Transformers and Layout Voltage Adjustments

Here are few ideas in no particular order:

Your best bet is to use what we all use: either two separate transformers, in phase, or one transformer that has two throttles. Since transformers are so inexpensive and are perfectly suited for this, why not just use them?

You are trying to re-invent something that you needn't. The KW and ZW are perfect for this.  Since you have them already, just enjoy them as they were intended to be used.

In the very old days, 0-scale hobbyists used very large rheostats with large output transformers, because the miracle of electronics had not happened yet.  Rheostats use a lot of the input electricity and emit it as heat. 

An 80 watt transformer will not give you the power that you require. Even the 90-watt 1033 that we all had in our childhoods was considered just an entry-level transformer.

Residential dimmers are not suitable. They do not vary voltage. They vary the output waveform.  (Google it to see an explanation of how they work)

Using rheostats when you have such a wide variety of transformers available would be a shame. A rheostat limits current, not voltage, so the train performance will vary considerably depending on the load placed across it.

It sounds like you have enough equipment to power everything with taps off of the transformers - 6 alone with just the KW & ZW once you get the one ZW roller fixed. The smaller transformers would work nicely for the SStreets.

Thanks for all the great advice so far!  I assumed that since dimmers can also control ceiling fans they would work for this application also.  

Just to verify if I understand correctly: To ensure the 2 transformers are in phase, they will be on the same outlet strip, but will testing the AC voltage across the U posts from one to the other - and if that is 0 - then that means they are "in phase".  They both have original mains plugs which are not polarized, so one could be easily inverted.  

I was looking at my ZW windings, and now I wonder if I will need a special rivet setting tool for reattaching the pickup?  

Secondly, does anyone have the ZW service or operating manual handy?

Thanks again

D

The best phasing tutorial I have seen is HERE .

You don't need a special tool to change the rollers. There are several ways to flare or distort the rivet just enough so it doesn't fall out. 

On one of my ZW's that has been bolted down for over 40 years in one place the rivets aren't peened at all, they just stay in by gravity. This will have to change when I move it.

The service manual is HERE.

Thanks Rob for the links.  I completely forgot about Olson's Library of manuals! I bookmarked it this time.  I think I see your point re the rivet, that is lucky it stays in place.  I suppose the spring pressure keeps it in place.   

Marty did have some great Tips, thanks again for the links

D.

I have changed rollers over the years, obviously, but it turns a 20 minute job with cleanup into a 1 minute job with no mess when the rivets aren't peened.

Here is Lionel's tutorial on phasing.

A rheostat is simply a resistor, and as such will vary voltage as well as current.  In a series circuit each component has a voltage drop across it.  current is determined by total circuit resistance, and while it decreases as circuit resistance increases, it is the same for each component in a series circuit.

A perfect example of this is a 'current limiting' resistor for an LED.  Its purpose is also to reduce the supply voltage to a safe level for the LED.

bk,

   I definitely agree with Rob, you have plenty of transformer voltage available,

be a shame not to use the ZW's with 4 different channels available from each and 2 different channels from the KW each, you should have plenty of power.

PCRR/Dave