Who has it installed on their layout and tell me what you think about it?!
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Originally Posted by Charlesp34:
Who has it installed on their layout and tell me what you think about it?!
A friend has them installed following a couple of TPC400s and they work very well. I found that the input transient voltage diode would short with a CW80 turned up, so I removed the stock ones and installed some higher voltage ones. The trip on a short is lightning fast. He has them set so when he removes the source voltage and restarts the TPCs, they reset automatically. They work fine and have been installed for about 6 to 8 months or so.
I have only bench tested them, they are not installed permanently on my layout yet. In bench testing, they were faster than the PH-180 that was the power source used for the test. I did several tests using the alarm, reset and optional LED's. Was shorting directly across the track several times for each test. They beat the PH-180 every time and passed with flying colors, a great little device. They trip instantly. (There was no load on the PH-180, and t be fair, I was using the 8 amp setting on the PSX-AC's.)
I'm not an expert by any means, but I think you would have a hard time finding a better and/or faster breaker. Not sure how badly they would be needed with the Lionel PH-180's as they also have excellent breakers. I would say that anyone using anything other than the PH-180's and running modern electronic engines might want to seriously consider using the PSX-AC's. (I don't know about the breakers in Z-4000's or the new ZW-L's?)
Even if you have the PH-180's (or Z-4000/new ZW-L), these would still be a great idea for added protection. $45-$50 for the PSX-AC is a lot cheaper than new electronics for any of the modern engines, and much less than a new engine. Got my PSX-AC's at Tony's Train Exchange (they have some additional parts for them also, if you want them). I found out later that Charles Ro now has them for slightly less than I paid for mine. They are listed at the end of their Lionel Legacy/TMCC listings.
If you search the forum for PSX-AC (or maybe just PSX?) someone did a video showing their operation a year or two ago. There is also another thread or two on them here somewhere.
I have 2 of them,for well over a year, and they are worth every penny. I have had a few derailments and have never seen a spark. Great protection for expensive engines.
I recently installed these on my layout and they work great. They are lightning fast as mentioned above. Definitely worth the money. I ordered mine from Tony's train exchange.
All:
So a dumb question on this device - where does it go?
Between the wall plug and the PH 180? Between the PH180 and the track?
thanks,
George
@G3750 posted:All:
So a dumb question on this device - where does it go?
Between the wall plug and the PH 180? Between the PH180 and the track?
thanks,
George
It goes between the power source and the track.
I was advised to install them between the in my case the power source Z4000 and the DCS TIU.
I'd like to see these tested at the 8 amp setting powered by a Z4000. I'm curious as to which protects first; the Z4000 or the PSX-AC. Anybody done this?
If i understand this the psx ac goes between the transformer and the tiu I've been using the max transformer for years with no problems i never go above 18v but if this works like they say it does then i will invest the money in it. so one per throttle it i understand correct.
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Keith, I left mine at the default 4 amp setting, and after finding Greg’s video a few weeks ago told myself I need to set mine at 8 amps, but...
I will try to do that and report back.
Thanks Mark. I thought I remembered you testing at 4 amp, but I wasn't sure. I look forward to the result.
I have installed the psx-ac on my layout with an MTH-4000. I have it set at 8 amps It is very easy to install reacts very quickly to a short. one of the best investments I have made.
Thank you, all! Gary, nice video.
George
I'm on my second layout with the PSX-1 AC breakers. I believe I purchased these back in 2008 for $32 bucks ea. 
I haven't had my present layout running at all this season due to the scenic phase and have supplies strewn out all over the deck. 
With my prior layout I used a Z4000 which I believe utilizes a 10 amp breaker on each handle. Although I'm using a different transformer now, I then and still do have the PSX's set at 12 amps and they would still trip before the Z4000 would.
One recommendation I would make is the install the manual reset function. This way you can clear the derailment or issue before powering up that channel again, otherwise it keeps trying to reset every two or three seconds. I also installed the alarms on mine but the only ones that can hear them are my wife and the grand kids. Obviously my audible levels have faded over the years. LOL
I'll give these two thumbs up. 
I've got 9 of these (1 for each transformer power channel) installed right after the transformer. All other connections (including Legacy Base wire connections) after these breakers. Interesting to see where power up problems come when running large trains with lights on passenger cars. The new capacitors have a rather hefty draw upon startup and have required a higher AMP setting (12A) on these to avoid tripping early incidents.
These things work great! I chuckle at milwrd's comment regarding hearing the audible alarms. Lots of configuration possibilities with these things for the most discriminating operator. Highly recommended!
I first had mine set to 8 amps but found my EOB engines were tripping them at that setting. So I had to up them as EOB draws a lot of current at slow speeds. Don't worry about the settings. Whether you are 8 amps or 12 amps the PSX does a very good job at clamping spikes and preventing damage from shorts.
I've seen these and want to pick up a couple, even if its only for my carpet layout, but if I may ask, what is the difference between the 1, 2, 3, & 4 versions? I've searched but can't come up with any answers. Maybe I'm looking in the wrong place when I search? Which one do I want to purchase and why? Thanks
Those numbers referred to the number of units of the PSX-ACs. I’ve never seen anything but the single one. Buy however many of them you want to use. Here’s a good source...
