zw-c with 180 bricks update

Nice to hear things worked out for you!

Nice to hear things worked out for you!

Thanks for this update. I think that the Lionel part number is 691ZWPCS01. (I hope it is because I just ordered one!)

I have a ZW-C connected to a Legacy base and occasionally it just won’t power up the track. The manual (written for TMCC operation of course) says that the command base must be powered on before the transformer, which I occasionally forget to do, and that the base and the power bricks should not be plugged into the samepower strip, which is a little inconvenient.

I think that the original issue about the chip had more to do with the Halt command under Legacy than anything else and not all ZW-Cs are affected by it. However the symptoms I’ve got look to me to be chip related so may as well do the replacement now that the part is available again.

It's great news that these are available again.  @Fredstrains might want to check with Lionel again.  I believe last time he checked they were unavailable.

Lionelzwl2012 posted:

I now have a fully fuctioning zw-c with the 180 bricks and just love it. for $200 wich is what I got this at. I will have 720 watts of power for my layout at less than half the cost of a zwl. that is when I get two more 180 bricks to add to this unit. since I run command only and will not be moving the handles all the time as you would when running convetional locomotives this is just what my layout needed. also the 180 bricks are so much better at least to me than the 135 bricks. I like these units despite all the flaws. I am going to keep an eye out for another one if I can get it for a good price. 

Dumb question, if you run only command, why bother with the ZW-C at all?  The PH180 bricks have an excellent electronically controlled breaker, and they're all you need for a command-only setup.

john, really just wanted the convenience of shutting down power to each block via the large handles on the zwc when taking engines on and off my layout or when accidents occur. also since I was a kid I always wanted a zw just becuase they look so massive and cool. plus the price was right 😁

Zw - Glad you made out alright. That pot bracket. I was going to make one aftermarket. But, lost my sample. Someone with a plastic printer should mak these with better strength at the screw holes.

Lionelzwl2012 posted:

john, really just wanted the convenience of shutting down power to each block via the large handles on the zwc when taking engines on and off my layout or when accidents occur. also since I was a kid I always wanted a zw just becuase they look so massive and cool. plus the price was right 😁

Nothing wrong with it, just adding an unneeded component.   The switch on the brick works well to shut off power as well.

Massive?  You need the ZW-L!

Not long ago, when I had nothing else to do...lol, I superglued all the tiny pieces of the potentiometer brackets back together and then slathered a layer of JB Weld over it for good measure. It's like it's kryptonite, completely indestructable.

I was amazed at how destroyed and disintergrated those parts got from being in a unit that basically just sits there...the mysteries of plastic I guess.

I use 2 ZW PWC's and a good old original ZW on my tiny layout, overkill on a huge scale. I'm with Lionelzwl2012 on this, I like the massive look of these workhorses. I made some cosmetic changes on the PWC units to bring them in line visually with their PW counterpart. The repro emblems are a perfect fit on the covers by the way.

John

Well, maybe this is the problem with my layout, I have 2, ZW-C’s, controlling my Cab 1, Cab 2 systems, and recently I simply lose power. Is this an easy change if I get the parts from Lionel? Or, do I need to have my Lionel repairman do the job....Thank You for any help.. Great thread, now Happy Railroading..    I am using all 180 Watt bricks, via 2- TPC 400’s....

Thank you Gunrunner John for your response, if I cannot get the new chips, I will bypass the ZW’s...Wow, great news....

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Lionelzwl2012 posted:

I now have a fully fuctioning zw-c with the 180 bricks and just love it. for $200 wich is what I got this at. I will have 720 watts of power for my layout at less than half the cost of a zwl. that is when I get two more 180 bricks to add to this unit. since I run command only and will not be moving the handles all the time as you would when running convetional locomotives this is just what my layout needed. also the 180 bricks are so much better at least to me than the 135 bricks. I like these units despite all the flaws. I am going to keep an eye out for another one if I can get it for a good price. 

Dumb question, if you run only command, why bother with the ZW-C at all?  The PH180 bricks have an excellent electronically controlled breaker, and they're all you need for a command-only setup.

