How To Phase AC Train Transformers - Lionel, Marx, K-Line, MTH, etc [Two Methods]
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 ก.ค. 2020
- If you have a growing O Gauge 3- rail empire, you should know about transformer phasing. This method allows you to use a variety of different transformers for train control and accessory control with simplified common bus wiring. Simply tie the common post of each transformer to a common bus wire as the "ground" for all of your track and accessories.
This method is a MUST for using an insulated track section for accessory activation.
And, using a group of smaller, phased transformers can be much cheaper than buying a large, multi-tap transformer like a Lione ZW. - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
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Thanks Mike. Multimeter method worked for me. Now no more train slowdown when an accessory triggers!
Glad it helped
Great video and demonstration! It’s very clear and makes sense:)
Thanks!
I killed my Cw80 when I paired it with my post war Zw. I like so many others assumed with Ac it didnt matter. After my CW80 failed I learned about phasing your transformer. It sucks as At that time I didnt have anything modern for my newer trains but now I have my MTH z4000 and run everything on the one. Btw great video and I love how you combined both methods to check phase. Ty for sharing...
Thanks! I hope everything runs well for you now!
Hey , thank you very much for your reply and help . YES, i was purchase some of the TVS diodes as 1.5 KE 36 CA - E3 (bipolar type ) to install directly on the output of that MRC 270 watts
for a protection ,(this is a great idea i think ) ,thank's for that tip . So, when i mentionned (dangerous ) that probably a big word here , i'm just the kind of guy that take a very big care of
fragile electronic system so that is only the reason why i prefer to investigate before operate an locomotive like especialy the WEAVER with sound or others like MTH .
What make me prudent on that point is because somes transformers with PURE sine wave and somes others with CHOPPED sine wave ??? Thank's again dear friend for your good
tip and help . Cheers .
Excellent video. You are right. This is an important tip. Thank you for sharing this.
Glad it was helpful!
@@ToyTrainTipsAndTricks for sure...thanks again
Another idea is to use a low voltage light bulb instead of the meter , if the light remains out there in phase. Hook it up just like the video shows Just put the transformers to a low setting (no more than half and both the same ) and use an accessory bulb rated for the full voltage output of the transformer. If you set each transformer to a different setting the light will be dim so try to keep them the same by setting each one with the bulb first.
Sometimes the meter reading can be misleading to people who are not accustomed to using them .
Excellent tip!
I've read on the web that you can always use a light bulb to see if the transformers are in phase or not.
I haven't heard that. How does that work?
@@ToyTrainTipsAndTricks If my memory is correct if the bulb is dim or not illuminated at all then they are in phase, but if the bulb burns bright then they're out of phase. Think of it like how you showed it with the multi meter, but with a light bulb. I think power plants would sometimes use that method when syncing up generators with the grid.
Thank you Mike, very helpful. Was a little confused how your meter was reading 24.7 volts with 0 levers. Apparently the internal wiring tap of your older transformer is not tied to common when out of phase. What model is that? I phased a similiar shaped orange Lionel "Trainmaster" model 4851, I think newer, transformer to my CW-80. With no wiring combination did I see a double voltage output so happy about that! Don't want to burn out an engine. Works great. Thanks again.
I'm not electrically inclined enough to know WHY there is such a voltage spike when they are out of phase, but I know there is one. In this case, it's a CW80 and a Lionel Postwar #1026 25 watt starter set transformer from 1961-64.
Great Video. I found it very helpful and well put together. I was wondering, if I have a ZW, do I have to connect the U terminals of A,B,C,D together or are the already phased as they come from the same transformer?
Unless someone played around with the innards, your mukti-tap transformer should be phased with itself.
As I understand the literature that I've read on the interweb all 4 U terminals on the ZW are bonded together with a common bar. So like the man said it should be phased internally if someone hasn't been mucking around inside the unit.
Just got an older Lionel post-war set with the smaller transformer like you show in this video. My layout will not have accessories, at least to begin with. My goal is not to spend any additional money (times being what they are) and just running the locomotive on the track that I have. I've seen where people power the track from one transformer to multiple places on the track. Is this something you recommend and how is that done, exactly? (sorry if I'm not using the correct terminology). I don't see a specific video for that.
Perhaps additionally, I probably have track from about two sets. Is that smaller transformer enough to run my locomotive? My layout will just be a single loop, just not necessarily an oval.
This video shows how to use additional lockons: th-cam.com/video/FSY54UPuTOc/w-d-xo.html As for the question about the transformer and your locomotive, if you have no accessories, lighted cars, etc the answer is usually yes - unless your locomotive is a larger Postwar type with smoke and whistle.
So, I have two Lionel post-war ZW transformers that I would like to phase. Under the layout I ran a set of five bus wires, one for each of the four hot terminals and another one for the "U" terminal. Should both transformers be connected to the bus wires ? i.e. each of the hot terminals would be connected to the same bus wire. So there would be two wires, one from each "A" terminal, "B" terminal, "C" terminal and "D" terminal to each bus wire. Does that make sense ?
ONLY connect the common (U) terminals once the transformers have been phased. The hot sides are only temporarily connected while testing the phase as in the video. Do not permanently connect the hot terminals. Also, you only have to do the phase test with ONE set of hot terminals (A to A, for example). After you have verified the phase, disconnect the hot terminals from one another.
@@ToyTrainTipsAndTricks Thank you. I managed to get it right today.....(:-)
Nice video but some of your vids have a good audio level but others like this one are way too quiet. Enjoyed it anywayl
Thanks. That's an old video, shot on an Android phone in a 6 x 8 foot concrete room with ambient lighting. I have better audio and video tools (and space) now.
Hi. I have a question ? Do you know if it was dangerous to operate an WEAVER 3 rails locomotives with sound with an MRC 0/27 270 watts transformer with a handheld throttle ???
Thank's in advance .
Dangerous?? As long as the throttle is in good working condition there should be no problem. Now, if you mean "dangerous" for the sound system - any throttle could POTENTIALLY produce voltage spikes that might harm digital components. That is why I, and many others, place a TVS diode (Transient Voltage Suppressor) between every throttle and the track. When bought in bulk these are about a buck a piece, so they are cheap protection for digital systems. [I would provide the number of the ones I use, but all of my stuff is packed up for the move right now.] Here's a link with more info: ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/topic/tvs-diodes-sources
Just curious if the transformers are out of Phase cant you just move the black wire to the opposite terminal???????
Yes, but if I want to keep the red/black color coding consistent from transformer to transformer, it's better to flip the plug around in the outlet. That makes wiring and troubleshooting easier because you always know where Common and Hot are on every transformer.
When you say AC changes directions, do you mean it changes polarity?
I'm trying not to use technical terms because I know that some electrical engineer is going to comment. Some argue that AC has no polarity as it favors neither direction. Others say it changes polarity. To avoid the battle, I used layman's terms.
Mike: Does this also work with transformers of like wattage? Can I phase my three Z transformers?
Yes! The transformers do not even need to be if like wattage. You can phase a ZW with a starter set transformer as long as the COMMON posts are connected together and each wall plug is properly oriented.
@@ToyTrainTipsAndTricks Will do.