow.

I've wondered if this connection requirement for the new PH180 is just within the plug.  If you cut it off, would it be just like the old transformer?  Or does that third wire go all the way back to the transformer?

Thanks for the information.  The TMCC Direct Lockon 6-34120.  will work the best. Thanks again.

There is an older direct lockon called the Powerhouse Lockons, 6-22914.  They still show up on the bay so make sure you don't buy one of these.  They are made to connect directly to tubular track and have only a 7.5 amp CB for the PH135.  The TMCC Lockon is selectable between the PH135 and PH180.

One last thing.  Not to change your mind, but the circuit protection within a PH180 is just as good, some say better, than the lockon.  If you are buying the lockon for additional circuit protection, it may not be needed.  Also, with the lockon power will be restored immediately once the short circuit is fixed which some don't like.  For the PH180 only, you have to reset the transformer before power is restored giving you more control.

@CAPPilot posted:

I've wondered if this connection requirement for the new PH180 is just within the plug.  If you cut it off, would it be just like the old transformer?  Or does that third wire go all the way back to the transformer?

Looks like it goes back to the transformer but I don't have one to look at, all mine are the older version.

I think it is with the new 180 Power pack.  Lionel make the correct Molex  cable to match up with the 180 Watt PowerHouse.

Lionel Trains 6-12893 Power Adaptor Cable.   $19.85.  Plugs directly to the Molex connector on the 180 Watt Power pack.  This will allow you to direct wire to a terminal board with screws. Works great.