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Another Phasing Question

Jim BrennerJim BrennerOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

I've read all (or at least most) of the postings concerning transformer phasing and I think I know what to do. I will be using a postwar ZW for turnouts and accessory power and a Z-4000 for track power. On the Z-4000, I should connect a wire from the Track 1 common (black post) on the Z-4000 to a common post on the ZW. I should then connect one end of another wire to the red post on the Z-4000, power both transformers to about mid-range and then touch the unattached end of the second wire to the A post on the ZW ... and look for a spark. Is that about right? Also, I've seen other postings that say to use either a voltmeter or a small bulb to check phasing. Does it matter which technique to use; don't they all accomplish the same thing?

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AP Arthur P. BloomOGR Forum Member

"Mid range" is subjective, depending upon the full range of the two supplies. That works if both supplies are the same make and model. But if, for instance, one supply were to have a maximum output voltage of 50 volts, and the other have an output of 10 volts, you can see that a spark would happen regardless of the "mid range" settings.

 

It's always better to use science and the proper tools and procedures, rather than testing things by touching two wires together, and praying. (Not to discount the power of prayer, you understand, but I prefer to keep power and prayer separate.)  Unintended consequences can happen by "tuning for minimum smoke" as we electricians call the "let's see what happens when we touch these wires together" method.

 

 

"This is the way we've always done it."

 

Yes, but toy train transformers used to be able to withstand shorts and crosses simply because they were robust enough and had no internal semi-conductors. Any transistorized supply that has semi-conductors in its output circuit will not be happy if you short or present any foreign voltage to its output. There's always the possibility that slight to major injuries can occur.  

 

Here's the prudent method:

 

Use a digital voltmeter. Set both supplies at some mutually convenient and exact voltage. Let's say 12.00 Volts.  Then connect the common wires. Then make sure that the voltmeter is set to a range that will accept 24 Volts or more.  Test the two hot leads. You will either see close to 0 Volts, or you will see close to 24 Volts.

 

Digital voltmeters are free at Harbor Freight stores, with a coupon. Otherwise, you can get one for $10 on-line or at an auto parts store "cheap tool bin."

 

Arthur P. Bloom TCA 86-23906 "I love the smell of smoke pellets in the morning!"

Last edited by Arthur P. Bloom
rtr12rtr12OGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER
Originally Posted by Arthur P. Bloom:

 

It's always better to use science and the proper tools and procedures, rather than testing things by touching two wires together, and praying. (Not to discount the power of prayer, you understand, but I prefer to keep power and prayer separate.)  Unintended consequences can happen by "tuning for minimum smoke" as we electricians call the "let's see what happens when we touch these wires together" method.

 

I enjoy your descriptions here! In my experience both 'minimum and maximum smoke tuning' have required at least some new parts to be ordered. Although this is a boost to part sales.

Last edited by rtr12
Jim BrennerJim BrennerOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Thank you all for your replies. I initially tried the spark method (no spark), but, based on this thread, went out a got a multimeter. Tried the test again with the throttles set at 12 volts and got a reading of 1.4. And, because my short pencil is better than my long memory, I permanently marked the ZW plug. Thanks again.

Pine Creek RailroadPine Creek RailroadOGR Forum Member

Jim,

   I use an old time three prong adapter that has equal size prongs, marked to identify repeated placement in the wall socket, to make sure when I plug the transformer into an outlet each time, that I am doing it the same way every time, so I know my transformers, what ever make they maybe, are always in phase with each other,

in my particular case the adapters are on my ZW's & KW's where needed, matching everything to my Z4k.  I do this so that I do not have to rewire the hot leads on my older transformers.

If you are using DCS & Legacy make sure you use the Scott type resettable 10 Amp Breakers or fast blowing fuses, between your DCS TIU & your old transformers.

The spark test does work every time, just make sure you do not turn your voltage up to high when testing.

PCRR/Dave

Last edited by Pine Creek Railroad

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