What is MTH using in their Z4000 series transformers? It must be available somewhere as a replacement part.
I would guess that MTH has their own design for the Z4000.
Don Merz 070317 posted:....
$15. https://www.circuitspecialists...ital_multimeter.html The real disadvantage here is that the cheap meters seem to all be limited to 10A AC current--not good.
That meter does not have the AC current function.
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Refer to this lengthy 6-page thread from last year:
https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...digital-pannel-meter
The thread meanders through all the various issues (such as RMS vs. not-RMS) so it can be hard to follow. I don't think there's a Reader's Digest condensed version.
Given the lack of economical options, I demonstrated how to modify an inexpensive (under $10) eBay combo Volts and Amps meter to make it more suitable for O-gauge AC. But it is NOT a practical alternative given the tedious handi-work involved.
https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...71#73368898730965771
The point was it would be trivial for a manufacturer to modify an existing AC combo (Volts and Amps) meter to better match O-gauge applications. As to whether they could sell enough of them is another matter.
I ended up using this one:
One lead from each of my 2 Z1000's through the meter donut (passive mode track feeds 2 loops 19 engines) spikes at 3.5 amps and settles quickly to this reading with 1.7 amps engines in watch dog and 2.1 started.
The top read is just line voltage to run the meter.What's nice about the amp read is i can monitor engine loads. For ex: 2 mu's 5 and 6 engine(so 11 total) towing 70 cars combined at scale 14mph will vary from 2.9 to 3.2 amps(curves draw more power).
One incident at scale 2mph with my 5 engine CSX mu produced a 5.2 amp reading as one engine lost its command and was being dragged. I immediately shut down the system and repaired the problem. The accuracy of the meter is less important than the observation reads while running in my opinion.
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