John, I have used the ZW- c for around 17 years now without a problem.  I still prefer to have it in the loop because of the following reason:

1)     I have the add on meters and although it is said that there are not accurate, they are close enough for hobby work and I can see what is going on with the supply from across the room.

2)     Although I run in command about 99.9 percent of the time, I do have a PS 1 Galloping Goose that I really love the announcements.  Also, from time to time I need to check out a conventional engine and like to be able to do it on the layout (my workbench is two floors down).

3)     I really really like that when I am running for or five trains in command and I see an accident about to happen, pushing the panic button cuts ALL power of to the tracks.  This is important because I am usually running TMCC and DCS engine at the same time.  My set up has the power going from the ZW to the TIU and then to the tracks, so if I happen to be using the DCS remote when I see the problem. pushing the panic button the the DCS remote also cuts all power to the tracks.

4)     I am a huge fan of MTH's operating cabooses with the operating brakeman (I have four of them).  It can be operated two ways, one using accessory rails and the pickups on the trucks or the easiest for me is to address the track it is on and press the whistle button - works flawlessly any where on the track.

5)     I was never able to afford a ZW when I was younger and to this day, I think it is the coolest design for a transformer and i am very please to have one operating my layout (especially with 720 watts of power and those unbelievably FAST breakers in each brick.

6)     Unlike the ZW-L. there is a meter for each of the four channels and one can read them without putting on reading glasses.

7)     I actually like that when I cut the power on, I have to crank up the power to each track because if while  cranking up the power, I see (or hear) a problem, I have the remote in my hand and can reduce power quickly.

To address the potential of a failure down the road, I was able to purchase another controller for $50 thanks to all those who seem to think it is not a good power supply.  It also works great so I should be covered for some time to come.

Happy railroading,

Don

DGJONES, my thoughts are like yours, I like the looks of the ZW’s, and this was a must have to me. Just lately I have been having trouble powering up my layout.  So, this new chip may be the answer.   If not, I will simply use the TPC’s with two 180 Watt bricks....All power to my track goes through BPC’s.....Thanks for chiming in. Happy Railroading....

I ordered mine today, talked to Kate, and she said Lionel parts can make me 2, one for each ZW-C.  Now, are they hard to install?  Please answer my Questions if someone knows the answers. Thank you...

leapinlarry, lionelzw2012 here. they are easy to install. remove the four screws that hold the case top on. then you will see the motherboard. unplug the two white molex connectors located at the top of the motherboard. this will expose the chip wich is located under those molex connectors. now you can easily just pry out the old chip from its pcb socket and install the new one. WARNING: make sure when installing the new one it is orientated in the socket proprly. their is a notch on the end of the chip and it must go or should I say line up with the notch on the socket that holds the chip. you should get an installation sheet with this warning. just be very carefull of static electricity in your body  when handling the chip and make sure the chip is seated in the socket properly. then plug back in the white molex connectors and replace the top cover. then you are all good to go. it took me literaly 5 min to do mine. glad to see you got some also. let us know how it turns out. 

As they pointed out. Easy to install. The first Tim I took mine apart but with patience you can do it without taking the board out but be careful. 

Thanks for posting about this.  I had contacted Lionel about this issue some time ago and was told to check in as they were planning to eventually have the chips available.  I didn't hold my breath, but now I see they came through.  Just ordered one for myself and a buddy.  It'll be nice being able to run trains on our public Christmas display without embarrassing and frequent random shutdowns in the middle of the events.

Thank you Marty and LIONELZW2012, this sounds like a mission I can complete if I go slow. 

MartyE posted:

It's great news that these are available again.  @Fredstrains might want to check with Lionel again.  I believe last time he checked they were unavailable.

Marty,

Thanks for thinking of me!!  I was told by Lionel (Dean),  at the time, the chips were not available, and wouldn't be when I was having my problems with the ZWC working with Legacy. I since sold my ZWC to a friend who was only running TMCC & Conventional. I bit the bullet and purchased a NEW ZWL. All my problems solved, but thanks for remembering me!

Fred