Haven’t posted in a while but hoping someone can help here. My layout consists of three loops with a Postware Celeb ZW, command base, and cab 1. I run conventional but do have one TMCC engine that I can run in command but rarely do.
I’m receiving my first PS2 engine shortly. An N&W J bantam starter engine. I don’t really care about using this engine in command as I bought this engine for the great MTH cruise feature , smoke and my fairly steep grade on my layout.
My question is when I start up this engine will it start up in conventional mode or will I need to increase the voltage to 18v and have it run in a lesser version of command?
It should start up in convntional mode. Proto-Sound 2 is not compatible with DCS(PS2 command electronics). A PS2 locomotive will not even read, never mind respond to a TMCC signal.
A PS-2 engine is meant to run with DCS and may not like TMCC as well. Should work with a non DCS or non TMCC environment, just won’t have cruise control or special sound effects that can only be accessed thru DCS.
Also a PS-2 engine will not like the Lionel CW-80. I have an MTH Premier Line PS-2 engine that acts crazy on a CW-80 transformer, warbled sounds & confused sounds and won’t run over half speed.
It should run just fine in conventional as long as the PS2 electronics are compatable with the ZW power output. The cruise feature, as well as the smoke, are some of MTH’s best features. Sometimes when we experience difficulties with DCS on the club layout I run mine in conventional thru either the MTH handheld unit or with TMCC/CAB-1 thru a Lionel TPC. The TPC allows you to operate any conventional loco, prewar/postwar/MPC/modern/etc, with your CAB-1. With a TPC you can access most all of the PS-2 functions, plus it allows you to be able to move about w/o being tied to the transformer. The MTH cruise control does function in conventional mode.
Check out www.coilcouplers.com , they have an excellent tutorial on what and how to use a TPC. Much better explanation than I could give
You will probably have some control over the PS-2 engines conventional features from the modern era ZW by way of the CAB-1. You need to consult the ZW owners manual. A TPC device will allow you access to these is an easier fashion (aka it has “macro” button functions. You need to make sure the PS-2 loco is in a conventionally controlled block or it will take off at warp speed.