John, you have to remember that there were several variations of controller over the years. Bricks too. Also, what the wave form looks like at various voltage matter too.
For PS-1 operation....not the original topic....I have seen folks have trouble with z-750, but not as much with z-1000. Getting initial voltage low enough is important. Remember PS-1 does not come out of INITIAL RESET state unless track voltage less then 10V.
As far as transformers blowing up PS-1, I have not seen that. 85-90% of the time it is a software conflict. They do have occasional faults with motor transistors, rectifier diodes and traces burning up. I still have them come in with the wheels worn off the loco and the electronic PS-1 still working fine, even with white batteries. G
