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On a transformer with both track power and auxiliary power, if there are a lot of items connected to the auxiliary, will that rob power from the track output?  Also, will the auxiliary output use the maximum power of the transformer without also being connected to the track power?  I guess both questions are the same - just posed a little differently.

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It depends on the transformer, but in general, aux power will affect the total power available.

 

The questions are not the same, many transformers will rate the AUX power maximum far below the total power available, the MTH Z4000 is one such example.  On most PW transformers, the AUX power is drawn from the same windings as the track power and will certainly affect the total output.

 

How about being more specific as to the transformer and the AUX load?

The reason for my question is that I bought an 80 watt Atlas transformer to use for aux power only in conjunction with one of my MTH z1000, so as not to rob track power from the z1000, but if all amps are not available through the aux, I may need to combine full open track with aux to get maximum amps.  Thought maybe aux would not deliver maximum power.

On the Atlas/Williams 80 watt, all current is available to the accessory taps. This is an "old school" wire wound multiple tap secondary transformer, with the train and acc wipers running across the same secondary just like a ZW(actually more like a Type R or SW).

 

The "train" posts are 0-18 volts, the "acc" posts are 0-16 volts.

Last edited by ADCX Rob

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