It can’t be this hard! I have a post-war steamer. A TW transformer. A Cab-1 remote and a command base. I have the U post on the transformer wired to the command base, and then on to the outside rail. I have power post going to inside rail. Ok, so why can’t I get the remote to work with the conventional engine? Am I missing something? Can I not use the remote with a conventional engine?
Can’t think anymore…going to bed.
I admitedly know nothing about this, but unless you have installed a board in your post war train to accept the signal from the remote, it ain’t goin’ nowhere.
I am absolutely guessing.
To run in conventional you also need a powermaster.This is what the cab1 communicates with to change the track voltage.
Ed
Choose one of the following:
I don’t have the price on the PowerMaster, but you can find these at any of the on-line retailers for less than the prices quoted.
I also have a modern ZW and can run the conventional locos without the PM or TPC. The ZW is a nice solution because you get quite a bit more power and don’t have to purchase additional components.
Brent
Get a TPC. They come in 300 watt and 400 watt. Runs conventionals better than anything.
As I noted on your other thread last night, the “U” post on the Command Base receives the Common conductor from the Transformer’s Common binding post which on your TW is the “A” post, then a conductor extends on to the outside[ Common] rail.
“U” is hot on the TW and does not connect to the Command Base’s “U” post**.**
Well, why do I HAVE to use a ZW? Why can’t I use the TW? And sure, I’m gonna use the TW for accessories eventually (hey, it was $50 on ebay), but shouldn’t I be able to hook the TW to the command base, power it up like a ZW, and have the same effect?
I understand that the U post is not common like the ZW. So the A post is common…and it should go to the command base and then on to the appropriate rail.
You can use whatever transformer (ZW, TW, 1033, whatever) you like to power trains on a TMCC layout, the TMCC signal is independent of the power source. What folks are trying to help you with are non-command locos. A Powermaster can be addressed directly by the cab-1 as can the remote capabilities of the NEW ZW offered by Lionel in recent years. As far as we can tell, your problems relate to not having a device that the cab-1 can talk to for controlling conventional mode locos by adjusting the voltage to the track (these include the Powermaster, the TPC devices or the new ZW).
Ok, going on TW for a minute…
I found some references to the TW instructions. A is common, U is hot. I understand that. Now, if you use two of the posts in combination, you get 14 v constant. So, to power my switches, I should run one wire from each of these posts to my terminal block to get the 14v to the switches, correct?
OOPS! That didn’t work. Guess I just need the one wire from the E terminal to my terminal strip to run the switches…hehehehehe lots of sparks!
Ok, and I tried A as common to command base “u”, then onto the outer rail. U as hot to center rail. Guess I need that TMC thingy 
Ah, it clicked finally (sorry, first cup of coffee just clicked in).
So, guess I’m stuck until tomorrow or perhaps ebay might have a powermaster or a TMCC…
I found a powermaster for $40.00. Will this be enough for a conventional locomotive running over my layout? I’m sure it will be enough for a TMCC loco as well…I need to know asap to commit.
A 300 watt Track Power Controller [TPC 300] is $110 at Charles Ro and may be cheaper if you shop around. It will enable you to operate from the hand-held Cab 1 and will provide many more speed steps for Conventional running.
Also, will enable accessing features on old Proto 1.0 and newer Proto 2.0 engines for Conventional operation. If your TW is operating effectively you don’t need a pw ZW or other larger transformer until you require greater wattage capacity. Its just that the output posts on the two transformers–the Hot and Common posts—carry different designations on the TW and ZW.
If and when you do add another AC transformer to your shelf layout, you will need to “phase” the two units for compatibility. If you don’t know how, a covey of people on the Forum will explain how when the time comes?
As regrds TMCC operation Neil is correct in saying[above] that the power source and TMCC signal are separate, nevertheless you want to maintain consistency and continuity in the extension of your Common conductor from the transformer’s Common binding post to any and all appliances [Comm Base, TPC] that may be positioned enroute to the outside [Common]rail.
You are pretty much on the right track, except that you can’t use the powermaster to run conventional at the same time that you run a TMCC equiped loco on the same track. The power master is not needed to run a TMCC engine as you put constant voltage on the track when running TMCC. OK?
I understand that you can’t mix. I have my trusty postwar for now. When I get the extra $$, I want to get a Command-equipped diesel with railsounds, etc. But I got the post war from $100.00
The powermaster is what you need now. If you decide to run TMCC later you will need the lock-on that looks like a small shed.Then you can use the switch on the command base to run TMCC or conventional
Ed
LOL…powermaster went on Ebay for $40.00, with $7.00 shipping! Retail online I’ve found for $49.00
PowerMaster is the “lowest level” way to go.
Thanks for the PM’s as well, Chief, concerning this.
Powermaster seems the low end. Humm…if I could find a TMC 300 for a good price…sigh…maybe next month. Blew all my cash on the lumber, soldering gun, misc. junk…