Any help is sincerely appreciated.
Thanks, PhoebeSnow
|
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Sounds like you should be divided into separate power districts to me.Nick
Sounds like you are overloading the Z-4000. Either get another transformer and split the load(use anothe TIU output) or run less powered engines and lighted passenger cars.
I am not 100% sure but you might be able to run four outputs off the TIU base with four different inputs for power, plus power the TIU base with a Z-750 brick.
Lee Fritz
You could try converting the passenger cars to LED lighting if not done already. 8 cars with bulbs could pull 50 watts or more.
Dale H
Thanks for all the help, I was considering the LED idea as I had done that to some MTH passengers cars and they tuned out great... So just to clarify, instead of pulling up the track to install insulated rail joiners, I can't just add a second transformer (Z1K) to the same TIU input? Will that overload/cause problems? Is there any way to rewire without pulling up the track?
Thanks so much for your help.
Kevin
Thanks for all the help, I was considering the LED idea as I had done that to some MTH passengers cars and they tuned out great... So just to clarify, instead of pulling up the track to install insulated rail joiners, I can't just add a second transformer (Z1K) to the same TIU input? Will that overload/cause problems? Is there any way to rewire without pulling up the track?
Thanks so much for your help.
Kevin
Kevin,
You might be putting too much power through the TIU and cause it over heat by adding in the Z-1000 as a second transformer on the same input.
Go with lower watt lights or less powered units on the train.
I have not heard of anybody putting adding more power to a Z-4000 as it puts out a very large of amps. You might be able to put two Z-1000's together but not a Z-4000 and a Z-1000, as you may overload the Z-1000 and have it burn out on you as it won't happen right away but might take 2 to 6 months to happen.
Lee Fritz
Kevin, if you're running all DCS fixed voltage tracks, it's a easy to divide your track into 3 or 4 TIU outputs with 3 or 4 input sources. You do not have to remove any track. What track are you using?
If your track has conducting pins between center rails, cut the pins with Dremel cutoff wheel and insert a little hot glue at the base of the tie to keep tracks isolated. Other tracks can also be isolated from above. You may have to be a little more creative.
To add more wiring taps to the new division, solder from above.
For track with plastic roadbed, this page may be helpful.
Kevin,
If you set your layout up in blocks and stick to the 12 track discipline you can run as many trains as you desire. I use 2 Z4K transformer on multi levels. It's not just the power but how many different track pieces you have that degrades the DCS signal. Power is only part of the reason you use the block technology to set up DCS layouts. The use of LED lighting in your trains, and thru out your layout, with low voltage switches also helps. Having enough power is only part of your layout technology requirement.
PCRR/Dave
Thanks for all of your help. Hopefully smoetime this weekend I I'll attempt Susan Deats's solution and hope it works. Have a good weekend and happy holidays!
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership