I have a post war layout 4’ x 8’ with 2 loops. I want to add a 3rd loop to my layout and run tmcc equipped engines only on new loop. my question is, is this possible leaving my current layout the way it is with pw zw operating the 2 loops and adding tmcc to 3rd loop. i dont want tmcc on my other 2 loops and would rather leave them conventional with no remote access but just the zw. what would i need to do this thanks steve
If the loops are truely isolated you don’t have to do anything. If the loops are connected you just need to be careful.
The command signal is going to be all over your layout and there is no way to easily stop this. It’s a radio signal that uses the track as a broadcast antenna. Even with the tracks totally isolated the signal will jump by induction and be broadcast on the other rails. Unless you put a command equipped loco on those inner loops it doesn’t matter, conventional equipment can’t “hear” the signal. If you put a command loco on the inner loops it will respond to the signals to the extent that the track power on the inner loops allow it to function (TMCC is constant voltage on the rails in the 14-18 volt range).
The only thing you never ever want to do in a mixed command/conventional environment is allow a non command loco to enter a comman control block/loop. Since the command block is always at high voltage, the non command engine will immediately take off at highe speed when it see the higer voltage.
the tmcc loop is gonna be on its own with no switches to the conventional layout. so i will be fine aslong as the tmcc engines are completly isolated from non-tmcc engines? and what would i need? the trainmaster command set with a power house supply? do i need another transformer for power? thanks for help i really appreciate it.
You just need the Command Base and CAB-1. You can use the ZW to power the TMCC loop.
if i use the zw do i constantly need (full throttle) to run the tmcc loop? i dont wanna interfere with my current setup can i just use a powerhouse with a tmcc lockon?
I’m assuming you have a postwar ZW not a new one. With you ZW all you have to do is connect B-U or C-U and turn it up to where you have between 14 and 18 volts to your outer track hook up your command base to your center rail and your set ( b or c which ever you use are also hooked to center and U to outer rails) Need to ask Bob nelson but you need a circuit breaker ( radio shack supposedly has them) to trip in case you jump track or something that shorts your track so you protect your engine.
On a powerhouse I guess not sure of that transformer but from what I understand a CW-80 would with no problem.
I personally use my 135 brick to run my loop that is able to run both tmcc or conventional as it runs the power thru a Powermaster so I can either run TMCC or conventional just have to throw a switch.
Nico,
First off [#welcome] aboard !
If you wish to keep it as simple as possible just pick up a 135 brick(good) or a 180 brick(better) and a TMCC Command base & Cab-1. Regardless of the type of track just connect the brick, has it’s own on/off switch built in as well as a breaker, connect your command base to the common, outside rails, and you are ready to run. It is imperative though that the command base be on BEFORE you power up the brick. A TMCC equipped loco will see the signal, as long as the base is powered up, even when there is no track power present.
A good tutorial for set-up and operation of TMCC can be found at www.coilcouplers.com .
Just wanted to add that if you use a Powermaster as opposed to a brick you will have the ability to operate your conventional on the new upper level should you desire to do so.